Celebrating 105 Years of EECOL

Serving You Better Since 1919

This year marks 105 years of dedicated service, innovation, and growth at EECOL.

Over the past century, the world has evolved, and so has our company. Despite these changes, our commitment to the well-being of our team, customers, and communities has remained unwavering.

We look back with pride on how far we’ve come and the countless individuals who contributed to the ongoing success of our business.

Humble Beginnings

Our story began in 1919 as one small shop in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan named Bruce Robinson Supplies Ltd.

When Bruce passed away that same year, his business partner, J.M. Sharpe purchased his company shares from the Robinson family.

Sharpe moved the company from Moose Jaw to Regina, SK in the late 1920s and renamed it Electric Equipment Co Ltd. At that time, our offerings included 32-volt radios and Delco light plants.

Growth was slow in the early years, as evidenced by the modest profit of just $12 reported in 1933, which is equivalent to just over $267 today. However, the vision was clear and powered by passionate people who loved their work.

Today, EECOL is thriving– fueled by this same dedication to integrity, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

Building Momentum

In 1937, Electric Equipment Co. Ltd. opened its second branch in Saskatoon, SK, followed by a third in Edmonton, AB, just eight years later. In 1946, a fourth branch was established in Calgary, AB.

Momentum was building, and in 1948, through hard work and perseverance, we achieved our first $1 million in annual sales—an unforgettable milestone.

This success propelled our company to become the leading electrical distributor we are today with over 60 branches nationwide.

We couldn’t have achieved this without the unyielding dedication of our employees at every level, working tirelessly to make this dream a reality.

Our philosophy has always been that investing in our employees is the best investment in our business.

A prime example of this is Jim Sinneave, who joined us as a truck driver and warehouse clerk in 1950. After twenty-two years of service, Jim’s dedication led him to be appointed President.

He changed our name to EECOL in 1972– a nickname our customers had adopted several years prior.

Mr. Sinneave was among many others who would go on to celebrate 25, 35, and even 45 years of service with EECOL. Jim embodied strong values throughout his life, leaving behind a lasting legacy of philanthropy both within and beyond EECOL.

Resilience Through Flexibility

Adaptability to market trends, technology, and social responsibilities has been crucial to our success over the past century.

Properly adjusting our offerings based on our customer’s needs involves forecasting, risk-taking, and a bit of old-fashioned luck. Fortunately, our predecessors navigated this successfully.

Among the pivotal decisions was adopting modern technologies like the computer (1984) and shortly after, the fax machine (1986).

Integrating these technologies revolutionized our operations, enabling mass communication. This drove the success of the Industrial Division, our biggest accomplishment of the 80s.

Reflecting on our history, each carefully considered decision has shaped EECOL into what it is today. Every new branch, every closed location, and every product introduced or retired was a step in building the company you know now, piece by piece.

Looking to the Future

As we commemorate 105 years of EECOL, we do so with an eye toward the future.

We are committed to creating a safe, secure, and healthy future for our communities. This philosophy ensures we balance economic growth with social well-being and environmental stewardship.

How EECOL Shows Up:

Minimizing Waste: EECOL has implemented energy-efficient systems to reduce our environmental footprint and collaborates with waste management firms to ensure responsible disposal and recycling.

Safety Practices: We adhere strictly to HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) practices to achieve our goal of becoming a zero-incident organization.

Inclusion and Diversity: EECOL supports Wesco’s Business Resource Groups such as PRIDE, VOLT, WIN, and MOSAIC to foster diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.

First Nations Capacity Fund: We are proud to be one of the three founders of the First Nations Capacity Fund, which aims to enhance opportunities and resources for Indigenous communities.

Ethics and Policy: EECOL’s commitment to being a fair, honest, and responsible company extends to those we conduct business with. All partners, suppliers, and third parties are vetted to ensure they align with our values.

Join Us in Celebrating

Every milestone, from our humble beginnings to becoming a leading electrical distributor, is a testament to the vision and dedication of our team and partners.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey. We look forward to many more years of innovation, growth, and excellence.

Here’s to the next 105 years of EECOL! Thank you for being part of our story.

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