For three generations, the Stuart family has been plugged into the electrical industry, beginning with Stuart Electric, an electrical contracting company that debuted in 1938, and then opening Centrex Electrical Supply Corporation. Since its inception, Centrex has remained a family- owned and operated wholesale distributor of quality electrical and data/telecom equipment and supplies. Today its client list includes major and independent electrical contractors as well as larger construction groups, Fortune 500 companies and other private sector businesses, and government agencies. While a full product offering fills the 40,000-square-foot Centrex warehouse, the company proudly declares that its “greatest product” is customer satisfaction and service.
1978: Wilber Stuart II, better known as Gus, began his career as an electrical contractor for Stuart Electric, his father’s company. Aiming for the next level, Gus created the spin- off company, Centrex Electrical Supply Corporation. While Centrex is today hailed as a leader in the electrical industry, the company began with little fanfare and four employees.
Early 1980’s: Centrex quickly attracted leading-edge customers, beginning with Gerstner Electric, a leader among midwestern electric contractors specializing in the transportation and infrastructure channel, and Sachs Electric, St. Louis’ top ranked electrical contractor. By 1982, Centrex presided over mega-million dollar projects, supplying electrical supplies and equipment to markets of all sizes, including construction, industrial, commercial, residential, utility, telecom, and data.
1993: Ron Sangster joined Centrex as Sales Manager, further strengthening the company’s growing roster of corporate clientele, including Southwestern Bell. He also built the company’s list of ongoing maintenance projects, encompassing routine delivery of electrical supplies to such prestigious institutions as St. Louis University.
2008: Wilber Stuart III came on board as vice president, working alongside his father,who remains president. Wilber brought to the table a keen understanding of the electrical industry and contract work, having worked for years at his grandfather’s company, Stuart Electric, and then as owner of his own electrical firm, All Install Electric.
Today: Recognized as a leader in the electrical industry, the Centrex staff has grown from four to nine employees and its trucks now deliver within a 200-mile radius of St. Louis. Nearly four decades after opening its doors, Centrex remains committed to every client’s best interest, remaining steadfastly dedicated to building strong relationships that promote a win-win for both Centrex and its clients.
The company’s high-quality supplies and equipment, best-possible value, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction has resulted in numerous accolades and awards, including being named one of the top 2013 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) companies in the St. Louis area.