In 1922, a very successful businessman made a simple statement that is as true today as it was then, “Executives go down with their companies because they like the old way so much, that they refuse to change.” When Mr. Henry Ford made that comment, many of his colleagues thought their companies would last forever, but the truth is, out of the top 100 companies that were in business in the year 1900, only 14 are still in existence today.
Bryant Electric Supply Company Inc. was started in 1948, as an offshoot of Bryant Electric and Repair Company. The former company, started in 1930 by Mr. Charles King Bryant and since sold to their employees, is still in business today.
In 1914, while working as an electrician for Richard Dupont, Charles Bryant met and was offered an apprenticeship by Mr. Thomas Alva Edison. “Mr. Charlie,” the nickname that Edison gave him, couldn’t resist the offer and requested a leave of absence, which was granted by Dupont. After several months of working with Edison, Mr. Bryant returned to his former employer. In 1919, he left Dupont to raise his family and start a business in the south. Throughout his life, Mr. Charlie never forgot that “Service” was the most important word in his business and when he started Bryant Electric and Repair Company in 1930, he made sure that Service was the biggest word in the company’s logo. He not only said it, but proved it by keeping the local textile mills up and running throughout the depression.
After serving in World War II, Mr. Bryant’s second son, Harry M. Bryant became a partner in his father’s business. Because of the war, electrical parts were very difficult to find. Since his father’s repair business could usually obtain these parts, many of their clients turned to them as a source. Harry saw the tremendous potential, and in 1948, he started Bryant Supply Company.
For over 45 years, Harry M. Bryant never hesitated to change as his market changed. His two sons, Harry Bryant Jr. and Tom Bryant, joined the company in the 1970's, and along with their father, have led Bryant Electric Supply along the difficult path of success. Today, with annual sales of over 70 million, the company has 250 employees, and maintains a delivery fleet of 35 trucks. With 5 locations across the Carolinas and utilizing over 300,000 square feet of warehouse space, Bryant Electric Supply has become one of the top 50 electrical distributors in the nation.
Emulating his grandfather’s belief that Service is paramount, Harry Bryant Jr. is leading the company into the future. Our staff and products reflect the latest technology has to offer, and we eagerly pass along that knowledge. Not only is our delivery service free, but so are our house calls. If you ever need a part at 2 a.m. on a holiday, it's no problem. Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our staff is dedicated and committed to give you, the customer, ultimate satisfaction and service.
The electrical industry has changed dramatically since we opened our first store, but the one thing that hasn’t changed in three generations, is our commitment to service. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.