Electrical Business Review: Specials Magazine

When Jan Adams completed her 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, she carried with her more than the honor of service. She brought with her a framework of discipline, accountability, and leadership that would later guide the future of Ideal Electrical Supply Corp, the wholesale electrical distributor she now leads as president and CEO. For Adams, military life was a crucible in which she learned to manage people, lead with purpose, and hold herself and others to the highest standards. Those same qualities now underpin Ideal Electrical Supply Corp, giving the company a natural edge in a highly competitive market. The military taught Adams that discipline is non-negotiable, deadlines are sacred, and accountability builds trust. It also gave her what she calls a servant mindset, the belief that leadership is about removing obstacles so that others can succeed. At Ideal Electrical Supply Corp, this means fostering an environment where employees are supported, customers are heard, and promises are kept. More than a retired Chief Master Sergeant, Adams is also a disabled veteran, a perspective that deepens her commitment to resilience, service, and giving others the tools to succeed. “After spending 24 years in the service providing support and freedoms for our country, I learned how to be a great manager and leader. I took those skills into the corporate world, where customer service is first and foremost, and every person we hire must share that focus,” she says. Her approach is informed by her work at Ideal and also by her experience leading another business in the aviation sector, where she has seen firsthand how timely support can make the difference between survival and success. Carrying a Legacy Forward with Generational Strength The story of Ideal Electrical Supply Corp is one of continuity and renewal. The company has been in business for over 30 years, with deep ties to major manufacturers and a reputation for reliability, flexibility, and scalability. Although Adams acquired the company just four years ago, her leadership has already added a new chapter to its history. With a veteran’s perspective, she has built on the company’s established strengths while steering it toward new opportunities in technology, services, and customer relationships.