Lecky's Electrical Wholesale
Building business by building relationships
By Richard Mead.
This article appeared in Electrical Gems Issue 84, April—May 2008
Since Lecky's Electrical Wholesale first opened its doors back in May 1990, Lecky's' customers have always been its strength, and directors Rod Harvey and Craig McBride fully acknowledge that. Rod and Craig both take immense pride in the success of the business that began eighteen years ago, in a small warehouse in Catherine Street, in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg. At the same time, Rod and Craig are careful to attribute much of that success to the long-term loyalty and commitment demonstrated by Lecky's customers. However they both admit (in a rare moment of reflection) that to earn that level of customer loyalty, Lecky's must be doing something right.
Lecky's puts it down to hard work, dedication and a straightforward approach to business. These three fundamental rules have always been Lecky's' code of conduct. "Our focus still remains on these principals, just as it did the day we started in 1990," said Rod. "In this way, Lecky's has grown by maintaining good, honest relationships with people on every level of the electrical industry. We are thankful for great staff, loyal customers and committed suppliers," added Craig.
Commencing business in May 1990, Lecky's' first warehouse was soon outgrown. So in 1991, Lecky's moved to larger premises in Sydney Road, then relocated again after a fire destroyed that building in 2000. The company then shifted across the road to 931 Sydney Road in September 2000. Throughout the past 18 years, Lecky's has expanded to open other branches at Sunbury, Collingwood, Sunshine and Hallam, and also in NSW at Albury. Altogether they employ over 50 staff throughout all of the branches, including head office.
"Lecky's' success is due to the sheer hard work and commitment that our staff have shown to all our customers since we started," said Craig. "We are proud that we have long term employees that have remained with us for many years." Lecky's is proud to be Australian owned and operated, and all Lecky's stores and vehicles wear the Green and Gold that are also Lecky's proud colours. Lecky's sees its role thus: to service the electrical industry through superior service and to stay competitive in the everchanging electrical market. "We hold and maintain stock levels that suit our customers' needs," said Craig. "If they use it we will stock it," Rod emphasised.
"Joining Gemcell enabled Lecky's to be price-competitive, and opened doors that otherwise would have remained shut."
Rod Harvey, Director, Lecky's Electrical Wholesale
As well as a director of Lecky's, Rod Harvey is also Chairman of Gemcell Australia. Lecky's joined Gemcell in 1993, and according to both Rod and Craig it has been the best decision that Lecky's could have made. "Lecky's is proud to be a member of Gemcell," said Rod. "It has enabled us to be price-competitive in today's marketplace. Gemcell has opened doors that, as an individual company, would have remained shut. We are strongly committed to the Gemcell concept and thankful of the support we receive from our other Gemcell members throughout the country."
Looking to the future, Rod and Craig plan to continue to expand as opportunities arise. "Lecky's has always nurtured strong relationships with key suppliers and customers," said Rod. "With their loyalty and support and Gemcell's backing, we are very confident that Lecky's will continue to grow and prosper and go on delivering the high level of service our customers have come to expect." Craig added.