WHO IS VAN METER?
Since 1928, we’ve delivered more than electrical products.
We’ve solved problems for our customers, developed lasting relationships with suppliers and given back to the communities that support us. Because we believe a company should do more than live by its values—it should create lasting value as well.
More than products, a shared purpose.
We work. We grow. We innovate. We advance. That’s because our purpose is more than electrical distribution. Our shared purpose is to create lasting value for those we serve.
Because every employee is also an equal owner in our company, we value each other as well as our customers. These are the beliefs that guide us every day:
"service is our first thought..."
A history of forward thinking
R.L. Van Meter and R.W. Lemley founded The Van Meter Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, just before the start of the Great Depression in 1928. Proving they were forward thinking from the beginning, the bright duo outfitted their headquarters with fluorescent lighting—the first building west of the Mississippi to have such a feature.
Despite the daunting task of selling new technology during difficult economic times, The Van Meter Company survived—and thrived. Powered by the motto “Service is our first thought,” The Van Meter Company succeeded because they believed that owners, employees and customers should treat each other as family.
Underlying their commitment to service was their tireless spirit of innovation. Each employee was encouraged to listen to customers and motivate manufacturers to create better solutions. They understood that when customers’ businesses grew, the whole “family” grew.
Now, more than 95 years later, 850+ employee-owners remain committed to these values. Whether our customers need wire services, technical support, project management assistance or additional solutions, our team is ready and willing to go above and beyond.
...when customers’ business grew, the whole “family” grew.”
WHY SHOULD YOU PARTNER WITH VAN METER?
As a 100 percent employee-owned company, we understand that when you succeed, we succeed. That’s why each of our employee-owners works hard to improve your productivity and profitability by delivering superior products and innovative services.
Here’s how we create lasting value for those we serve:
Unparalleled customer service
We’re dedicated to providing everything you need to succeed, including:
- Product specialists
- On-call technical support
- Drive-through pickup
- Online ordering
Delivering superior products
Our expert product specialists recommend and select the right products for your exact needs.
- More than 800 best-in-class brands
- $180 million of in-stock inventory
- Same-day delivery
- 27 branches across ten states
Customized services and solutions
We are empowered to find the best solution for your needs, whether it comes from finding the right product or creating an entirely new service.
- Dedicated teams to develop custom innovative solutions
- Shared purpose to succeed with our customers
Empowering people is the best way to power progress.
Client Success Matters
When you work with a team member at Van Meter, you’re not just working with an employee— you’re working with an owner – an owner empowered to make decisions, create solutions and do what’s right for your business. Because we know that when our customers succeed, we succeed.
100% Employee Owned
Van Meter is proud to say that we’ve been 100-percent employee-owned since 2005. We understand that each of us is responsible for growing our business, and to do that, we work to grow our customer’s business by nurturing relationships, developing innovative services and delivering best-in-class products on time.
Growth for All
We place the power in our employee-owners’ hands with an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The Van Meter ESOP is a retirement plan that requires the company to create a trust to acquire stock. Unlike a 401(k) plan, employees do not contribute to the ESOP. Van Meter makes all contributions. The Van Meter ESOP Committee works together to ensure all employee-owners understand the value of owning our company and our future.