About Us
A little history about our agency –
Did you know that the name Abbott has been in the Arizona electrical landscape for more than 50 years? And, did you know that our family has been in the electrical business since 1919? It’s true!
In the early 1900’s, Harry Friedman, David’s great-grandfather and Jerry’s grandfather, spent many years as an electrician in the coal mines as well as a telephone installer for the rapidly growing Bell System. Harry wanted to find a better and safer way to support his growing family. In 1919, Harry was inspired start the Bell Electric Company of PA, a small electrical distribution business in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
During WWII, material and labor were scarce and Harry wanted to sell Bell Electric. Harry’s daughter Mollie, (David’s grandmother and Jerry’s mother), stepped in to take over the business.
Upon returning from the service in 1946, Jerry’s brother, Cal, took over the day-to-day operations of Bell Electric and the business experienced substantial growth. During that time, Jerry spent after school hours and summers, assembling load centers, cutting and spooling wire and hanging showroom fixtures. After graduating from college, Jerry joined Cal and the business developed further.
Our family wholesale business made it through the 1919 flu pandemic, the Great Depression, WWII, and the 1973 oil embargo to become a major supplier to a growing and changing area!
In 1978, Jerry and Cal decided that Arizona held a brighter future for their families and sold Bell Electric.
Shortly after arriving in Arizona, Cal and Jerry bought Abbott Sales, which was a pioneer electrical manufacturer’s rep agency since 1946. We changed the name to Abbott Associates in 1982.
A few years after graduating from Arizona State, David joined the company in 1989.
Abbott Associates continues to be a significant contributor to the electrical market in Arizona and Las Vegas. We represent high quality, well-respected manufacturers, striving to provide the best service for our customers.
What can we do for you today?
Did you know that the name Abbott has been in the Arizona electrical landscape for more than 50 years? And, did you know that our family has been in the electrical business since 1919? It’s true!
In the early 1900’s, Harry Friedman, David’s great-grandfather and Jerry’s grandfather, spent many years as an electrician in the coal mines as well as a telephone installer for the rapidly growing Bell System. Harry wanted to find a better and safer way to support his growing family. In 1919, Harry was inspired start the Bell Electric Company of PA, a small electrical distribution business in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
During WWII, material and labor were scarce and Harry wanted to sell Bell Electric. Harry’s daughter Mollie, (David’s grandmother and Jerry’s mother), stepped in to take over the business.
Upon returning from the service in 1946, Jerry’s brother, Cal, took over the day-to-day operations of Bell Electric and the business experienced substantial growth. During that time, Jerry spent after school hours and summers, assembling load centers, cutting and spooling wire and hanging showroom fixtures. After graduating from college, Jerry joined Cal and the business developed further.
Our family wholesale business made it through the 1919 flu pandemic, the Great Depression, WWII, and the 1973 oil embargo to become a major supplier to a growing and changing area!
In 1978, Jerry and Cal decided that Arizona held a brighter future for their families and sold Bell Electric.
Shortly after arriving in Arizona, Cal and Jerry bought Abbott Sales, which was a pioneer electrical manufacturer’s rep agency since 1946. We changed the name to Abbott Associates in 1982.
A few years after graduating from Arizona State, David joined the company in 1989.
Abbott Associates continues to be a significant contributor to the electrical market in Arizona and Las Vegas. We represent high quality, well-respected manufacturers, striving to provide the best service for our customers.
What can we do for you today?
Bell Electric 1965 Billboard
Abbott Sales 1965 Line Card
