History...

In April of 1914, Morris H. Blumberg formed the Morris Blumberg Company in an old industrial building on Woodward Ave. in Detroit. It was the inauspicious beginning of what today is Madison Electric Company, one of the largest electrical and electronic distribution firms in the country. The growth we have achieved over the past 90+ years is certainly attributable to Mr. Blumberg, his brother Max who joined him in 1916, and to the subsequent generations (now into our fourth) who have managed the business; but it is also attributable to three other key factors:

Our product excellence -- as provided by the innovative manufacturers whose electric and electronic equipment we market;

Our service excellence -- as provided by our dedicated, hard working employees adhering to our Continuous Process Improvement concepts;

Our customer excellence -- we have the finest, most loyal customers any distribution firm could hope to have. We respect the confidence you have placed in us over that past nine decades that has allowed us to grow and serve you better.

The first and second generation of Madison leadership. From left to right: Morris and Max Blumberg, Chester Colen, Jerry Sonenklar.

Morris Blumberg started in the electrical wholesale business with the Frank C. Teal Company in Detroit in 1902 when he was 16 years old. He was hired to run errands but quickly worked his way into the Teal organization’s sales department. In 1914 he was ready to strike out on his own.

The newly formed Morris Blumberg Company was in a rented room only 30 by 60 feet on the corner of Woodward Ave. and Atwater St. in Detroit. Light bulbs, fuses, wire and conduit were the product mainstays.

In 1916 Morris’ younger brother Max joined him, establishing a brotherly partnership that would carry the firm over 40 years until a second generation of family business leaders would take the helm. In 1918 Morris and Max changed the company’s name to the Morris H. Blumberg Electric Company. The business remained in the original building until later that year when it was moved to a three story building on E. Jefferson Avenue.

In those days deliveries of electrical products were made to contractors and industrial businesses via horse and buggy or streetcar. But paralleling the growth of Morris and Max’s business was the growth of Detroit’s automobile industry...an industry whose development would have a profound impact on the future of the company.

The company remained in the E. Jefferson building until 1922 when the Blumbergs incorporated and moved to a larger building across the street. Also in that year, they along with one of their most successful salesmen, Samuel Cohen, founded what is now our outstate affiliate, Standard Electric Company.

1931 brought two significant changes. The company was moved to even larger quarters on East Milwaukee Ave; and the company name went through another "adjustment." The Blumbergs felt that their business interests would be better served if the company took on a more easily recognized name. Of the many considered, Madison was preferred. This also happened to be their telephone exchange.

Morris and Max felt it essential to best serve the growing contractor market that the company be in close proximity to its customers jobs. Thus the company became a pioneer in establishing branch distribution locations. Three were opened between 1936 and 1938 but with the onset of World War II and the subsequent scarcity of supplies and manpower, by 1943 all three were closed.

At wars end the Blumbergs focused on enlarging their capabilities for what they felt would be a boom in construction and industrial electrical requirements. A new corporate home was acquired at 6000 Woodward that would remain the Madison Electric Company headquarters until 1992.

Once operations were under way at 6000 Woodward, focus again was on re-establishing the branch locations. Distribution facilities were opened on both East and West Seven Mile Road (these have since moved) and a location in Dearborn, MI which is still in operation today.

Also at the end of the war saw the introduction of the second generation into active company management. Morris’ son-in-law, Chester Colen joined the company in 1939 and then after returning from the war assumed responsibilities in purchasing and physical operations. Max’s son-in-law, Jerry Sonenklar, first employed in 1941, went on to become manager of the lighting showroom before moving full time into financial responsibilities. As the 1950’s progressed, Morris and Max relinquished their roles in running the company to the leadership of Chester and Jerry.

Late 1940's view of Madison Electric's Headquarters.

The next few decades saw a continuation of the Madison Electric Company philosophy of branch operations, not only to take products closer to the customer, but to increase personal service. Branch personnel were trained in the application of the quality products that best met the customers needs; a tradition that continues today. By the end of the 60’s additional products for the HVAC market were added. Branches were opened in Novi and Wyandotte (now Taylor). And the company purchased its first computer.

By the end of the 70’s the company had diversified into the world of industrial electronics, interconnect products, and custom made cable assemblies with the establishment of Madison Electronics Division; now occupying a 20,000 square foot facility in Fraser, MI. In 1987 the Industrial Automation Division was added to provide sales and design capabilities in the area of production computers, programmable controls, man/machine interface and adjustable frequency drives. In the early 90’s the Industrial Computer Division was formed to market PCs and laptop computers along with LAN and WAN integration. Together these divisions represent the fastest growing segment of Madison’s business.

Also during this period the third generation moved into company management. Joseph Schneider, who joined the company in 1965, became President in 1985; Richard Sonenklar, vice-president; Scott Leemaster, vice-president and General Manager of Madison Electronics; and Benjamin Rosenthal, Secretary/Treasurer...have succeeded the Chester Colen-Jerry Sonenklar management team in a seamless transition. Joe Schneider’s son Brett, now vice president of Product Management at Madison world headquarters, represents the fourth generation of family business leadership.

1990's view of Madison Electronic's Division Headquarters.

And while the products the current generation markets are far more technologically advanced, the customer needs they fill in terms of timeliness and quality remain the same.