Sonepar Announces 680 Veteran Hires & Free Lighting Upgrades for VFW Posts
The distributor has hired more than 680 veterans over four years and is a finalist for the 2026 US Forces in Business Awards’ Advocate of the Year.
On Veterans’ Day, Charleston, S.C.-based Sonepar announced that the company has hired more than 680 veterans over the past four years and partnered with more than 20 military organizations to bring veterans, reservists, and military spouses into the workforce. This year, the company is also a finalist for the US Forces in Business Awards, supporting Wreaths Across America, and upgrading lighting at 14 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts.
“Veterans and their families make incredible sacrifices for our country,” said Rob Taylor, President of Sonepar Americas. “Supporting them with long-term career paths and development opportunities is the right thing to do, and they bring a variety of skillsets that make our company stronger.”
Internally, Sonepar’s Military and Veterans Employee Resource Group (MERGE) provides networking events, peer support, and volunteer opportunities for military-connected associates.
“Nobody hands you a playbook when you leave the military and transition to a civilian career,” said Chris Miles, Military and Veteran Relations Manager for Sonepar in the U.S. “Veterans know how to take ownership and work as a team. Our job is to give them the training, community, and mentorship to translate that success into their new roles.”
50 Sonepar Volunteers and Company Trucks Support Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is partnering with multiple Sonepar companies this year for support in transporting wreaths to be laid on veterans’ graves. Sonepar’s military and veteran-focused employee resource group has also recruited 50 volunteers to lay wreaths at participating cemeteries in December and is encouraging associates to sponsor wreaths.
Sonepar Supports Bob Woodruff Foundation Veteran Hiring Initiative
Sonepar is participating in the Bob Woodruff Foundation Veteran Employment Symposium 2026, connecting the Foundation’s network to meaningful career pathways across electrical distribution, infrastructure and the skilled trades.
Sonepar & Klein Tools Launch Flag-Themed Pliers
In November Sonepar and Klein Tools will be launching a new set of limited-edition lineman pliers sold exclusively at Sonepar companies. The design portrays the American flag in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Bob Woodruff Foundation to fund vital programs for wounded veterans and their families. Begun in 2024, the partnership has resulted in $8,000 donated to date.
Sonepar Wins Six Veteran-Employer Honors and Finalist Status for 2026 US Forces in Business Awards
The 2026 US Forces in Business Awards named Sonepar a finalist in the highly competitive Advocate of the Year category. Winners will be announced on December 10. Sonepar has also been honored by the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards, 2026-2027 Vetted Employers, U.S. Veterans Magazine, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Military Friendly Awards, as well as ranking 53rd in the nation on Military Times’ Best for Vets list.
The awards recognize the company’s sustained commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, and developing military-connected talent.
NECA Panel Makes Business Case for Hiring Veterans
Chris Miles led a panel discussion at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) 2026 convention in Las Vegas about the strategic investment of hiring veterans. The session, co-presented by NECA and Schneider Electric, highlighted how veterans’ unique skills bolster organizational resilience and long-term success across the electrical contracting industry.
Sonepar also assisted the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) with building out a military-focused portion of their careers website.
14 Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts Receive Free Lighting Upgrade
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Sonepar’s annual Bright Lights Brighter Futures program is providing 14 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts nationwide with free LED lighting upgrades to reduce energy costs and improve the facilities. Four have been completed by electrical contractor PSG Energy Services, with the remaining ten expected by the end of the year. Acuity Brands, Cooper Lighting and TerraCycle Regulated Waste are also program partners.
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Sonepar Celebrates America’s 250th With Free Lighting Upgrades for VFW Posts
