Business View Magazine | July 2022

67 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 7 page and respecting each other.” Sometimes the best way to move forward is through compromise and that is what helped Epcon navigate the challenges that COVID presented. As Jamaluddin attests, “The courage of the people that were scared to come to work and the patience of those doing the precautionary things just for those individuals… we saw a lot of flexibility and give and take on both sides. It was great to see, but it also took a lot of communication.” While Epcon has also endured supply chain issues, Jamaluddin is hopeful for the manufacturing sector in America. She notes, “Because of the supply chain challenges that we’ve been experiencing, I think people are really resonating with how important it is to have products ‘Made in the USA’. So I think that we are going to see America get on board with the messaging of ‘America First’ as far as manufacturing.” She predicts that as college numbers have gone down recently due to remote learning, you’ll see more young people going into trades like welding and machinery that were less attractive pre-COVID. “I think this generation is seeing that they can complete a six-month program, get hands-on experience and start making a solid income right away. I believe the landscape for the future is potentially changing with more students coming up into the workforce and embracing manufacturing.” Instead of running from the heat 45 years ago, Epcon Industrial Systems embraced it and developed systems to utilize the heat to increase productivity and profits for its clients. They have developed a recipe for success and they aren’t looking to leave ‘the kitchen’ anytime soon. EPCON INDUSTR I AL SYSTEMS The largest distributors and wholesalers in the electrical product and service industry. Congratulations to Epcon Industrial Systems Since 1957, Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) has focused on meeting its customers’ electrical requirements – one customer at a time. We supply and service those that power your homes, streets, schools, office buildings and arenas. From the lighting, circuit breakers to home automation, we are here to make sure those constructing and maintaining your spaces can get their jobs done. Our partnerships with top electrical manufacturers gives us a unique position which allows us to bundle services, products and custom solutions for those builders, installers, contractors, designers and electricians. www.cedconroe.portalced.com