Electrical Equipment Distributor Gains Traction, Expands to Bigger Location

Comprehensive Supply Company of Pinellas County

John Ciangiulli, owner of Comprehensive Supply Company, has always been passionate about giving new life to used electrical equipment. Based in Pinellas County, his company specializes in refurbishing and distributing electrical equipment to various industries throughout the United States. From switches to circuit breakers, Comprehensive Supply Company ensures that high-quality, reliable equipment is available to all seeking their products.

“I chose to launch this particular business because I had experience in distribution, and I saw a fit for what we offer specifically in the industry, and we can fulfill that need with our product and service,” said Ciangiulli.

When Ciangiulli realized early on that he would need help starting and growing his business, he turned to the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED). Business consultant, Kurt Forster, helped the business owner develop a comprehensive business plan, create a targeted marketing strategy, and improve his accounting processes.

“I was lucky enough to find Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development and I linked up with several people from there, attended numerous classes that have helped me to get started and along the way, and specifically I’ve linked up with Kurt Forster,” Ciangiulli said. “I’ve kept in touch with him, and he’s helped me along the way from the beginning with starting the business plan, setting up general accounting with QuickBooks, marketing and continuing on with our marketing, and securing business financing and looking for new property. Just general expansion and continuing of the business.”

Since working with the SBDC, Comprehensive Supply Company has experienced significant growth, including increased sales and a larger customer base. “Working with Kurt and SBDC has helped us grow as a company. We now have seven employees, we’ve grown out of numerous spaces from a storage unit to a larger space, to two units at our current space, now to a larger building. We have full-time, part-time, and remote employees. In the last three years we’ve doubled sales revenue each and every year and we have secured financing, both traditional financing and line of credit financing, and we continue to see growth and expect future growth in continuing to work with SBDC,” Ciangiulli said.

The business owner also attributes much of his company’s success to his employees and the partnerships that they have made along the way. “Our employees, our team, I would probably say are our biggest success, but I’m confident, our biggest success is yet to come. We strive to be the industry’s partner, but our partnerships across the boards is how we see our success, not just growth,” Ciangiulli said.

Looking ahead, Ciangiulli plans to continue working with the Florida SBDC at PCED while his business grows. “With the history we have, I’m confident that it would be of best interest to continue to work with SBDC and Kurt and the other [consultants] there. I know that we will continue to work with SBDC as we grow, with their financial programs and management programs to help grow and expand the business,” Ciangiulli said. “We can also go and utilize SBDC assistance in finding new space as we expand.”

With the ongoing support of Kurt Forster and the Florida SBDC at PCED, Comprehensive Supply Company is well-positioned for continued success in the industry.

When asked what advice he would give to other small businesses, Ciangiulli said, “if I had to talk to somebody that was considering starting a business, I would say, do it, go for it. It’s a risk, take it, but do it in a way that you have direction and advice. Believe it or not, there is a lot of help out there, Florida SBDC and other programs, and I would definitely seek their advice and go for it.”

The passionate business owner then ended with a heartfelt message, “I just want to say thank you to Florida SBDC, Pinellas County Economic Development, Kurt, and all of the numerous people that did believe in us, in starting the business. I’m so blessed in so many ways to have this opportunity to have the team I have and to have the people outside of our specific team in the business. I’m so confident that this is the beginning of something great. I’m excited to see where it will go and I’m excited to continue to work and grow with Florida SBDC,” he expressed with a smile.