Wiseway Supply, founded in 1972 by Biz and Jackie Cain, recently announced the acquisition of Kentucky Lighting & Supply. Wiseway has seven branches located in the greater Cincinnati market and is based in northern Kentucky. Kentucky Lighting & Supply has three branches and is based about 75 miles down Interstate 75 in Lexington, Kentucky.
These two markets, Wiseway noted, are contiguous with virtually no overlap of customers or sales personnel. The acquisition expands Wiseway’s service area, which no encompasses 10 branches from central Ohio to central Kentucky with many key customers beyond that geography.
“This acquisition brings together two great teams with very similar cultures and a laser-like focus on customer service,” Wiseway owner and President John Cain said. “Keeping staff and vendors in place will ensure our Kentucky customers receive the same products and great service they have been accustomed to from the terrific Kentucky Lighting & Supply team recently led by Paula Minton. The acquisition fits well with our long-term plan of strategic, profitable growth."
Minton, Kentucky Lighting & Supply’s former general manager, will join Wiseway’s executive team as vice president, showrooms, and will be the face of Wiseway in Lexington. “John and I have known and respected each other for more than 25 years,” she said. “I am confident the Wiseway Supply team will continue our business in much the same manner as we have done for more than 60 years. Wiseway will be able to serve our very diverse customer base, perhaps even driving faster growth in our footprint with its innovative solutions and processes. We feel very comfortable handing over the reins to Wiseway Supply.”