Bright sparks and big solutions: How Irby powers lasting partnerships

For nearly a century, Irby has been more than just a distributor of materials—it has been a stalwart partner in powering the backbone of America’s energy grid. From its early days electrifying rural towns to today’s sophisticated smart grid deployments and broadband expansions, Irby’s mission has remained constant: support communities with reliable service, innovative solutions, and steadfast partnership.

“Working hard, doing the right thing, and taking care of our customers is what we do every day,” says Chad Backes, Irby’s district manager for Burnsville, Madison, Rapid City, and Fargo. “It is what we have done since the beginning. Customers first, always.”

A legacy forged in electricity

Founded in 1926 by Stuart C. Irby in Jackson, Mississippi, the company began with a modest $3,800 investment and a visionary belief in the power of electrification. Irby’s early efforts were instrumental in wiring small homes and towns across the South, including building the first REA-financed lines in Georgia during the 1930s. Even as America weathered war, economic upheaval, and natural disasters, Irby not only endured—it thrived.

That resilience still defines the company. After the devastating Easter Flood of 1979 or Hurricane Frederic’s landfall, Irby’s operations were often back online within days. Today, as a subsidiary of the global Sonepar Group, Irby maintains its entrepreneurial spirit, operating under its own banner while benefiting from the resources of the world’s largest electrical distributor.

Now serving all 50 states, Irby’s capabilities span electric and gas utilities, transmission, distribution, substation and generation support, EPC services, renewables, fiber/broadband solutions, and more.

A comprehensive, customer-first approach

With an expansive product and service portfolio, Irby offers municipal utilities far more than basic supply chain fulfillment.

“Our diversified range of services and national presence benefit our clients because we command the best pricing and service from our vendors and manufacturers,” Backes explains. “We surely can be a one-stop shop for our customers—not only with the products we sell, but also the services we provide.”

Those services include iAssist (a field support initiative), dedicated trucking, project kitting, engineering expertise, and even their grant funding strategy. Backes notes, “We’re not just delivering materials—we’re helping utilities solve big operational problems and stay ahead of infrastructure demands.”

In addition, Backes spotlighted the company’s comprehensive field support. “We’re here to support municipal utilities through every challenge, from storm recovery to system upgrades. Our team often functions as an extension of the utility’s crew.”

Deep roots in Minnesota

Irby’s connection to Minnesota’s municipal utilities is both longstanding and meaningful. A proud member of MMUA, Irby has served dozens of the state’s local utilities for decades.

“Partnering with municipal utilities in Minnesota is especially meaningful to us,” says Backes. “These communities are tight-knit and resilient, and we’re honored to support them with solutions that fit their scale and challenges.”

Whether visiting a site to offer hands-on training or working directly with line workers to integrate innovative technologies, Irby’s commitment to face-to-face service sets it apart.

Service through storms and beyond

Some of Irby’s most impactful work happens in the wake of disasters. When storms knock out power, Irby’s storm response is immediate and coordinated, supported by strategically located warehouses, a dedicated trucking fleet, and knowledgeable staff ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice.

“Our favorite success stories come from storm restoration work,” says Backes. “When we’re out there in the field helping utilities get the lights back on, there’s nothing more rewarding. It’s not about sales—it’s about service.”

Much of that service comes from people with direct utility experience. “That’s why our support feels personal—it comes from people who’ve lived the work,” Backes adds. Many on the Irby team are former linemen, engineers, or operations veterans who bring practical knowledge to every project.

Developing the next generation of leaders

Irby’s emphasis on long-term relationships extends inward, as well. The company invests heavily in workforce development, particularly through its STEP program, which stands for “Sonepar Training for Emerging Professionals.”

“STEP is a 360-degree immersive program designed to educate, train, and develop skills in emerging talent,” says Backes. “Our goal is twofold: invigorate our workforce and support the success of our future leaders. STEP participants gain hands-on experience in operations, sales, project management, and more.”

Such programs not only ensure Irby maintains top-tier talent but also reinforce the company’s culture of service, innovation, and excellence.

Community commitment

Giving back is a core principle at Irby. From volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and Toys for Tots to participating in Feed My Starving Children, Irby North teams regularly step up to support their communities. “We have great dedication to all the communities that we are lucky to be located in,” says Backes.

At the corporate level, Irby’s “Bright Lights, Bright Futures” program reflects its commitment to sustainability and service. “Through our parent company Sonepar, we provide nonprofits with full lighting retrofits to reduce energy use,” says Backes. “It’s a turnkey upgrade—hardware, audit, installation, and recycling—completely free of charge.”

Looking ahead

Irby’s focus for the coming year remains simple and steadfast. “Our goal is to be our customer’s supplier of choice,” Backes says. “We want to continue to offer the best products, the best service and solutions, at the best price possible.”

As the energy and utility landscape shifts, Irby’s century-old foundation, paired with future-focused strategies, makes it a uniquely agile and dependable partner. “It’s an exciting time in the industry,” says Backes. “With grid modernization, data centers, and emerging technologies on the horizon, we see incredible opportunities to support our customers. And we’ll be there—boots on the ground, sleeves rolled up, ready to help.”

To learn more about Irby Utilities, visit www.irby.com.