MEMBER SPOTLIGHT WITH
LAURA SANCHEZ
Owner & President — ESCO, Retrofitters Direct
For Laura Sanchez, stepping into the lighting industry wasn’t part of a long-term plan. Rather, it was an opportunity that arose 12 years ago and has now evolved into a passion. Today, she leads a growing company, ESCO, Retrofitters Direct, specializing in providing comprehensive lighting project services, guiding clients from project conception through to contract completion. Their expertise ensures an objective, unbiased approach that maximizes savings and supports broader facility improvement goals.
A NON-TRADITIONAL PATH TO LIGHTING Laura's career in the lighting industry began with an entry-level role at Pacific Lamp & Supply Company (PacLamp), a third-generation distributor based in Seattle. She quickly distinguished herself as a reliable and knowledgeable team member, and her dedication and work ethic led her to take on increasingly significant roles within the company. Over time, she built a strong working relationship with PacLamp's owner, Spencer Miles, who became both a mentor and a champion of her professional growth. This mentorship allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of the lighting industry, laying the groundwork for future opportunities.
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By Parker Allen
Through her work at PacLamp, Laura connected with Dan Leroux, the owner of ESCO, Retrofitters Direct (ERD). For five years, Laura dedicated herself to supporting ERD, managing projects, navigating the nuances of the ESCO market, and ensuring customer satisfaction. When the opportunity arose, she transitioned from being Dan’s trusted partner to taking the helm of ERD herself, bringing with her a new vision that blended the best of distribution practices with ERD’s established direct sales approach. She is passionate about highlighting the value that smaller, agile companies like hers can offer in an industry often dominated by large contractors and manufacturers.
FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS AND VALUE What sets ESCO, Retrofitters Direct apart is its business model. Rather than functioning as a traditional electrical contractor, the company specializes in lighting retrofit projects with a strong focus on customer needs. “Rather than having to manage 20 different relationships, my customers manage one—with me. I streamline everything so they can focus on their projects without chasing down a hundred different manufacturers,” she said, highlighting the value that ERD provides its clients.