Preferred Sales Agency

What Preferred Sales Agency does

Preferred Sales Agency (PSA), founded in 1981 and headquartered in Carthage, Texas, is an independent manufacturers' representative firm dedicated exclusively to the U.S. electric utility industry. It functions as the outsourced field-sales channel for 30+ manufacturers — including AFL Global, MacLean Power Systems, Valmont, Southern States, TS Conductor, GE (Multilin), TMD, Cree Lighting, Richards Manufacturing, Oldcastle Infrastructure, and Ensto — selling transmission, distribution, substation, fiber, lighting, metering & protection, asset management, and system-hardening products to investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities. PSA operates three offices (Carthage TX, Arlington TX, Kannapolis NC) with 75 team members, of whom 73 are sales professionals organized into named state and multi-utility territories (e.g., AEP East, AEP West) covering 44 U.S. states.

Name

Preferred Sales Agency

Legal name

Preferred Sales Agency, Ltd.

Website

https://preferred-sales.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Preferred Sales Agency is an independent manufacturers' representative firm serving the U.S. electric utility industry across 44 states with 75 team members, representing 30+ manufacturers of transmission, distribution, substation, fiber, metering, and lighting products via engineering-led field sales and storm-response mobilization.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Utility Manufacturers' Representation

NAICS

Hardware Merchant Wholesalers (423710)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Contract Administration Support (PO/Contract Compliance) (BPAAAJAE)

Keywords

• Electric utility sales representation
• Manufacturer representative services
• Utility equipment distribution
• Engineering solution design
• Storm restoration coordination

Headquarters

HQ city

Carthage

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Manufacturer sales representation commissions: Core revenue is generated through sales commissions earned by representing manufacturers' products to electric utilities. PSA acts as an independent sales rep firm for 30+ manufacturers and earns commission on products sold into the utility market across 44 U.S. states.
2. Inventory stocking and supply contracts: PSA stocks needed units at its warehouse and creates stable pricing/availability contracts with utilities (e.g., Vanguard substation insulators), generating warehousing and supply-arrangement revenue in addition to standard commissions.
3. Engineering and fabrication services: Engineering consultation and fabrication of complete overhead/underground meter sets, transockets, and other pre-assembled solutions for utility customers — services provided in coordination with manufacturers such as TMD.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Preferred Sales Agency is an independent manufacturers' representative firm that provides outsourced field sales, engineering consultation, inventory stocking, and storm restoration coordination for 30+ manufacturers of electric utility products, covering 44 U.S. states with 75 dedicated team members. The firm organizes its offering into eight electric-utility-specific solution categories (Asset Management, Distribution, Fiber Solutions, Lighting, Metering & Protection, Substation, System Hardening & Restoration, Transmission), bundling third-party products into engineered solutions for investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, and electrical distributors. Revenue is generated through sales commissions on represented products, stocking and supply contracts, and engineering/fabrication services such as transocket and primary meter set assembly.

Product overview

Preferred Sales Agency (PSA) is an electric-utility manufacturers' representative firm, not a software vendor; its offering is organized as a service portfolio plus eight solution-category modules (Asset Management, Distribution, Fiber Solutions, Lighting, Metering & Protection, Substation, System Hardening & Restoration, and Transmission) that bundle, specify, and supply third-party manufacturer products (e.g., AFL Global fiber, MacLean Power Systems hardware, Southern States reclosers, Valmont poles and Controlled Environment Construction substations, TS Conductor, GE Multilin 850P relays, Cree Lighting LED fixtures, Oldcastle Infrastructure enclosures, Richards Manufacturing cold-shrink tee bodies, TMD AMI systems, SMARTCAT RFID, Ensto insulation piercing connectors, and others) into customized utility solutions across 44 U.S. states, supported by a 75-person sales/service team in Carthage TX, Arlington TX, and Kannapolis NC offices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Manufacturer Representation (Electric Utility Sales Agency Services) PSA's core service: dedicated electric-utility manufacturers' representative services for 30+ manufacturers across 44 U.S. states, delivered through assigned territory managers, regional vice presidents, inside sales/customer service teams, and storm-response mobilization. Includes engineering consultation, stocking and supply contracts, and project-based supply arrangements for investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, and electrical distributors.
• Asset Management Solutions A bundled solution category covering RFID-based asset tracking (SMARTCAT system), signs, markers, and tags for electric utility infrastructure visibility and preventative maintenance. Sourced and engineered for utility customers from represented manufacturers.
• Distribution Solutions A bundled solution category for electric utility distribution products, including preassembled bypass switch arms, covered primary conductor systems, low-voltage insulation piercing connectors, and cold-shrink 600A tee bodies. Sourced and engineered for utility customers from represented manufacturers.
• Fiber Solutions A bundled solution category for utility fiber networks, including Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) cable, AFL Skywrap, fiber crash kits for cleaning/testing/inspection, and FTTx end-to-end project offerings. Sourced and engineered for utility customers from represented manufacturers.
• Lighting Solutions A bundled solution category for street and area lighting transitions to LED, including Cree Lighting RSW fixtures with WaveMax glare-reduction technology. Sourced and engineered for utility and municipality customers from represented manufacturers.
• Metering & Protection Solutions A bundled solution category covering reclosers, multi-feeder padmount protection relays (GE Multilin 850P), Transockets, AMI assistance (TMD), and primary metering kits. Includes PSA's in-house engineering and fabrication services for overhead/underground primary meter sets. Sourced and engineered for utility customers from represented manufacturers.
• Substation Solutions A bundled solution category for substation build, retrofit, hardening, and security, including Oldcastle handhole/vault systems, DuoTrench, Vanguard insulators, Valmont Controlled Environment Construction, MV switchgear retrofit/retrofilling, and substation physical/cybersecurity offerings. Sourced and engineered for utility customers from represented manufacturers.
• System Hardening & Restoration Solutions A bundled solution category for grid resiliency and storm restoration, including covered overhead conductor systems for wildfire mitigation, cold-shrink MV tee bodies (Richards Hammerhead), low-voltage insulation piercing connectors, pole top extensions, covered primary conductor breakthroughs, and storm restoration logistics. Includes PSA's emergency mobilization of 50+ owner-employees across 25+ states.
• Transmission Solutions A bundled solution category for transmission line products, including specialty anchors, MacLean TransArmour-coated corrosion-resistant hardware, AFL Solo HD compression dead ends/splices, TS Conductor high-ampacity/low-sag conductor, spun concrete static masts/poles, and storm restoration logistics. Sourced and engineered for utility customers from represented manufacturers.
• Primary Metering Kits (Engineering & Fabrication) A PSA engineering and fabrication service: complete overhead and underground primary meter sets, Transockets, and other pre-assembled metering solutions, fabricated to specification and integrated with AMI meters. Delivered in coordination with represented manufacturers such as TMD for electric utility customers.
• Storm Restoration Emergency Mobilization An emergency-response service in which PSA mobilizes 50+ owner-employees and leverages utility customer networks and domestic production partners across 25+ states to quickly source and deliver restoration material (insulators, pole line hardware, clamps, connectors) and provide field support to investor-owned utilities, co-ops, and municipalities during storms and natural disasters.
• Inventory Stocking and Supply Contracts A supply-arrangement service in which PSA stocks needed units at its own warehouse and creates stable pricing and availability contracts with utility customers (e.g., Vanguard substation insulators), generating warehousing and supply-arrangement revenue in addition to standard manufacturer-rep commissions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced faults by 75% compared to bare conductor in covered conductor deployments
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• AFL GlobalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFL Global offerings represented by PSA across multiple territories include fiber optic cables, OPGW, ADSS, fiber management, fiberoptic hardware, complete FTTH package, fusion splicing, test & inspection equipment, substation welded/bolted/swage connectors, substation bus, copperclad wire, Alumoweld wire, dampers, spacers, spacer dampers, formed wire, transmission compression connectors and accessories, and distribution connectors and dead ends.
• Valmont Utility / Valmont StructuresflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerValmont provides steel, concrete, and hybrid transmission poles, steel substation structures, steel distribution poles, substation and transmission packaging, prefab substations, and standard/decorative poles for utility lighting and wireless communications. Featured in Controlled Environment Construction (CEC) substation solution.
• MacLean Power SystemsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresented in Texas with broad T&D offering: pole line hardware, transmission and distribution insulators, substation insulators, stringing hardware, stringing equipment, automatics, connectors, arresters, cutouts, anchoring, grounding, fiberglass crossarms, fiberglass brackets, guy-strain insulators, crossarm braces, conductor hardware, and safety products. TransArmour (TA) coated hardware solution featured on website.
• Southern StatesflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup operated switches, phase over phase switches, ground switches, motor operators, circuit switchers, load & line switchers, mobile substations, distribution reclosers (with 10-year lithium-ion battery), field services for retrofits or upgrades. Medium voltage distribution reclosers also represented separately in West Virginia.
• TS ConductorflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh efficiency, high capacity overhead conductor for transmission and distribution. Compatible with ACSR/ACSS tools and work methods. Featured as core solution for wildfire mitigation with covered primary conductor (11% smaller, 25% lighter than 1/0 ACSR).
• Richards ManufacturingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork protectors & relays, pre-molded cold shrink 600A tees, splices, and 200A elbow connectors. Cold Shrink Hammerhead featured as innovation for improving MV reliability.
• Central Moloney Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPole-mount and pad mount single and three-phase distribution transformers, specialty transformers, transformer components, and wildlife protection.
• Oldcastle Infrastructure / Oldcastle HighlinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHandholes, underground enclosures, modular box, and duct systems (polymer concrete, fiberglass, HDPE). Texas offerings include substation cable trench and covers, ballistic walls, refractory firewalls, polymer boxes, pads, pedestals. STAKKAbox modular system featured as solution for replacing deteriorating handholes.
• EnstocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsulation piercing connectors for LV, MV cables; full covered MV conductor system solutions.
• Vanguard ElectriccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubstation and distribution porcelain insulators. PSA stocks units at its warehouse and creates stable pricing/availability contracts for utilities.
• GE (General Electric)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGE's Multilin 850P relay featured as 'Multi-Feeder' protection for padmounted underground switchgear and ring main units.
• TMD (T&M Distributors / TMD)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMD fabricates transockets to specification and integrates AMI meters. Per PSA: 'TMD has successfully integrated millions of meters for hundreds of customers.'
• Cree LightingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCree Lighting RSW family using WaveMax technology for LED street and area lighting — addresses glare reduction.
• RitzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner600V utility type CTs, VTs, 3PHS VT-packs, and bushing slip-over CTs and solid insulated bus-bar rated to 36kV/6500A. Dry-type epoxy-resin outdoor CTs and VTs (5kV-72kV), indoor CTs and VTs (5kV-35kV). Oil-filled HV CCVTs (36kV-550kV), and HV CTs, VTs and combined units (72kV-245kV).
• Hellenic CablescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading provider of medium voltage and high voltage XLP/TRXLP/EPR underground cables and turnkey solutions for transmission and distribution markets.
• GalvotecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAluminum, zinc, and magnesium cathodic protection anodes. Cathodic protection services (galvanic and impressed current systems). BAC pin brazing system.
• Indel BauruminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuse links.
• Pacific PlasticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUL-listed schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC pipe.
• Service WireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBare copper, insulated copper LV, and control cables. Cable management programs.
• Andax IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS Manufacturer of OSHA/DOT-compliant Transformer Containment Bags for pole mount and pad mount transformers and leak/spill control products.
• Centerphase EnergycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEmergency power restoration for investor-owned utilities, co-operatives, municipalities, and other industry participants. Provides experienced & well-trained project managers, construction coordinators, and QA specialists.
• DiversitechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLightweight concrete composite transformer pads.
• Utility Supply WestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStandard PVC accessories. Sweeps, bends, couplings, duct bank spacers.
• DeMarkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGround rod couplers; drivers and drive bits.
• Dura-LineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlexible conduit, fiber optic innerduct, cable placing equipment, cable pulling lubricants, cable cleaners, conduit spacers, cable racks.
• Modular Connections BuildingsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConcrete substation and telecommunication building systems including fully outfitted electric utility control buildings, fully wired telecommunication shelters, and FEMA361/ICC500 Storm Shelters.
• Rainbow TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChemical products for utility needs. Pole setting foam, fire ant sprays, wasp sprays, cleaners, lubricants, safety equipment.
• SEECOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup operated disconnect switches, phase over phase switches for substation and transmission; vacuum interrupter devices; motor operators and line post sensors for sectionalizing.
• CMS UtilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPole yards, pole racks, emergency pole rack deployment, refurbishment, and installation.
• Laminated Wood Systems, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's leading supplier of engineered laminated wood structures and wood pole management products to the electric utility and telecommunication industries.
• AlubarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAluminum overhead conductors manufactured in the US, including ACSR, AAC, ACSS, ACSS-TW, and other solutions for power transmission and distribution.
• Marmon Utility - Hendrix/KeritecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHDPE pin, spool, and post insulators, spacer cable systems for distribution to 115KV. Underground power cables - EPR & TRXLP; MV rated 5kV to 35kV; HV 46kV to 138kV; PILC replacement cable; field services & accessories; turnkey services.
• Speed Systems, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnderground cable stripping tools.
• Polaris Electrical Connectors (NSI Industries)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStandard secondary distribution set screw connectors in both aluminum and copper.
• Federal PacificminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPadmount and metal-enclosed switchgear, low and medium voltage dry-type transformers.
• HICO AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPower transformers, shunt reactors, gas-insulated switchgear, STATCOM.
• MPS Inertia Line ProductsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuality distribution switches, group operated switches & specialty switches through 69kV. Engineered switchgear and automation equipment solutions.
• SMARTCAT (RFID asset tracking)coreTechnology or IntegrationSMARTCAT system automates monitoring of utility assets and feeds data to reporting tools. Demonstrations on 150+ integrations available. Long-range, harsh-environment RFID tags for asset tagging.
• Valmont (Controlled Environment Construction)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint solution offering for substation Controlled Environment Construction (CEC) with 3D modeling, precise jigs, and non-sequential simultaneous phases of construction under roof. Used in West Texas substation case study that shaved 2-3 weeks off project schedule.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EEC (Electrical Equipment Company): Long-standing independent manufacturers' representative firm serving electric utilities across multiple U.S. states with engineering-led solution design — the closest direct analogue to PSA's business model and customer base.
• Reo Electric Sales: Independent electrical/utility manufacturers' representative covering utility and industrial accounts in the U.S., operating on the same commission-based rep model PSA uses.
• Resource Electronics: Manufacturers' representative focused on electric utility T&D products, similar in size and product categories (substation, transmission, distribution hardware) to PSA.
• Power Transmission Sales: Independent rep firm specializing in power transmission and distribution equipment, representing multiple manufacturers to investor-owned and cooperative utilities — directly comparable go-to-market motion.
• Utility Sales & Service (USI): Electric utility-focused independent sales agency with territory-based coverage and multi-manufacturer representation; competes for the same IOU/co-op wallet share as PSA.

Broad incumbents

• Border States Electric: Large electrical distributor serving electric utilities, contractors, and industrial customers across the U.S.; overlaps with PSA on utility customers but competes from a distribution/inventory model rather than a pure rep model.
• Van Meter Inc. Full-line industrial and utility electrical distributor; competes for utility customers with broader product breadth and warehouse capabilities beyond PSA's rep-and-stock model.
• Irby Utilities (Stuart C. Irby): Major utility-focused electrical distributor (and current PSA customer) with deep IOU relationships; could be both a customer and a competitive threat as distributors expand into value-added services.
• WESCO International: Fortune 500 electrical and communications distributor with a substantial utility segment; represents an incumbent that utilities may use in lieu of, or alongside, independent rep firms like PSA.
• Anixter / nVent Electric sales channels: Large global electrical connection and protection solutions provider (Anixter Power Systems is itself a PSA customer) whose direct utility sales force competes with regional rep firms for specification-stage engagements.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Preferred Sales Agency