AD Founder David Weisberg Passes Away At 89

David Weisberg, the founder of Affiliated Distributors, died peacefully at his home in Philadelphia on Tuesday, November 22, surrounded by family.  He was 89 years old.

David was an icon in the electrical industry, and worked tirelessly to support the partnership between manufacturer’s and independent distribution.  He described his guiding principle in the formation of Affiliated Distributors as being to “promote a more productive partnership between distributors and manufacturers; a partnership that would offer substance and value where both parties would benefit.”

After serving our country in the military, David Weisberg graduated Temple University with a degree in marketing.  He began his career as a sales rep for Graybar Electric and later joined Progress Lighting where he rose to become company president.  In 1981, at age 55, he left Progress to follow a passion to help independent, family-owned electrical distributors run their business more profitably and professionally.  David started AD with 48 founding electrical distributors and served as its chairman and CEO until his retirement in 1991.  Today, AD has grown to over 570 Members, spanning seven industries, three countries, and with collective annual sales of over $31 billion.

Bill Weisberg, AD’s current Chairman & CEO said, “My father was an incredibly creative and warm hearted person.  He had a deep-seated drive and a passion to bring value to others.  In addition to being a successful businessperson he was a talented artist and a devoted husband.  He was a great inspiration to me, and his life will have lasting impact on the lives and businesses of many others.”

David was one of the "Giants of Our Times" that Tom Preston wrote about for Electrical Wholesaling in the 1980s. He was every inch a giant  - a well-read gentleman, fascinating conversationalist, sculptor and kind man who did so much for so many in the electrical wholesaling industry through Affiliated Distributors. Electrical Wholesaling's editorial staff will miss him, We wish his wife Renee, son Bill and the rest of his family the very best.