Palmer Johnson Power Systems (PJPS) has been serving customers domestically and abroad over a rich 43-year history. Originally a custom yacht manufacturer in Sturgeon Bay, WI, Palmer Johnson Distributors was spun off to diversify the business in 1977. Over the years, PJPS has grown its geographic footprint across North America to today’s ten full-service locations in the United States and Canada.
Through strong manufacturer partnerships, PJPS represents more than 20 product lines, including Enovation Controls. Located just outside of Madison, WI, Palmer Johnson’s headquarters and largest location spanning 65,000 square feet includes their master warehouse where they house $20 million in inventory.
With an average tenure of over 10 years in their sales teams, PJPS is proud to provide their customers a solution – not merely a part number.
We spoke with PJPS Vice President of Operations Adam Becker to learn more about how PJPS conquers complex problems for a wide range of markets.
What advantage does your company culture provide the marketplace?
Adam: For a 43-year-old distribution business, PJPS offers its employees many modern benefits and offerings whether that be updated office spaces, new technologies, flexible work arrangements, a focus on health and wellness, etc. We strive every day to provide our people with an unmatched and world-class workplace. We are very passionate about our people and place culture/people as our top priority. After all, if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers (as measured by an average score of 4.8/5 on customer reviews)! In 2019 and 2020, PJPS was also honored to be recognized as a Top Place to Work by the Wisconsin State Journal.
What unique needs do your customers have and how do you solve them?
Adam: Given the number of product lines we represent and the variety of markets we serve, no two days are the same around here when it comes to providing solutions to our customers. Requests can range from a simple part number stock check to working with an OEM on providing a full solution and everything in between.
What is a competitive advantage you provide your customers?
Adam: I think there are several. Mentioned earlier, we stock a lot of inventory, which in our business is important to keep our customers up and running. We also have great tenure. So, when you call PJPS, you know that there are at least one or more people who are considered a technical expert on what you’re looking for. Our strong vendor relationships also play an important part in servicing our customers whether that be for supplemental technical expertise, non-stocked inventory or a variety of other reasons.
What trends do you find important for 2020 and how do you use Murphy products to address those needs?
Adam: In general, in 2020 and beyond, we see the products we represent shifting to being more electric based as opposed to mechanical. It is great for us to be attached to Murphy by Enovation Controls products as a distributor with them being an innovator and leader in this space. As a distributor, it is very important for the manufacturers we represent to be technical leaders in their respective areas. In recent years, PJPS has been recognizing more of a demand for full-solutions and systems integration capabilities, and at the beginning of this year, spun off Trident Engineered Solutions. Staffed with mechanical engineers and technical experts, Trident will be capable of handling much more involved applications outside of the traditional parts and service support Palmer Johnson has offered for over 40 years. We are excited about the opportunity this presents for our Palmer Johnson team members as well as existing and future OEM customers.
Why do you tell your customers to use Murphy products?
Adam: Murphy products, like PJPS, have both been around for a long time. The products they offer are bulletproof – tried and true.
How does your company conquer complexity by integrating Murphy products into system solutions?
Adam: Whether it be our product support team, a service engineer, mechanical engineer or one of our market-focused teams in oil and gas or marine, we have the skill sets and acumen to be able to tackle a variety of complex projects. A handful of individuals have received factory training over the years and as is such, can provide both installation after sale service capabilities.
To learn more about Palmer Johnson Power Systems, visit: www.pjpower.com.