“Contributing to IEC’s mission strengthens you, your business, and the industry.”  

These are words spoken by Steve Killius, 2024 IEC Industry Impact Award winner. These are words lived by Steve as he engages heartily with IEC as Vice President of Contractor Industry Affairs and Programs for Legrand’s Electrical Wiring Systems Division. 

“My primary mission is to demonstrate our value as a true partner to electrical contractors and the industry — especially through apprenticeship support,” Steve explains. “Legrand is IEC’s first Partner in Learning and a national training partner, with memberships across multiple IEC chapters. By actively participating in national and chapter committees, we connect with and influence thousands of contractors beyond daily transactions, reinforcing our commitment to their success. A typical day? There isn’t one — which is what I love about this role. It’s constantly evolving, requiring adaptability to industry shifts and contractor needs. It keeps things exciting and, fittingly, energizing! Pun intended I suppose.” 

Steve’s Career Path 

“Since 7th grade, I wanted to be an electrician,” he says. “After high school, I worked as an electrician’s helper but was not able to enter an apprenticeship, so I went to college. I then entered the industry selling wire and cable to distributors, OEMs, and contractors. With the guidance of a mentor, I learned the value of standing out, relationship-based selling, and networking. Over nearly 40 years, I’ve held roles with manufacturers, agencies, integrators, and even worked briefly as a datacom infrastructure contractor — always collaborating with electrical contractors. I played a key role in establishing the U.S. market for wire mesh tray with Cablofil, then joined Legrand through acquisition in 2008. Since then, I’ve focused on branding Legrand as a trusted partner for electrical contractors, electricians, and apprentices — coming full circle to my early passion by helping others enter the trade.” 

Legrand has been around for more than a century. In North and Central America, the company has grown to nearly $4B with over 9,200 employees locally and around the world, and it is the largest division of Legrand globally. The company seeks to transform the spaces where people live, work, and meet with electrical and digital infrastructures and connected solutions that deliver and control power, light, and data to customers worldwide. 

 Since its founding, Legrand has been in the building-transformation business through electrical wiring devices, building controls, and more recently through audio/video, data centers, and lighting. Legrand is pursuing a strategy of profitable and responsible growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offerings that include products with enhanced value in use (energy and digital transition solutions: datacenters, digital lifestyles and energy transition offerings). 

While proud of the products and services provided by his company, Steve is especially energized by its focus on maintaining industry strength through its corporate social responsibility efforts. 

“We actively support apprenticeship programs and advocate for workforce development through IEC and other industry groups,” Steve explains. “Beyond recruiting electricians, we promote career paths throughout the industry to help address workforce challenges. We also engage with universities to find talent and programs that create opportunities for military veterans, ensuring a strong future for the trade and the industry.” 

IEC’s Award  

The IEC Industry Impact Award celebrates an individual who has been deeply engaged in the industry and has actively participated in various initiatives within the IEC community. Their passion for the merit-shop philosophy is evident in their relentless efforts to propel the industry forward and uphold its core values. 

“Legrand’s involvement with IEC began before my tenure, initially as a marketing partnership and expo participation,” Steve offers. “However, I recognized that true impact comes from active service.” 

Steve says Legrand has contributed to the IEC Apprenticeship Program through curriculum development, code cycle reviews, and donating materials for hands-on training and competitions. He also delivers presentations to students and serves on both National and Chapter committees, helping to further IEC’s mission. 

“I currently serve on three National Committees — Event Planning, Professional Development, and Finance — while my colleagues and I continue to contribute to chapter committees, activities, and boards,” Steve says. “In addition, beyond the expo, we provide speakers, engage directly with chapters, participate in SPARK and Business Summit, and utilize IEC contractors for vital voice of the customer research — deepening relationships and reinforcing Legrand’s commitment as a true IEC partner, staked to your success.” 

Those with whom Steve interacts benefit greatly from his commitment. IEC Rocky Mountain Executive Director Marilyn Akers Stansbury is one of those beneficiaries. She nominated him for the IEC award in hopes of his receiving much-deserved recognition for his ongoing efforts. 

“Steve regularly visits contractors, chapters, and the agencies and distributors representing Legrand’s product lines,” Marilyn said in the award application. “He is a thought leader who others look to for advice and insight on innovative products and industry trends. He cares deeply about ensuring that contractors have the knowledge, information, and resources they need to be successful and he carries that same passion and support forward to helping chapters with access to informational resources and product donations that support lab development. Steve always has the pulse on what is happening in the industry and advocates for contractors, apprentices, and chapters at every opportunity. 

“Steve’s excitement about growth, new developments and the evolution of the industry is positively infectious; he is always entertaining and always engaging,” she continued. “His passion for the merit shop philosophy is evident, and more importantly, his passion for the success of IEC contractors is clear. He invests a great deal of time ensuring that contractors are aware of innovations, products, and services that will help their business grow and succeed.”  

Steve is honored to be recognized by his community and is quick to share the spotlight with his colleagues. 

“At Legrand, our growth through acquisitions, innovation, and industry initiatives connects us with diverse stakeholders, allowing me to share insights on trends, opportunities, and challenges,” Steve says. “While I’m proud to serve as the link between Legrand and IEC, our impact is truly a team effort.” 

Family Man with Sports Car 

Lest one think he is only about the job, Insights asked Steve what he enjoys doing when not involved with work or IEC. 

“I enjoy spending time with my wife, grown kids, and our 5-year-old granddaughter, traveling, working on projects around the house and yard, and indulging my passion for motorsports — especially working on and touring in my ‘78 MGB. Fishing and sometimes just doing nothing also make the list!” 

Reap the Benefits of IEC Membership 

Steve would encourage any electrical contractor or partner to join now. 

“It’s worth it!” he says. “There are many tangible benefits to being part of an IEC Chapter and engaging with IEC National. If your market has a chapter, get involved. If not, consider starting one with like-minded peers. The best advice I can give about IEC involvement is that membership alone isn’t enough — you must participate. Attend meetings, network with members and staff, and most importantly, serve. Contributing to IEC’s mission strengthens you, your business and the industry.”