H1 - Display Heading/H1
H1 - Display Heading/H1 SemiBold
H2 - Display Heading/H2
H2 - Display Heading/H2 Bold
H3 - Heading/H3
H3 - Heading/H3 Medium
H3 - Heading/H3 Bold
H4 - Heading/H4
H4 - Heading/H4 Medium
H4 - Heading/H4 Bold
Body/XLarge
Body Large
Body Small – Strikethrough
Body Small – Bold
XXSmall
XXSmall – Medium
XXSmall – SemiBold
Top Categories
Top Categories
Banner with title + nav
Diversity
Text callout + IMG
Our Objective is to Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030
Title banner
Embracing diversity and committed to inclusive culture.
Content banner + icon - white
Empowering change through our purpose
At Border States, our employee-owners come from diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our unique company. Together, we’re not just addressing diversity; we’re cultivating a culture that celebrates individuality, ensures every voice is heard and provides equal opportunities for all. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives extend beyond our employee-owners to our customers and the communities we serve.
Content banner + icon - grey
Our commitment to an inclusive culture
At Border States, our employee-owners come from diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our unique company. Together, we’re not just addressing diversity; we’re cultivating a culture that celebrates individuality, ensures every voice is heard and provides equal opportunities for all. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives extend beyond our employee-owners to our customers and the communities we serve.
Content banner + cta
Join our company, where every voice matters
Discover a career at Border States and join a team where your unique talents are valued and celebrated and diversity and inclusion drive creativity, innovation and fast problem-solving.
Demo location
Birmingham, Alabama
North Alabama Wire Warehouse
Post loop carousel
1952
- Milestone
Jim Stolee and James (Buff) Thompson each borrow $5,000 and start the Thompson-Stolee Co. from their respective homes in Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota, focusing on utility customers. All material is sold directly.
1953
- Milestone
The company enters the construction market, with the addition of General Electric Supply Company as a vendor, providing access to wire, conduit and electrical contractor supplies. Annual sales reach $219,800. Two owners remain with no branch locations.
1956
- Branch Opening
Thompson-Stolee Co. moves to a facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota, establishing our first branch location. They hire the first full-time employee, Roy Davidson.
1958
- Milestone
Harold Madson joins the business, and Thompson-Stolee Co. is incorporated. Buff Thompson is named President, Jim Stolee serves as Secretary/Treasurer and Harold Madson serves as Vice President.
1959
- Milestone
With one branch in operation, annual sales top $1 million.
Alternating IMG + content Banner
We believe unstoppable businesses shouldn’t go it alone
You provide the world with what it needs when it needs it. At Border States, we believe unstoppable businesses like yours shouldn’t go it alone. For more than 70 years, we’ve been a force of reliability, accountability and expertise for construction, industrial and utility companies that can’t afford to slow down.
We don’t just deliver products — we solve problems, build lasting relationships and contribute to the communities that support us. Whether it’s the first hour of your project or its eleventh, we stand alongside you and do what it takes to get the job done.
Our guiding principle: Together, we thrive
A simple but powerful belief runs through everything we do: Businesses whose work never ceases shouldn’t have to navigate their journey alone. We are owners — of relationships, of outcomes, of every moment unstoppable businesses need to deliver.
Border States is one of the largest 100% employee-owned companies in the United States with dedicated owners invested in your success. We’re committed to delivering exceptional service, building robust business relationships with our vendors and giving back to the communities where we work and live.
Single IMG + Content Banner
Own your future with Border States
At Border States, we’re not just colleagues; we’re a team of employee-owners across the United States. Joining us is more than a job — it’s a chance to empower your career. As an employee-owner, your growth is our priority because your success is our success. Together, we take pride in driving our company to new heights.
Grey banner content + icons
We treat your business as our own
Accountability
We are the employee-owners you can rely on in your unstoppable world.
Your success is our success, and we don’t rest until you — and your customers — are taken care of.
Tabbed content
Aclara
Eaton
eSmart Systems
Itron
Landis+Gyr
For more than 125 years, Landis+Gyr has been an industry leader in energy management solutions. Using their advanced metering infrastructure and other cutting-edge Smart Grid technologies, Landis+Gyr have helped utility companies all over the globe improve their operations, protect their assets, lower their operating costs and provide better customer service. With a focus on quality, reliability and innovation, Landis+Gyr’s portfolio of products and services can help you do the same and modernize your Smart Grid for the future.
Pacific Volt
PTI
Rycom Instruments,® Inc.
Schneider Electric
Sharper Shape
SkySkopes
Tantalus
Von Corporation
