About Gross Electric

Gross Electric is a family-owned and locally operated business, proudly serving the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan communities for over 110 years.

Our Story

Gross Electric, Inc. is the oldest independent, family owned lighting store in the area. For over 100 years, we have been providing lighting and electrical products to the commercial, institutional, and residential markets. With over 175 combined years of experience in the industry, the expertise of our electrical supplies sales staff is unparalleled. All of our lighting showroom salespeople are lighting experts who have been trained by the American Lighting Association. We have the most experienced lighting designers in the area, many with over 25 years in the business.

Company History

Founding

Gross Electric is founded by George J. (Joe) Gross when he takes over a branch store of Peerless Light Co. in Toledo, Ohio. In addition to lamps and lighting fixtures, the company sells radios, mixers, toasters, and other small appliances.

Summit Street Move

Gross Electric moves into a store on Summit Street in downtown Toledo.

Incorporation

Gross Electric is incorporated.

Product Offering Expansion

Gross Electric expands its showroom products to include televisions and large appliances, and establishes a separate wholesale electrical supply division.

Richard Gross Assumes Presidency

Richard Gross assumes the presidency upon the death of his father.

Gross Electric Stops Selling Appliances

Gross Electric stops selling appliances to focus on lighting and electrical products for residential, commercial, and industrial markets.

Ann Arbor Store Opens

The company's Ann Arbor store opens.

Current Toledo Location Opens

The showroom and supply counter open at the company's current location on Reynolds Road in Toledo.

Warehouse Addition & ERC Expansion

A warehouse is added and the Electrical Remodeling Center (ERC) is expanded at the Reynolds Road location.

Northwood Store Opens

The Northwood store opens on Woodville Road.

Ann Arbor Store Moves to Current Location

The company moves the Ann Arbor store to its current location on South Industrial Highway

Laurie Gross Becomes President

Richard's daughter, Laurie Gross, becomes president of Gross Electric.

Joe Gross Becomes Vice President

Richard's son, Joe Gross, assumes the position of vice president.

Gross Electric Celebrates 100 Years

Gross Electric celebrates 100 years in business.

Gross Electric Partners with Buehler

Gross Electric partners with Buehler Decorative Hardware to bring door and cabinet hardware into its product offerings.

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Community Support

We would like to thank you for your gift for the Big League Sponsorship for the Helping Hens Fund at the Toledo Community Foundation. Your gift, along with those of other community-minded individuals, will help the Toledo Community Foundation in its mission to improve the quality of life in the region, now and in future years.

Keith Burwell

President of Toledo Community Foundation

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio and the children who are at risk in our community, we sincerely thank you for donating 30 Toledo Walleye Hockey tickets for the 2016 season for the children we serve. It is community businesses, such as Gross Electric, who make it possible for us to provide the highest quality of services to the children in our community.

Johnny Mickler

President/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio

Thank you for choosing to support Bethany House’s efforts at your special event! Your contribution and all your hard work is so appreciated and really makes a difference for the families we serve!

Deidra Lashley MPH, LSW

Executive Director of Bethany House

Thank you so much for supporting Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley at our Bid to Build: Annual Gala & Auction! We love Gross Electric!

Carmen

Event Organizer at Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley