RENO COUNTY, Kan. — For more than seven decades, Sunflower Electric Supply has been a pillar of Reno County’s business community, evolving to meet the changing needs of electricians, contractors, and industries. The company’s roots trace back to 1950, when Edward Engler, a local accountant, recognized a major gap in the electrical trade. At the time, electricians in Hutchinson didn’t have a dedicated electrical distributor, which made sourcing supplies a challenge. Engler stepped up to meet that need, opening a store to provide the specialized materials electricians required. Since then, the business has continued to grow, evolve, and adapt, moving locations several times before settling into its current home at 100 W. 2nd in 1981.
For much of its history, Sunflower Electric focused on residential and light commercial work, even operating a showroom where customers could pick out lighting fixtures. But as big-box stores began dominating the home improvement market, the company made a strategic shift toward industrial supply, now serving electricians who work in power plants, gas plants, and other large-scale facilities. Today, Sunflower Electric stocks hard-to-find, hazardous-type fittings and industrial electrical components, ensuring that customers can get what they need quickly and efficiently—often faster than online suppliers. Unlike competitors with out-of-state headquarters, Sunflower Electric keeps decision-makers right here in Hutchinson, giving customers immediate answers and solutions without corporate red tape.
One of Sunflower Electric’s greatest strengths is its people. The company operates on a culture of trust, hard work, and longevity, with an average employee tenure of 20 years. In fact, every single employee has been with the company for at least five years, with many having started straight out of high school. Owner Phil Miller, the third generation in the family business, has been there for 50 years himself. Employees enjoy benefits like 401(k), health insurance, paid vacations, and a strong work-life balance—no nights, no weekends, and a schedule that aligns with the electricians they serve.
Beyond business, community involvement is at the heart of Sunflower Electric’s success. The company supports United Way, the Hutchinson Community Foundation, local high school athletics, Hutch Fest, and other community events. Phil himself has dedicated years to coaching youth basketball, first with his son in the 1980s and now with his grandsons’ 6th and 8th-grade teams. Employees are encouraged to give back, and they’re granted time off to volunteer, donate blood, or participate in other community initiatives.
Today, Sunflower Electric is proud to be a multi-generational family business, with Phil’s children, Bryce and Staci, representing the fourth generation. Phil views himself not as the owner, but as a caretaker, preserving what his grandfather built and ensuring its continued success. As they look to the future, Sunflower Electric remains committed to innovation, expansion, and maintaining the values that have made them a trusted name for more than 70 years. Their advice to other small business owners? Stay relevant, hire the right people, pay them well, and always offer something more than the competition.
Congratulations to Sunflower Electric Supply—a shining example of small business excellence in Reno County!
