David Weisberg, the founder of Affiliated Distributors, died at his home in Philadelphia on Nov. 22.  He was 89 years old.

Weisberg was an icon in the electrical industry, and worked tirelessly to support the partnership between manufacturer’s and independent distribution. He described his guiding principle in the formation of Affiliated Distributors as being to “promote a more productive partnership between distributors and manufacturers; a partnership that would offer substance and value where both parties would benefit.”

After serving in the military, Weisberg graduated Temple University with a degree in marketing. He began his career as a sales rep for Graybar Electric and later joined Progress Lighting where he rose to become company president.

In 1981, at age 55, he left Progress to follow a passion to help independent, family-owned electrical distributors run their business more profitably and professionally.  Weisberg started AD with 48 founding electrical distributors and served as its chairman and CEO until his retirement in 1991.

Today, AD has grown to more than 570 members, spanning seven industries, three countries, and with collective annual sales of over $31 billion.