Troy Electric takes the next step in its evolution by successfully tackling the online world of ecommerce.

“We’re the only service company in Canada providing replacement parts online,” said Dave Clark, part owner and president of Troy Online Sales.

A primary supplier and service providerto the commercial and marine, trade and institutional community of Vancouver Island since 1973, Troy Electric specializes in supply and servicing of power generation equipment, electric motor, power transmission devices and all forms of pump equipment. Troy Electric works with the Department of Defense, BC Ferries, Canadian Coast Guard, Vancouver Island Health Board, and large and small contracting companies.

Created by Reg Nordby, the company has earned a strong reputation in the marine world, not just for customer service but for expertise and extensive knowledge Reg has accrued over the years.

“He’s been sent several times to South America because of his background and abilities.”

Clark, who joined the team three and a half years ago, after moving to Victoria from Edmonton, has a 17-year background in software development in the oil and gas industry.

“Reg created quite the momentum supplying parts to his customers. With my software experience it was a natural move to partner with him and add online services.”

The process however, wasn’t straightforward.

“Troy carries more than 35,000 parts,” Clark said. “Most of those fit specific brands and types of power tools like: Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee and more.”

Getting each of the parts, from the smallest spring to the top of the line high performance motor in an easily accessed and searchable database, by model number and part, with pictures of each item, took time and resources.

“We had a lot of help from our outsource-partners in the Philippines and India,” Clark said. “It took hard work and extreme attention to detail. When we went live, we were surprised that our first sale came from Italy. Since then we’ve shipped all over the world.”

Clark emphasized that the key to success in e-commerce is setting up the system right and backing it with integrity, value and consistency.

“You can have a vision for selling product online, but if the database isn’t easy to use, and you can’t find the product you need, you’ll lose the customer.”

The business has little competition said Clark, with none in Canada and only a small handful of companies in the States offering anything similar.

He said that, the company has viewed success for its online sales platform the same way it has for Troy Electric; analyzing every point, testing and proving each point of connection with the buyers and most importantly, listening to what its customers want and need.

“We strive to learn from our customers,” said Clark. “We listen to each point they make and see those ideas as valid suggestions to improve efficiencies.”

Nordby, whose level of integrity, according to Clark, is among the best of met in my 35 years of industry, started the business right out of high school with a passion for boats, and a talent for looking at repair challenges from all angles and finding the right solution. Today, the company employs twelve service, sales and technicians for: Tool Repair & Parts, Motor Sales & Service, Welder Repair, and the marine industry.

“Many of Reg’s employees have been with the company for twenty plus years,” said Clark. “It’s a real testament to who he is and how supportive he is of his workers.”

For Clark, who was just looking for employment in his new city, landing this job, working beside Nordby, seeing an opportunity and being encouraged in the genesis and formation of a new company spin off, has been gratifying and very rewarding.

Troy Electric is at 3131 Delta Street in Victoria