Her Story
About Colleen
Colleen Goldsborough is an Industry Sales Manager at United Electric Supply in New Castle, Delaware, specializing in electrical distribution, industrial sales, automation, and technical customer solutions. She joined United Electric Supply in 2012 and has built her career within the organization, progressing through a comprehensive training program that exposed her to warehouse operations, counter sales, inside sales, outside sales, and technical sales before advancing into management. In her current role, she leads the industrial sales team and supports customers across end-user, OEM, machine panel builder, manufacturing, educational, and healthcare markets. Goldsborough holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware, with minors in Bioelectrical Engineering and Mathematics. Her technical education has been complemented by professional sales and business training, including the Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) credential and completion of the International Society of Automation's ISA Business Academy, a 10-week mini-MBA program focused on business strategy, finance, people management, and leadership development. Her professional accomplishments include being named United Electric Supply's Service Salesperson of the Year in 2015. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Goldsborough is actively involved in professional and community organizations. She serves on the Executive Board of the International Society of Automation and is involved with Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm, where she has volunteered as a shepherd caring for sheep and also serves on the organization's Board. She attributes her success to long-term commitment, teamwork, accountability, strong leadership, mentorship, and taking ownership of her work. Her approach to leadership emphasizes integrity, professionalism, respect, self-confidence, continuous learning, and creating an environment where people are encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Colleen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my long-term commitment to the same company and the opportunity to grow within an ESOP organization. Staying with the company for many years has allowed me to continually learn, take on new responsibilities, and progress from technical and sales roles into management. I also credit the strong culture of teamwork and accountability, along with the support of great leaders, colleagues, and mentors who have helped me throughout my career. I approach the business as though it were my own, taking ownership of my responsibilities and being committed to the success of the team and the organization.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to trust myself, speak up, and ask questions. I believe it is important not to be afraid of asking questions or admitting when I do not know something. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and they provide opportunities to grow, improve, and become more capable professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the electrical and industrial field is to believe in themselves, follow up, and never be afraid to show up and make their presence known. This remains a male-dominated industry, but I encourage women to embrace that challenge, demonstrate their capabilities, and maintain their professionalism and integrity. There are more women entering the field, and I believe that creates exciting opportunities for the next generation. It is important to find an organization whose values align with your own and to contribute to a workplace where diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect are valued.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The electrical distribution and industrial sales field continues to present opportunities for growth and market expansion, particularly as businesses adopt new technologies and automation solutions. One of my current goals is to grow our market share in Maryland and strengthen our presence in that region. As the industry evolves, professionals also have opportunities to expand their technical knowledge, develop stronger customer relationships, and help customers find solutions to increasingly complex electrical and automation needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, professionalism, and respect are extremely important to me. I believe in being truthful to myself, maintaining strong and respectful relationships, and ensuring that my personal values align with the values of the company I represent. I also value diversity and inclusion and believe that strong teams are built when people respect one another, communicate openly, and work together toward shared goals.
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