Lee Trawick
reporter2@riverbendnews.org
Certified Plumbing and Electric (CPE) opened in 1980 and was locally owned by Don and Glenda Edwards. For over 30 years, CPE provided all plumbing and electrical supplies in Suwannee County and the surrounding area. In 2017, the Edwardses decided to retire and sold their business to Wayne Gudy and Winsupply.
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Gudy moved to Suwannee County in 1985 with his family. He graduated from Suwannee High School three years later and began working at CPE in 1990. In addition to his job with CPE, Gudy also worked at Roadway Express. However, he eventually focused solely on his career with CPE.
When the Edwardses retired in 2017, Gudy saw the opportunity to buy their business under the corporate Winsupply, a leading supplier of residential and commercial construction and industrial supplies. Together, Gudy and Winsupply share the same vision of striving to provide their customers with the best products available; therefore, the perfect partnership was formed.
Gudy has been in the residential, commercial and industrial supply business for over 23 years. As such, he has gained valuable knowledge and confidence in his store and products. He has also gained a reputation for valuing his customers, going so far as remembering their names. If he can't answer your questions, he can point you in the direction of one of his team members who can.
However, while Gudy is the owner, he is not the face of the business. That title belongs to a smaller, more furry-faced individual. Cecil the cat has become the unofficial mascot of Winsupply; while many people stop by for supplies, equally as many stop by to see Cecil.
A stray cat that Gudy rescued from the intersection of Highway 90 and Voyles Street, Cecil had many health issues as a kitten. When he was found, he had ringworms, along with respiratory and eye problems. Unable to abandon the little guy, Gudy took Cecil to the vet to get him cleaned up and returned to health.
Today, Cecil is almost 2- years-old, and has become the unofficial ambassador of Winsupply. He is one of the business' hardest working employees, roaming the store and assisting everyone who visits. While he has yet to learn how to work the cash register or gather supplies, he has a knack for listening to customers' issues.
Based out of Dayton, Ohio, Winsupply has been in business since 1956. It allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their businesses with the committed support and services needed to succeed. With more than 660 local companies across the United States, Winsupply "believes in a shared dream, fueled by hard-working people who lift each other up and create stronger communities."
Gudy's location can be found at 1725 Voyles St., in Live Oak, on two and a half acres of land. They offer professional-grade supplies for all electrical and plumbing needs, HVAC components and Mobile home setups, including power poles and fire protection components such as sprinkler heads and valves, and all the fittings.
Winsupply has an entire staff of knowledgeable employees willing to help with anything a customer needs. When there's an obstacle you need to overcome, stop by Winsupply. Their knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist customers with anything they need and will help put your mind at ease. While you're there, say "hi" to Cecil!