our history

A Legacy of light and partnership

Mercer Zimmerman has been a trusted name in the lighting industry for over 80 years, building lasting relationships with customers across the specification community, electrical contractors, and beyond. Our team is made up of experienced sales, quotation, and customer service professionals—individuals who bring both expertise and dedication to every interaction.

At Mercer Zimmerman, we place a strong emphasis on family and culture. We believe that a collaborative environment—where talented people genuinely enjoy their work—creates the foundation for exceptional service. Because the best results start with the people behind them.
Walter and Gladys Zimmerman

1947

Walter and Gladys Zimmerman founded the Walter Zimmerman Company working from their home on Murdock Street in Wichita, Kansas. Walter started out representing timers and electrical devices, and gradually grew his business.

1955

Walter hired Rich Mercer, his son-in-law, just out of the U.S. Army.

Rich Mercer
Walter & Gladys at Trade Show

1958

The Walter Zimmerman Company started representing their first lighting companies, Keystone and EJS Lighting.

1968

Continuing to grow, we added Marco & Devine Lighting to our line card in 1963 followed by Revere Electric and H.E. Williams in 1968.

John Williams
MZ Original Logo

1969

The company incorporated in 1969 and officially changed the name to Mercer-Zimmerman, Inc.

1975

Walter passed away in 1975 and Rich became president of the company. Subsequently, the headquarters were moved to the Hoel Parkway office.

Jay, Tom, Rich, & Mary Alice Standing Outside Hoel Prkwy office
MZ Staff outside Barton office

1998

Rich and his wife Helen moved the company from their Hoel Parkway office to a 5,800 square foot office building in Overland Park, Kansas with branch offices in Topeka, Wichita, and Springfield.

2003

Tom Eads and Shon Yust become full owners of Mercer Zimmerman and purchase Coopersmith Lighting. The following year, Rich and Helen retire.

Rich and Helen Mercer Retirement
Tom_Shon_Rich

2005

President Tom Eads and Vice President Shon Yust continued to grow the company until Tom’s retirement in 2005, when Shon became the sole owner and President of Mercer-Zimmerman.

2011

As the industry shifted from fluorescent lighting to energy-efficient LED technology, Mercer Zimmerman solidified anchor partnerships with Cooper Lighting Solutions, H.E. Williams, and Legrand.

Mercer Zimmerman Represents Cooper Lighting
Corporate Headquarters

2018

Corporate headquarters is built in Overland Park, KS, just down the street from the previous building.

2021

Mercer Zimmerman acquires AES Lighting and expands market territories into Nebraska and Iowa.

2022

Acquires Lighting Specialist in Nebraska.

Untitled design (4)
Built (002)

2024

Launch Built Solutions, uniting teams across Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.

75 years in the making

This video highlights the journey of Mercer Zimmerman, from its early beginnings as a small, family-run business to a trusted lighting partner across the Midwest. Built on strong relationships, industry expertise, and a people-first culture, our story is one of steady growth, innovation, and dedication to those we serve.

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