An Interview with Pam Stevenson, Director of Equipment Operations at TDS Equipment
With rising equipment costs, tighter project timelines, and increasing compliance demands, electrical teams are seeking smarter ways to access the necessary equipment without compromising quality or exceeding their budget.
That’s why more professionals are turning to third-party equipment sourcing partners like TDS Equipment. Pam Stevenson, Director of Equipment Operations, explains how this shift is benefiting field teams and facility managers across the country.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you help your customers solve?
Pam: It comes down to keeping jobs on time and on budget. If a relay test set or hipot fails on-site, the clock starts ticking — and delays can get expensive fast. We step in with calibrated, reliable replacements, shipped immediately. Customers know that when they come to us, the gear will work the first time, every time.
Q: Most people might think of TDS Equipment as a rental company. What else do you offer?
Pam: Rentals are just one part of it. We also sell new and refurbished test equipment, provide full-service NIST-traceable calibration, and perform repairs. From megohmmeters and cable fault locators to temperature calibrators and IR cameras, we cover almost every category of test, measurement, and safety equipment.
Q: Why are more electrical professionals turning to third-party providers like TDS Equipment?
Pam: Because it’s smart business. Managing and maintaining a fleet of specialty test gear is expensive. With third-party sourcing, you only pay for what you need, when you need it. That’s a very cost-effective way to stay equipped with high-quality, job-ready gear, without tying up your capital. Plus, you’re not worrying about calibration schedules or repair logistics. We handle all that for you.
Q: What makes your team and services stand out?
Pam: First, the depth of our inventory. Then there’s our turnaround time — we move fast. But most of all, our people are experts. When a customer calls, they’re not just talking to a sales rep; they’re talking to someone who understands field conditions and can recommend the right tool for the job. And every item we ship is fully inspected and calibrated.
Q: Are there any trends you’re seeing right now in the industry?
Pam: Definitely. More teams are moving away from owning everything outright. Instead, they’re relying on trusted partners to supply calibrated, certified gear when and where it’s needed. Documentation requirements are also increasing; customers want every piece of equipment to come with calibration records and traceability. We’re already built to meet that standard.
Q: Any client stories that highlight how your team operates?
Pam: One utility called us in a panic when an unplanned outage hit over the weekend. We pulled the necessary equipment from our shelves, calibrated it, and shipped it the same day. By Monday morning, they were back online. That kind of service — and speed — is hard to find unless you have a third-party partner you can trust.
Q: What should new customers know about working with TDS Equipment as a third-party electrical testing equipment provider??
Pam: With TDS Equipment, the answer is always yes! We are the only vendor you need to call for all of your electrical testing equipment needs. We make it easy and economical. One PO can cover equipment from multiple manufacturers, and we offer competitive pricing and volume discounts. You get access to expertly maintained equipment, reliable turnaround, and responsive support. TDS Equipment is more than a supplier; we’re a strategic partner for companies that depend on precision, performance, and safety.
For more, visit www.tds-equipment.com
