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Mark Koehler

Mark Koehler had the electrical business in his blood. His father, Louis, was the “Koehler” in Burdette, Koehler & Murphy (BKM), one of the top engineering firms in Baltimore. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in business, and it was there that he met former One Source president, Jack Floyd, who convinced Mark to join the company (then Downie, Turner & Buress), to work in inside sales. Mark moved into outside sales in the mid-1980’s, calling on electrical engineers, contractors and distributors, and specializing in lighting. When DT&B obtained representation of Lutron he focused much of his time on controls systems, and earned Lutron’s expert certification of “Super Rep.”

Mark met his wife Mary Katherine (daughter of DT&B president Carroll Buress) one summer when she came to work at DT&B, and Mark became an owner in the company (and subsequently of One Source Associates) when Carol retired. Mark served One Source as Vice President of Controls, and brought many of the most complicated controls systems projects sold in the territory to successful completion. Over the years Mark became a specialist in contractor sales, and is one of One Source’s historically best salespeople. In recent years Mark has prepared the company for his eventual retirement by imparting his wisdom to others in the organization, selflessly strengthening us for future success. It is a matter of company history that Mark, not usually one to enjoy long meetings, one day during a particularly protracted discussion over what the merging companies of DT&B and Maryland Lighting should be named, roused himself from a near slumber and said quite simply, “Why don’t we just call it One Source?” So we did.

Clarke Utermohle

Clarke Utermohle joined Downie, Turner & Burress (DT&B) in 1984 as an outside salesperson. He continued in that role for several years before leaving to further his career as a direct sales employee for Hubbell Wiring Devices in 1988. Clarke was our competitor there for several years and eventually went to work for Lightolier. He returned home to One Source Associates in 2010, calling on key electrical distributor and contractor customers and closing some of the largest orders in the company’s history.

Clarke’s has been a steady presence with customers and in our office, always reminding us through his actions that it’s possible to be very passionate while remaining respectful and professional at the same time. His experience working in different aspects of the electrical business made him a particularly effective problem solver who knew how to “get things done.” Throughout his working years he has remained active as a musician, and plans to spend some of his retirement time furthering his expertise in this regard.

We will miss Mark’s competence, wisdom and wit, and Clarke’s professionalism and unflappably calm demeanor, and we thank them both for so many wonderful years.