Page 48 - Lighting Magazine September 2018

ALA Committed to Excellence
top: The product line has changed a lot over the years. Shown here is the recent Tempest pendant by Stonegate.
bottom: The designs in the Stonegate by AFX line are manufactured in America.
Today, AFX products are used in a range of applications from commercial buildings, hotels, and restaurants, to multi-family, assisted-living, and single-family residences. The majority of sales is to trade customers, and to show its loyalty to that segment, AFX creates designs that are more commodity-driven with fewer features and a lower price point for the e-tail market.
PeoPLe Make the Difference
Product quality isn’t the only reason AFX has endured through the decades; it also comes down to relationships, starting with the em- ployees. The amount of loyal employees is a re ection of Solomon’s style of leadership. Sev- eral years ago, when AFX formed its “20-Year Club,” there were already 28 members with two decades of service at the company.
“We have a very close-knit team and we treat them right,” Solomon states. “If employees have personal issues or di culties, we try to work with them and help them through. We want to see them succeed and feel their best.”
That commitment to innovative, quality products remains evident, even a er all these years. “I really enjoy the product design and development process,” Solomon recounts. “The landscape is constantly changing and challenging, and it is very exciting to see new and di erent designs take shape. And, of course, seeing our customers’ reactions is so rewarding.”
Solomon emphasizes the important e ect that relationship-building has had on the busi- ness. In this era of digital communications, however, maintaining that commitment to doing business with a personal touch can be challenging.
“My biggest piece of advice for young people is to engage in face-to-face time with custom- ers,” he comments. “As tempting and convenient as [digital methods] might be, personal com- munication will continue to be a major factor in doing business. Ge ing to know your custom- ers and building relationships will always bring value. You’ve got to know what they want so you can provide it to them. When you combine that with providing the highest quality of prod- ucts that exceed customers’ expectations, it’s a powerful recipe for success.” 
46 enLIGHTenment Magazine | SepteMber 2018
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