enLIGHTenment Magazine is proud to present the recipients of our annual awards series honoring those individuals in our industry who have been nominated by their peers for leading by example, standing out in their field, and inspiring others.
How did you enter the lighting industry?
I happened to be sitting next to an employee of a light bulb company on a flight and two months later, I was working for that same light bulb company. Fate definitely played its part in my career in lighting!
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen?
The rapid pace that technology is moving at and how it can be integrated into products such as ceiling fans. Plus the shift from incandescent, CFL, and halogen lamp types to LED.
What do you think has been the key to your success?
I was fortunate to have amazing mentors early in my career who taught me the critical elements of sales, how to be successful at building relationships, and the importance of teamwork. The relationships that I have established, and the people that surround me daily, are the biggest contributors to my individual success.
Watching my mentors successfully work their way through challenges and obstacles such as migrating to a new ERP system or maneuvering through bureaucratic layers/red tape within a large corporation, showed me that if you truly believe in what you are trying to accomplish that you can make it happen. I believe in what I am trying to achieve personally, but more importantly, I have always believed in the companies and products that I have represented in my career.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started out?
I am sure some would answer this differently, but I am glad I went in to the industry with a willingness to learn — and at a young age. If I knew too much at that point, I may not have entered into the industry!
Where you envision yourself or your career in the next 5 to 10 years?
In five years, I will be celebrating my 10th year with Fanimation. I am fortunate to call this company “home” and to be a part of an unbelievable “family.”
