Over 35 years in the lighting industry, our CEO and Co-Founder has been through some highs and lows.. and is still here to tell the tale. Today we ask him a few probing questions..
Why did you choose a career in lighting?
I didn’t, next question…
In actual fact, it chose me, I always enjoyed sales having held a few internal and external sales roles in my early years. Then I noticed an advert in the Chester Chronicle for a sales representative for North Wales with Thorn EMI Lighting (as it was then called).
I applied immediately, was then called for an interview in Clayton Manchester and following this received a letter stating that I had been unsuccessful in my application. I recall feeling gutted as I really wanted this job. It sounded so interesting, a new market in lighting.
A few days passed and I received another letter asking me to get in contact, this I did and was asked if I would consider a similar role covering Liverpool.
I jumped at the chance and attended another interview. Why not? The money was better and they offered a company car, what was not to like?
I started and loved it, learning all about a brand new subject that impacts daily lives and work, in fact lighting affects everyone all the time. I was hooked.
I then held various positions in different lighting companies, even working for an emergency lighting company as they offered a Vauxhall Carlton as a company car and a few extra pounds in the bank.
I also held various managerial positions within different lighting-associated markets, Lighting Workshop (part of Courtney Pope) covering high street retailers. Lighting Up, selling to Hoteliers. Then another twist of fate was presented, a lighting transformer company Intram Barwell selling low voltage transformers to lighting specifiers, designers and electrical wholesalers in the North of England.
Two successful years and promotion UK distribution manager, UK Sales Manager then UK Sales Director, International Sales Director. By now I had been instrumental in changing this sleepy transformer company into a hungry growing lighting business offering LV down lights and energy saving CFL products via specification, distribution and OEM under own brands for national wholesalers, Newlec, Stratus, ALTO, TEC etc.
I grew the business from £2.4m to >£16.5m and was back doing what I loved talking about all technical things lighting. I was then head hunted to lead up a failing UK subsidiary for an emergency lighting business and took on the challenge. Little did I know how much I loved lighting until I wasn’t talking about it.
The year now 2001 I decided enough was enough, with my experience across all market sectors It was time to go it alone. Flairlight was born and I was back in my comfort zone.
Where did the name come from?
Jayne, my long-suffering wife came up with the name, I wanted MDE lighting (my initials). She suggested Flair as in design flair, it seemed a natural progression to Flairlight. I wanted FLD for Flairlight Design, we opted to keep it as Flairlight and there it was.
Where does the passion come from?
I don’t know, I just love what I do, what I’ve learned and so want to share it.
What is your greatest achievement?
Excluding meeting and marrying Jayne and bringing two amazing children into the world, who never cease to amaze me and make me proud it has to be working for myself for 22 years. That has gone so quickly.
How is your health?
Working flat out all of my life has taken its toll, that’s for sure. I suffer with sleep apnea, Diabetes Type 2, high cholesterol and mental health issues. I was diagnosed with severe depression back in 2006, however I lived with this condition for about 10 years prior to the diagnosis. It was never discussed or mentioned as these things were seen as negative to your career. I now say I had depression before it became popular.
What’s next?
I would like to pass on my knowledge and share my experiences on forums and lighting panels. Possibly in a judging capacity.
I would like to think that Flairlight can continue to grow and play a significant part in the lighting community long after we have retired, this is now my aim for the future.
Drop Mike a line if you fancy a chat about your project. He would love to hear from you.
