Episode 478: #384 - The Blend and the Dance

Leon and Brenda tell you how it’s done! Two years ago, FSG acquired West-Lite Supply Company in California and they’ll tell you in this podcast, that it was a complete success. Brenda stayed on with FSG to become VP of California Sales and no one lost their job. In fact, Leon always looks forward, in an acquisition scenario, to finding a gem among the new employees. Leon has been in the lighting industry for over 24 years. Leon entered the industry out of college, joining his family's New Jersey based lighting distributorship, which specialized in lighting supply sales to end users. This company was one of the early adopters of promoting energy conservation programs offerred by utilities in the Northeast. Upon joining FSG in 2007, Leon became one of the National Account Representatives handling multi-site national accounts. In 2012, Leon led the acquisition of Summit Lighting, a Manhattan-based commercial lighting distributor servicing the construction industry. After the acquisition, Leon become the Market Director of this FSG branch, located in the heart of Manhattan. He currently oversees this New York City operation, while concentrating on providing National Accounts with all of the services of FSG including lighting, electrical, signage, technology, and energy solutions. In 2022, after overseeing the NYC operations, Leon became the Chief Operating Officer - Distribution, overseeing the lighting business for FSG nationally. Brenda is one of the VP's of Sales at Facility Solutions Group, assisting in California sales and new business development for one of the leading providers of lighting, electrical, and energy solutions in the US. She has more than 40 years of experience in the lighting industry, having served as the President of West-Lite Supply Company., Inc. for 7 years, and previously in sales and marketing, helping to grow a local California business to a regional leader in lighting distribution and marketing. Her mission is to help customers achieve their lighting goals, whether it is to reduce energy costs, improve aesthetics, enhance safety, or comply with environmental standards. Brenda has extensive knowledge and expertise in energy saving lighting solutions, and has worked with utilities and end users to secure rebates and incentives for implementing green lighting practices. She is passionate about delivering quality service and value to clients and partners, and is always looking for new opportunities and challenges in the lighting industry.