In the past few months, Deco Lighting has welcomed Karen Long and Alana Mancao to the Deco Lighting Family. More specifically, they are joining Deco’s growing marketing team! Karen joins the team as a Junior Graphic Designer. She brings with her a wealth of expertise and experience in graphic design, print production, and UI design. Alana joins the marketing team as a Social Media and Marketing Coordinator. She brings her skills of copywriting, social media management, and analytics to the table. Both are relatively new to the lighting industry. However, their willingness to learn and passion to put out the best work will ultimately lead to their success within Deco.

New additions to Deco Lighting’s marketing team present an overall shift in marketing strategy for the LA-based Lighting manufacturer. Under the leadership of Fabian Lucero, Head of Marketing, the department is seeking to implement new marketing tactics. Some plans include improving social media presence, building and fostering an educational lighting community, streamlining web processes, and more. Deco is excited to host the fresh perspectives of this growing team. The company will surely benefit from the strengths that each member brings to the table.

There is no better way to introduce new members of the team than asking them to introduce themselves. Today we have interviewed Karen and Alana to get to know a little more about them. We are excited to hear about and the plans they have in store for Deco’s marketing ventures.

Welcome to the team!

Tell us about your background!

Karen: I’m a graduate from CSU Long Beach with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. I’ve been drawing all my life, hence the illustration degree. I’ve been interested in graphic design since I was 11 years old–the day I got Photoshop, actually. I always wanted to create album artwork for all the bands that I loved growing up. I’d also be drawing book and comic covers too. It was easy to realize that I loved being a consumer of all the art in the world. However, I also knew I wanted to create it to share with people as well! All it took was to finesse my art and design skills through high school and college, then a few extra graphic design classes after.

Alana: I graduated from CSU Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a minor in Gerontology (the study of aging). You’re probably wondering– why is a girl with a social work degree pursuing a marketing career? To put it simply; I discovered my passion for social media, marketing, and the digital space a little too late while in school. I was exposed to work in digital media and entertainment through my DJ side-gig. This inspired me to branch out of the healthcare sector. After graduation, I gained freelance experience in social media management. For the past six months, I was a Social Media Coordinator for an LA-based full-service creative agency.

What makes you passionate about your specific position?

Karen: I think I always just liked to design and draw. All my friends and family would encourage me a lot and I would like to make things that made me happy. This, in turn, would make them excited for when I got to create things. I love being able to get reactions from other people about my work because it incites emotions in them. I like knowing that I helped articulate the image or ideas in their heads to physical things, albeit some are pixels on a screen. It also helps to get messages across easier, creating guides and compiling information to be aesthetically pleasing as well as informative.

Alana: As a millennial, I grew up in the era of social media— maintaining both personal and professional connections through this avenue of communication. I respect the power of social media for how it bridges together people from different parts of the world. I admire how it helps maintains my connection with family and friends, brings awareness to social issues and keeps me up to date with popular culture. The lengths of what social media can accomplish run the gamut! I am excited to build a community that brings Deco’s mission and values to the front of the lighting industry.

Why did you choose to join Deco Lighting?

Karen: It felt more like Deco choosing me! They’re giving me the chance to grow and expand technical know-how, ranging from getting catalogs to print or designing a whole website. Joining the team was a no-brainer because of the amazing people I get to work with!

Alana: I chose to join Deco Lighting because of the amazing company culture and their willingness to help their employees grow in any way possible. This opportunity at Deco is helping me grow exponentially in an environment that is constructive and helpful.

What are your expectations and goals for 2019?

Karen: I definitely want to roll out as much marketing collateral for Deco as I possibly can. My focus is to make sure the whole Deco brand is cohesive all across the board while maintaining a clean and elegant look in everything that we put out there.

As for personal goals, I always say that I will draw more and that I will read more. I also want to say yes to more things!

Alana: My main focus is to solidify Deco’s social media presence by growing our following, increasing engagement, and optimizing our profiles. I hope that an increase in social media reach can result in a stronger community and new clients.

My personal goals include finding a new hobby and building stronger relationships with the people around me. Maybe—just maybe—I’ll hit the gym at least 3 times a week.

In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future?

Karen: There is a lot of talk about what technology can be incorporated into our fixtures and considering how connected I am to my phone and laptop, that idea sparks so much interest in me. Bluetooth Mesh is only the start and getting into more technology could only mean good things! It really is more than just lighting.

Alana: The concept of human-centric lighting fascinates me. The idea that lighting affects human well-being and health is truly something I had never considered. In hindsight it makes complete sense. It’s an exciting time to see that workplace environments are beginning to consider our biological clock in relation to productivity. Appropriate lighting that not only speaks to our sight but our bodies as well will change millions of lives.

What are some hobbies you hold outside of Deco and the lighting industry?

Karen: The beauty of having what started as my hobby turned into my career is nice, so I still find myself designing and drawing outside of work. I also immerse myself in pop-culture. You can definitely find me at opening weekend at any Marvel movie that’s being released. Or holed up in my bed binge-watching anime or some show on Netflix/Hulu. When I can’t bare to look at a screen any longer, a good book and a local coffee shop is my favorite place to escape to. And there’s always time for an Overwatch match.

Alana: Music is one of my biggest passions so my hobbies vary from learning new instruments and songs to DJing at a local bar or club with my friends, to going to live concerts of my favorite artists. I am always down for a board game night or Nintendo Switch game party. Since my extraversion can only last so long you can usually catch me binge-watching the latest show, movie, anime, or Korean drama holed up in my room or cozied up on a couch.

About DECO Lighting®

DECO Lighting is a leading provider of innovative lighting fixtures and systems for the commercial, municipal, and utility markets. Based in Commerce, California, DECO Lighting aims to Digitize Your Light by offering the latest in green technology, energy-saving lighting, and efficient controls. Continually winning industry awards and patents for their unique US-made products and designs, DECO Lighting utilizes the latest and most advanced lighting technologies to improve lighting quality, increase efficiency, and sustain the environment. Partnered with leading LED manufacturer Nichia, DECO Lighting offers the only ten-year warranty with labor in the lighting industry. A market-leading manufacturer of green lighting technology, DECO Lighting serves the growing need for sustainable lighting and control solutions. DECO is committed to delivering superior value to its customers and clients on a consistent basis. For more information, please visit www.getdeco.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

DECO Lighting will continue to innovate by constantly improving its R&D processes, fixture designs, and now marketing tactics. This innovation is what continues to drive the company forward, enabling it to grow and quickly adapt to the changing landscape of the LED lighting industry. DECO Lighting is prepared to expand quicker than ever in 2019 with several new marketing plans in the works.

Sales partners present included representatives from TEAM Lighting in Charlotte, NC, Curtis Stout in San Antonio, TX, Gormley-Farrington Inc. in Cleveland, OH, Illuminations Inc. in Philadelphia, PA, VBC Lighting in Buffalo, NY, CT Lighting and Controls in Las Vegas, NV, and Healy-Mattos in N. CA.

Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Dave Alber, who joined DECO Lighting back in September of 2015, spearheaded the meeting. DECO’s HR Manager and Office Manager coordinated accommodations, activities, and catering.

During the meeting, Dave Alber, Dir. Product Dev & Engineering, Michael Bailey, and DECO VP of Sales and Marketing, Steve Schwartz gave a thorough presentation on DECO’s mission and values, most innovative technologies and previewed new products set to launch in the coming months. Afterward, sales partners received an exclusive tour of DECO’s Commerce offices and warehouse. Walking through the decked-out superhero themed walls, the sales partners viewed a glimpse of DECO’s company culture and values. Every member has the power to contribute to the greater good of this company and the industry.

Following the tour, the sales partners met with DECO co-founders Sam Sinai and Ben Pouladian. The group discussed developments in the lighting industry and offer suggestions to DECO’s current practices. DECO values the fresh perspectives of its sales partners who have witnessed different lighting industry trends throughout the nation.

“You can’t Amazon Prime a relationship,” says Ben Pouladian, Co-Founder and President of DECO Lighting in reference to our long-standing relationship with our sales partners. DECO is proud to have built a strong and supportive network of lighting professionals during its 13-year existence.

DECO Lighting continues to innovate by constantly improving its R&D processes and fixture designs. This innovation is what continues to drive the company forward. New ideas enable the company to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of the LED lighting industry. DECO Lighting is prepared to light up 2019 through several design enhancements and other technology surprises in the works.

About DECO Lighting®

DECO Lighting is a leading provider of innovative lighting fixtures and systems for the commercial, municipal, and utility markets. Commerce, California is home to DECO Lighting’s warehouse and main office. DECO Lighting aims to Digitize Your Light by offering the latest in green technology, energy-saving lighting, and efficient controls. Continually winning industry awards and patents for their unique US-made products and designs, DECO Lighting utilizes the latest and most advanced lighting technologies to improve lighting quality, increase efficiency, and sustain the environment. Partnered with leading LED manufacturer Nichia, DECO Lighting offers the only ten-year warranty with labor in the lighting industry. A market-leading manufacturer of green lighting technology, DECO Lighting serves the growing need for sustainable lighting and control solutions.

DECO is a recognized leader in the lighting industry and is committed to delivering superior value to its customers and clients on a consistent basis. For more information, please visit www.getdeco.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

DECO Lighting® is a registered trademark and Digitize your light is a trademark of Deco Lighting, Inc.

Media Contact:

Alana Mancao
Social Media / Marketing Coordinator
Deco Lighting
amancao@getdeco.com

DECO: What is a typical workday like for you?
Rudy: I approach my work with initiative, meaning I do not wait for direction; I try to deliver finished products that surpass the expectations of the client/employer. First thing I do is review any pending items to track their progress or follow up needed then look over new requests and prioritize them so I can keep the work flow organized.

DECO: What’s it like to be a part of the Marketing team?
Rudy: It’s very fun learning each other’s work ethic and personality, as well as further developing great communication skills and background knowledge in the lighting industry.

DECO: How has your career evolved at Deco Lighting?
Rudy: More assignments have been bestowed upon me as the time has passed. I love being able to help my bosses and colleagues out at Deco. Every project they give me makes me learn new things and ultimately makes me a stronger designer and professional.

DECO: What different projects have you worked on in the past?
Rudy: I work mostly on developing new logos, updating product specification sheets, social media layouts, touching up images for social media and Deco’s variety of catalogs.

DECO: What are some hobbies you hold outside of Deco and the lighting industry?
Rudy: I really enjoy designing things for my freelance business. My freelance firm, Elegant Graphic Designs, allows me to stay current with design principles. I also enjoy watching shows such as Dwayne Johnson’s Ballers on HBO.

DECO: What’s your favorite part of working at Deco Lighting?
Rudy: I enjoy working in an environment where I can be free to put out my creative designs. I also enjoy getting to know all of my colleagues and their backgrounds.

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future that will make a large impact?
Rudy: The more advanced lighting technologies get, the more it can help influence a person’s health and well-being. This is extremely fascinating to me, due to the way lighting can have such a big impact on the occupants of a space.

DECO: What is a typical workday like for you?
Peter: I come in normally around 5:30am to 6:00am to start the day.  I tackle all of the notifications that went out the evening before that consist of tracking information and order confirmations to ensure that all of the accounts that I look over receive all of the important details about their orders. After that, most of the day consists of managing customer relations and tracking various issues or concerns that may arise.

DECO: What’s it like to be a part of the Customer Service team?
Peter: It can sometimes be a bit hectic since there never seems to be enough time in a day to get all of the projects done, but the appreciation I get from my customers when projects are completed is worth every second of the hectic day.

DECO: What are some hobbies you hold outside of Customer Service and the lighting industry?
Peter: My hobbies include playing tennis and tinkering with cars. I am a national tennis champion of a league I participate in since my high school years. Updating and tinkering with cars has always been a passion of mine that I’ve been meaning to spend more time on lately.

DECO: How has your career evolved at Deco Lighting?
Peter: I have been given more responsibility over the year and a half I have been here. Being in a growing company is complex and implementing new processes and procedures is challenging but exciting at the same time.

DECO: What’s your favorite part of working at Deco Lighting?
Peter: The company culture and trust from our superiors that we will be accountable for our work load. Our upper management gives us the freedom and responsibility to execute projects effectively.

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future that will make a large impact?
Peter: The new technologies that are coming into the lighting industry are most exciting to me. Lighting controls and smart electronics fascinate me because of how ubiquitous they are becoming. The huge cost savings that lighting provides now is also a topic of interest for me, and seems like a no-brainer to me when it comes to the efficiency of newer LED technology

DECO: What different projects have you worked on in the past?
Peter: The Beltway Plaza project was very interesting to me because it incorporated brands that I’m familiar with and use every day.  Seeing a lot of local projects that span from high schools and universities to roadways and even the Rams Stadium were interesting to be a part of.

DECO: What is a typical workday like for you?
Jaime: My work day is busy, whether it’s managing our customers daily quotes needs, or being able to advise and support other departments with their needs, I always have a full plate. It’s very rewarding for me to be able to provide customers the proper care and guidance throughout their purchasing process.

DECO: What’s it like to be a part of the Quotes team?
Jaime: I have a great time being part of the quotes team, because of the different sides of Deco’s operations I get to be involved with. I find a sense of fulfillment being able to quote jobs, and eventually winning them.

DECO: What different projects have you worked on in the past?
Jaime: I’ve worked on a variety of projects throughout my years at Deco Lighting. The project that most caught my interest was a huge military base I helped cross. The most interesting part was looking at the layout of the entire base.

DECO: What are some hobbies you hold outside of engineering and the lighting industry?
Jaime: I’m basically a family man, whether it’s playing outside with my four boys or just having an overall good time with them — my hobbies usually revolve around them. I also have always enjoyed to draw in my free time.

DECO: How has your career evolved at Deco Lighting?
Jaime: I have learned a lot from how a business goes from being a mom and pop to being major conglomerate, and how interesting it is to grow along with a company. I have not only learned practical knowledge, but also have learned how to fine tune operational processes along with Deco’s growth.

DECO: What’s your favorite part of working at Deco Lighting?
Jaime: First and foremost, my coworkers are my favorite part of working at Deco. We have an upbeat company culture that promotes interaction and collaboration throughout departments. I also enjoy being able to provide our customers the best pricing on top-quality lighting fixtures.

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future that will make a large impact?
Jaime: I am interested in seeing the new technologies, and new fixture designs that will being going to market in the near future. Each application has its own respective line of suitable fixtures, and the design of these fixtures should be very interesting to see.

DECO: What are some tasks you manage here at DECO and what is one of your favorite things to work on?

Chris:  I do a little of everything here. I mostly deal with revitalizing old products. I like seeing when projects are finished and they are self-sufficient.

DECO: What different projects have you worked on in the past?

Chris: I’ve work on almost all of the products here. Some projects that I’ve worked on include the GO-LED Retrofit Kit and D533-PRO canopy light, along with several area lights and wall packs.

DECO: What drove you to become a design engineer and why do you enjoy working in this role?

Chris: I like seeing how things are made and I really enjoy problem-solving.

DECO: What has been your most significant accomplishment as a design engineer?

Chris: Finishing up old legacy products that were stuck in R&D limbo like the Game Over LED Retrofit Kit.

DECO: What are some hobbies you hold outside of engineering and the lighting industry?

Chris: I enjoy doing dragon boat racing on the weekends. It is like canoeing but with 20 people on the boat. It’s a great way to exercise, get outdoors and hang out with a bunch of cool people.

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future that will make a large impact?

Chris: Wireless control and color tuning; those technologies give more power and flexibility to the end user.

How do you typically go about starting a project and working to meet the customer’s specifications?

Chris: I try and get as much of the information beforehand in order to see what needs to be done and ensure that’s done both correctly and in a timely manner.

DECO: What are some tasks you manage here at DECO and what is one of your favorite things to work on?
LINDSEY: I am mainly in charge of working on the Ronde architectural LED fixture and figuring out variations that improve its functionality. I also am very systematic in my approach to working, so if it involves standardizing and problem-solving then I tend to be more in my element.

DECO: What different projects have you worked on in the past?
LINDSEY: I’ve worked on camera stabilization systems, high-speed cameras, luminaires, and rollercoasters.

DECO: What drove you to become a design engineer and why do you enjoy working in this role?
LINDSEY: I was driven to becoming a design engineer when I would repair older cars. I would get pretty involved in fixing these older vehicles, and found the correlation with engineering. I enjoy this role the most because it allows me to exercise my problem-solving skills.

DECO: What has been your most significant accomplishment as a design engineer?
LINDSEY: My most significant accomplishment has been merging the internal components of four different products into one cohesive system. I enjoy improving products and reducing the cost of their related manufacturing and overall purchasing costs.

DECO: What are some hobbies you hold outside of engineering and the lighting industry?
LINDSEY: I belong to a Maker Community, which is a network of individuals who do woodworking, welding, and metal work on their free time. I also like to write, perform comedy skits, and enjoy learning programming languages (HTML, VBA, etc.)

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future that will make a large impact?
LINDSEY: I am attracted to the LED lighting industry because it will infiltrate all aspects of society, in other words it is becoming pervasive.

DECO: How do you typically go about starting a project and working to meet the customer’s specifications?
LINDSEY: I typically tend to start by looking at what products are already out in the market, and evaluating them for what works and what doesn’t. I then monitor the entire process, from fabrication and assembly to installing with a focus of best practices.

DECO: What are some tasks you manage here at DECO and what is one of your favorite things to work on?
RENATO: I manage projects in new product development and also problem solving on existing products. My favorite thing to do here is come up with brand new innovative product designs.

DECO: What different projects have you worked on in the past?
RENATO: I have worked on the development of toys, consumer electronics, furniture, as well as juvenile products such as baby strollers. I also have an extensive background in graphic design, working on a range of materials from brochures to advertisements.

DECO: What drove you to become a design engineer and why do you enjoy working in this role?
RENATO: My main motivator is to create cool new products that I can be proud of. I especially enjoy the design engineer role because it gives me the chance to develop great new products based on my own designs.

DECO: What are some hobbies you hold outside of engineering and the lighting industry?
RENATO: I really enjoy painting, sculpting, creating murals, and really designing almost anything. I also love snowboarding, beach activities, and travelling.

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see as one of the most exciting developments in the near future that will make a large impact?
RENATO: I’m really looking forward to the continued development of even more efficient, better-looking LED fixtures that are easier to install.

DECO: What is your role here at DECO and what are some different tasks that you handle?

CARLOS: My title is Applications Engineer and some of the things I work on daily are photometric layouts, customer service support, analyzing and updating IES data, and using our newly-acquired NFMS to run performance tests on fixtures.

DECO: What drives you when designing layouts and working in the architectural space?

CARLOS: Competition is what gets me up and running every day, and I enjoy modeling the spaces to get them as close to the real installation. Having to bid on projects against the competitors and winning is something I always look forward to.

DECO: How do you typically go about starting a project and working to meet the customer’s specifications?

CARLOS: Efficiency is always the key, to use less poles, consume less power,  and make the project as safe and compliant as possible. In most of the designs I try to use the “less is more” approach but not all projects are the same.

DECO: What are some interests that you hold outside of DECO and the lighting industry?

CARLOS: I’m a movie-goer, kayaker, music listener, amateur chef, camper, sneaker collector, comic book reader, and painter. I design my own furniture and sunglasses among other cool objects.

DECO: In the LED lighting industry, what do you see in terms of current trends and exciting possibilities for the future?

CARLOS: Currently the custom retrofit options that Deco’s engineering department offer are something that has impressed me. Knowing we can utilize any existing housing from a competitor and offer an optimal solution at the same time reducing waste and showing the reuse. I also am interested in the OLED development, this technology will be seen more and more as it’s improved.

DECO: Thanks for your time, Carlos, we enjoyed learning more about your interests and what motivates you in this role.

Keep an eye out for the next edition of Interview with an Engineer!

Next-generation LED lighting systems truly are a game-changer in the lighting industry. From their amazing efficiency and flexibility in design to the way they distribute light more evenly, LED lighting solutions are the key to illuminating modern spaces. Whether it is a shopping mall, entertainment venue, corporate office, or manufacturing facility, property planners and building owners can upgrade from older technologies, such as metal-halide or fluorescent, to an energy-saving LED system that will add value to the space. There is no doubt that upgrading to LED lighting is an investment, but the upfront costs are heavily outweighed by the benefits of lower energy bills, longer fixture lifetimes, and added value for customers and employees.

Energy-efficient LED lighting is changing the way people think about lighting. Rather than just acting as a tool to light up a space, modern lighting technologies are able play an active role in accenting an area or creating a pleasing atmosphere for people to thrive in. In addition to the energy savings provided by LED lighting, public spaces can design their lighting layout to better accommodate employees and patrons. LED lighting provides a more pure, evenly-distributed level of illumination compared to older forms of lighting, such as CFL or metal-halide. This enables businesses to create a more natural, comfortable setting for employees or highlight certain areas more effectively within retail spaces. A report from the British Council of Shopping Centres notes that upgrading to sustainable LED lighting increases the valuation of shopping malls by five percent. This further backs the notion that placing a focus on sustainability is an extremely worthwhile investment for any business, and an advantageous venture  for those operating public venues.

Aiming to reduce their company’s environmental impact, as well as improve the quality and longevity of their lighting systems, The Staples Center and Microsoft Theater, both owned by AEG Worldwide, recently upgraded their dated metal-halide high bays to DECO Digital DHBX-LED fixtures. The upgrade to an LED solution from Deco Lighting aligns with AEG’s 1EARTH environmental sustainability program and the venues are now on track for massive energy savings in the years ahead. Through AEG 1EARTH, AEG demonstrates that it is possible for a company to reduce their environmental impact while driving business value through sustainability, all while cutting operational costs and improving the atmosphere within these public spaces. For more details on the LED upgrade at these venues, be sure to check out our recent case study on the project: Staples Center / Microsoft Theater Case Study

In addition to providing higher-quality illumination for public spaces, LED lighting has also been shown to generate increased sales in retail applications. Retail spaces can benefit in unique ways from LED lighting technologies, utilizing smart controls to further interact with consumers. Allowing for lighting layouts that accent specific products, LED lighting provides a unique opportunity for retail businesses to provide a more interactive shopping experience to customers that drives sales. Deco Lighting is heavily invested in smart lighting technologies and is currently developing a proprietary Bluetooth mesh technology that will be available for all Deco Digital LED lighting solutions in 2016. Bluetooth technology and smart systems will allow for even more control over the lighting of a public space, provide greater energy savings, and deliver the freedom to create modern lighting designs that provide functions beyond simply lighting alone. For example, an LED lighting system fitted with bluetooth technology would have the ability to push useful information to a customer’s smartphone, from providing facts on a specific product to displaying a list of complementary products.

Innovative LED lighting solutions are driving the market forward with their amazing lifetimes, low energy consumption, and quality of light, providing businesses the opportunity to retrofit or upgrade existing fixtures to LED and improve their bottom line, experiencing high ROI and working to lessen the impact their business has on the environment.