Transcript of Pillar Acceptance Speech
September 26th 8 AM
“Thank you for your kind words.
I am honored, flattered and humbled by this award.
I know time is short and I will be brief. I am third generation in the electrical industry. My mothers’ father, Ben Levitt owned Avon Electric, a supply house in Jamaica, Queens, NY for almost 30 years. He sold his company and retired in 1962. My father, Bob Estrin, along with his two brothers in laws started a new concept in 1968, a decorative lighting showroom named Nova Lighting. Little did I know, at 7 years old that my dye was cast. As a child, I ran around the store on Saturdays trying to be helpful. When I was 13 I started working Friday nights and Saturdays beginning a life long understanding of our industry. As the years went by, attended college and after, I worked at the store many nights and weekends. I always kept the history of our industry top of mind.
In 1988 I found myself in need of a job, and called an old family friend, Ira Phillips. Ira told me he had no openings yet an hour later, he called me back to say come and talk, one just came available. I worked at Quoizel as a factory rep for almost 5 years and learned invaluable lessons in customer care, merchandising and sales. I have always been grateful for my beginnings.
In 1993 my opportunity to start my own agency representing Kichler Lighting. Tony Davidson then, as today, has always been there with advice and encouragement. I am so grateful for the day I was hired as I am today. My representation of Kichler Lighting has allowed me to build a foundation of my life and my company. It has also provided me with so many opportunities. I have met so many tremendous people around our country and the world. Tony, I want to give you my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
However, my business is not dependent on me alone. I would have not been able to achieve the successes I have had without my wife, Mandy. Mandy has provided me with the steady behind the scenes support, always looking out for me and the business. Most importantly she was the primary parent in raising our two awesome children, Melanie and Ben. She always reminded me there is more to life than lighting, but at times that was hard for me to recognize. Mandy, I thank you so much for what you help provide and love you every day.
It is true, behind every successful person is a village of people. The business partners I been lucky enough to have, first Frank Calabrese, who is as steady as they come, helping guide me through the hard growth years. Then Jim Zirkman who opened my eyes to many other parts of our industry. Both of you rock!
The people I have worked with over these 30 years have added to my life. They either were part of my agency, my customers or my manufacturers. I would not have had much success without all of them.
Thank you, Marianne Castrilli, Jodie Nichols, Joe Gallo, Ralph Malavarca and Ulysses Rosario. The way you work, the way you support the agency is superb. Love you all and you guys rock!
I had and do have the opportunity to represent some of the finest names in our industry, yesterday and today. We interact with ownership, management, customer service, marketing, and all others. Thank you for all you have done and do to aid our mutual success.
Thank you for my customers, long since gone and present. Besides making my income, you have provided me friendship and support. Taught me and guided me how to sharpen my skills to be even a better manufacturers agent.
I also want to thank a few other agents who have been invaluable to me over the years. Art Langlais and Richard Alan. You both have always been the ears of mine, provided the honest guidance. There is a special place in my world for you. There have been many others, like Skip Hulett, Keith Hendrixs, Phil Hofer, Richard Brown, Kris Quackenbush, Martha Graham, Matt Hulett, Alan Karen, Sam Guye, and of course Chris Bailey. Thank you one and all!
We all have had great fun and friendship over the years. But, over the last dozen years as technology has gripped our industry and changed it forever, it reminds me to adapt. In the early years our tasks were clear. Our success followed a simple formula, but not today. Our economy changes and we have adapted our business to meet the current challenges. My father always told me to figure it out. Don’t be afraid of change, adapt to it. To me this always meant to do it someone else’s way. For example, every dealer wants a different type of service and support. Do it their way. Every manufacturer has different needs, and it is my responsibility to do it their way. Doing these two things as well as being conscious of everyone’s emotions and needs has yielded continued success in today’s ever-changing business climate.
Why do I say this to everyone here today, I implore you to do the same. Don’t think the old formula for success works today or tomorrow. It is not enough to open your doors and expect business. That is a recipe for failure. We all must go out and get the business. Joining associations, being active in them and making new friends. Be responsible for your success. Don’t allow others to control your fate. Our industry seems too dependent on others doing for us, and us not doing for ourselves. I understand clearly that I can’t exist in business without everyone in the room, but I do understand what I need to do for our mutual success. Reward those who earn it and respect those who deserve it. Respect those around you, we may be individuals, but we make up a community. Without the community we have little.
Thank you for your time everyone. I am grateful to have you all in my life.”
