"The best part of my job is constantly being challenged by unique lighting applications, value engineering, and collaborating with customers to provide the perfect solution on a daily basis," says Jim, who brings over 34 years of experience in the lighting industry specializing in national accounts and product specification. Jim has spent his entire career serving builders, electricians, architects, and interior designers in the Twin Cities market area, and is now recently in charge of managing the general day to day business operations of Creative Lighting.
Favorite Pastime: "Running, biking, golfing and relaxing with my family."
Best Design Advice: "Don't limit yourself!"
With over 18 years as an industry professional, Tara has worked in all areas of residential and small hospitality lighting design. Tara has now shifted gears and is recently in charge of managing the general day to day business and marketing operations of Creative Lighting. "I am loving the journey that this industry has taken me on. It has evolved tremendously in the last decade and continues to inspire me every day," states Tara. She adds, "It's exciting to be able to apply my years of experience in a different direction now, and help to continue the evolution of the Creative Lighting brand while wearing a different hat."
Favorite Pastime: "My outdoor patio is my sanctuary. That's where you will find me - along with my family and friends. And... a good glass of wine."
Best Design Advice: "There is a constant quest to find the perfect combination of uniqueness and restraint within a space. The benefits of using a trained lighting consultant are endless- and will help to ensure that the final result is not only functional and beautiful, but also perfectly balanced."
"I really enjoy the team collaboration that my job entails," says Katie, "Also, providing solutions to our clients is extremely rewarding." Katie works in Creative Lighting's Pro Division and brings over 16 years of experience in the industry, as well as an interior design degree from Minnesota State University - Mankato. Katie is inspired with any project in which sculptural or contemporary lighting fixtures can be utilized to create a unique space.
Favorite Pastime: "Watching movies."
Best Design Advice: "Don't forget about dimmer switches! Dimmers allow you to create a desired ambiance within a space, not to mention they are an excellent energy saver."
Educated in interior design and architecture, Kyndra enjoys working on a project in it's entirety- from the beginning parts of the design phase through installation. "Helping a client to design a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that meets their needs is very fulfilling," says Kyndra, a 16 year lighting veteran, "I love the daily challenge of coming up with creative, yet practical solutions to every-day lighting challenges."
Favorite Pastime: "Spending time decorating my home, and exploring local parks with my fiance."
Best Design Advice: "Don't be afraid to mix different styles and finishes. You can create a beautiful, cohesive and visually interesting space this way."
Tiffany has been part of our customer service team for over 9 years, and most recently has joined our Pro Division. She enjoys helping provide efficient solutions to daily lighting challenges. "I like being a problem solver, and helping to create the best overall lighting experience for our customers," says Tiffany, "it's the best part of my job."
Favorite Pastime: "Watching movies."
Best Design Advice: "Don't always think of initial cost when choosing your lighting, think more about value and what will stand the test of time."
With over three years on our team, Andrea has proven to be a valuable addition to our Pro Department with her excellent problem solving and customer service skills. Andrea states, "I have learned a TON about lighting during my time here at Creative. I love our team, and feel fortunate to collaborate everyday with a great group of hardworking people who enjoy having fun while getting the job done."
Favorite Pastime: "Traveling up North in the Summer and spending time with my children, husband and dogs."
"Helping our customers create a place to call home is the best part of my job," says David, an experienced interior decorator decorator and 6 year lighting industry professional. David has worked with interior decor for over 18 years, and utilizes his practical design sense to create perfect lighting solutions for his customers. He expresses excitement with the trend towards more unique and contrasting specialty finishes in lighting, as well as more eclectic mixtures of styles and finishes, which can create a more personal expression of individual style.
Favorite Pastime: "I long to be on the water in one of our beautiful lakes, rivers or streams."
Best Design Advice: "Choose things you love, just run it by me first!"
Jacob joins the Creative Lighting team with over 8 years of lighting experience in a variety of settings- commercial events, concert venues, theatrical lighting and antique lighting fixture repair and restoration. All of these experiences have helped craft him into an extremely knowledgeable and well-rounded lighting consultant. “I love tackling unique projects and design challenges. It's always exciting to find that perfect solution that will solve a lighting problem elegantly” he states. Jacob loves that the world of interior lighting is always changing and never boring, and enjoys staying on top of emerging technologies and design trends within the industry.
Favorite Pastime: "Whenever I am not in the showroom, you'll find me programming theatrical lighting fixtures for my next show!"
Best Design Advice: “Interior lighting can tell a story or evoke a feeling. Figuring out what feeling you are after often points you to the correct style and finish.”
With over 25 years of sales and lighting experience, Karen enjoys working with people to help create the home of their dreams. “Lighting is exciting and there are endless possibilities. Working and collaborating with my clients and making the selection process enjoyable is the best part of my job” states Karen. Karen takes pride in putting her customers at ease. Her personality, knowledge and desire to serve her customers in the best way possible makes her a true asset to our team.
Favorite Pastime: "I love spending time with family, friends, and my puppy Emma. If we're outside on a patio, up North or on the lake- that's the icing on the cake!"
Best Design Advice: “Good variety is essential when it comes to lighting design. Different layers and lighting elements expertly combined in one room can allow tasks to be completed at the highest level of comfort and style. This makes your spaces unique while also being functional.”
One of the friendliest faces on our team, Cary plays an important role in helping Creative Lighting shine bright. "I love to help people," says Cary, "it's the best part of my job." Cary helps to ensure that our accounts and our staff receive superior support and service on the financial side of the business.
Favorite Pastime: "Game nights with friends and family, watching movies and a fine glass of wine."
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
*Curbside Pickup available on Mondays.
*Private Appointments outside of showroom hours are available.
Please call 651-647-0111 for more info.
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