November 2016

Gary Dulanski
Principal
The Dulanski Group


Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
Let's see…it all started in sixth grade when I got an electricity science kit. Pretty soon after, I was wiring up batteries and buzzers and light bulbs, eventually building radios and amplifiers. I was the school AV geek, figured out all the sound and lighting equipment backstage, became the technical do-all for school plays, and the guy who made the PA announcements. That led me to electrical engineering school. During that time, I started 3D Stage Productions with my brothers to do sound and lighting, building PAR64 cans, light trees, and dimmer packs. I grew to love the art of lighting, and the science of control, and the thrill of one finger on the console making thousands of watts of magic happen.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
After graduating from SUNY Buffalo, I started out in engineering at Lutron, a big Sustaining Member  of the IES, and they encouraged me to join and participate. On the society level, I became a member of the Residential Lighting Committee and helped update some Recommended Practices. I started to work more with New York lighting designers, and one day Stephen Lees (the “L” in HLB Lighting Design) took me to an IESNYC Board of Managers meeting. I became a volunteer and started on the Membership Committee, then Programs, became a committee chair, a member of the Board of Managers, the vice president of the Section, and finally I became the 81st president of the IESNYC. My term ran from 1995–1997. Along with Frank Conti of ELS, we steered the IESNYC through agreements on our financial participation in Lightfair, which was the biggest source of income to the Section. I helped create one of the “funnest” programs ever — “Lighting Jeopardy!” Afterward, I continued to work for the Section and for the Society on Lightfair Management, New Product Showcase/Lighting Innovation Awards. I served on the Lumen Awards Committee, and was the Lumen Awards Gala Master of Ceremonies for many years.  

Q: How do you see your role as member of the IESNYC?
I'm grateful that I enjoy what I do every day — blending art and science; representing lighting manufacturers; assisting designers to apply new products and technology; teaching and lecturing at colleges, tradeshows and for sections of the IES; and helping some amazing projects come to fruition. As a Silver Sponsor, our company is happy to support the IESNYC financially, and we encourage our employees to volunteer, too. I make time for whenever the IES or the industry calls on me to teach, help plan, debate technology and standards, or step behind a podium. I believe that you need to give back to the industry that you make your living from.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The best assets of the IESNYC are the people. People to network with, learn from, collaborate with, and celebrate what you've accomplished with. The Section gives us a place where we can learn, keep finding new opportunities, new inspirations, and maybe even meet your next new boss or employee or client. You'll be surprised at what you gain when you give yourself to the service of others. I was introduced to my wife by a member of the IESNYC Board of Managers. How’s that for an added benefit!