June 2015

Frank Conti
CEO/Founder, Enterprise Lighting Sales
IESNYC Board of Manager

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
In 1970, I answered an ad for someone who could read blueprints, wanted to change careers, and who would have gone to college if they’d had the opportunity. How fortunate for me that I was hired to be the assistant of Donn Golden, president of Lighting Associates, a high-end showroom in the Interior Design Center, and in ten years, I became partner. An opportunity to start Lighting Dynamics happened in 1988, but almost five years later, I was encouraged by manufacturers to start a brand-new agency. In 1993, Enterprise Lighting Sales (named after the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that I served on in the Navy) was founded. We grew from five employees to 55. I was the company’s president for over 20 years and am now its CEO/founder. During my career, I have met and worked with some giants in the industry, such as Howard Branston and Paul Marantz, and having the opportunity to work with these lighting designers before, during, and after they became so important to the industry is something I value tremendously. All told, I have worked on close to 100 buildings (if not more) in Manhattan alone. These 45 years in the lighting industry have felt like space travel!

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Donn Golden encouraged me to become a member of the IES in the early 1970s and when I did, I attended just about every lecture offered. I’ve worked for the IES at both the national and Section level. I served as president of the IESNYC twice—first in 1979 (for just one year) and then again in 1989 because I wanted to complete my two-year term. I was Section vice president under Addison Kelly in 1988, and have served on numerous committees and chaired many, including finance, education, and membership. And, I was a chairman of the IES National Conference in 1987. In 2000, I was awarded a Section Meritorious award.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
I owe a lot of my success to my involvement in the IESNYC. You learn everything from soup to nuts about how the game works. Besides designers and manufacturers, I’ve met great developers and contractors. It’s been fun.

Q: How do you see your role as a member of the Board of Mangers?  
I’ve been both a mentor and a historic source to members of the Board of Managers over the many years. And although I am retiring from the board, I will remain an active member of the Section’s finance committee.