Gary Stabelfeldt, the first professional engineer hired by American Fluorescent (now AFX), retires after 20 years with AFX and a lengthy career in the lighting industry. Gary was hired in 1983 as an engineering manager with one employee – a CAD drafter – reporting to him. During that time period, American Fluorescent’s focus was on task and decorative linear fluorescent lighting, producing about two new product lines a year. Throughout the years, Gary built a strong engineering staff as the company moved to expand their product offerings to include compact fluorescent and decorative lighting products, then moving into the DIY and commercial markets. Gary continued in his engineering manager role as AFX began to offer LED lighting product lines to the market and more crucially through the offshore production of decorative products.
In 2009, Gary moved into a new role to apply his skills and knowledge helping AFX accelerate their commercial growth strategy until his recent retirement.
Over his 20 years with AFX, the company roughly tripled revenue while moving into new markets and technologies. Gary also developed and mentored engineers and provided his knowledge and expertise of the lighting industry to educate employees at all levels.
“Gary’s expertise in lighting and its many applications, along with his knowledge of manufacturing and materials were essential to AFX’s growth as a company,” said Bill Solomon, President of AFX. “He was often challenged with ever-changing priorities and timelines, countless interruptions for technical advice and increasingly demanding new product schedules. He handled the pressure with grace and humor and professional excellence. “
Join us in wishing Gary a relaxing, enjoyable and much deserved retirement!