“The single most important accomplishment is the development of our people. I have always expressed it is our people that are the greatest asset of this company and we are very fortunate that we have continued to attract, hire, develop and retain great people.”—Scott Muse
After a 35-year career in the electrical industry and having served as President of Hubbell Lighting since April 2002, Scott Muse was recognized for his achievements last week at a retirement celebration event. The group of esteemed attendees included industry notables, Hubbell Inc. Executive Leaders (including retired leadership), agent principal partners, friends and family. The event provided a platform to not only recall the incredible achievements the company accomplished under his tenure, but to look forward at where the company is headed because of his leadership.
We had two sources present.
The presentations included inspiring, touching and humorous glimpses into Scott’s personal and professional relationships. Below are a number of quotes from guests at his retirement celebration as well as communications he received in response to his retirement. The following are a few of the excerpts from industry leaders of note:
“The one thing that comes through and we are all very appreciative is Scott’s keen interest in people and the people he has brought into the organization. He has assembled a tremendous team and a great collection of channel partners throughout the industry. That has all led to the success of Hubbell Lighting today.” Dave Nord, Chairman, President & CEO, Hubbell
“Scott has accomplished a great deal and has accomplished something very important in Hubbell Lighting. He is a great guy, family man, highest ethical standards, very hard worker, meticulous in his pursuit of goals, a colleague that can be counted on and a person more than anyone that got Hubbell Lighting where it is today as such a respected lighting company in the industry.” Tim Powers, Chairman, President & CEO Hubbell (Retired)
“Scott, the outdoor team didn’t stop there when they brainstormed innovative ways to honor you. When they looked at how some of the greatest leaders in history have been immortalized…from carvings in mountain sides, to coins and stamps, oil paintings and bronze or stone statues. But no media is more impressive…..and compelling….. and FUN, than when your image is celebrated in a Bobble-Head. So Scott, we present you with your very own bobble-head. Congratulations and best of luck in your new adventures!” From the Hubbell Lighting Outdoor Brand Management Team
“I salute you on your illustrious career… You have been a remarkable industry leader! Your fingerprints are evident all across our great industry. You have truly made a difference… Brightened the lives of countless people… and earned the respect of all.” Jim Risk, President, Kirby Risk
“I believe that the word “COURAGE” best describes you, in your electrical career. You have had the courage to make some very tough decisions in investing for the long term, future success of your business. You have had the courage to ask other people for help, when you needed it. And most importantly, you have always had the courage to be true to yourself and your family.” Greg Hames, President, Viking Electric Supply/Sonepar
“What I have also valued was not only Scott’s business acumen and insight, but his level of high integrity and being both a friend to Lutron and to me personally. “ Mike Pessina, President, Lutron
“You should be very proud of what you built. You took a group of disparate companies and built a recognizable and formidable brand. I know how hard it must have been. It took someone of your ability, commitment, common sense and positive attitude to make it work.” John Hardy, President, Capital Tristate Distributors/Sonepar
“You’ve done a lot of great things with the business over the years and have a lot of positive results to reflect on. The management team you built is a first class group of people and I know how difficult that is to accomplish.” Barry Wolff, Principal, Vanguard Lighting
“Congratulations on a stellar career in our wonderful industry. A man’s career is measured in many ways, but one of the most important is how many lives he touched and how many people he influenced.” John Spoor, President/COO, State Electric Supply Company
“Best wishes to you and your family on your retirement and special thanks for the time, support and personal leadership you have given to the American Lighting Association and its Education Foundation.” Dick Upton, President/CEO, American Lighting Association
“I am both happy for you and sad that we will not have your leadership and experience to rely on in the future. We will always be grateful for your guidance, wisdom and assistance.” Danny Streit, Principal, Spectrum Lighting & Control.
“You are a true gentleman and a credit to the companies you have worked for, our industry, and the many acts of support and volunteering and most of all, your family. “ Bruce Leff, President, Leff Electric
“You have my utmost respect and my sincere best wishes for continued fortune. It’s not many men or women who have reached the pinnacle of this business as you have. You didn’t get there by timidity or well wishing. Hard work, tenacity, good vision, and strong personal and spiritual belief follow (or direct) excellent leaders, and you, sir, are one solid leader (the best I have observed in my humble career). I know that in whatever venture you chose to embark, it will be a successful one.” John Anderson, Principal, TEAM
Scott closed the evening by addressing the audience.
- “It is amazing for me to recognize that in April, I had worked 35 years in the electrical industry and this week marks my 21 year anniversary with our company. I have been a lighting president for 21 years and have been leading Hubbell Lighting the past 12 ½ years.”
- “I am extremely proud of Hubbell Lighting’s accomplishments over this time some of which includes:
- The acquisition and integration of Lighting Corporation of America, Kurt Versen, P2 (Precision/Paragon), Beacon Lighting Products, Thomas Research Products, Norlux and Litecontrol.
- The major restructuring of the organization to reduce costs, increase the competitive position and profitability through:
- Shared services business model involving the consolidation of business functions, manufacturing operations, distribution centers and business offices
- New headquarters and the Lighting Solutions Center and training organization
- Major international manufacturing expansion of two large scale operations in Mexico and one in China
- Business wide systems conversion from each brands’ legacy systems to SAP
- The successful shift and adoption growth rate for the new SSL technology through new product innovation. Hubbell Lighting’s current LED products represent over 45% of total C&I sales
- The single most important accomplishment is the development of our people. I have always expressed it is our people that are the greatest asset of this company and we are very fortunate that we have continued to attract, hire, develop and retain great people. This also includes our sales agencies, our suppliers and our loyal distributor customers. I am extremely blessed to have all of you as a part of our business as a driving force of our success.”
- “The relationships that have been built are the most fulfilling thing I have accomplished in my 35 year business career.”
- “For the future, I aspire to be able to take my passion to maintain a purpose driven life and apply it to those that are less fortunate than the people in this room. Specifically, I am currently involved on the board of directors of four non-profit organizations. This purpose along with my family, my health and my faith are my primary focus for the future.”
- “There are a great many more things that I want to accomplish with my life which I now have the opportunity to achieve, thanks mostly to my career with our company which has afforded me the ability to do this for the future.
- I must express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for this very rewarding opportunity to lead this great organization for all of these many years. I am especially grateful for all of your friendships which I hope will last a life time.”
- “In closing, I would like to share these words from a poem that was shared with me from a recently departed friend and very successful lighting agent, Dick Spugnardi that reads ‘Life passes by at an ever quickening pace. Enjoy every day. Each is a blessing.'”