Chelsea Lighting Welcomes Michael Toolis as CEO

Kinzie Operating Partner and Chelsea Lighting Board Member brings decades of design and entrepreneurial experience to new role

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kinzie Capital Partners (“Kinzie”) announces its portfolio company, Chelsea Lighting (“Chelsea”), a leading lighting and lighting controls distributor, has named Michael Toolis as Chief Executive Officer. Toolis, who currently serves as an Operating Partner at Kinzie and maintains his seat on the Chelsea Board, steps into his new role effective immediately.

“I am honored to serve as CEO of Chelsea as it advances its growth and expansion plans,” said Michael Toolis. “As a Chelsea Board Member and Kinzie Operating Partner, I have had the pleasure of working with this team and look forward to providing the leadership and support needed to further scale and enhance Chelsea’s footprint in the years to come.”

Toolis, an architect and entrepreneur who led the growth of VOA Associates, an international architecture and design practice headquartered in Chicago, brings decades of expertise to his new position. He presently serves on the Board of Navy Pier and its Strategic Planning Committee and the Board of Advisors to the Graaskamp School of Real Estate at the University of Wisconsin. He is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and YPO Gold.

“Kinzie is excited to welcome Mike as Chelsea’s new CEO,” added Suzanne Yoon, Founder & Managing Partner, Kinzie Capital Partners. “Mike’s leadership and business acumen will be an asset to the Chelsea team as they expand their exceptional service offerings into new markets.”

This year, Chelsea grew nationally with a new office in south Florida, further establishing its reputation as an industry leader in lighting and lighting controls solutions.

Toolis received his undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, where he earned a B.S. in Architecture, a Master of Architecture and an M.B.A. He continues to be involved in the university’s architecture program as an advisor.

About Chelsea Lighting

Chelsea provides full-service project management to fit its customer needs, offering specialized consulting services related to lighting procurement, lighting controls and Power over Ethernet lighting. The company’s Total Lighting & Lighting Controls Solution provides a coordinated and enhanced customer experience from Design & Pre-Construction through the Construction & Closeout phases that reduce costs, save time and meet the construction schedule. For more information visit www.chelsealighting.com.

About Kinzie Capital Partners LLC

Kinzie invests in lower middle-market companies in the manufactured products, business services and consumer industries with $3M to $15M of EBITDA. In alliance with Clarity Partners, LLC, specialists in management and technology consulting, Kinzie has assembled a team of technology, operations and industry experts that work closely with its portfolio companies to execute strategic vision. Whether companies are navigating a generational shift, experiencing a period of high growth or managing a complex business cycle, Kinzie seeks to create sustainable outcomes by leveraging technology and strong operational focus. For more information visit www.kinziecp.com.