Sam Sinai Transitions from the Lighting Industry to AI
After two decades in the lighting industry, Sam Sinai has decided to step away. He recently left Revo Lighting, the company he founded just a year ago. Although this decision wasn’t easy, Sam is confident that Revo Lighting will continue to thrive under its new leadership.
The Transition at Revo Lighting
Sam’s departure from Revo Lighting included selling his stake in the company to ESPEN Technology. This decision was driven by strategic foresight and a compelling offer. “Richard approached me with the idea of starting a lighting company,” Sam explained. “Together, we built Revo Lighting, and in just one year, we created a comprehensive product line that exceeded expectations.” In February, Revo was rapidly building its network.
Sam believes Richard was the perfect person to take over. “He understood and valued what we built at Revo. With his vision and connections, I know the company will be in good hands, allowing me to move on to my next challenge,” Sam shared.
Embracing a New Challenge in AI
Though the decision to move on was bittersweet, Sam is genuinely excited about what lies ahead. “It’s always hard to step away from something you’ve poured so much into, but I’ve always been someone who looks for the next big thing. Right now, that’s AI technology,” he said.
Sam’s new focus is on AI, particularly voice AI for customer service. He sees immense potential in this technology to revolutionize the lighting industry and many others. “The potential for AI in customer service is incredible. It’s still a relatively untapped market, and I’m eager to explore its possibilities,” Sam added.
The Power of AI: A Demonstration
During our conversation, Sam introduced a virtual assistant powered by AI, specifically trained for the legal field. I tested it by discussing a make-believe car accident, and the interaction felt astonishingly real. The AI assistant understood my responses and asked relevant follow-up questions. It was a natural and seamless conversation.
I couldn’t help but contrast this experience with a recent interaction with a Marriott automated attendant. While trying to change a reservation, the system repeatedly told me, “Did you know the fastest way to change your reservation is at Marriott.com?” regardless of my responses. The difference was stark—Sam’s AI assistant was many times more responsive than Marriott’s system.
Looking Ahead: AI and Beyond
While Sam has no immediate plans to return to the lighting industry, his non-compete clause will expire in a year. This could open the door for new opportunities, perhaps integrating AI into the lighting industry. However, Sam emphasized that any future involvement in the industry would likely focus on different aspects rather than selling fixtures.
Reflecting on his time at Revo, Sam acknowledged lighting companies’ challenges, such as inefficiencies in order processing and customer service. “These are issues that many companies face and are not easy to overcome. But with the right technology, we can address these challenges and improve the overall customer experience,” he noted.
A New Journey Begins
As Sam embarks on his new journey in the AI space, he remains optimistic about the future. “It’s about exploring new frontiers and creating solutions that can truly make an impact,” he concluded.