April 26, 2023
5 Big Questions: Rick Angel from Lutron
We catch up with Rick Angel, Senior Vice President with Lutron Electronics, who is retiring after a remarkable 38-year career with the worldwide leader in lighting controls.
Rick Angel's career with Lutron began in the mid-1980s and he quickly rose from sales management ranks to various executive management roles that contributed to Lutron's exponential growth over the course of his career. Rick's strategic business acumen has played a significant role in shaping lighting controls markets which have grown tremendously since Lutron invented the first solid state dimmer in 1961.
During his final week before retirement, Rick joins Al Uszynski of inside.lighting for an "exit interview" where Rick shares insights into the past, present and future of lighting controls markets while peppering in thought-provoking references to red wine, pickleball and fax machines.
Topics we explore:
-
How has the electrical distributor channel evolved over time and how was Lutron able to establish such incredible strength in that channel? (1:17)
-
How has Lutron been able to maximize business opportunities in so many different channels (distributor, showroom, big box retail, resi dealers, etc.) while minimizing customer conflict and pushback? (3:31)
-
Where is the category of Lighting Controls heading in the future? (5:00)
-
SPEED ROUND: Rick's short answers to a flurry of questions including: (6:26)
-
Who is the toughest negotiating Electrical Distributor?
-
Lutron’s most important product launch during Rick's career?
-
Who is Rick's favorite agent principal to have dinner with?
-
If Rick could only use one residential dimmer for the rest his life, what would it be?
-
What advice or final thoughts does Rick want to share with lighting people? (9:43)
|
5 Big Questions and other Lighting Interviews |
5 Big Questions: Inside ETC's Architectural Business
5 Big Questions: Inside ETC's Architectural Business
Insights on the company’s architectural control strategy, evolving lighting protocols and DMX in architecture
Insights on the company’s architectural control strategy, evolving lighting protocols and DMX in architecture
5 Big Questions: LEDVANCE at LightFair 2025
5 Big Questions: LEDVANCE at LightFair 2025
LEDVANCE CEO Jonathan Lubeck and COO Ming Li share insights on tariffs, markets and technology
LEDVANCE CEO Jonathan Lubeck and COO Ming Li share insights on tariffs, markets and technology
5 Big Questions: Wall Street Analyst, Tim Wojs
5 Big Questions: Wall Street Analyst, Tim Wojs
Tim Wojs, Senior Research Analyst at Baird, shares insights into Acuity and broader building materials markets
Tim Wojs, Senior Research Analyst at Baird, shares insights into Acuity and broader building materials markets
5 Big Questions: LEDucation 2025 Preview
5 Big Questions: LEDucation 2025 Preview
The Co-Chairs of LEDucation, discuss the growth, changes and expectations for the 2025 event
The Co-Chairs of LEDucation, discuss the growth, changes and expectations for the 2025 event
5 Big Questions: Scott Costa of tED Magazine
5 Big Questions: Scott Costa of tED Magazine
The publisher of tED Magazine, shares insights into the electrical distribution channel, tariffs and market trends
The publisher of tED Magazine, shares insights into the electrical distribution channel, tariffs and market trends
5 Big Questions: Dana Mouritzen of Sonepar USA
5 Big Questions: Dana Mouritzen of Sonepar USA
COO Dana Mouritzen shares insights into market strategies, digital transformation and acquisitions
COO Dana Mouritzen shares insights into market strategies, digital transformation and acquisitions
Get a Grip on 2025: Lighting Predictions In the Spotlight
Get a Grip on 2025: Lighting Predictions In the Spotlight
Al, Michael, and Greg visit the future of the lighting industry during a spirited discussion
Al, Michael, and Greg visit the future of the lighting industry during a spirited discussion
5 Big Questions: NEMRA Lighting Division
5 Big Questions: NEMRA Lighting Division
Jim Johnson, Billy Hodges, and Jeff Bristol discuss the formation of the NEMRA Lighting Division and its impact on the industry
Jim Johnson, Billy Hodges, and Jeff Bristol discuss the formation of the NEMRA Lighting Division and its impact on the industry
5 Big Questions: F.X. Souvay of LMPG
5 Big Questions: F.X. Souvay of LMPG
F.X. Souvay provides insights into the company's strategy, LightFair decision and future industry direction
F.X. Souvay provides insights into the company's strategy, LightFair decision and future industry direction
