After forty years of leading innovations in the lighting industry, Steve Silverstein recently announced his retirement from Liteline.
This illustrious journey began in 1979, when Steve saw an opportunity to provide customers with aftermarket lens replacements for fluorescent fixtures. He offered distributors a simple service of small-run custom fabrication with quick deliveries; often made from the back of his very own truck.
Fast forward forty years, and Steve has exceeded even his own expectations, having guided Liteline to an unprecedented level of growth the likes of which include, 130 employees, a 160,000 sq-ft office and warehouse facility, as well as strong business relationships throughout Canada and the United States.
“I have observed that the tendency of company founders is to stay onboard for too long and not make room for fresh leadership,” said Steve, who co-founded Liteline with his wife, Helen, in 1979. As early as 2004, he began grooming his children for this transition.
In early August 2018, using the same level of pride that he started Liteline with in 1979, Steve announced to his team of 130 staff, that his three children, Daniel, Mark and Sarah would succeed him as Principals of Liteline Corporation.
Steve confidently attributes the level of growth witnessed in the last 5 years, as well as the success of winning numerous industry innovation awards, to the hard work of his three successors, ultimately making this decision the clear choice.
The continued growth of Liteline has always been and will continue to be based on three core principles: innovation, installation efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Steve has supported the demands of lighting specifiers, architects, interior designers and distributor partners’ project designs through the creation of industry leading products; a concept that is poised to continue under the leadership of Daniel, Mark and Sarah.
Though he admits being completely hands off his corporate creation won’t be easy, Steve is looking forward to enjoying his retirement through some of his favorite pastimes that include sailing with his wife, Helen, spending time with his grandchildren and working on his swing.
