John Sapanaro

John Sapanaro has been searching for the light, so to speak, since he entered the lighting industry 28 years ago.

“I found something I love and that I'm passionate about,” he says.

Sapanaro started his career in 1976 working with his father, Joseph, manufacturing and designing lighting fixtures and reflectors for other lighting consultants and design firms. A year later, the father-son team established its own lighting design firm.

In 1984, John started Lighting Management Inc. (New City, N.Y.). His firm has won several awards for its retail lighting designs, including Planet Reebok in New York, Mark Shale, Kansas City, Mo., and WB Stage 16 Restaurant, Las Vegas.

Sapanaro has also spent time teaching at the New York School of Interior Design; completing projects for General Electric and Sylvania; and writing his seminar course, “The Practical Guide for Retail Lighting.”

In January, he was named Trade Member of the Year by the Institute of Store Planners at the annual ISP/VM+SD Store Design Awards ceremony in New York. This made him the first trade member ever to receive the award in the ISP's 42-year history.

When asked what light is at the end of his career, Sapanaro says, “I'm not sure I will retire. I have a responsibility to my dad, my staff and my family to continue our lighting legacy.”

How did you earn your first dollar?

Baby-sitting. I was only 12 years old when I toilet-trained a child I was watching.

What's the Number One rule of retail lighting?

To have the customer feel comfortable. I call it the “Aahhh” effect.

What's the biggest challenge in getting retailers to light their stores correctly?

To trust new concepts and break old habits.

What part of your job makes you the happiest?

I love presenting relevant topics at conferences and seminars, whether they are regarding lighting or life itself.

Name one lesson you learned while working with your father that you still carry with you today.

My dad has been my guiding light and role model, so it is impossible to name only one lesson. But several truly important philosophies are: Always be prepared; never underestimate anyone; never take anything for granted; and, of course, the ultimate statement, “People will never forget how you made them feel.”

If not lighting, what else would you be doing?

Fishing… I'm not kidding.

Name one of your favorite activities outside the office.

Vacationing with my wife in St. Barth's. I literally feel as though my batteries are recharging.

What's your biggest self-indulgence?

Food and wine.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be?

Julius Caesar. I'm an avid Roman history buff and think it would be fascinating to understand the mind-set and perspective of a person like Julius Caesar or, for that matter, any interesting Roman general or emperor.

When did you first see the light?

I'm not sure I have yet…