Many in our 40 Under 40 Class took unique paths to arrive at their current position in the LED and solid-state lighting (SSL) sectors, but none more so than Michael Kershner. He began his career working as a cinematographer in the Los Angeles film industry. From there, he moved on to lighting design work at Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design. And he followed that up with a role as an applications engineer supporting sales at a distributor.
In retrospect, that varied background probably prepared Kershner perfectly to found and lead a unique lighting design firm that uses technology and process automation to merge the design and procurement processes.
Kershner is also giving back by working with Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design to create a lighting design certification program. Moreover, he is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Colorado board. Still, the firm he created is his legacy. The colleague said, “He created a company where outsiders or rebels of the industry can flourish while working in an innovative and ever-changing company.”
