Episode 461: #367 - From Mel’s Van O Lite to LightBulbs.com

Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

Mel Jacobson started selling light bulbs out of a van in 1951 and in 1955, Paul’s Grandfather Don McLellan joined Mel, then bought the company in 1982 when Mel retired. When the internet arrived, teenage Paul built a website and started selling light bulbs online. But vanolite.com just wasn’t going to cut it. And so LightBulbs.com was born. Paul and his brother-in-law Jason tell us how they built up the online business and how they continue to keep it successful. Hint - they have a big family.

Paul created LightBulbs.com's first website in 1996, and continues to provide all eCommerce development today, focusing on providing a fast, responsive and user-friendly experience. After over 25 years of working in nearly every position at the company, Paul now rests comfortably as President (and Programmer).
When he isn't working at LightBulbs.com, he's spending time with his wife Laura and their nine children (five of which are currently employed by LightBulbs.com), enjoying the outdoors, especially their favorite vacation spot of Fort Myers Beach, FL; and in his spare time, Paul really, really enjoys immersing himself in a good movie or video game.

Jason has been with LightBulbs.com for 24 years and works directly with: Sales, Distribution, Customer Service, Accounting and Web Content. Fresh out of high school and after one year of doing tech support for a dial-up ISP in Minneapolis, he decided to join the family lighting business of his then girlfriend – who eventually became his wife.

Since joining Service Lighting, Inc. / LightBulbs.com in 2000, Jason helped the company develop a pick, pack and ship process that handled a 1500% increase in average daily volume in these 24 years. In 2013, Jason began working with both Commercial and Retail / Utility Sales Managers on various projects and initiatives for their customers. Overseeing the growth of an online sales department that went from 4 reps up to 13 in those 11 years.

Jason loves spending time with two kids, playing fantasy sports and having his heart constantly broken by the sports teams in Minnesota, especially the Vikings…