Name: Michael Libman
Age: 34
Job Title: National Sales Director | Residential Systems
Company: DMF Lighting
Years in the Industry: 6
Education: B.A. from SDSU
Dealerscope’s 40 Under 40 Honoree 2021
Describe your current role.
I lead our Residential Systems Team for DMF Lighting. Our team works with dealers, buying groups, and reps across North America to empower dealers to provide quality lighting solutions to their clients.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
DMF has emerged as a leader in the space. I am most proud of our recognition as a CEDIA Best New Hardware Award Winner, a CEPro Bullet Brand, and to be relied on by our partners and customers as their go-to lighting solution.
What do you like best about your job?
Working with dealers to successfully adopt a new category, how much it impacts their business, and how much their clients love the end result.
What technology are you most excited about at the moment?
I continue to be excited about the opportunity to elevate lighting in people’s homes. LED transformed lighting from commodity to technology and it requires expertise to successfully implement. We have worked on some amazing projects and know that we have addressed only a fraction of the overall opportunity.
Who in the CE or technology industry do you look up to, and why?
Tom Doherty was the initial advocate of the fixture category for dealers and was a huge part of our entry into the space. He continues to be a mentor to me personally, and I am continually impressed by his influence and the adoption of his vision by the broader industry.
What career advice would you give to people just getting started in the CE or technology industry?
First, make sure you take care of the people who support you. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to do business with our dealer partners and work hard to provide value beyond our products.
Second, make sure you align yourself with a company you can be proud to work for. I have been very fortunate to work with DMF Lighting the last number of years. Thank you — to our engineering team who develops amazing products. To our sales team who has a long history in the industry and cares about their partners success. To our leadership, for their support, both professionally and personally.
What, in your opinion, is necessary for the CE/technology industry to thrive in the next five years?
This industry is at the tip of the spear and has the skill and talent to provide amazing experiences for their clients through technology. Education and collaboration are important as things continue to evolve and new categories are adopted.
