As part of a family-owned business, Caroline and Brandon Humphries understand the uniqueness of what they offer—and it’s one of the reasons they like partnering with Fanimation, also a family-owned company.

The Humphries manage Atlanta Ceiling Fans in Roswell, Georgia. Caroline’s parents, Kon and Susie Kim, own the store and still help out, but have stepped away from the day-to-day management.

Caroline said it was natural for her and her husband, Brandon, to step in. She’s been around the business from a young age—in a way, the store is like a second home. And when Brandon started dating Caroline, he often visited the store while she worked. With time, Caroline and the store became his family, too. And today, they are the friendly faces customers count on seeing when they walk through the doors.

Kon opened the Store in 1985—it was part of a franchise. In 2019, the Kims and Humphries decided it was time to operate independently and officially re-opened (in the same spot) as Atlanta Ceiling Fans. While customers may have thought it was new management at first, the minute they walked in and saw the Humphries, they knew they were at the right place—and would be taken care of, just like always.

“Our customers know we’ll give them one-on-one help to find the product they need,” she says. “And our relationship extends beyond the sale. We’re here to help with whatever they need.”

Brandon agrees: “We treat our customers just like we want to be treated. We educate them on the different fans, so we can set the right expectations and match them with a product that fits what they’re looking for.”

Atlanta Ceiling Fans’ commitment to customer service is why Fanimation likes having them as one of our dealers. The partnership is one that benefits us and them—and, most of all, our shared clients.

“I love everyone at Fanimation—they set the standard for how this business should be,” says Caroline. “They answer quickly, are always friendly, and very knowledgeable about the products.”

And that, says Brandon, is invaluable.

“Fanimation’s customer service is worth its weight in gold,” says Brandon. “We know they’ll take care of us and our customers, so everyone has the best experience.”

Bonus: Caroline and Brandon are fans of our products! Caroline’s favorite Fanimation fans is the Wrap Custom because of its artful design. And Brandon favors the Kellan for its modern take on a vintage design.

If you live in the Atlanta area, you’ll definitely want to check them out. We know they’ll treat you well—that’s what family does.

Leadership:

• Jasmin Souza, Owner/Office Manager
• Jeff Carmody, Owner/Sales Manager

Location: La Quinta, California

How Fans Plus Blinds Got Started: While Fans Plus Blinds has been around since 1985, Jasmin and Jeff have only been at the helm since 2017. The duo were looking for something new and the opportunity to buy and manage Fans Plus Blinds seemed like the perfect fit for their combined skills and background. Jasmin worked as an interior designer, and Jeff in sales. Today they’re thriving, leading Fans Plus Blinds. Jasmin, who loves a challenge, enjoys solving customer problems like how to cover a window or better cool an area. Jeff is often out in the field, providing estimates and  meeting customers. Together, they are making people’s homes beautiful!

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: Odyn

Favorite Fanimation Fan:

• Jasmin: “Levon—with its simple, clean lines, boxy form and large exposed bolts. Plus, with the ability to choose custom colors, you can design it to perfectly fit your style and space.”
• Jeff: Spitfire and the Odyn – Jeff says he loves that they can be customized, and that the Odyn is available in so many sizes.

What You Like About Fanimation: “I knew about Fanimation from my previous role as an interior designer, but I’ve really gotten to know them in-depth now,” Jasmin says. “With my design background and Fanimation’s beautiful styles, I really felt like the product line deserved more ceiling display space.” When Jasmin and Jeff took over Fans Plus Blinds, Fanimation fans were the lowest selling fan brand. Today, it’s the number one seller in the store! In addition to the popular fan designs, Jasmin credits the renewed interest in Fanimation fans to the strong relationship they have with Fanimation. “Whenever we call Fanimation—anyone at Fanimation—they respond quickly and make it easy to get things accomplished,” she says.

What We Should Know about Fans Plus Blinds: “Fans + Blinds is a small business that operates like a family, and we treat our customers the same way,” Jasmin explains. That’s why Jeff spends a lot of time in the field, helping customers meet their goals for window coverings and complementary ceiling fans. “Customers rely on Jeff because he has a great eye for color and excellent attention to detail. They leave feeling likes he’s putting as much thought into their decision as he would for himself.”

Leadership: Matthew Streuer, President

Location: Cincinnati

How lighting(one) of Cincinnati Got Started: After 12 years in the lighting industry, Streuer decided to open lighting(one) of Cincinnati in 2011. The company prides itself on being a retail destination in the Greater Cincinnati area. “We have a great team of people who care about the success of our company and, more importantly, who love helping customers with their lighting and fan selections.”

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: Spitfire—and we sell Mini Breezes all the time,” says Streuer. “The Hugh is also popular with homeowners.”

Favorite Fanimation Fan: Streuer says he likes the Spitfire, and his kids all like the Urban Jet in their rooms.

What You Like About Fanimation: “Fanimation’s catalog offers designs that are simple and sleek,” says Streuer. “Plus, they’re easy folks to work with. When something needs done, they’re responsive and help us get it accomplished.”

What We Should Know about lighting(one) of Cincinnati: “Our showroom is an easygoing environment—no high-pressure selling. We focus on being one in design, one in customer service and one in selection, says Streuer. In addition to the beautiful 4000 sq ft showroom full of hundreds of light fixtures and fans, lighting(one) does repairs and installations, as well as contractor/designer services.

Leadership: Lisa Needler, Showroom Division Manager

Locations: Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Elkhart and South Bend

 How Wabash Lighting Got Started: Wabash Lighting is a division of Wabash Electric, which was established in 1960. In the late 80s, the company began selling lighting at the original Wabash location. Most of the lighting sold at that time were the bound glass-polished brass fixtures for a few select builders in the area. From there it grew to multiple locations across North Eastern Indiana. Today—with a wide range of products—Wabash Lighting is proud to be the destination location for many across the tristate area of Indiana, Ohio and Southern Michigan.

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: The Spitfire, in every color!

Favorite Fanimation Fan: I recently moved to a new home and had to leave behind my Benito fan. My new home will have either the Pickett Drum or the Beckwith. I love the look of the drum light that is also a functioning fan.

What You Like About Fanimation: When we sell a Fanimation fan, we know and trust the product that is going out the door. Nobody likes to have issues with their fans, so knowing the product will work right and is easy to install gives everyone peace of mind. We love to tell clients that Fanimation is in our home state of Indiana! We are proud to support another Hoosier company!

What We Should Know about Wabash Lighting: Wabash Lighting has four showroom locations with skilled lighting consultants ready to help at each store. Our largest showroom is located in our Fort Wayne facility, with 8,000 square feet of fixtures and accessories. We also have a large experience center to show off lighting controls and the latest in LED technologies. We are constantly bringing in new fixtures and accessories to serve our clientele of homeowners, builders and designers. Wabash Lighting prides itself on handling vendors that not only cater to design and style, but affordability and reliability in their products. We only partner with the best, which is why Fanimation is a great fit for our company!

Leadership:
• Blaine Malczon, Store Manager
• Richard Little, Owner

Location: Aiea, HI

How Pacific Ceiling Fans Got Started: Pacific Ceiling Fans, Inc., started on the island of Oahu 30 years go. Richard Little, who has been in the ceiling fan business his whole life—his dad owned Sierra Fans for several years—took over Pacific Ceiling Fans in 1998. Today, it has the largest selection of fans in Hawaii.

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: Xeno

Favorite Fanimation Fan: Xeno

What You Like About Fanimation: “We’ve been working with Fanimation for over a decade—and the customer service has always been great. They’re able to answer every question we pose to them within a timely manner—it makes my job very easy,” explains Store Manager Blaine Malczon. “Initially, we were focused on Fanimation’s tropical fans, but we’ve expanded our Fanimation selection and sales in more recent years with contemporary designs like Spitfire, Xeno, Zonix and Hugh.”

What We Should Know about Pacific Ceiling Fans: Pacific Ceiling Fans has the largest selection of ceiling fans in Oahu, Hawaii—with the most products on display. Their products can be found in many of the hotels on all the islands. But sales extend beyond Hawaii. Customers from the mainland, as well as Japan, often call them as well. “It’s not uncommon to have people leave the islands and call us for a fan they saw when they were here,” Malczon says. “We’ll go above and beyond to help people find what they need and make the experience positive.”

Leadership
• Chuck Bebber, Co-owner
• Andy Bebber, Co-owner
• Liz (Bebber) Harris, Showroom Manager

Location: Fort Myers, FL

How Brothers Lighting Got Started: The Bebber brothers have been in business together for 28 years. First known as Lighting Depot, the store was owned by another family and managed by Chuck and Andy. In 1997, when the owners were ready to retire, the brothers bought the business. The name change fanned out of how they’d become known in the industry. “We have a lot of reps on the East Coast and whenever they’d come to show us new products, they always said that they were ‘going to see the brothers,’” Chuck says. After continuous steady growth, Brothers Lighting moved into its current two-story, 16,000 square-feet space. They continue to receive accolades from the local market. The Fort Myers News-Press Readers Poll has named them the “Best of Southwest Florida” for 15 consecutive years.

Top-selling Fanimation Fans:
• Spitfire
• Odyn
• Xeno

Favorite Fanimation Fan: “I really love the newest model of the Odyn that allows customization of blades,” Chuck says. “But all Fanimation fans have great designs and incredible quality.”

 What You Like About Fanimation: Brothers Lighting and Fanimation have worked together for more than 10 years. “Since we’re both family-owned businesses, we have a lot in common and see eye-to-eye on many things,” Chuck shares. “Fanimation is one of our best suppliers, providing the highest level of professionalism and care when it comes to brand and merchandise. The people at Fanimation always respond professionally and get things handled in an expeditious way.”

 What We Should Know about Brothers Lighting: Brothers Lighting has one of the largest showrooms in the area, but the shopping experience is still very personal. “We believe in doing things the old fashioned way. We use technology to make the purchase easy and convenient, but when you call us or come into our store, we work one-on-one to help you find what you need,” Chuck explains. “This personal touch has worked for us for 28 years now.”

Leadership:
• Craig Motz, Owner
• Ryan Zurn, Ceiling Fan Specialist

Location: Burnsville, Minnesota

How Southern Lights Got Started: Craig Motz opened Southern Lights in 1986 after 10 years in the lighting industry. With experience working for another lighting showroom in St. Paul, Motz decided the time was right to branch out on his own. He started the business with three employees—two of which are still working for him. Now, in its third decade of business, Southern Lights has a staff of 45 people to serve the 25,000 square-foot showroom AND its 25,000 square-foot warehouse! Initially, Southern Lights was located in an industrial park and catered to builders only. In 1998, the company moved into a new building, expanding its square footage and its customer base. Today, it is the largest lighting and fan showroom in the Midwest!

Top-selling Fanimation Fans:
• Spitfire
• Xeno
• Levon

Favorite Fanimation Fan: Motz has had a Levon in his home for over a decade! And Zurn is a huge fan of the Spitfire—one of the store’s top-selling fans among all brands.

What You Like About Fanimation: Southern Lights has worked with Fanimation for the past 15 years. “Fanimation has become our #1 go-to fan source over the years,” Zurn shares. “They provide so many benefits—the products are dependable; styles are always on trend; and the use of technology offers the convenience customers desire,” he says. “Plus, the customer service team is always willing to answer questions and troubleshoot, if needed. And shipping times are very fast—which keeps our customers happy.”

What We Should Know about Southern Lights: Southern Lights is dedicated to making the lighting and fan experience easy and enjoyable. “We pride ourselves on the selection, service and pricing we provide to customers,” Motz says. “We have a full range of products to meet every budget—plus, we provide more than just lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. We are constantly updating our showroom with the accessories that help complete your space.”

Leadership:
• Patrick Haire – Co-Owner
• Joe Watt – Co-Owner

Location: Mesa, Arizona

How EAST VALLEY FANS + BLINDS Got Started: Not only are Haire and Watt business partners, but they’re neighbors as well. The pair had long talked about going into business together. Watt, who worked as an installer for many years, began having Haire help him on jobs as his normal 9-to-5 job allowed. It was a great indoctrination into the industry. After a few years, they were both ready to stop talking about going into business together and actually do it!

EAST VALLEY FANS + BLINDS was born in 2016—growing faster than both owners anticipated. “The company has grown way beyond our expectations,” Haire shares. “We felt we had a good business model and quality products and service, but even we were a little surprised by the response from the market.”

Today—just 18 months later—EAST VALLEY FANS + BLINDS has the largest showroom in Arizona, and Fanimation has been with them since the beginning. Watt was very familiar with Fanimation from his years as an installer. “I held Fanimation in high regard because of the product quality,” he says. “I knew when we opened, we wanted our product line to include Fanimation fans. Today, we have 15 in our showroom.”

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: Xeno, Levon and Aire Deluxe

Favorite Fanimation Fan: Both owners have a Xeno on their back patios. Additionally, Haire has an Odyn and a Levon Custom in other spaces of his home.

What You Like About Fanimation: “Fanimation was very committed to helping us open,” Haire says. “They had our backs from the beginning. That support—along with their unparalleled immediate responsiveness to our needs—makes Fanimation a good partner for EAST VALLEY FANS + BLINDS.” Even more, Watt says, he appreciates how much Fanimation leadership listens and responds to dealers. “The new custom sizes for the Odyn are a great example of Fanimation’s response to customers,” he says. “We had several requests for the Odyn in different sizes—now we can do that.”

What We Should Know about EAST VALLEY FANS + BLINDS: In addition to offering the largest showroom in Arizona, they have a deal that’s hard to beat—free installation and a warranty on all fans for the first year of service. On top of that, customer service is a top priority!

Leadership:

• Gill Schauer, Owner
• Mark Miller, Owner
• Kevin Calkin, Sales Manager

Location: Huntington Beach, CA

How Trading Post Fan Company Got Started: Trading Post Fan Company may have one of the more unusual beginnings—it actually began as a vitamin store. After meeting Burton A. Burton, the founder and owner of Casablanca Fan Company, the owners of Trading Post Fan Company became enthralled with its fans and began using it as part of the store’s decor. “We had fans on the ceiling and vitamins on the floor,” shares Kevin Calkin, Sales Manager. Customers took notice and by the mid-to late 1980s, Trading Post Fan Company was more focused on fans than vitamins.

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: Xeno

Favorite Fanimation Fan: Xeno—“I like it for its clean lines and minimalist look,” Calkin says. “The fanSync smartphone control is also nice. It’s a lot of fan at a good price.”

What You Like About Fanimation: Calkin says Trading Post Fan Company values the customer service Fanimation provides. “Fanimation has always been a good company to deal with,” he says. “We feel confident offering our customers their fans because they are good quality and have unique designs.”

What We Should Know Trading Post Fan Company: Trading Post Fan Company, which has been in business for 38 years, has the largest fan display in the region—more than 200 fans for customers to see! At Trading Post Fan Company, customers don’t just buy a fan, they can design a fan, too. Their Customizable Design Center offers unique colors, blades and styles to choose from—along with various remote and wall control features.

Leadership:
• Robby Cooper, Owner / President
• Denise Duncan, General Manager

Location: North Richland Hills, TX

How Lighting Etc. Got Started: Lighting Etc. is a third-generation, family-owned and operated decorative lighting and fan showroom. Bob and Norma Cooper—lovingly called Pawpaw and Granny by the family—started Lighting Etc. in the early 1980s. At the time, ceiling fans were sold in different stores than lighting fixtures. Granny, who had been in the lighting industry for several years already, decided to combine the two into one store—a very innovative marketing strategy at that time. Additionally, she made another bold move by opening the store to general public, instead of only builders and decorators, as was common then. Today, the store is run by Bob and Norma’s son, Robbie. Denise, who has worked there 27 years, is another family member who helps oversee the day-to-day operations as general manager. The third generation—Robbie’s son and oldest daughter—are now learning the ropes in preparation to run it one day. The store is open six days a week. On Saturdays, Denise says, “It’s like a Walmart. From the minute we open to the minute we close, we’re boot scootin’ around here.”

Top-selling Fanimation Fan: Odyn and myFanimation

Favorite Fanimation Fan: Spitfire “The matte greige finish is just phenomenal,” Denise says. “I try to convince everybody they want it!”

What You Like About Fanimation: “We like Fanimation because of its quality. We never had to worry about a Fanimation fan,” Denise says. “We love the myFanimation line—it’s been a huge success with our customers. And, of course, we love their designs and that Fanimation is a generational business like we are.”

What We Should Know Lighting Etc.: Lighting Etc. has more than 3,700 lighting fixtures on display—with thousands more options available—at its 4,000-square-foot showroom. “We’re here to meet the needs of our local community,” Denise says. “From adding décor to light and airflow and design to fans, we have multiple choices. We’re all about family, faith and friendship here at Lighting Etc.”

10. Our customers. Your excitement for our fans continues to inspire us and drive us to create new, unique designs that will make a statement in your home.

9. Options. With myFanimation, we can all be designers and build the fan of our choice!

8. Good deals. See #10. Because we love our customers, we’re offering 20% off retail price on any Fanimation fan during our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale! Valid at participating showrooms or online retailers between Nov. 20-29.

7. Our dealer network. The support of this nationwide network has helped make the Fanimation brand what it is today.

6. Our leadership. We love being part of a family-owned business that’s committed to its employees, the industry and customers. Plus, they support having a fun working environment!

5. The rich history of fans. Visit our Antique Fan Museum to see how fans have evolved over the years.

4. Our employees. They work hard and represent Fanimation well in all they do—from design, sales and distribution to customer and technical support.

3. The way technology has enhanced fan control. It is so convenient to use FanSync to control the ceiling fan in your home remotely via your cell phone.

2. Design collaborators. Some of our newest fans have been because of our partnerships with the Michael Graves Architecture and Design Group and independent designers like Mark Pickett.

1. The form, fit and function of fans! Today, fans are more than an appliance. They are a piece of home décor that is highly functional and fits beautifully in environments of all kinds.

Tell us a little about your background.
“I grew up in Arcadia, Indiana, a small Midwestern town that had two grocery stores, a dime store and my family’s hardware store. I worked at the hardware as a teenager and was always inspired by how things were made. From an early age I was making things, crafting silver jewelry, tooling leather and building furniture. In high school, I discovered the work of Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller furniture and the great modernist Marcel Bruer. I became an industrial designer because I wanted to design furniture. Ironically, it was almost 20 years before I designed my first furniture collection.”

How did you get started in product design?
“Before graduating from the University of Cincinnati, I worked in the Sears Tower as an industrial designer. My entrée into lighting started with Forecast Lighting in 1985. There I learned the lighting business by designing custom fixtures for the contract and hospitality market. I spent time as an in-house designer with Thomas Lighting, Minka Aire and CSL Lighting. In 1999, I started Smyth & Pickett with my wife and partner, Maryrose Smyth, to consult on the design of home furnishings and interiors.”

Tell us about your latest Fanimation design—aptly named, Pickett.
“The Pickett has a definite industrial/hardware look—black iron with brushed nickel or satin brass accents. My days in the hardware store clearly influenced the details of this fan. Maryrose defines the look as ‘inspired, turn-of-the-century American factory.’ Diane Keaton just released a new book, The House that Pinterest Built. It features her interpretation of this look for her new home in LA. The Pickett looks as if it were designed specifically for her project.”

Describe your working relationship with Fanimation.
“Collaboration is the key to working with all clients. My work with Fanimation is a perfect example of this process. The best scenario is sharing customer insights, trend observations and thoughts on market direction. The concepts flow from there and we continue to collaborate. It’s about listening and responding.”

How have fans and lighting changed since you first began?
“I believe that we all need a daily escape from our connected lives. This can be done by creating a place at home that is our own. It might be the communal table, the front porch or a garden folly. Design is in our daily lives as never before. Design has become a pastime for all.”

What’s popular right now?
“Modern, clean, geometric forms. I read a comment yesterday about how millennials are choosing more contemporary looks, but they are blending this with furniture handed down from their parents. We’re seeing it in old-school/factory—clean utilitarian looks produced with rich natural materials that impart a sense of history. Mid-century design is also popular. It has natural wood furnishings with brass accents, but it has to be a rich brass used as a discreet accent.”

Tell us something interesting about your connection to Fanimation.
“Fanimation was originally based in Pasadena, California and moved to Indiana. I moved from Indiana to California after college. My office is now in Pasadena.”

Tell us a peculiar fact about your career.
“My first job out of college was designing chainsaws.”

Where do you live?
“My family and I live in a 1920s Craftsman cottage with a barn in a secluded canyon in Altadena, California.”

Tell us about your design approach.
“My job is to listen. Then connect to my creativity for a solution.”

See Mark’s design at Fanimation.com: Pickett and Pickett Drum