Ben Franklin Company, Green Lighting, Graduates from Erie Tech Incubator
The Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University (ETI) is pleased to announce the graduation of Green Lighting LED and its upcoming move to a new manufacturing, fulfillment, and administrative office location at 1856-B East 10th Street, here in Erie.
Incorporated as JCR Sales & Mfg, in 2007, Green Lighting LED was launched by Joel Gehly after starting out with a partner in an 8×12 closet. The company joined ETI in March, 2009, and has grown significantly throughout the incubation process. From lighting up the Erie Playhouse marquee, to contracts with the U.S. government and the endorsement of a leading national restaurant chain (Applebee’s), Green Lighting LED is now positioned for additional growth.
According to Gehly, “ETI and their mentors helped shape our business positively. For me, it was like receiving a real time MBA in a high stakes environment. We had a team committed to our long term success in a first rate facility that made us look like a million.”
“The ability to quickly ask questions and receive feedback that was grounded in experience is a tremendous asset,” added Vice President of Sales and co-partner Josh Gehly. “As one example of the guidance that their team provided, we were advised to secure signatures and down payments on multiple purchase orders. If we had not received that security, we would no longer be in business, and that’s only one example of how we have benefited from this experience.”
Jeff Parnell, ETI’s Executive Director, noted that Green Lighting provides an excellent example of how business incubation and mentoring can provide significant business value, but he is also quick to credit the Gehlys and Green Lighting’s entire team. “This group works tirelessly and has embraced our mentoring process. They are true professionals, so it easy to see why their ETI mentor team and our staff enjoy supporting their growth. In addition, the team at Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been incredibly supportive of Green Lighting and its interest in creating jobs here in Northwest Pennsylvania.”
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