Page 130 - Lighting Magazine January 2019

Iron MavEN
just as important,” Hanson interjects. “Ashley Wes- terman of Earp and Associates did an incredible job helping us hang xtures and create displays in the showroom,” she states.
Sco Kinney was recently promoted from a posi- tion in the warehouse to the showroom manager role. Clouse says she selected Kinney because of his temperament. “He came to us from working at Habitat for Humanity and a children’s ministry. He has a calming demeanor,” she explains. “He’s a glass half-full kind of guy; he has empathy. I try to empower my employees to do a lot without being micro-managed.”
A spirit of hospitality is noticeable as soon as customers enter the showroom. They’re o ered something to drink, and if the sta happens to be celebrating a birthday, they can expect to be given a slice of cake and invited to join in the fun.
“We try to be hospitality-oriented,” Clouse notes. “Even if we’ve ordered in lunch, you’re in- vited to eat with us.”
Word of mouth about the customer service at Carolina Lanterns has spread far and wide. “On any Saturday, if you look in our parking lot, you’ll see cars from all di erent states: New Jersey, Connect- icut, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, etc.,” Clouse remarks. “People from all over come to the Carolinas to vacation. I’d say 90 percent of new customers are people who are either relocating to the Carolinas or who are building their second homes here.”
Consumers may have heard of Carolina Lanterns because of Clouse’s participation in major designer showhomes featured in national shelter magazines. “We might start out supplying the exterior lanterns for customers’ new homes, but it o en turns into doing the whole house because people like the way they connect with us,” she explains.
The Charleston area has been growing, espe- cially with the installation of large manufacturing facilities for such blue chip companies as Boeing, Mercedes, and Volvo.
One thing’s for certain: you’ll never see Clouse standing still. She actively volunteers for fund- raisers bene ing Red Cross Heroes as well as the Charleston Port & Seafarers’ Society and is active in local entrepreneur groups. “I always have 10 things going on at once. What makes me the hap- piest is having a project to do,” she states. Keep an eye out for her lanterns in the 2019 Southern Living Showhouse on Amelia Island, Florida. 
top: Once inside the showroom, comfortable seating is available for viewing the latest in Contemporary lighting styles.
Clouse notes that interior lanterns in bright colors such as seafoam, coral, black, and red have been in demand. Carolina Lanterns can match any Benjamin Moore® paint color a customer wants.
128 enLIGHTenment MagazIne | January 2019
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