Specification Sales
While in high school, Steve walked into a lighting store on LI.
Steve said to the boss: “Hi I’m looking for a job.”
Boss: “You‘re hired!”
Steve: “But you didn’t even interview me?”
Boss: “My wife and I just bought this place, signed the contract 5 minutes ago. We need a kid in high school to help out around here. You walked in right after that. It was meant to be!”
Strauss has been in lighting ever since!
Prior to ORA, he worked in the “meant to be” lighting store (a total of 3 times). After graduating from the School of Visual Arts he started the lighting department at Lee’s Studio in NYC and then moved to Lightforms, NYC—both premier lighting showrooms. Steve catered to the design trade at both, was also one of the head buyers, and a display, design, and marketing director.
In 1994 he created “The Well Dressed Lamp” beaded shades and finials for the lighting industry. Then in 2008, Steve transitioned to specification sales at ELS (Enterprise Lighting Sales) and then to HTA Lighting (High Tech Applications) for almost a decade.
Steve brings 30+ years of lighting experience to ORA and is excited for new challenges!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST AT O’BLANEY RINKER?
The team effort, hard working yet caring and welcoming vibe, and great sense of humor all around!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.”
— Charles M. Schulz
WHAT VALUES DRIVE YOU?
Respect for all people, regardless of our differences—loyalty, honesty, and integrity.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?
My family, down-time with my wife, getting away whenever possible—and our 2 dogs.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
My Wife.
After 40 Years of marriage, still my soul-mate, my love, best friend, and dinner partner!
FAVORITE FOOD YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
CHOCOLATE, Pasta, CHOCOLATE, Eggplant Parm. CHOCOLATE, Steak, CHOCOLATE
TRAPPED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ALBUMS CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT?
Beatles: Sgt. Peppers & Abbey Road
Elton John: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Eric Clapton: Pretending
LED Zeppelin: IV
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
Rob Thomas: Something to Be
Anything from: Ed Sheeran, Arizona, Eurythmics, GooGoo Dolls, Rolling Stones
HOW LONG WOULD YOU LAST IN A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE?
Indefinitely. Remember, respect for all—and that includes Zombies.
