The old adage that people don’t care how much you know, but want to know much you care is a true axiom, says Don Nielsen. And it’s one he lives by daily as chairman of the Light Doctor LLC in Mountlake Terrace.
Helping clients see a return on their energy-related investment is a good place to start showing he cares.
The Light Doctor serves companies in Seattle, Portland, Ore., and Boise, Idaho, to lower their energy needs and costs. Nielsen purchased the company in 2004.
Q: What convinced you that this was the job for you?
A: The lighting industry intrigued me as it was a way to both save energy, improve the environment and improve the working conditions while providing clients with an excellent return on their investment.
Q: What does it take to blend your passion with your livelihood?
A: … If you are passionate about what you do, you will be very good at it and that will help make you successful. I’m passionate about energy efficiency and lighting, as is our team, so that enhances our performance both for our customers and as a business.
Q: What are the crucial elements of success for your business?
A: Quality people is the most important ingredient, and we have them. Along with that, however, you need a real understanding and knowledge of lighting, and we have that as well.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how did you meet it?
A: Taking a company that had been fairly static for years and making it into a vibrant, growing enterprise. Hiring and retaining the right people is what made it work.
Q: How did your friends and family react when you told them you were getting into this business?
A: My family was very supportive. My friends thought I was too old to take on a new venture. They were wrong; it is keeping me young.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Building a quality company that people want to work for and that customers want to deal with.
Q: What personal abilities do you think are needed to excel in your line of work?
A: Being interested in people, in their personal growth and their livelihood. The old adage that people don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much you care is a very true axiom. I try to live that in my daily work.
Q: When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
A: I enjoy being with my wife, a periodic golf game, a good book and at least one boat trip a year.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
