Micro Lamps Meet Our Team


			Jean S. Narimatsu, Owner and Principal Shareholder Jean’s husband, Roger, and a partner founded Micro Lamps in 1975. The company eventually grew from a small one cabinet warehouse in Schaumburg, IL, to our present facility with over 11,500 square feet of office and warehouse space. After Roger’s death, Jean became active in the company’s management and successfully transitioned primary leadership to her son, Kei. Now in her 80’s, Jean continues to participate in daily activities as well as planning the strategies of the company. Still a world traveler, Jean loves to compare travel notes.
			Kei Narimatsu, President and CEO After assuming leadership in 1987, Kei made his top priority the development of a diverse group of lighting professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality products and personal service in the industry. “Our team members apply their knowledge within a family-type atmosphere that carries over to our customer relationships,” says Kei. “We support and encourage one another to constantly reach higher performance levels while treating our customers with dignity, respect and friendliness. Each of us – beginning with me – wants your Micro Lamps experience to be both pleasant and productive.” Kei is a leader in numerous community activities in addition to being an International Judo Federation A-Referee who officiates at many international tournaments.
			Jim Thomas, Consultant Jim joined Micro Lamps in 2002 after many years of senior executive experience with technology organizations. He brings extensive expertise from both domestic and international high technology corporations, having started and managed technology-based initiatives for firms in the Americas, Far East and Europe. Jim Thomas holds a Master of Management degree from Northwestern University and Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. “I’m impressed with Micro Lamps ability to develop sophisticated lighting solutions, and I look forward to helping the company reach even greater heights,” Jim comments. A 12-year old son keeps Jim very active in youth hockey, baseball and soccer activities.
			Ed Widtmann, VP Sales
			Regina Keder, Accounting
			Sharon Sullivan, Senior Accountant
			Joe Forsman, Sales Engineer Joe joined Micro Lamps in 2006 and brings 17 years of lighting experience and knowledge in the lighting industry. He has an extremely well rounded background having worked in all facets of lighting, sales, product management, manufacturing, quality, and design engineering. He holds an AA Degree in Mechanical Design and CAD from CLC. "I enjoy the Grass Roots philosophy Micro Lamps utilizes in its everyday approach to business" It is a difference our customers have come to appreciate and enjoy when working with us. A family with four boys keeps him and his wife extremely busy every waking moment. He also enjoys classic cars, movies, and sports.

			Alex Correa, Warehouse Manager Alex is a five-year veteran of Micro Lamps. Alex likes being a member of the team at Micro Lamps because of the emphasis placed on customer service. "I enjoy working for Micro Lamps because it gives me the opportunity to use all of my skills", comments Alex. We work as a team to offer that extra personal touch to make sure our customers are happy. If you want to discuss sports, talk to Alex. He loves watching and playing sports and is our resident sports expert.
			Sheri Conner, Purchasing Agent Sheri worked in customer service at Micro Lamps before becoming its purchasing agent, so she brings a strong customer perspective to her position. “I like the positive interdepartmental relationships we have,” says Sheri. "It’s really a cohesive, 'connected' group that works together to understand and anticipate a customer’s needs. Everyone understands that there are no cookie-cutter solutions – every customer is different.” No one at Micro Lamps has more ability to jazz up your day than Sheri. She’s been professionally singing New Orleans and Chicago style jazz in her off hours for more than 20 years.
			Celeste Aten, Inside Sales Celeste’s background in sales, accounting, and business law has been a valuable asset to Micro Lamps since she joined the company in 1996. Celeste is an example of Micro Lamp’s ability to develop relationships with customers and use a personal touch to make our company stand out. As diversified as these customers are- from the East Coast to the West Coast- I have made many friends from these relationships and enjoy each and every one of them. Celeste is a leader in the community and has been active in the Ladies Auxiliary for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). She has held many posts within the VFW and been the President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 1197 for two years. When she is not giving her time to the community, she’s spending her time with the lights of her life- her grandchildren. She has one granddaughter and four grandsons!
			Mary Valent, Inside Sales Mary joined the team at Micro Lamps in August 2000. She brings over twenty years of customer service, inside sales, and purchasing experience to her position here. Mary embodies Micro Lamps philosophy of doing business with a personal touch. She uses that in developing relationships with her customers. “I have a good working relationship with my customers", says Mary. I know they can count on me when they need something. In her spare time, Mary enjoys gardening and photography and likes to spend time with her family.
			Glenn Carlson, LED Tech Services Glenn joined the Micro Lamps team in May 2003 after working with such companies as Nabisco, Caterpillar, GTE, Dukane, and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Glenn is able to apply his background in Digital Electronics to his work at Micro Lamps. He enjoys using the family atmosphere of Micro Lamps to provide excellent technical support to all our customers. Being an employee of Micro Lamps provides me with ongoing interaction and accessibility to Senior Management with regards to customer needs. This is vital in providing all the tools needed to fulfill customer’s requirements. Glenn enjoys Major League Baseball and Football and cheering on his favorite teams. He’s also interested in photography and music.
			Miroslaw Bomba, Quality Control Inspector Miro is one of the newest members of the Micro Lamps team and brings his background as a testing operator to his role as Quality Control Inspector. His responsibilities include inspecting products and ensuring that they are in accordance with customer specifications. Miro enjoys the emphasis that Micro Lamps places on fostering a team environment. "I like to work for companies like Micro Lamps. I feel more can be accomplished working in team". Miro is a big music and sports fan and is always interested in discussing politics and current events. He is excited to put his interest in politics to use- he is a new United States citizen.
			Tom Knopp, Senior Engineering Consultant Emeritus Tom held the position of Vice-President of Engineering for Micro Lamps from 1987 until his retirement in 2000. His knowledge and contribution to the lighting industry is well documented. Tom was a lecturer for Aerospace Lighting Institute (ALI) for more than 30 years in incandescent lighting and later in LEDs. Prior to his retirement, Tom also served as chairman of the lighting division of American National Standard Institute (ANSI), helping to organize and categorize the many lamp types commonly used in the United States as well as initiating steps to standardize these specifications internationally. Tom is currently a consultant to Micro Lamps who enjoys (semi) retirement in Indiana.