Benson Lighting of Miami Florida Purchased by Industry Veterns

Tri-Continental Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Benson Lighting has been purchased by Ric and Rebecca Jolie. The transaction was a stock purchase and took place November 21, 2003.

January 13 2004--Benson Lighting of Miami, Florida has been purchased by Ric and Rebecca Jolie. The retail lighting showroom was founded in 1963 by John Benson andn was acquired in 1973 by Dick and Nancy Cole in 1973 who, together, developed the business into a leading lighting and fan retailer serving the residential, commercial and, export markets.

The Jolies contracted with the Coles in 1994 to manage all aspects of the operation, work towards and ownership equity position and, relieve the Coles from their direct involvement in the company. During their tenure of management leading up to the acquisition, the Jolies have been responsible for the sales, amrketing, purchasing, merchandising, personnel and. financial direction fo the business.

Prior to joining Benson Lighting, Ric and Rebecca Jolie held various management and executive postitions at lighting distributors in the northeast, including Economy Electric Supply (Hartford, CT) Mass Gas and Electric (Boston, MA) and, Shemitz Lighting (Milford CT).With over 25 years in the lighting industry, Ric Jolie has also been active in the American Lighting Association and is a former President of the northeast chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society. Rebecca Jolie, an ALA Lighting Specialist with 16 years experience in the lighting industry, directs the custom resisdential and commercial lighting departments at Benson Lighting.

With the change of ownership, Ric anticipates no fundamental changes in the operation. "The model for success was firmly established by Dick and Nancy Cole. We now only intend to improve upon that formula without any radical changes in market focus and/or internal strategies", stated Ric when asked about the future direction of the business. The retailer will continue to be named Benson Lighting.

The transfer of ownership of Benson Lighting and the 40th anniversary of the business was celebrated at a gala function held in Key Biscayne Florida. The event was attended by lighting mnufacturer owners, executive, sales representaives and friends and business colleagues of both the Coles and the Jolies
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