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Ron Young and Bob Ostrander saw the light when they started up their new business venture. The Greenwich High alumni founded Tri-State LED last February, certain that green-tech LEDs or light-emitting diodes will revolutionize the lighting industry.
"Energy-saving is everybody's concern at this point," Young said, pointing out that LEDs are a new way to light homes and businesses.
Ostrander demystified the technology, which can be used to light homes and business. "LEDs weren't created by the giants out there," he said. "They were created by small fast-moving tech companies that developed silicone chips and running power over the top of them, creating light."
A common household light bulb, which contains harmful gases and mercury, produces more heat than light. "What people don't know is the effect of what throwing out a common light bulb can do," said Young. "Mercury never goes away. If you break one bulb, over 4,000 square feet can be contaminated." In LED lighting, the product is 95 percent recyclable with no harmful side products.
Young said LED lights have been around for many years, people just haven't noticed. "It is only hitting the market now because in 2002, creators got the colors to create white light," he said. "Once white light was created, they were able to go into the commercial market."
Tri-State LED recently installed new lighting in Greenwich Town Hall and is testing new lights in a number of schools in town. "Everybody is looking to save today," said Young. "Everywhere we go, we know we can save people money. An LED has a lifespan on 10 to 12 years." That equals 30,000 to 50,0000 hours.
The high school friends watched the LED market expand and began researching companies around the world with which to partner. Their choice was Seesmart LED, a supplier with a long list of products that Tri-State LED can deliver from New Jersey to Rhode Island.
"When we saw this opportunity present itself, I automatically knew this was going to be the next big run, and there are only a few big runs we get in our lifetime," said Young. "We are building the American dream."
Do you have LED lighting in your home or office? What is your opinion of them? Leave a comment below or send an email to acorbett@mainstreetconnect.us.
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