What inspired you to create LEDtronics and how long ago was it? What sparked your interest in this industry in the beginning?

In 1983 I recognized the major issues plaguing the lighting industry. Filament based bulbs held a monopoly over both indicator & illuminator applications, but a host of issues like high failure rate, extreme energy use, and sensitivity to environmental factors hindered them significantly. With a background in mechanical engineering and real world experience working with light emitting diodes (LED), I set out to adapt LED technology from indicator to illuminator. Along with my wife Almas I began LEDtronics from my garage in Torrance, CA. I sought out specific applications that LED could be applied to, and developed solutions for them. With a vision of one day replacing all conventional lighting technologies with LED, I passionately innovated new ways of adapting LED as a means of lighting, quietly leading  at the forefront of the advancement of LED lighting technology.

What do you feel makes LEDtronics the great company that it is? What separates it from competitors?

I strongly feel that LEDtronics’ unique ability to provide a solution very quickly without sacrificing quality is what makes it the great company it is today. By truly listening to customers and providing just-in-time development, manufacturing, and working prototypes, LEDtronics focuses on satisfying their customers each and every time. With a loyal family of coworkers, I can confidently state that the company has a unique ability to work together while staying on top of the latest technologies.

How does LEDtronics differ today from what it was when you first created it?

The lighting industry is always changing, and LEDtronics itself is on its third reinvention. Now with the development of new and improved white light LED products, our company’s focus is on this new product revolution. Energy conservation and environmental protection are more important today than they ever have been, and my LEDtronics team is dedicated to developing the safest, most efficient LED light bulbs possible.

Describe an average day at work for you.

These days I prefer to stay closely connected to new designs and products. I continue to stay tightly knit with the R&D and its efforts to find new solutions, and I am constantly looking for new applications for LED lighting. I pride myself on being an out-of-the-box thinker; a trait that many feel contributes to the success of LEDtronics. I also find data analysis to be crucial in the development of new products, and I am constantly pouring over historical data both industry and LEDtronics to aid in the research of future technologies.

What is your view of the future of LEDtronics and the LED Lighting Industry?

I believe that LEDtronics will continue to bring positive change to the world. Through a myriad of factors such as global environmental concerns, sustainability, and even the empowerment of the poor through my own philanthropic programs, I have a vision of LED helping to shape the world into a better place. I also recognize that solar energy and LED are an “absolute magical mix”, and feel that when these two technologies are combined many of the important issues facing humanity can be eradicated.

Tell me about your personal values in regards to work that transcends to your home and family.

In the 30 years that I have owned LEDtronics, I have remained extremely disciplined in my balance between work and family. I avoid making mistakes, but love creating positive results from lessons learned from mistakes. My true priority has always been family, and that is one thing that will never change.

When not at work what do you enjoy to do in your spare time?

I love great food, family time, and watching movies. Due to my son Shaan I have become a huge Lakers basketball fan, and watch their games as often as possible with my son. Keeping up with the politics of the world, and working on the education of the poor through various philanthropic programs that I am deeply involved in such as my “Pehli Kiran” First Ray of Light Initiative that brings light to rural areas of Pakistan in order to positively impact the recipients of our Solar LED lantern socio-economic status. This program also aims to increase the opportunities for boys and girls to study at night which is difficult in many rural areas because of limited or no access to an electric grid.