Meet Joseph Hoffman, Owner and Operator of Details Lighting.
Details Lighting offers a wide range of lighting resources
to complete your residential or commercial projects.
Check out the store location at 165-167 Bala Ave.
How did you first learn about Details Lighting? My partner Justin Hilt had worked at Details Lighting for about 12 years, and the owner decided to retire in 2015. He offered the business to us and we decided to take over the business. We took over the business 01/01/2016 as equal partners 50-50.
What is your role at Details Lighting? Even though I’ve owned the business for 3.5 years I’m still learning every day. There is a lot to learn in the world of lighting and it’s constantly changing. I manage the day to day processes and procedures such as administrative functions, accounting, and marketing. I also work with clients in assisting them with purchasing lighting for their homes, beach houses, offices, and projects.
Before working at Details Lighting, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? Prior to Details, I worked for a number of organizations, but I would have to say working at ARAMARK Corporation was the most interesting, etc. I worked at Aramark in the Design Department for about 10 years. I started out as a billing analyst and was quickly promoted within the organization. My final position at ARAMARK was Senior Financial Analyst. I learned a lot during working at ARAMARK. Also, I was sent over to Greece to be a Financial Manager for ARAMARK-DASKO during the Olympics. This was an amazing opportunity that I will never forget.
How has Details Lighting helped you in your career development? Working at Details has definitely brought out my creative side. I’m really learning and assisting our clients with their needs so they don’t make costly mistakes. Learning the design element is both challenging and rewarding.
If you could switch your job with anyone else within Details Lighting, whose job would you want? N/A… I do everything at Details from opening boxes to running the company. At Details, we have a very flat hierarchy. My partner in the business and the individuals that work for us learn everything about the business as well.
What are 3 words to describe Details Lighting? Creative, Interesting and Fun. We laugh all of the time and give our clients an experience.
What has been your favorite project at Details Lighting? Wow, this is difficult… I think staging the showroom so that clients are wowed when they come to Details.
What is your favorite part about working for Details Lighting? I love working for myself.
What is your proudest moment at Details Lighting? I’m proud just to be running a successful business.
Any favorite line from a movie? “You’re killing me, Smalls”.
Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog? No, but I’m addicted to the news. Every night I watch Don Lemon and then Rachel Maddow before I go to bed.
Do you have a favorite quote? “How you perceive yourself and the world defines your reality!!!!!”
Favorite travel spot? I’m very easy to please… Sunshine, Beach, and Ocean.
How do you define success? Waking up each day and not dreading going to work. Also putting a smile on people’s faces. I love to make people laugh.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Oranges… I could live off oranges for the rest of my life if I had to… I drink a half-gallon of O.J. a day.
People would be surprised if they knew: I worked as a Sasquatch for Jack’s Links.
What book did you read last? Eat, Pray and Love.
What did you want to be when growing up? A Business Man. I was fascinated by men walking around in suits.
What do you always want to try and never did? There is nothing I won’t try (well within reason). This gets me into trouble sometimes.
What is the first concert you attended? Janet Jackson.
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? I would pay off my house and then buy a lake house in Central, PA. I love Central PA, and a lake house can be used all year round.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? Walk around and look at houses. The Main Line has some of the most interesting houses.
What places have you lived in? Philadelphia, State College, Central PA, Manchester England, and Greece.
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this? Be a foot model. Smile Just kidding… I wouldn’t want to do anything else.
You’re happiest when? Finishing up a really intense workout. Like Hip Hop class.
Is there anything special about City Ave that you can share? It’s very diverse and has something for everyone.
