Hi, I’m Lisa Bartlett — a business owner, marketing professional, and lifelong advocate for thoughtful design, community, and meaningful connections.
Although I now call Savannah, Georgia home, my story began in Tucker, Georgia, followed by an early move to Westerville, Ohio, where I attended high school. I went on to study at the University of Georgia from 1998 to 2001, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. My time in Athens helped shape both my worldview and my professional foundation — and it also cemented something just as lasting: I’m a diehard UGA football fan. These days, calling the Dawgs is even more meaningful, as my son now attends the University of Georgia, continuing a family tradition.
My career has been shaped by a blend of creativity, leadership, and strategy, with more than two decades of experience spanning marketing, membership development, nonprofit organizations, and the lighting and home industry. Today, I’m best known as the CEO and Co-Owner of Pace Lighting, a nationally recognized lighting showroom based in Savannah, Georgia, but my professional journey began well before that chapter.
I started my career in education and nonprofit organizations, where I built a strong foundation in communication, program development, and relationship building. Early roles with the League of Conservation Voters, LCV Education Fund, SAIS (Southern Association of Independent Schools), and the High Museum of Art gave me hands-on experience in marketing, membership operations, and community engagement. These positions taught me how mission-driven organizations connect with people — lessons that continue to influence how I lead and build businesses today.
In 2008, I transitioned into the trade association space, serving as Manager of Membership Development for Independent Electrical Contractors of Atlanta & Georgia. This role deepened my understanding of the construction and electrical industries and introduced me to the professional networks that would later become central to my career in lighting.
My path took a pivotal turn when I joined Pace Lighting in 2009 as General Manager. Over nearly six years in that role, I gained comprehensive, hands-on experience in showroom operations, sales leadership, vendor relationships, merchandising, and customer experience. Working closely with designers, builders, electricians, and homeowners, I discovered my passion for lighting as both a technical discipline and an art form.
In 2014, I briefly exited Pace Lighting in order to expanded my industry perspective as Marketing Manager for Capital Lighting, where I focused on brand strategy, product marketing, and trade relationships at a national level. That experience sharpened my understanding of manufacturing, distribution, and the broader lighting market.
In January 2015, I returned to Pace Lighting — this time as CEO and Owner. Since then, I’ve led the company through growth, change, and industry evolution, while maintaining a strong commitment to design excellence, customer service, and community involvement. Under my leadership, Pace Lighting has continued to serve Savannah and the Lowcountry as a trusted resource for residential and commercial lighting, fans, and home décor.
Beyond my business, I’ve been deeply involved in industry leadership. From 2018 to 2024, I served as a Co-Founder & Director for the Lighting Showroom Association, working alongside peers from across the country to strengthen the independent showroom community, advocate for best practices, and support the future of the lighting industry.
This blog is an extension of my professional life — and my personal interests. It’s a place where I share insights on leadership, business ownership, design, marketing, and the lessons learned along the way. I believe successful businesses are built not just on products or services, but on trust, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Whether you’re here because you love great lighting, are navigating entrepreneurship, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversations about work and life, I’m glad you’re here.
Lisa Bartlett 