The History Of Robinson Lighting
Family Roots In The Lighting Industry
With over 85 years of history, Robinson Lighting began with Thomas Robinson as a candle maker in Montreal around 1850, evolving into a pioneering lighting agency by W.W. Robinson in 1919.
The company has since grown through generations, with B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd founded in 1936, leading to the establishment of Robinson Lighting Ltd. Now in its fifth generation, it’s led by Brett (President) and Leigh (Vice President) Robinson, continuing a legacy of innovation in lighting.
Meet our Robinson Lighting Team!
Our Mission
To illuminate lives by creating sustainable,
inspiring spaces for a bright future.
Our Vision
Elevate spaces with innovative lighting, enlightening perspectives on its transformative power.
Our Values
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in every action we take. Taking full accountability for our decisions, we recognize that each experience is a valuable opportunity for learning and continual improvement.
People First
As a family-run company, we prioritize the well-being, development, and satisfaction of our employees, customers, and community. Cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and fairness, we actively promote health, happiness, work-life balance, and inclusivity. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual feels valued and supported.
Sustainability
Proud of our local roots, we are committed to supporting local businesses, contributing to the vibrancy of our community. As a lighting company, we actively develop systems to conserve energy, particularly in our showroom, championing the use of eco-friendly LED technology and staying at the forefront of advancements in sustainable lighting.
Relationship Focused
Our commitment lies in fostering enduring connections built on open communication, trust, and mutual respect. We actively build strong foundations of trust with our customers, industry associations, and partners in the lighting industry. Our aim is to understand where we can be of help, offer assistance, and contribute to the community. We value collaboration and shared growth, emphasizing open communication and mutual respect.
Passion
Approaching challenges with enthusiasm, dedication, and a proactive mindset, our team views obstacles as opportunities for growth. We foster innovation and effective solutions through creativity, determination, collaboration, and continuous learning. Setting ourselves apart with a deep understanding and proficiency in lighting products, design/layout, and customer support, we are not merely providers of lighting solutions; we are dedicated to crafting environments that transcend mere illumination, reflecting our passion for what we do.
What We Offer
Expertise
Our team actively stays updated on evolving lighting technologies and trends. We encourage them to achieve a Lighting Specialist designation within their first year of employment. We provide valuable technical guidance and create customized lighting layouts for a wide range of applications, whether it’s residential or commercial, to meet our clients’ specific requirements.
Price Match Guarantee
We proudly offer a 100% price match guarantee for items available from vendors we stock, provided they share the exact model number and are priced in Canadian currency. We aim to provide a traditional shopping experience by allowing customers to interact with products firsthand in our showroom while ensuring our pricing remains competitive, either matching or beating online offers.
Style & Selection
We offer a wide range of styles to suit different preferences. Our dedicated team curates a collection that seamlessly blends current trends with timeless designs, ensuring you always have options to choose from.
Community Involvement
As a family owned business, Brett and Leigh Robinson believe in the importance of supporting organizations that help strengthen and support the community. The Robinson family has always believed in the principal of “treating people the way we like to be treated.”
Currently, Robinson Lighting supports Camp Stephens, Inclusion Winnipeg, Mamas for Mamas, and Cancer Care Foundation to name a few.
Featured Organization - Camp Stephens
Camp Stephens has had a lasting impact on the Robinson family for generations. Notably, when Brett and Leigh Robinson were children, they had the opportunity to attend Camp Stephens in Ontario, a camp founded by the YMCA.
During the earlier years, their father, Bruce Robinson, played an active role as a camp counselor at Camp Stephens. He was affectionately nicknamed “Rabbit” to distinguish him from others who shared his name.
The camping experience had a lasting impact on Brett and Leigh, and they recognized its importance for all children. It provided a secure environment for participating in recreational activities that promote a healthy mindset and lifestyle.
Achievements
American Lighting Association Hall Of Fame 2003
In 2003, Bruce Robinson received a prestigious honor when he was inducted into the American Lighting Association’s Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrated his extensive involvement in the task force and his significant contributions to shaping the contemporary lighting industry. Notably, Bruce became the first Canadian to achieve this esteemed accolade.
Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalist 2006
In 2006, Robinson Lighting earned a noteworthy nomination as Entrepreneur of the Year in the business category within the esteemed Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Program.
Winnipeg Football Club Hall Of Fame 2011
The Robinson family has maintained deep connections with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers over the years. Bruce Robinson, in particular, had a significant impact as he was honored with induction as a builder for the Blue Bombers. He also took on the role of President of the Winnipeg Football Club from 1992 to 1993. Starting his involvement on the Board of Directors in 1983, Bruce continued to contribute to numerous events and initiatives until 2009.
MHBA Best Showroom 2014 and 2015
In both 2014 and 2015, our Winnipeg branch received prestigious recognition as the Best Showroom by the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.