Show notes
Today With Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb:
Today on A Well Designed Business, Ron Henderson from Varaluz and Kevin Plumb from Ciana Lighting share the story behind their recent acquisition—and what it means for designers. This isn't your typical corporate takeover. When their planned 30-minute meeting turned into four and a half hours because they instantly felt like "family," you knew something special was happening. We cover the practical details designers need to know: same-day shipping, under 1% defect rates, their new High Point showroom opening in just two months, plus trade pricing with no minimums. Whether you've worked with Varaluz before or you're discovering them for the first time, this conversation gives you the inside perspective on a partnership that's reshaping how lighting companies serve the design trade.
LuAnn Nigara, Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb’s Ah-Ha Moments:
"You ever have one of those meetings where you meet people you don't know at all. And within 10 minutes, you know, you're somehow in family." - Ron Henderson
More About Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb
Kevin Plumb:
Kevin Plumb is a visionary business strategist with a proven track record of launching, scaling, and transforming companies into high-performing, high-value brands. With deep expertise in startups, turnarounds, and strategic acquisitions, he has built multiple businesses that have been successfully acquired by public companies and private equity groups.
In 2017, Kevin helped found CIANA and served as Co-President, playing a key role in shaping the company’s direction and growth in the custom and hospitality lighting market. Under his leadership, CIANA has combined artistic vision with operational excellence to deliver lasting value.
Following CIANA’s recent acquisition of Varaluz, Kevin has stepped into the role of CEO of CIANA x Varaluz, bringing his sharp market insight and growth-driven mindset to expand the brand’s reach and impact. He is known for his ability to translate vision into execution, consistently driving increases in revenue, EBITDA, and brand equity.
Whether launching new ventures or revitalizing established ones, Kevin is passionate about building businesses that perform with purpose and scale with integrity.
Ron Henderson:
Ron Henderson is the founder and creative force behind Varaluz, a lighting brand celebrated for its bold, artful designs and commitment to sustainability. With a background in tech and an eye for the unexpected, Ron has spent nearly two decades designing fixtures that push the boundaries of form and function. His passion lies in crafting pieces that are not only visually striking but also environmentally responsible—using recycled materials, upcycled components, and low-VOC finishes long before it was cool. Ron brings wit, warmth, and a rebellious edge to everything he touches, always seeking to prove that conscious design doesn’t have to compromise on style.
Connect with Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb
Ciana Lighting
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Varaluz
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A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Ciana Lighting
Varaluz
Other Resources:
This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
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