Meet the Team
James Connell
Partner
With over 25 years of experience in the architectural lighting and design industry, Jamie brings his lighting expertise to companies nationwide.
The Massachusetts-born Connell served in the Gulf War and after enlisting in the infantry stationed in Germany. Upon returning from the Army, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Florida before working for General Electric Company in Boston. While there, he was part of the technical sales leadership program, became a Six Sigma Black Belt, and ultimately moved into consulting, where he oversaw quality control projects.
Four years later, Connell moved to General Electric’s Florida location as a sales engineer in their electrical division. After 10 more years with the company, Connell decided it was time to go out on his own. And in 2011, he established Ion Lighting.
Contact: Jamie@ionlighting.com
Ahmed Zulifagar
Partner
Ahmed has almost 25 years of experience in the electrical distribution industry, and Ion Lighting is proud to have him as a partner. From his expertise in management, business, development, sales, and operations, Ahmed is an invaluable asset to the Ion Lighting Team. But what Ahmed appreciates the most about his skills are the relationships he has built with his customers and suppliers, some decades long.
There is no question that Ahmed knows the industry, but he still looks at each day as a chance to learn something new and never sees a challenge he doesn't deem attainable. When Ahmed is not at the office or in the field, he's enjoying time with his beautiful family, clay shooting outdoors, or taking in the Florida sunshine on his boat.
Contact: ahmed@ionlighting.com
Tara Connell
Outside Sales & Marketing
Tara has over seven years of experience in sales and digital marketing, which gives her the skillset to provide step-by-step marketing plans to our clients. She loves working with our portfolio of vendors to negotiate cost-effective strategies and thrives on creating tailored projects to our clients. She is also SEO-savvy and our go-to person for all things marketing. As a certified PADI Dive Instructor and RYT-200 yoga instructor, Tara is passionate about diving, wellness, travel, and conservation both above and below the surface.
Contact: tara@ionlighting.com
Harrison Wright
Lighting Designer/Quotations Manager
My introduction to the lighting world was made on movie and television sets, working as a crew member in the electrical/lighting department. I was instantly attracted to the power that light played in setting the desired mood for the production for an audience to experience. It is an art that I spent time over the years honing my skills to master. Meanwhile, I have always had a passion for architecture. And after I made the decision to return to school for a degree in Historic Preservation and Architectural History at the College of Charleston, I was introduced to the specialized field of architectural lighting design. I was captivated by the craft of designing lighting layouts and selecting unique and bespoke fixtures, designed with the user of the space in mind. It is now my goal to create the finest lighting design solutions to provide a distinguished lighting experience for my clients.
Mike Dantes
Inside Sales
Mike has been in the electrical distribution field for over 20 years and in the lighting industry for almost five. Mike comes to Ion Lighting from Mayer Electric Supply where he has experience in sales, operations and gear quotations. He appreciates the ever-changing industry as he continues to build relationships with our in-house suppliers and distributors. Whether it's a relaxing day of drinks or spending time at the range, he likes to spend time with family and friends when he's not in the office.
AJ Ahmed
Controls Specialist
After serving our country in the Air Force and having been stationed in North Dakota and Djibouti, AJ joined the Ion Lighting team. His skills make him an exceptional team member, as AJ knows how to combine his technical knowledge of lighting design with clear communication with his clients.
When AJ is not coming up with new ideas for our customers, he keeps things interesting, whether it’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, skydiving, volleyball, or yoga.
Remi Brewton
Operations Manager
Remy comes to us from Navy Federal, so she knows her numbers which is why she is our go-to-gal for all things billing and invoicing. Remy is a keen organizer and keeps the day-to-day business at Ion Lighting moving full speed ahead. She also has a mean supply of candy on her desk, so be sure to say hi when you stop in.
Paul "PK" Kula
Project Manager/Purchasing
With over 20 years in materials management, Paul “PK” Kula’s career has taken him through multiple industries, including hospitality, restaurant, steel, textile, lighting, and electrical control. As the Project Manager/Purchasing agent at Ion Lighting, PK is our well-versed liaison between vendors and customers, making him a key asset to our team.
Paulie Kula IV
Warehouse Manager
Paulie comes to Ion Lighting with over seven years of experience in inventory control and warehouse management. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Paulie moved to Florida in 2022, where he enjoys learning about lighting, engineering, and building planning. Paulie is also a Buffalo Bills fan, but we won’t hold it against him.