Our Story

Founded in 1973, Salex has become known in the commercial design industry for the quality of its products, its nimble service offering and its knowledgeable and highly skilled staff. As the exclusive regional distributor of innovative architectural lighting products from prominent Canadian, American and European brands, Salex remains dedicated to the promotion and education of quality, high-efficiency lighting and controls.

Salex is a proud member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) and regularly contributes to the education and training of emerging professionals in the industry. The company has been a generous supporter of SickKids Foundation for over a decade and also supports the McMaster Children’s Hospital and The Safehaven Project for Community Living.

Salex has worked on many award-winning projects, including the Four Seasons Hotel, Bridgepoint Health and Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay!

Partners

Nick Puopolo

Principal, LC

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A certified electronic technician trained at the Radio College of Canada Institute of Technology, Nick has always been an entrepreneur with outstanding leadership qualities. When Nick took over Salex in 1996, he used his business experience by leveraging his ability to predict trends and envision novel ideas to address them. Nick realized that as larger lighting companies began conglomerating, there was a demand for placing emphasis on quality service and better design value. Embracing this opportunity, Nick has shaped Salex into the successful business it is today – a company that works directly with the lighting manufacturers it represents, along with architects, designers and electrical engineers, to provide clients with specialized lighting solutions and unparalleled service. Nick is one of four Salex team members who is LC-certified. Nick was the team leader in the Niagara Falls Illumination Enhancement project, which was completed in December 2016. The project was awarded the highest and most prestigious lighting award in North America.

A philanthropist passionate about fine cars, Nick started Italian Car Day in 2011 – Canada’s largest gathering of Italian cars. The annual event provides a relaxed and casual environment for Italian car and motorcycle enthusiasts to meet, while raising awareness for, and donating all proceeds to Safehaven. Other charities include Sick Kids Foundation, Smiles Of Innocence and After Breast Cancer Foundation.

Nick was awarded the Order of Vaughn on October 2016 for Business Excellence and Philanthropy.

Paul Hudson

Principal

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Paul brings almost 20 years of lighting experience and strong relationship-building skills with clients and manufacturers to his role as Partner at Salex. Having started his career in the lighting industry at a large manufacturer building fixtures, Paul worked his way up in management before making his move to Salex. He has played a crucial role in Salex’s recent growth by strengthening customer relations and developing lasting relationships with vendors. In addition to initiating and now leading the company’s marketing strategies, Paul is also the creative mind behind some signature Salex events, including the now annual Light Up Your Landscape event. He has also been a driving force in leading the company into new segments of the market, by establishing strong relationships with architecture and design firms. He continually seeks opportunities for strategic growth and plays an instrumental role in maintaining the family-feel in the office as the company grows. Outside of lighting, Paul is a muscle car fan and enjoys playing hockey and golf.

George Katinas

Principal

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George got his start in the lighting industry almost 30 years ago. His experience working closely with all parties involved in a lighting project – from contractors and engineers to architects and lighting designers – and at all levels of the electrical industry, coupled with his immeasurable industry knowledge and background, make him an invaluable asset to the Salex team. After many years at a large corporation, George noticed that big companies were struggling to adapt to consumer demands and he wanted to be part of a firm that was able to navigate this, and do it well. Having always respected Salex’s position in the marketplace, George’s move to the company was a natural choice. Over the years, he has played a key role in growing Salex into a company that values design, a perspective that shapes the firm’s attitude today. Recognizing that quality design is as important to a project as budget, George strives to maintain Salex’s reputation of being the industry leader in honest design intent.

A recording engineer by trade who studied electronics technology, George is also responsible for all things IT in the office. In addition to his passion for playing, writing and recording music, history, technology and sciences are constant interests that fascinate him.

Ben Fischer

Principal

Benjamin is the third generation lighting industry expert in his family. After graduating from Fanshawe College’s Business Program, he made his start in the industry over seven years ago.

His extensive background in general contracting makes him especially well rounded and capable when it comes to understanding various segments of the lighting industry. A strong team player, Benjamin feels most accomplished when he and clients can overcome challenges together.

Benjamin’s love of lighting extends outside of the office, as he is currently a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society, and has previously served on the IES Toronto board as Emerging Professional Chair, as well as the IESNA, as Emerging Professional President.

Benjamin also enjoys playing hockey, football and golf. He has a special interest in the numerous construction projects taking shape around the GTA and a passion for real estate.

Andrew Parker

Principal

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Andrew’s venture into the lighting controls business began after spending time manufacturing electronics in the automotive industry.

Possessing a diverse skill set and ability to juggle multiple tasks, prior to joining Salex Andrew contributed to two lighting control start ups involving power line carrier technology and addressable wireless control, one of which was ultimately acquired by OSRAM.

Equipped with a mechanical engineering degree from Queens University, Andrew is driven by his entrepreneurial spirit. His love for lighting and unique skillset has translated into almost 20 years of applied experience in the lighting industry.

Ross Sawin

Principal

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Shortly after breaking into the lighting industry in 2003, Ross joined the Salex family and has since been a valued, long-standing Salex team member for over 10 years.

Quality is a top priority for Ross as he personally ensures that all orders are accurate upfront, before they reach Salex’s many customers and vendors. His efforts have significantly contributed to the improvement of Salex’s day-to-day operations, previously having spent time in quotations, management of customer service, and now managing operations, he is always striving to improve accuracy and efficiency within all departments.

Furthermore, Ross has been instrumental in going above and beyond to predict possible roadblocks – and resolve them before they ever become issues.

Ross is a long time Blue Jays fan, who also has a passion for reading novels and learning obscure facts.

Our Team