This little light of mine

I love these emerald green desk lamps. You’ve probably seen them in a movie, or studied beneath one’s glow at a library table. Maybe there is even one sitting on your own desk. Commonly referred to as a “banker's lamp” and originally called the Emeralite (emerald + light), the design goes back more than a century. 

The lamp’s story actually goes back as far as 1909, when American engineer Harrison D. McFaddin filed a patent application for “a new, original and ornamental design for lamp shades.” After he got the patent approved, the lamp quickly went into production with the first lamp being produced later the same year by the H. G McFaddin & Co. -- According to thebankerslamp.com (yes, it exists)

Mine is not an original, but a Christmas gift from my mother while I was reporting at NBC-2 in Ft. Myers. I set up the lamp at my cubicle in the newsroom, then later in the investigative office.

One feature that was much appreciated was the design of the glass shade, which was slightly flattened on the back and sides but sloped gently towards the user in the front, which provided focused lighting for the user.

Under that focused lighting, I wrote hundreds of scripts--from county commission decisions to alligator bites--closing each day with the “ch-ching” of the brass cord as I turned off the lamp and headed home. 

When the time came for the next step in my career, I was fearful they would kick me out on the spot. So, I shepherded my lamp home under the cover of darkness after the 11:00 news before giving my notice to the news director the next day. Priorities. 

Lamp and I settled in at NewsBank’s Naples headquarters for nearly seven years. Every morning, the ch-ching of the cord and warm glow saying, "time to get to work.” As a hater of overhead fluorescent lights, I appreciate the comfortable oasis Lamp creates in corporate America. Especially while editing video, I much prefer her soothing light to overhead lighting. 

We continued the morning ch-ching ritual at Benson Blackburn when I took on the role of the first Managing Director of the NextGen Speaker Series. Lamp and I had an unexpected five-month separation while I worked from home during the height of the pandemic. We’ve been back together in the office since last August, her light a constant presence through pre-interviews with speakers and pivoting the program to a virtual experience. 

Continue down the rabbit hole with me...Why the “banker's lamp''?

The reason behind this is likely due to the fact that the emeralite was embraced by financial institutions which ordered the lamps in huge numbers. One of the main reasons is that green was and still is, thought to be psychologically soothing, enhancing concentration and focus.

This belief was prominent in detailed-oriented occupations such as accounting, auditing, and budgeting, all of which are banking activities. Actually, this is the same reason why bankers and accountants often wore those green eye shades/visors back in the days.

Now, it is once again time for Lamp and I to relocate.

This may be her best location yet as she takes a place of honor at home. It’s the first time we’re setting up shop for ourselves, taking on consulting work for some of the best professionals and companies I’ve met along the way. From sales strategy and messaging to podcast development and video editing, I’m already having fun picking the projects where I know I can make a difference and use my skills in new ways. 

It’s also an opportunity to work on projects that are important to me but have sat on the back burner for too long. Much more to come...but for now: If your resume needs major help or you have to give a wedding toast, we should talk. 

Later this summer, Lamp and I will be making another move--her first out of state! We are heading to Columbus, Ohio, as I pursue my MBA at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. The card in my welcome package from Fisher says it all: WELCOME HOME. Not to worry, Naples friends. With Matt staying at Naples Yacht Club, I will be here often!

Lamp has been with me for nearly a decade, the simplicity and warmness of the Emeralite a constant presence in my work life. 

But, this little light of mine is really the light within. And no matter what, I'm gonna let it shine. Get ready, because the wattage is about to kick up!

I hope your light is shining, too, my friends. And, if you've found it dimming in recent times, ask: What will help my light to shine brightly once again?

Then, have the courage to set the change in motion. Because only you can do what you were put here to do the way you can do it. 

Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. 

More lamp history for your enjoyment: https://emeralite.com/history.html