Executive Leader | Sales and Marketing Expert | Transforming Ideas into Visual Masterpieces
Meet Ian Austin from Tallahassee, Florida—a sales and design virtuoso with an innate ability to blend creativity, strategy, and innovation. With over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry, Ian has consistently demonstrated his expertise across various mediums, from branding and web design to complex marketing campaigns, product sales and team leadership. His career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his passion for pushing creative boundaries.
Early Life: The Seeds of Creativity
Growing up in the vibrant city of Tallahassee, Ian was surrounded by a family that encouraged artistic expression and intellectual curiosity. From an early age, he developed a fascination with the intersection of art and technology, often experimenting with sketches, digital tools, and creative projects. This passion for design continued to evolve throughout his childhood and teenage years, laying the foundation for his future career.
Ian’s natural inclination toward creativity was further nurtured during his high school years, where he actively participated in art competitions and design projects. His exceptional skills caught the attention of his teachers, who encouraged him to pursue graphic design professionally.
Academic Pursuits: Building a Solid Foundation
Determined to turn his passion into a career, Ian enrolled at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in Graphic Design. His academic journey was marked by a deep understanding of visual communication, design theory, and practical application. Ian’s ability to combine creative flair with a strategic approach to design quickly set him apart from his peers. He also took courses in marketing and psychology, which allowed him to understand the importance of aligning design with business goals.
In addition to being a member of the men’s soccer team at UCF, Ian actively sought out freelance opportunities, gaining hands-on experience while still a student. These early experiences exposed him to the fast-paced world of design, helping him refine his skills and build a network of professional contacts that would later prove invaluable.
The First Job: Navigating the Professional World
Ian landed his first role at a local design firm in Orlando. The firm specialized in branding, promotional design, and marketing collateral, providing Ian with the perfect environment to apply his skills in a real-world context. His first major project involved redesigning the visual identity for a regional retail chain, a challenge that allowed him to showcase his ability to create cohesive and compelling brand visuals.
During his time at the firm, Ian quickly gained a reputation for being a reliable and innovative designer. His ability to interpret client briefs and translate them into visually stunning designs earned him high praise from both clients and colleagues. It wasn’t long before he was entrusted with leading larger, more complex projects, solidifying his place as one of the firm’s rising stars.
Breaking New Ground at Brownlee
Ian’s career trajectory took a significant leap when he joined Brownlee Lighting, a lighting fixture manufacturing company. It was here that he was exposed to the lighting industry where he had the opportunity to work on projects that required both creative ingenuity and strategic thinking. One of his most notable achievements at Brownlee was leading the design of a comprehensive corporate rebranding campaign, which involved creating a central website as well as an overhaul of the full-line product catalog.
Breaking New Ground at Time Wise
Ian’s career trajectory took a significant leap when he joined Time Wise, a leading manufacturing efficiency company. It was here that he truly began to make a name for himself, working on high-profile projects that required both creative ingenuity and strategic thinking. One of his most notable achievements at Time Wise was leading the design of a comprehensive corporate web campaign, which involved creating a central website with multiple related sub-sites for different branches of the company.
David Atkinson, Ian’s manager during his tenure at Time Wise, had this to say:
“Ian’s talents are unmatched as a designer. His work is always consistent with a client’s targeted marketing message. He managed to pull off a very complex web campaign flawlessly, showcasing his creativity, organization, and ability to work under pressure.”
At Time Wise, Ian’s work wasn’t limited to digital campaigns—he also spearheaded the design of various print materials, marketing collateral, and branding initiatives. His ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining a high standard of quality made him a valuable asset to the company. His success at Time Wise further cemented his reputation as a designer capable of delivering results under tight deadlines and in highly competitive environments.
Embracing Entrepreneurship: Carving a Niche
After several years of working in corporate design, Ian felt the pull toward entrepreneurship. Eager to explore new creative challenges, he founded a boutique design firm, TwoRedBalls Design, that catered to clients across various industries, including tech startups, retail, and healthcare. This venture allowed Ian to exercise his full range of skills, from creative direction and project management to client relations and business development.
As an entrepreneur, Ian thrived on the freedom to shape the creative vision of his projects. He worked closely with clients to ensure that their design needs were met, all while pushing the envelope in terms of innovation. His leadership style emphasized collaboration and open communication, which fostered a creative environment where both he and his clients could contribute to the success of each project.
Jason McCormick, a client and business partner, shared his experience working with Ian:
“Ian is creative, original, and innovative. He’s not just a talented designer but also an inspiring leader who brings fresh ideas and energy to every project. His entrepreneurial attitude is a perfect match for environments that embrace change and innovation.”
Running the Race: Lighting and Beyond
After his run with his own firm, Ian held key positions at Crestron Electronics, a leading technology company, for nearly a decade. As Executive Director, Regional Director, and Regional Sales Manager, Ian played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s market presence, leading teams, and managing high-level negotiations across regions. Ian’s time at Crestron honed his expertise in business strategy, problem-solving, and collaborative leadership.
In earlier roles, Ian was a Channel Marketing Manager at Cree, where they strengthened relationships with electrical distribution partners and spearheaded product launches. As Marketing Manager at Lighting Science Group, he led strategic marketing campaigns that drove sales growth and positioned their companies as leaders in energy-efficient lighting solutions.
Current Role: Leading with Vision and Creativity
Today, Ian continues to break new ground in the lighting world as the Founder of 100% Sales Coaching. Specializing in the electrical and lighting industries, Ian brings his 20+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and executive leadership to his coaching and consulting practice. Through 100% Sales Coaching, Ian empowers lighting sales professionals with industry-specific, tailored training to enhance their negotiation skills, sales strategies, and business acumen.
Ian’s work reflects a deep understanding of the power of value to influence consumer behavior, build brand loyalty, and communicate complex messages. His commitment to staying at the cutting edge of thought and technology ensures that his work remains relevant and impactful in an ever-evolving industry.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Ian Austin’s Journey
- Design with intention: Every project should serve a clear purpose and resonate with the target audience.
- Adapt to change: The lighting industry is evolving—stay open to new ideas and technologies.
- Collaboration is key: Working closely with clients and teams to create value leads to the best outcomes.
- Creativity meets strategy: A great design is not only visually appealing but also aligned with business goals.
- Never stop learning: Continuous growth and education are essential for long-term success.
Editorial Note
Ian Austin’s career is a testament to the power of combining creativity, strategy, and innovation. His journey from a passionate young designer to an industry leader continues to inspire, as he shapes the future of design with every project he undertakes. Ian owes much of his success to the freedoms and opportunities his parents gave him growing up and the team-first mentality he learned from playing soccer at the highest levels. Ian currently resides in Florida with his wife, Elizabeth, and has 3 children – Mackay, Owen and Ben.
To explore how Ian can elevate your business, reach out at ian@100percentsales.com.
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