Agency Leadership Transition + New Staff Announcement

Saint Louis Lighting Group  |  September 30, 2025  |  Agency News

September 30, 2025 – St. Louis Lighting Group (SLLG) today announced a series of leadership and team changes designed to provide customers and partners with even greater support, technical expertise, and operational excellence.

Effective January 1, 2026, Chris Burke will assume the role of Co-Principal alongside Victor Sandhage, overseeing Contractor-Distributor Sales while Sandhage continues to lead the Specification Sales Team. Burke will work closely with outgoing principal Daren Boring to ensure a smooth transition through the end of the year, preserving continuity for clients and manufacturer partners.

At year’s end, the company will celebrate the retirement of Daren and Valerie Boring, who together represent nearly 70 years in the lighting industry. Since purchasing the agency 14 years ago with Victor Sandhage and relocating to St. Louis in 2012, they have been instrumental in driving growth and building strong client and manufacturer relationships.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to help lead St Louis Lighting Group and to work with our incredible customers,” said Daren Boring. “Valerie and I are excited for the next chapter with our children and grandchildren, and we leave knowing the company is in tremendous hands with Victor, Chris, and the team.”

“These changes represent our commitment to ensuring our customers receive best in class solutions and services,” added Victor Sandhage, Owner and Principal. “Our customers and partners can expect the same dedication to service they’ve always known, with an expanded leadership team and new talent that positions St. Louis Lighting Group for another generation of success.”

To further strengthen its capabilities, the company is adding three key hires. Rich Fisher will join as Senior Outside Spec Sales Person, bringing deep industry expertise from his roles with ERCO and RBLD and contributing to award-winning projects internationally (YAS Hotel - Abu Dhabi), nationally (Utah State Capitol - Salt Lake City, UT) and locally such as the lighting of the St. Louis’ Gateway Arch National Park and Memorial. 

Shannon Guinn has also joined as Outside Spec Sales and brings local market experience and premier decorative lighting expertise. During 30 years in the lighting business, Guinn has worked with rep agencies, lighting manufacturers, showrooms, and an electrical distributor.  Melissa Pfeifer has joined as Operations Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in process improvement and operational excellence, most recently with Mercy Healthcare. She will work closely with the customer service and project pricing teams to develop best practices and standard work.

St. Louis Lighting Group represents the finest lighting and control manufacturers, providing technical expertise, project management, and distributor support across the region. With a renewed leadership structure and expanded team, the company is well positioned to deliver enhanced service, stronger project execution, and lasting value to its customers and partners.

Media Contact:
Joe Lakin
417-880-6722 | joe@objectivestrategies.com