West End Word | Page 7January 30 - February 12, 2015

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Lighting Associates Inc. Well-Prepared For Major Lighting Industry Changes

After 32 years in the lighting business, Dave Jockenhoefer, founder and president of Lighting Associates Inc., finds this the most exciting time to be in the business.

“I’m not joking,” he said. “This past year has been a tremendous conversion from lega-cy incandescent, high-intensity discharge and fluorescent type lighting to LED. I don’t think I have ever seen such a rapid change in the in-dustry in more than 40 years as we are experi-encing today.”

Jockenhoefer and his partners, Paul War-ner and Joe Thomason, represent more than 90 lighting and controls manufacturers in all facets of the electrical industry. The company provides services to architects, engineers, designers, electrical contractors and electri-cal distributors, focusing on markets such as health care, schools, church-es, hospitality and residential.

The company has worked on major projects including the renovation of the Arch grounds, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Ballpark Village, BJC Hospital, Peabody Opera

House and many St. Louis Zoo renovations. “The variety of projects we work on keeps

our jobs interesting and rewarding every day we come to work,” Jockenhoefer said.

Lighting Associates’ 11,000-square-foot location includes office and warehouse space and two training rooms to keep customers up-to-date on the latest industry changes. The staff has grown into the space from 26 people in 2004 to 39 today.

“Our growth is due to the solid relation-ships all our people have with our custom-ers,” Jockenhoefer said. “Without good peo-ple you don’t go far in this business or any business.”

Pat Anello heads the customer service team and Ken Majors leads the quotations team. Jockenhoefer noted that LED lighting

is becoming so common that most of the company’s jobs now involve LED products or conversions. LED costs have come down and the quality and energy efficiency are increasing. “Quite green, as they say!”

From left: Dave Jockenhoefer, Pat Anello, Joe Thomason and Ken Majors.

3216 S. Brentwood Blvd. • Webster Groves • 314-531-3500www.laiweb.net.

Leopard Boutique: Trendy Tops, Dresses, American-Made Basics & More

When Rachel and John Sauter opened Leopard Boutique in 2012, it was Rachel’s dream. But her husband, fresh out of law school, found he’s enjoying the business as well. They take buying trips together and make decisions as a team, it’s a family operation. Meanwhile, they’ve also had a child and John Sauter has started a law firm located at 3415 Hampton, specializing in estate planning, family law and probate.

Leopard Boutique offers trendy tops and dresses, premium denim goods and American-made basics, all handled by a helpful, caring staff. The shop also carries Tokyo Milk scents and accessories including costume jewelry and handmade personalized necklaces.

Thanks to the growth of a loyal customer base, the shop requires more merchandise than it did at first. The increase led Rachel Sauter to change her buying methods slightly. “I’m constantly listening to what customers want and need and try to accommodate what they’re looking for,” she said.

Her policy of keeping no more than 12 pieces of any particular style in stock allows for rapid turnover and the need to restock constantly. “Customers can expect to find new merchandise at least once or twice a week.”

Sauter loves “seeing customers find a place they cherish and building relations with the local community,” she said. “We’re just another couple getting started as a family, and I love connecting with my customers, many of whom I can now call friends.”

Customers tell Sauter that they like the shop’s variety and the fact that it’s not overloaded with inventory. “You don’t feel like you need to dig through a bunch of duds to find a gem,” she says. And of

course, customers appreciate the affordable unboutique-like prices.

Leopard Boutique will be a host to Old Webster Trade Association’s Girls Night Out Feb. 12, featuring complimentary drinks, a treat and a gift with purchase.

From left: John Sauter, Mary Louise Sauter and Rachel Sauter.

20 Allen Ave. Ste. 100 • Webster Groves • 314-961-3220www.leopardboutique.com

Shop Sugar Magnolia For The Perfect Bra & Specialty Lingerie

Sugar Magnolia Boutique, Webster Groves’ specialty lingerie and bra shop, features custom-fit bras and offers lounge-wear, intimates, bridal, burlesque and maternity lingerie, as well as hosiery, jew-elry, soaps and candles.

“I have always loved lingerie, but after 15 years of marriage and three children, I didn’t even recognize my own body,” said shop owner Lisa Davis.

Left frustrated by the lack of options and the difficulty in locating a proper-fit-ting bra, Davis founded Sugar Magnolia in February 2012. The goal was a unique specialty shop that provides a personal experience, as well as an array of sizes.

“We’re trying to fill the void between a boring bra shop and a swanky adult store,” Davis said.

Owner Davis, Carrie Dalton and Ellen Mazur make up Sugar Magnolia’s team. While Davis has a true passion for lingerie, Dalton brings a fresh cre-ative flair to the store and Mazur has a real keen eye

for detail. “We are changing the way women feel

about themselves, one bra at a time,” Davis said.

Recent research showed that about 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. An ill-fitting bra can cause neck, back and shoulder pain.

“At Sugar Magnolia, you will be fitted by one of our specialists and given the knowledge to help you understand why a great fitting bra is so important for every woman – no matter her size,” Davis said,

Customers say they love the array of bra sizes from cup sizes AA to N and band sizes from 28 to 50. The shop also carries lacy, silky, risqué and romantic styles, plus special made-in-the-shop garters.

“Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift, a custom special order, space for a party, or a basic everyday bra, you can expect a comfortable, highly personalized shop-ping experience at Sugar Magnolia,” Davis said.

From left: Ellen Mazur, Lisa Davis and Carrie Dalton

38 N. Gore Ave. • Webster Groves • 314-395-9159www.sugar-magnolia.com