Since 1981, Atlanta Light Bulbs, Inc. has served as a premier lighting source in metropolitan Atlanta, and nationwide through its expansion to AtlantaLightBulbs.com in 1998, providing a huge selection of the most in-demand light bulbs, ballasts, and accessories.

In 2015, ALB Energy Solutions was formed as a response to shifting market dynamics toward energy-efficient lighting, and a request from our commercial and industrial customers for more “consultative solutions”. With solutions backed by over 37 years of solid experience in commercial lighting distribution, along with a full line of strategically sourced, energy efficient innovative lighting technologies, we were well positioned to offer these services.

While our main objective is to help customers conserve energy used by lighting, we also have an extensive knowledge base and portfolio to offer our customers new and innovative technologies, as well as traditional and alternative lighting sources to make the most of their lighting budgets. Comprehensive services include:

• Lighting Energy Analysis
• Energy Efficient Lighting & LED Options
• Utility Rebate Calculations and Advice
• Lighting Installation & Removal
• Recycling
• Project Financing

Atlanta Light Bulbs/ALB Energy Solutions is headquartered in Tucker, Georgia and is a member of the National Association of Electrical Distributors and a member of the Cox Family Enterprise Center.

Atlanta Light Bulbs was the 2014 Winner in the Small Business category of the 23rd annual Georgia Family Business of the Year awards by the Cox Family Enterprise Center in the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. Recent awards also include being a Top 200 U. S. Electrical Distributor in 2014, 2016 & 2017 and an Internet Retailer Top 300 B2B Distributor in 2017, Winner of Georgia’s first “Small Business Rock Stars” competition, a new program representing the first-ever collaboration of the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). The program recognizes outstanding, unique, and impactful small businesses in the state of Georgia.

Staff Bios

JESSE ROOT

Jesse Root is definitely the “tech guru” at ALB Energy Solutions. Like his brothers, he grew up in the business his father founded—working in the warehouse and learning the business from the ground floor.

From an early age he knew his path would follow the technology he found so fascinating. As a teenager he took apart lamps and fixtures to see how they were made. He even built some of his own fixtures, just by tinkering around.

It’s no surprise that he saw the potential of the burgeoning LED market long before many others embraced the energy-efficient technology.

Over the past decade, LED technology has advanced at light speed. “I started hearing a lot about LEDs,” said Root. “I did some research and saw that LEDs were really leading the pack faster than any other lighting technology, and was going to be something we had to get into. I started purchasing LEDs and took classes to understand the technology better. As I learned more I became really fascinated by the opportunities we were going to have.”

Fast forward to today.

As ALB Energy Solutions Sales Manager, Root is extremely hands-on with customers. Possessing a thorough understanding of old and new lighting systems, it is easy for him to visualize how LEDs can replace old technology to obtain faster payback, better lighting, and improved energy savings.

“I especially enjoy the challenge of working with a customer when they don’t even know that we can make their environment better and more efficient,” he said.

Root sees a very positive upside to the future. “Now that we have gotten to a certain level of efficiency with LEDs, we are asking what else LEDs can do for the customer. Remember, it is advanced technology, not just a light bulb. It is just a matter of time before LEDs lights are communicating with other devices and computers, making our businesses smarter and more efficient.”

When that day comes, it is a certainty that Root and ALB Energy Solutions will be ready to bring those advances to their customers.

ROBERT TAITZ

While Robert is new to the lighting industry, with 4 years under his belt at ALB, he has developed a great passion for lighting and the many benefits it provides. Coming from a logistics background and as a graduate of Georgia State University, Robert has applied his business and psychology degree, along with his experience, to streamline many of our operational processes to better serve the customer and save the company money. When he has his sales hat on, he is managing our inside team ensuring that they have all the resources they need to help serve the customer and spread the word of Atlanta Light Bulbs and ALB Energy Solutions.

Outside of the office, Robert has 2 dogs and loves fishing, recreational shooting, gaming, and movies.

When asked what he loves most about his role at ALB, he says “I love being able to work in every facet of the business. My role allows me to bridge sales and operations together to create an awesome synergy that benefits everyone, from our internal customers to our external customers. My role is much like our company: diverse. ALB reaches every sector, from private to public, from B2B and B2C, in every corner of the globe. I love our multichannel infrastructure that allows us to better serve customers in the ways they like to do business.”

Robert is happy to be a part of the ALB family, and his mission is to convert as many customers as possible to ALB customers and ensure they receive an exceptional customer experience!

DOUG ROOT

It may be a slight exaggeration to say CEO Doug Root was “born into the business” but it’s not a total stretch. His father Gary Root founded Atlanta Light Bulbs in 1981, supplying lamps and ballasts to commercial and industrial customers in the Atlanta area from his garage.

As the company grew (and Doug grew up) he started working in the business—sweeping floors, making deliveries, working at the counter, and more.

After obtaining a degree from UGA in business management, and a stint in the corporate world selling office supplies, Root decided to return to the family business and immediately immersed himself in all aspects. In a few short years, he ran the accounting, purchasing, sales, internet, and IT departments. He helped grow the distribution business, and when the Internet became a reality, he and a colleague launched the online business.

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Root helped transition Atlanta Light Bulbs, Inc. from a light bulb replacement business to a leader in next generation lighting solutions. Along the way the company saw our business grow an average of 20 percent year over year for seven straight years.

In 2012, Doug moved to the CEO position.

Today he finds the evolution of the company into solutions the most exciting and the challenging part of his job.

“Five years ago we were in the light bulb business, selling products off the shelf. Now we are in the semiconductor business,” said Root. “We see our role as helping our customers move into new technology, not just selling them new technology. To do so, we have to know the products, technology, trends—even picking the right suppliers who will be around for the long term.”

If that sounds like a lot, it is. Root does manage to get away and keep grounded by indulging his passion for fly fishing and having fun with his family. He is also heavily involved in his community, supporting the American Cancer Society, Food for the Poor, American Red Cross, Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day, and Decatur GreenFest.