By: Michael Strickland of Bandit Lites Jason Squires/Getty Images for Pollstar
Bandit Lites Michael Stricklandaccepts the Lighting Company of the Year Award during the 26th Annual Pollstar Awards at Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 21, 2015, in Nashville.
Life often takes us places we would never imagine. This year did that for almost everyone in the world. I began my lifelong journey by starting Bandit Lites at the age of 12. My growth included the University of Tennessee College of Business and Law School. From there I engaged in the Knoxville and the State of Tennessee communities, including chairing the Chamber of Commerce for several years. My life took me into NFL and NCAA football relationships, as well as deep friendships with NASCAR and other such fields. I eventually landed on the board of the University of Tennessee Medical Center some 15 years ago, as well as many other boards and commissions. Leadership and education were always