STUART OLESKER - CHAIRMAN / BOARD OF DIRECTORS / PARTNER
As an active partner in Lantern Masters, I provide support in engineering, design, research and development, antique restorations, and in mentoring our staff.
I was always interested in the mechanics of how “things” worked, and in innovating designs. Thinking up new ideas and marketing them started when I was very young – creating decorative clay fish plates and coat-hanger mobiles, and selling them to neighbors.
After attending Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo, I worked in aerospace, as an Electronic Engineer in the areas of testing equipment for aircraft computers and designing automotive diagnostic computers. In 1968, with an entrepreneurial spirit, I started my first company specializing in the Sales, Service and design of Electronic Test Equipment. After a 10 year successful run I sold the company.
Having always appreciated architectural elements, a turn towards lighting seemed to come naturally. In 1978, with the desire to expand my creative vision, and the support of my wife and young family I purchased an existing lighting factory – which you now know as Lantern Masters, Inc. Over the years our company has grown, transitioning into a leader in unique custom designed lighting, specializing in upper end residential and commercial projects.
Setting high standards, using my engineering background and eye for detail, we continue to create fine and unique lighting that withstand, the test of time. Our ultimate goal is customer satisfaction. We work closely with Architects, Interior Designers, and their clients to ensure that the fixtures meet their expectations.
JACKIE OLESKER - PRESIDENT / BOARD OF DIRECTORS / PARTNER
As President of Lantern Masters I oversee and administrate operations, including sales and accounting.
Armed with a B.A. from CSUN, my major in Anthropology, with a minor in Accounting, has served my career path well. My interest in architecture, antiquities and world cultures, along with a zest for numbers are utilized daily at Lantern Masters. One of my aspirations is that Lantern Masters lighting will be included amongst the fine antiques of tomorrow.
Designing and placing lighting is very important whether it is for a beautiful home, a hotel, restaurant or amusement park. It is both a form of art and of functionality, whether with subtle accents or creating high drama. From inception to completion it is important to detail all of the nuances that are involved in each and every project.
Equally important to our focus in creating fine lighting is developing good relationships with the architects, designers and their clients that we work with. I thank everyone who has given us the opportunity to work with them. It is always a pleasure to work with our clientele. Also, thank you to my partners; Stuart, my husband, and Sharyn, my daughter, and to our Lantern Masters staff who all contribute to Lantern Masters growth.
SHARYN OLESKER - VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING/ BOARD OF DIRECTORS / PARTNER
My current responsibilities at Lantern Masters include job cost estimating, overseeing all manufacturing, working with our clients, and managing our employees.
From the time I was 6 years old and started to go to the factory with my Dad, I always played “business.” Running the credit card machine, and calculating sales, was my favorite thing to do then and continued to be for many years. With this direction already set I entered SDSU with a major in Business Management.
Eventually I put my hands on experience and learned skills to use when I joined my parents at Lantern Masters, in 1996. Over the years I have developed many more skills; both in the technological “ins and outs” of fabricating and designing lighting and in the aspects of selling. I love the close attention to detail, working with clients and with our talented craftsmen and lastly seeing the lights come to life.
In my spare time I like to decorate my house, antique, play sports, shop and be with family and friends.
STEPHANIE LENZ - PROJECT MANAGER /ADVERTISING DEVELOPMENT
My primary focus is on website development, advertising, portfolio re-organization, and creating project specific, client focused, digital “Mini-folios” of various architecturally influenced lighting fixtures. Other responsibilities include creating quotes, client correspondence, and parts distribution.
I graduated from Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, DC in 1997. I moved to Orlando, Florida and worked as a Sculptor, Painter, and Graphic Designer for the Theme Park / Entertainment Industry. In 2001, I moved to Los Angeles and worked as an Office Manager / Assistant Casting Director for a busy commercial casting office. I joined the Lantern Masters Team in February 2006 – who has successfully married my artistic background and office experience into one cohesive position.
Lantern Masters fixtures are not just lighting, but works of fine art. I have come to appreciate all the details and craftsmanship involved in creating these beautiful objects. I love being part of the process, and look forward to seeing what we do next!
In my spare time I enjoy most outdoor nature activities and traveling locally, nationally or worldwide - with my husband, Tom and son, Jackson.
