Copyright Financial Executives Institute Mar/Apr 2002Ron Stowell has risen in the financial ranks to the top spot at Cincinnati, Ohio-based 
LSI Industries Inc. When startin with LSI in 1992, he and his family changed their lives considerably - by moving clear across the state from their Cleveland-area hometown. He says it was a challenging, yet good experience for him and the family Indeed, he strongly believes in a healthy variety of life experiences to drive both professional and personal growth.
Title: Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer.
Company: LSI Industries Inc. Traded on the Nasdaq National Market (LYTS), LSI is an integrated design, manufacturing and imaging company supplying high-quality lighting fixtures and graphic elements for both exterior and interior applications, primarily in North America. It serves the petroleum/convenience market, multi-site retail (restaurants, automobile dealerships and national retail) and commercial/industrial lighting. LSI employs approximately 1,600 people in 14 facilities in 11 states.
Born: Ashtabula, Ohio, Aug. 9,1950
Spouse: Fran (25th anniversary Nov. 20, 2001)
Children: Stephanie Wilson, 23; Mary Stowell, 20; Christina Stowell, 17.
Grandchildren: Adam Wilson, 4; Grace Wilson, 2.
Education Summary: United States Naval Academy, 1968-72; Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Toledo, 1975; CPA, Ohio, 1978; Executive MBA Program, Case Westem Reserve University, 1983.
Career Summary: 1975-78, Senior Accountant, Arthur Andersen, Small Business or Enterprise Department (reviews, audits and tax preparation for small and closely held businesses); 1978-79, Senior Financial Analyst, Corporate Staff, Parker Hannifin Corp.; 1979-82, Division Controller, Cleveland Wheel & Brake Division of Parker Hannifin Corp.; 1982-83, Controller, Tyler Elevator; 1983-85, Assistant Controller General Accounting, Carlon Inc., manufacturer of plastic electrical conduits, sewer pipe and utility conduits; 1985-92, Corporate Controller, Essef Corp., maker of engineered composite and fiberglass pressurized vessels for the potable water and swimming pool markets; 1992-present, LSI Industries Inc.
Highlights: 1996 successful secondary public offering, seven acquisitions, and in nine years grew sales revenue from $72 million to $260 million.
FEI Chapter: Cincinnati Chapter, 1992 to present. Active in chapter leadership for six years (Committee Chair, Treasurer, Vice President, President 2000-2001, Board); Cleveland Chapter 1987-92.
Leisure Pursuits: Golf, theater, family activities.
Stress Management: "Meet the stress head on, work through it and learn from the experience in order to be better prepared for related situations next time. Also, seek support and understanding of family members." Favorite Books: Greatest Generation and The Greatest Generation Speaks, by Tom Brokaw.
Favorite Deal: "LSI's acquisition of Grady McCauley Inc. in 1997. From the top down, each employee encountered in the visits and due diligence process was friendly and professional and had a good work ethic. The two owners/partners knew their operations and industry well. Almost right away it seemed like we had known them for many years. Grady
McCauley's management demonstrated a high degree of honesty and integrity, with no hidden agendas." Other Comments: On knowledge, competition and role models:
One must continually acquire new knowledge, keep professional skills sharp and learn new skills to maintain and advance in your position and career. Absent personal improvement, a career will stall.
Competition is an activity and a skill that we must teach and develop in children. Healthy competition, in individual and/or team activities such as volleyball, swimming, competitive dancing, cheerleading and fast-pitch softball (some activities that my family has had involvement with), can create familiarity with dedication, teamwork and the ability to handle both success and failure. These attributes can motivate a person throughout life.
I believe individuals should adopt a role model/mentor from whom they can observe and learn. This doesn't require a formal mentoring program.
A sense of humor, a couple of laughs and the apple all [really do] help to keep the doctor away."
Email: rstowell@lsi-industries.com
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