Luxury lighting firm Paul Ferrante is a shining example of how to stay in business. Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, the West Hollywood firm is still guided by co-founder Tommy Raynor, now 85.

Raynor, who remains hands on with the company, which has a Melrose Place retail store and Pacific Design Center showroom for the trade, traces Paul Ferrante’s longevity to its ability to make any kind of chandelier, lamp, or other lighting fixture at its Culver City factory.

“You could bring in a design on a cocktail napkin, we’ll chalk it on the ground and get a good outcome,” said Raynor. “We’re very obliging to our clients.”

Entertainment titans such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael Eisner, and David Geffen are among the regular clients who appreciate the craftsmanship of the custom lighting designs.

“People have become so specific about what they want that every day is a challenge to keep clients happy,” added Raynor. But it’s a challenge he’s been facing for decades.

Starting as a lamp repair business with four employees back in 1956, Paul Ferrante, named after Raynor’s late co-founder, has expanded to make a name for itself nationally and now employs up to 100 employees.

“We have artisans as far as the eye can see,” said Raynor, who noted that the biggest change he has noticed over his years in the trade is the speeding up of supply and demand.

“The pace of today’s business is incredible,” he said.

– Amal Khan