One of the things I’ve always believed at Dennis Miller is this: if we’re going to represent a brand, we need to know it inside and out. Our designers trust us to curate the best, so I want to be hands-on. I want to see the people, the process, the craftsmanship, not just flip through a glossy catalog.That’s why I recently went out to visit Boyd Lighting, a line we’re proud to represent in the New York tri-state area. I wanted to really understand what makes them tick.
Getting to know the people behind the brand
The visit kicked off at the Broadmoor with cocktails, dinner, and yes, even a little bowling. At first, I thought, “Bowling?” But it turned out to be the perfect way to see the team outside of the work setting. You learn a lot when you’re sitting across the table from someone talking about what drives them, what projects they’re proud of, and where they want to push things next. It set the tone. This wasn’t about PR polish, it was about connecting.
Rolling up my sleeves
The next day was all about the factory. We learned about Boyd's history and how it all started. A 100+-year-old family-owned company passed down through generations. I got to see raw metal being shaped, finishes being applied, and the level of detail that goes into wiring and assembly. I even tried putting together one of their fixtures myself. Spoiler: it’s a lot harder than it looks. That exercise alone gave me a deeper appreciation for the skill and patience of their team. What stood out most was their honesty. They didn’t just show us the perfect corners; they talked about areas they’re working to improve. That kind of openness says a lot about a company’s character.
Why it matters to me and to you
At the end of the day, trips like this are why I feel confident bringing a line like Boyd Lighting into our showroom. I want our design community to know we don’t just take on brands because they look good in a brochure. We take them on because we’ve been there, we’ve seen the work, and we know the people behind it.Boyd is the real deal. They’ve got artistry, engineering, and a culture that’s all about growth. That makes me feel good about sharing their work with you and hopefully gives you confidence when you specify them for your projects.
Final thought
If you haven’t experienced Boyd yet, I’d love for you to come by the showroom and see the collection for yourself. Photos are nice, but once you see the craftsmanship up close, you’ll get why I came back from this trip excited to stand behind their work.