HISTORY BEHIND THE FRANK DINI LAMP AND SHADE COMPANY

Frank Dini, my grandfather, immigrated from Italy in 1913, and trained in making molds specific to the manufacture of prosthetics for WWI veterans. He utilized his skill and started the Frank Dini Company manufacturing lamps, small figurines and doll heads. FW Woolworth’s approached him to make larger lamps and shades and propelled his company into being a significant lamp manufacture of it's day!

Frank's son Rudy, my dad, joined the company in 1946 after his service to our country during WWII and assumed a significant role in the day to day operations of the business. Frank and Rudy realized market trends had changed drastically during the 1950's and shifted their business model from manufacturing to also include a factory outlet retail store. During the mid 1960's, Frank decided to retire and move back to Italy and turned the business over to Rudy. Frank quickly became aware retirement did not agree with him and started casting aluminum for outdoor lighting in Italy and shipped parts to Rudy who assembled and marketed this new product in New Jersey. This change was so successful they quickly reverted back to manufacturing and launched Dinico Outdoor Lighting Inc.

In March of 1975, I entered the family business working on the assembly line, painting, packaging and learning marketing and sales. During the next 30 years, Dinico enjoyed steady growth and gained national recognition.

In the new millennium, manufacturing of this product became unprofitable due to increasing government regulations, union legacy costs and Chinese imports. Dinico was quickly fazed out and I formed GRD Sales Associates; a sales and marketing company servicing retail lighting stores in the NY Metro area.

After a weekend visit in 2005, my wife Gail and I quickly decided the Crystal Coast was the place we would love to call home and spend the rest of our lives.

This store is dedicated to the legacies of Frank and Rudy Dini in their desire to pursue and achieve the American Dream. They combined hard work and a deep respect for their employees and customers to accomplish this goal; I continue in their dream!

Randy Dini