{image1}Are you looking for the perfect lamp, just the right light fixture or your new favorite chair, then get ready to plug yourself into the talents of Christopher Poehlmann.
It's time to welcome home Poehlmann, a lighting and furniture designer who has been creating in Naples, Florida since he left Milwaukee in 1995. He was born and raised in the Chicago area, but headed to Milwaukee in 1986 for a city life that was affordable and comfortable and ever since had considered this his home.
Milwaukee became the birthplace of his first furniture and lighting designs, but the city was seemingly unprepared at the time, and Poehlmann was young and shy about promoting his work. After growing up and taking his designs to a national market, Poehlmann is excited to be back in the city.
"I have changed so much," laughs Poehlmann. "I left a young hippy-kid artist and return as an older hippy-kid artist with knowledge and business sense."
Poehlmann designs modern furnishings and light fixtures with materials such as aluminum, steel and acrylic. His products can be found all over the country in homes as well as in hotels and restaurants.
He missed the daily Milwaukee life. "I have considered this my hometown since I moved here in 1986. I missed the quality of life here and the day-to-day interaction with friendly people," comments Poehlmann. "It stimulates your creativity."
He also believes the return home will be good for his business. "Now I will be more centralized in the country, so I can do larger projects. It improves the logistics of expanding my business," affirms Poehlmann.
An architecture junkie, Poehlmann finds the modern architecture creeping into the city to be exciting and he looks forward to working with old friends and new creative talents.
For those embarking on creative endeavors he offers some advice, "What are you crazy? No really, you have to be in it for the love and the lifestyle choice. You are not guaranteed to be rich or famous. You need skill, patience and a little luck. Pay your dues and remember; it's all about loving what you do."
He believes in Milwaukee and is happy to be back. He practices what he preaches and continues to create and innovate. He says his short and long-term goals are "just to stay in business and keep doing what I love to do."
Poehlmann's Web site is cplighting.com or contact him at (866) 597-4800.
