Member Profile: Nathan Frampton

Nathan Frampton has been involved in the lighting and ceiling fan industry for most of his life, helping with, and eventually working for, the company his father founded, Fanimation, Inc. In 2007, Frampton took over as president of the company. Today, he is actively involved in ALA, serving on the board of governors, regularly attending the annual conference and other events, and serving as a strong proponent for the many career and business benefits of ALA membership. Most recently, Frampton traveled to Washington, D.C., where he participated in the association’s annual fly-in. He provided ALA with some information on how his involvement in this event and other aspects of the association has affected his career and business.

Tell us a little bit about your background. Did you always know you’d enter the family business?

When I was in college, Fanimation was much smaller, and I didn’t think working for the company was in the cards. I knew I liked business and became very involved in a business fraternity through most of college, though I got my degree in accounting. I have always felt it was important to get involved in something other than work or school, as being involved in something more can often help you succeed in those things.

What or who encouraged you to become involved in ALA and why do you feel it’s important to your business?

I wanted to be involved with ALA for three reasons – government engagement, networking and education. There is no other organization out there that attacks these topics for decorative/residential ceiling fans. It is hard to imagine being in the ceiling fan business without being involved on the ALA Government Engagement Committee.

What are some of the key events or discussions in which you participated during the ALA Annual D.C. Fly-in?

Major topics addressed included the potentially very harmful Border Adjustment Tax and the Marketplace Fairness Act. The Marketplace Fairness Act is legislation that would require e-commerce retailers to collect sales tax. This bill would help level the playing field for brick-and-mortar retailers. We also had great meetings with the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star and the Association for Strategic Alliance Professionals.

Why do you feel it is important for ALA members to attend the fly-in and become active in the association’s government engagement efforts?

I think it gives ALA members a first-hand view of how ALA makes a difference. It is fun to see the light bulb turn on with newer attendees. As former ALA CEO Dick Upton used to say, “In Washington, you are either at the table or on the menu.” ALA is at the table and ALA has made, and continues to make a difference.

You regularly attend ALA’s Annual Conference, what brings you back each year?

I’ve been attending the ALA Conference since around 2005. A lot of the time you’re only seeing your reps or the customers twice a year. Going to Conference gives me another chance to bond with industry friends, both old and new. It’s another opportunity to share ideas, and make plans to take our industry to the next level. Through attending Conference, I’ve also met with and developed relationships with a lot of other manufacturers I wouldn’t have otherwise known. These relationships have made me a better businessperson and Fanimation a better company.

What suggestions do you have for members who are looking to become more involved in the association?

Look at the committee list, find one that interests you and join it as an active participant.