Nick Pilipuf, founder of Pilipuf-Grist & Associates, passed away on April 11. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia, four children, and 13 grandchildren.
Pilipuf founded the lighting rep firm in 1971 with a philosophy of “serving the customer first, last, and everywhere in between”. He partnered with Duane Grist for more than 40 years before announcing new ownership, including his son Marc, in 2014. Before taking over the company, Nick Pilipuf had his son Marc work for him for more than 18 years.
Today, the company is known as PG enlighten. It remains a leading lighting rep agency in Chicago, Northern Indiana, and Central Illinois. At the time of the sale, Nick Pilipuf told tED magazine, “I’m very proud of what Duane and I started over 40 years ago. I’m certain that the agency will continue to be a successful lighting leader in Illinois with the combined knowledge and experience of my son, Marc, and Jim Haworth, who I have known for many years.”
Marc Pilipuf added that he watched his father and Grist build the company from the ground up and continues “building on the legacy of success that my dad has established.” New owner Jim Haworth described Pilipuf-Grist & Associates as, “they represent the top manufacturers in the business and have an excellent reputation with customers.” After the sale, Nick Pilipuf retired from the business.
A public visitation for Nick Pilipuf is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Avenue, Darien, Illinois, from 3pm-9pm. Funeral Service will be Friday, April 15 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Darien at 10am.
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