Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/602646
PAUL ZORAD Reducing reliance on power through the use of environmentally friendly LED technology Paul Zorad is an innovative thinker who became an early adopter of energy efficient LED lighting technology. In 2005, his company, Zortech Industries Inc., began acquiring, evaluating and distributing white LED lights to corporate clients, leading the way for the product's introduction to the North American market. That same year, while white LED products were still in their infancy, Paul was recruited by Magna Entertainment Corporation as a third-party inspector to inspect LED signage to be installed in Miami. When a contractor walked off the job, Zortech was hired to complete the installation of massive LED screens valued at $1.6 million. This opportunity led Paul to carve out a niche role for his company in the electronics industry. Now, Zortech manufactures its own LED products which are installed in thousands of commercial institutions across North America, including banks, retail stores such as Tim Hortons and Canadian Tire, entertainment venues such as Fallsview Casino/Casino Niagara and Cineplex Odeon Toronto. They're also featured on popular HGTV shows with Mike Holmes, such as Mike's Ultimate Garage and 5 Alarm Chili, and Decked Out and Custom Built with Paul Lafrance. Reflecting on his Georgian days, Paul says, "The classes gave me a broad scope of electronics knowledge and allowed me to focus on specific areas, including LED technology, which I use to this day." Paul's company also acts as a third party evaluator by using sophisticated optical test equipment to test any light source to weed out poor-quality LED products. The long-term impact of Zortech's work is diminishing society's carbon footprint by reducing its reliance on power through the use of environmentally friendly LED technology. Many products are further enhanced through dimming ability, using even less power. Paul also lends his technical expertise to his community by lighting the annual Simcoe Christmas Panorama display. For this, and other reasons, he's been given Rotary International's highest honour: being named a Paul Harris Fellow. ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, 1988 oWNER, ZoRTECH INDUSTRIES 2015 PREMIER'S AWARD NOMINEE GEORGIANVIEW 2015 14 PRoBLEM-SoLVERS