Lighthouse for the Blind - St. Louis

Background

Mission and Vision

Lighthouse for the Blind - St. Louis (LHB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting individuals who are legally blind in maintaining dignity and independence through employment, education, and support services.

History

Founded in 1933 by philanthropist Mary E. Ryder, LHB began by manufacturing brooms, mops, and doormats. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its operations to include a diverse range of products and services, all while staying true to its mission of empowering the blind community.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Employment Opportunities: Providing meaningful employment to individuals who are legally blind.

• Product Diversification: Expanding product lines to include both government and commercial markets.

• Community Outreach: Offering educational and support programs for the blind community.

Areas of Specialization

• Manufacturing: Production of aerosol cleaners, bio-based cleaners, liquid cleaners, office cleaners, maintenance products, repellents, paints, and coatings.

• Medical Kitting: Assembly of medical, dental, and veterinary kits ranging from individual first aid bags to entire field hospitals.

• Contract Filling & Packaging: Providing liquid filling, component acquisition, and packaging services for both government and commercial customers.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Aerosol Manufacturing: Operating one of the only aerosol manufacturing facilities in the world primarily staffed by individuals who are legally blind.

• Medical Kitting: Specializing in procuring, packaging, and kitting components for various types of medical kits.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Government Contracts: Holding over 20 contracts with government agencies covering more than 200 products.

• Commercial Markets: Acquiring and managing commercial brands to diversify revenue streams and expand market reach.

Financials and Funding

Revenue

• 2023: $31.2 million

• 2021: $33.5 million

• 2019: $29.3 million

Expenses

• 2023: $31 million

• 2021: $28.9 million

• 2019: $27.4 million

Net Assets

• 2023: $120.4 million

• 2021: $130.9 million

• 2019: $107.1 million

Utilization of Capital

Proceeds from product sales contribute to 23 community outreach programs that provide assistance and support to children and adults who are visually impaired in Missouri and Western Illinois.

Pipeline Development

Product Lines

• Government Products: Aerosol and liquid paints, cleaners, bio-based cleaners, disinfectants, deodorizers, repellents, lubricants, aircraft cleaners, and corrosion preventatives.

• Commercial Brands:

• Quake Kare®: Disaster preparedness kits and supplies.

• Tear Mender®: Fabric and leather adhesives.

• RapidFix®: Instant adhesives.

• Badge Magic®/CosBond®: Adhesive sheets for scouts and cosplayers.

• Falcon Safety Products: Compressed-gas dusters and signal horns, including the Dust-Off® brand.

Recent Developments

In November 2023, LHB acquired the assets of Falcon Safety Products, expanding its product portfolio and creating over 30 job opportunities for visually impaired individuals in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Aerosol Manufacturing: Operating a unique facility primarily staffed by individuals who are legally blind, producing a wide range of aerosol products.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Medical Kitting: Expertise in procuring, packaging, and kitting components for various medical kits, ensuring quality and compliance with industry standards.

Leadership Team

• Eric Warnhoff: President and CEO

• Jill Kluesner: Chief Financial Officer

• Clint A. Cruse: Vice President of Manufacturing

Leadership Changes

In November 2023, Eric Warnhoff was appointed as President and CEO, succeeding John Thompson.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for products manufactured by organizations employing individuals who are blind includes government contracts and commercial sales. The AbilityOne Program is a significant source of employment in the United States for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.

Competitor Analysis

• National Industries for the Blind (NIB): A nonprofit organization that enhances opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment.

• American Printing House for the Blind (APH): A nonprofit corporation promoting independent living for people who are blind and visually impaired, offering a range of products and services.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Jelmar Partnership: In 2015, LHB partnered with Jelmar to fill and ship bottles of CLR, Jelmar’s environmentally safe calcium, lime, and rust remover product.

Operational Insights

Competitive Advantages

• Unique Manufacturing Capabilities: Operating one of the only aerosol manufacturing facilities in the world primarily staffed by individuals who are legally blind.

• Diverse Product Portfolio: Offering a wide range of products for both government and commercial markets.

• Strong Community Focus: Reinvesting proceeds into community outreach programs supporting the blind community.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

• Expansion of Commercial Brands: Leveraging recent acquisitions to increase market share and revenue.

• Enhanced Employment Opportunities: Creating additional jobs for individuals who are legally blind through new facilities and product lines.

• Technological Advancements: Investing in new technologies to improve manufacturing processes and product offerings.

Contact Information

• Website: lhbindustries.com

• LinkedIn: Lighthouse for the Blind - St. Louis