A member of the Pittsburgh Business Collective, James Mahoney lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has over 20 years’ experience in sales. Starting out in medical device sales in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, James Mahoney of Finleyville served as an account manager at Medi USA, territory manager at CR Bard, and territory manager at Spectranetics. He held these various roles between 2004 and 2018.
In 2018, Mr. Mahoney co-founded Mason James Lighting and Supply LLC, leveraging his sales skills to start his own company. He offers customized lighting solutions at affordable rates, drawing on lean operations and strategic locations close to target markets. These eliminate storage costs and minimize transportation fees.
As CEO, Mr. Mahoney has led Mason James Lighting and Supply to become the number one ranked lighting distributor for many utilities across the country. In 2024, the company hit $13 million in sales.
Mr. Mahoney is also the owner of Mason James Distribution. He oversees all sales and operations at the company, supporting the distribution of medical devices, personal protective equipment, and direct-to-consumer pharmacy programs. He is also a principal at Right Light Media, where he creates attractive outdoor advertising for clients in western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Mahoney is an alumnus of Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a BS in health policy and administration. He enjoys volunteering, promoting energy conservation, and supporting charities serving children and veterans.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Tending to all business matters, being a good husband father first and foremost.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Take the chance, explore options.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Ever-evolving business with AI.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Tireless work ethic.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take more shots.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Most things are achievable if you believe in yourself enough.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Hard work typically pays off.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Take a break, meditate.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Focus on the positives and figure out how to apply positive feedback.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Allowing too many people to have control. Be responsible for every employee’s actions.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
A/R reports, Skynova.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Men Who Built America.
Key learnings
- Take chances and embrace opportunities.
- Self-confidence, delegation, good work ethic, and clear leadership are key to success.
- Meditation and a positive attitude promote stress management and foster professional growth.