As 2024 winds to a close, we at Mahlander’s Appliance & Lighting are taking a moment to celebrate the milestones and accomplishments that made this year one to remember. From keeping pace with cutting-edge technology to building relationships and giving back to our community, here’s a look at how we made strides in 2024.
Staying Ahead in Technology and Trends
With the constant evolution of tech and style in appliances and lighting, staying up-to-date isn’t just a goal — it’s a necessity. This year, the Mahlander’s team doubled down on education and innovation, ensuring we bring the very best to our customers.
Appliance Expertise: Our staff participated in ongoing training programs to deepen their knowledge of new appliance features and technologies. From Smart features that simplify cooking and baking to specialty refrigeration solutions and the growing popularity of drawer microwaves for kitchen islands, we’ve honed our expertise to match our customers’ needs and design aspirations.
Lighting Innovations: Our sales and buying team made not one, but two trips to Dallas for Lightovation and the Dallas Market, connecting with industry leaders and previewing the latest designs and technologies. These efforts have ensured our showroom features the most stylish fixtures, energy-efficient LED technology, and cutting-edge Smart technology that enhances modern living. By staying at the forefront of lighting trends, we’ve continued illuminating Sioux Falls and area homes (and businesses!) with functionality and beauty.
Building Strong Relationships
Strong relationships have always been at the heart of Mahlander’s success, and 2024 was no exception. Building meaningful connections with industry professionals, decision-makers, and influencers is a key part of our philosophy. These relationships not only help us stay ahead of trends but also ensure we provide the best possible solutions for our customers and partners. This year, we’ve continued to strengthen these bonds through collaboration, recognition, and community engagement.
Supporting Designers and Contractors: Designers and contractors remain some of our most valued partners. To show our appreciation, we offer them generous discounts on our products and host an annual holiday party. This year’s event was particularly memorable, featuring a holiday light tour around Sioux Falls. We hopped on a bus and enjoyed the festive sights and lights together, followed by food and continued festivities in the showroom.
Partnership with SDSU Interior Design Department: We continued our valued partnership with the South Dakota State University Interior Design Department, hosting their students for an in-depth session on lighting and appliances. This hands-on experience allowed them to see products firsthand, ask questions, and apply their knowledge to a mock project. It’s always a joy to share our expertise and inspire the next generation of designers.
Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire: We proudly celebrated 60 years with the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire. This long-standing relationship has been instrumental in connecting us with local builders and contractors, who are key to our continued success. Our involvement spans the annual HBA Sioux Empire Home Show, two Parade of Homes events (spring and fall) each year, and other industry gatherings and association efforts.
Lighting One Recognition: At the Lighting One 25-year convention and celebration during Dallas Market in June, Mahlander’s was honored as a Founding Member of this national cooperative network of independently-owned lighting showrooms. This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and our decades-long collaboration with Lighting One.
Partnerships with Local Realtors: This year, we were pleased to partner with several realtors in the Sioux Falls area, strengthening our connections within the local housing market. These partnerships help us ensure that new homeowners have access to the best lighting and appliance solutions for their spaces.
Down Home Fab Collaboration: This year, Mahlander’s was thrilled to provide lighting and appliances featured in several episodes of HGTV’s hit show Downhome Fab, hosted by Cole and Chelsea DeBoer. Being part of their creative projects brought exciting exposure to our products, and we look forward to similar opportunities.
Team Building: Strengthening our in-house camaraderie was also a priority this year. In June, many members of our team (along with their families) enjoyed a fun-filled outing to a Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game at the Birdcage. Events like these remind us that our greatest asset is our dedicated and hardworking staff.
Supporting Our Community
At Mahlander’s, we believe that a thriving community is built through collective effort and meaningful support. Giving back is more than just a responsibility — it’s a privilege that allows us to connect with those around us and make a positive impact. Supporting our local community has always been a cornerstone of Mahlander’s mission.
This holiday season, we joined forces with the Foster Network for our “Giving Tree” initiative, providing toys and Christmas gifts for children in need across the area. Mahlander’s staff, along with contributions from others, came together to make this donation possible. It was a heartwarming effort that brought joy to so many families.
We also proudly sponsored several community programs throughout the year, including a local girls’ softball team. By investing in these initiatives, we aim to strengthen the bonds within our community and support opportunities for growth and fun for all.
Final Thoughts
As we look back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunities we’ve had to grow, connect, and give back. From embracing the latest in technology and trends to fostering relationships with our partners, team, and community, this year has been a testament to what we can achieve together. Every milestone reached and partnership forged reflects our commitment to excellence and the values that have guided Mahlander’s for generations.
As we step into 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue illuminating homes and lives with innovation, quality, and care. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey — we look forward to another bright year ahead!
