Bandit World Headquarters Grows with New Hire and Promotion

	Brad Hylton and Giff Swart, Bandit Lites

Bandit Lites' family continues to grow with the recent hire of Brad Hylton as warehouse manager and the promotion of longtime Bandit employee, Giff Swart, to general manager.

Hylton has been immersed in the world of lighting for years, having studied lighting at school before working at Dollywood. He then joined Bandit Lites and toured with LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, and Brian Wilson before working as a lighting tech for Carnival Cruise Lines, Dollywood, and as an lighting designer in Las Vegas. His new position as the warehouse manager will include daily operations, BanditBuys.com orders, assisting with sales and show prep, in addition to inventory and shipments.

"Ever since I learned of Bandit Lites in the late 90's, I've wanted to work here," said Hylton. "I had the opportunity to work for Bandit early in my career and I learned so much, so I am excited to have this opportunity to return and continue to grow my career with the Bandit team."

In addition the hiring of Hylton, Bandit also promoted Swart to general manager. Swart's 12 year tenure with Bandit started with repairing road cases, painting truss, and custom fabrication. After stints as a project manager and warehouse manager, Swart's responsibilities as the general manager will include overseeing all productions in Knoxville. The move feels like a natural progression to Swart, who knows he has the experience to handle the operations smoothly and efficiently.

"I am very honored that Michael Strickland has the confidence in me to take this position on," said Swart. "I know there isn't anyone here who hasn't put in the time and effort to make Bandit a special entity. I believe not only in that entity, but these folks who make it what it is. And I feel they believe in me -- I feel very lucky to be on this team and to help guide it. I used to be amazed that our clients think that what we do is magic and that anything is possible, but over the years I have realized it is because of this team -- who do what they do so well -- which only makes it appear so!"