Solid Light, a design-build firm creating emotionally engaging visitor experiences for civic, corporate and cultural destinations, has successfully completed its ownership transition with the sale of founder Cynthia Torp's remaining shares to the internal ownership team.
This acquisition marks a significant moment in the company's history as it enters a new chapter of independent leadership.
The company is now entirely owned and led by Chris Mozier, president; Jackson King, director of project management; Mike Marnell, director of fabrication; Ben Jett, creative team director; Emily Trujillo, director of market development; Casey Krueger, fabrication manager; Sarah Drees, director of strategic partnerships; and David Metcalf, lane lead.
A cross-section of the company’s expertise
This transition has been proactively and deliberately designed to maintain the company's signature human-centred design philosophy while enhancing client relationships through higher-quality, driven innovation, and top-tier service.
"The ultimate goal of any founder is to build an institution that is stronger than any one individual," says Torp. "Because our firm is currently in its strongest position to date, the time is right to fully step away.
"I do so with absolute peace of mind, knowing that the company is not just stable, but thriving. This group of leaders have been driving our daily success for years; today, the ownership simply matches that reality."
Torp’s retirement was announced earlier this year. She will continue to provide leadership, guidance, and expertise as she transitions to the role of board chair of the firm, effective 1 June.
As the new custodians of the Solid Light legacy, the partnership group is dedicated to the company’s strategic goals and to nurturing a culture focused on growth and advancement.
This group reflects a diverse range of the company’s skills in design, media, production, and business. By maintaining internal ownership, the firm stays independent and locally managed, helping to avoid the disruptions typically linked to external acquisitions.
Mozier says: "We are honored to lead Solid Light into its next chapter.
"Our team is in total lockstep regarding our values and our dedication to our clients. This transition was born out of a shared vision to ensure that our unique approach to experience design and immersive exhibits continues to set the standard for the industry for decades to come."
Since 1999, Solid Light has been creating award-winning visitor experiences for museums, tourism and cultural institutions, corporate environments, and public spaces across the US. Its project portfolio includes the American Civil War Museum, the Falls of the Ohio, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, among many others.
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
