Forty years ago, a new chapter quietly began when Connie welcomed her son Matthew into the world and stepped into what would become a lifelong passion… Saltbox Lighting. What started as a small venture has grown into a beloved business rooted in creativity, relationships, and an unmistakable personal touch.

In the early days, Saltbox Lighting found its home in a charming little red schoolhouse in Vickery Village. The space reflected Connie’s style perfectly, filled with classic, colonial, old-world charm inspired by the traditional Saltbox aesthetic. It wasn’t just a showroom, it was an experience, and customers felt it the moment they walked through the door.

Over the years, the business evolved alongside Connie’s life. With the support of several partners, including Larry Armstrong, Jerry DeMeuese, and now her daughter-in-law Amy MacCarthy, Saltbox Lighting continued to grow and adapt while staying true to its roots.

The move to Riverside Drive marked an exciting new chapter that lasted for many years, before transitioning around 2010 to the South Broadway location. It was there that something truly special took shape. By joining forces with The Tile and Stone Gallery and John Wagner, the business transformed into a full design center, offering not only lighting, but also tile, backsplashes, natural stone, hardwood flooring, accessories, and art. It became a one-stop destination for homeowners looking to bring their spaces to life.

In April 2025, Saltbox Lighting entered its newest era, moving into a beautiful showroom on North Wisconsin Street in De Pere. The partnership with The Tile and Stone Gallery continues, bringing together design elements in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

Through it all, one thing has remained constant… Connie.

For four decades, she has dedicated herself to her craft, working five to six days a week while also being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family has always been woven into the heart of her journey, including her daughter Megan, and her four grandchildren, Aubrey, Ella, Katherine, and Jack, who are at the center of her world. Somehow, Connie still finds time to cook family dinners, attend games and events, and travel when she can, all while showing the next generation what it looks like to pour your heart into what you love.

Her passion for the industry hasn’t slowed down either. Connie continues to attend market every January in Dallas, with occasional trips to Las Vegas, always staying inspired and ahead of trends. Around the showroom, there’s a running joke that she may never retire… and honestly, no one seems to mind.

Amy MacCarthy, Connie’s daughter-in-law and current business partner, has had a front-row seat to this incredible journey. Having known Connie for over 25 years, dating back to her high school sweetheart days with Matthew, Amy recalls being invited to market in Dallas long before she ever imagined becoming part of the business.

Fast forward two decades, and she now co-owns Saltbox Lighting alongside the woman who first introduced her to the industry.

One of the most meaningful measures of Saltbox Lighting’s success is the loyalty of its customers. The business has built an incredible base of repeat clients over the years, a true testament to Connie’s dedication and the relationships she has nurtured along the way. Thoughtful testimonials from longtime customers echo the same sentiment: working with Connie feels personal, memorable, and special.

Forty years in business is no small milestone. It represents hard work, resilience, creativity, and a deep love for both people and design.

Connie is incredibly kind and a joy to work with, as well as a wonderful friend. She maintains a high level of professionalism both in and out of the office. Connie truly listened to us as customers and went above and beyond to ensure we were extremely happy with the results of our purchase.  We are so lucky to have a friend that is so knowledgeable, dependable, and genuinely caring.  -Mike and Cally Asher

 

Congratulations on your 40th with Saltbox Lighting! What a wonderful addition to our community and downtown De Pere. Not only as a strong women led business, but as resource for thoughtful lighting and interior design guidance. Thank you for all you and your team have done! -Kim Anderson

 

What an incredible milestone, celebrating 40 years in business for Connie and The Saltbox Lighting team! Connie goes above and beyond when you are on a lighting search. It's amazing to me how you can describe an aesthetic that you are going for, and then she can dig into a 500 page book of lights to show you exactly which one fits your description! Connie has true vision, she's consistent, and always leading with style! Congratulations to a long-standing business that deserves this attention!

-Kelli Basten

 

"Connie truly lit up our lives by helping us create the perfect lighting in both our home and cottage. Her patience and friendly approach made her an absolute joy to work with throughout our remodel projects."

-Gabrielle Dow

 

Connie was a pleasure to work with!

Always willing to take the time to really listen and explore new ideas to make the store a better environment to showcase lighting was her strength.

Having the trust and faith to let Amy join forces and propel the store to new levels shows how much self-confidence Connie had/has in herself. -Hill Orloff

 

 

Connie… I adore that lady.  She’ll show you the perfect light you didn’t know you needed and run circles around you in Pilates class! -Lucie Van Oss

 

My first experience with Connie was in 1998... I was a young restauranteur opening up a new place in Sturgeon Bay. I knew at the time the "look" that I was going for, but had no idea how to find it. My design experience was nonexistent, and my budget was meager... Connie was not deterred.  She welcomed me into the showroom on Riverside Drive and treated me as if I was her most important client. Within minutes she pulled out a catalog with the perfect statement fixture. I have never forgotten that day, and have thought of it often over the past year as I enter the new showroom. Little did I know at the time that I would be forming a lifelong friendship, as well as a valued trade partner.

Connie was a trailblazer in the world of design for our area, and continues to be a visionary . The evolution through the years of the business would not have happened without her passion and drive.  In today's world of quick-ship online deals it is a rare to be able to experience a full service lighting store with a team of experts eager to help. That has always been what set Connie apart, and continues to be the business model today.

Thank you Connie, and congratulations on 40 years!

-Mitch Wise

 

 

Connie MacCarthy — 40 Years of Excellence

 

Connie MacCarthy is celebrating an incredible milestone — 40 years in the lighting business — and what an accomplishment it is. Over the years, Connie has grown her business year after year, a true testament to her passion, dedication, and expertise.

When I first met Connie, I thought she was a designer who owned a lighting showroom — and while that may have been true, I quickly realized she is so much more. Her vast knowledge of lighting and design is truly impressive. In fact, there are times when she understands the product and its application better than the sales reps themselves — and that says a lot!

Connie’s work ethic is something to be admired. She consistently goes above and beyond for her customers, and she shows that same level of care and respect to her reps and installers alike. While waiting for her to finish with customers, I’ve often heard them say how much of a joy she is to work with — and that speaks volumes about who she is.

Beyond her professional excellence, Connie is also a classy, stylish professional — always dressed to the nines. I still wonder how big her closet at home must be!

Connie, your new showroom is beautiful, and you’ve built such a fantastic team — a shining reflection of yourself. Forty years in business is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations on this incredible milestone. I know you love what you do, and your nonstop energy will lead to many more successes in the years ahead.

Congratulations, my friend!

-Kevin Fletcher

 

Working with Connie at The Saltbox Lighting was absolutely fantastic! She is very knowledgeable of design trends and helped me to find the perfect high quality light fixtures, rugs, and decor for my new home. I’m so thankful for all of her help. 

-Faye LeTourneau

 

Connie has been a beacon of “light”, no pun intended, in the lighting industry as long as I can remember, in my long design career of 33 years! She is a pillar of class, sophistication, I have always loved working with Connie and leaning on her area of expertise to guide me and my clients in the right direction. I am always proud and excited to tell my clients “I have a gal” who we can call and meet with and I know everyone of my clients will not and are not disappointed. 

Cheers to Connie for 40 years of making a statement in the lighting world. So fortunate and happy that I have been "rubbing elbows” for so many years with a true professional in her field.

 -Becky McGuire

 

My experience with Connie has been amazing! She is so knowledgeable.. She flew to Florida twice with me to help me with my new home build. So fun and easy to work with!

-Mary 

What a great experience we had working with you, Connie, on the lighting solutions, inside and out, for our recent lake house remodel!  You offered transparent expertise and guidance to create solutions that created perfect functionality and ambience for every room and setting.  Thank you so much for bringing warmth and light to our lake house remodel!

Congratulations on 40 years in the business!

-Kris and Brian Finell

The very first time I went into Saltbox to have a look, I met Connie.  She was so sweet and kind.  It was hard not to fall in love with Connie, the store, and the rest of the Saltbox team. When people come to visit our home, they are so impressed and have often asked if I worked with a designer on the interior furnishings and lights.  Our office also looked absolutely stunning after the recommendations and work from the Saltbox team.I have nothing but praise for Connie and her team, they are incredible and great to work with!  Congratulations on 40 years in business. Xoxo - Amiee Hamilton

 

From the very first time I walked through the doors at Saltbox Lighting, Connie made an impression that has stayed with me ever since. As someone just getting started in the building industry, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but Connie met me with fairness, honesty, and genuine respect. She never made us feel “less than” for being new. Instead, she welcomed us in, supported us, and treated us like true partners from day one.

Now, six years later, I can say that what we’ve built together is something I deeply value. Our partnership has grown into one rooted in mutual respect, trust, and collaboration. Connie has always made space for my perspective, even as someone much newer to the industry, and that says everything about the kind of person she is. She listens, she encourages, and she elevates the people around her.

Beyond her incredible professionalism, Connie is simply a wonderful person. She is warm, kind, and truly cares, not just about the work, but about the people behind it. She asks about my family and takes a genuine interest in our lives. That kind of care is rare, and it makes every interaction with her that much more meaningful.

Congratulations, Connie, on 40 amazing years. Your impact reaches far beyond beautiful lighting. You have built lasting relationships, lifted others up, and created a legacy that is truly something to celebrate. -Casey Golden

I am so proud of my Mom for owning the Saltbox now for 40 years. She’s a legend! I have been blessed to have such an amazing female role model that both works so hard and truly loves what she does. Congratulations to the best Mom, Grandma, wife, friend and powerhouse business owner there is!!