Bandit Lites CEO, Michael T. Strickland, was recently honored as one of nine men from the area that exude both style and substance, according to the Greater Knoxville Homes and Living Magazine.

The thirteen-page spread included men from a variety of fields, ranging in everything from television and film star, David Keith (An Officer and A Gentleman) to NFL great, Leroy Thompson.  The article describes how, despite their differences in both style and accomplishments, all of these men possess a quality that makes them stand out in their respective industry.

Strickland said that his sense of style took form sometime in the early 80's.  About that time, he was surrounded by peers who wore cowboy boots and jeans.  It was then that he decided to wear suits every day.  If he was going to get to the decision makers, he was going to have to make an impression.

"The decision makers began to notice that I was a little sharper, and slowly that began to make a difference," Strickland said.  "I am a businessman first, an entertainer second.  Of course, there is an exception to every rule.  Some bands would take it as a negative if I walked in to a meeting in a three-piece suit. In that case, a golf shirt and slacks work fine."

The full article, "Knoxville's 9 Men of Style and Substance," can be found in Greater Knoxville Homes and Living, Issue 4, 2006.