Summary:
Howie Zanto built Living Light Studio from a basement hobby into a 50-year business legacy in Fond du Lac
The business evolved from stained glass to include jewelry, artwork, and gifts through partnerships including with his wife Liz
Zanto mentored high school students through career programs, with two staying for 20-30 years
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the store shifted to appointment-only operations except during holiday seasons
Zanto is now preparing for retirement in 2027 after 50 years, hoping to sell the business to continue its legacy
He has transitioned to painting as a new creative outlet and plans to establish an online presence post-retirement
The Birth of a Creative Vision
Howie Zanto has owned Living Light Studio on Fourth Street in Fond du Lac for almost 50 years, sharing his experiences as he nears retirement. This remarkable journey began in 1977 when Zanto opened the store with friend and artist Dale Navis.
Zanto's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked while visiting Navis, who was doing glasswork in his basement. When the building became available, the two seized the opportunity to start their business. "The name came to me like in a dream," Zanto recalled. "The glass is living, and it's light, and I thought, 'Oh, Living Light Studio.'"
Building a Legacy Through Partnership and Innovation
The building itself had previously been a grocery store. For the first few years, they rented part of the space to a comic book store before expanding to use the entire area. Zanto's father played a crucial role in transforming the space, building cases, windows, and skylights to showcase their glasswork.
After a few years, they purchased a second building but soon decided to run separate businesses. This marked a turning point when Living Light began selling jewelry, thanks to Zanto's partnership with his now-wife, Liz Woodworth-Zanto.
Howie and Liz Woodworth-Zanto in their studio (Credit: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
In January 1988, Zanto purchased another building on Hickory and Division streets, beginning an eventful year that included gutting the building with his father, getting engaged, and opening Woodworth-Zanto's silversmith shop. After about a decade, they moved the jewelry business into the original Living Light store.
Mentorship and Adaptation Through Challenges
Over the years, the store became a training ground for high school students through experience-based career education programs. Two students stayed on for 20 to 30 years, demonstrating the lasting impact of Zanto's mentorship.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the business model. Since then, the store has operated primarily by appointment, opening regularly only during holiday seasons like Mother's Day and Christmas.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
After nearly 50 years, Zanto is ready to retire and hopes to sell the business to someone who will continue its legacy. "I'd sell it tomorrow, but I always thought since I started the business in 1977, 50 years later I would be 77," he said. "At that point, it's gonna definitely be time to be out of here."
The couple in their studio (Credit: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
The most rewarding memories involve his customers, particularly watching children grow up and return with their own families. About four years ago, Zanto decided to step back from soldering fumes and explore a new creative medium: painting. "I always thought when I retired, I'd try painting," he explained. "So, I researched for about three months and thought I'd give it a try."
His paintings now add another dimension to the studio and were featured in the Langdon Divers Community Gallery at the Fond du Lac Public Library. After retirement, he plans to focus more on painting and establish an online presence. "I've got that entrepreneurship in my blood. It's going to be hard to give that up," he admitted.
Holiday Seasons and Future Potential
The appointment-only structure works well for Zanto, allowing him flexibility while maintaining customer relationships. He particularly enjoys the holiday seasons when regular hours resume and he can connect with customers during the busiest time of year.
Products at Living Light Studio (Credit: Gary C. Klein/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
For a future owner, Zanto sees tremendous potential for growth and revitalization. If a buyer wants to maintain it as a glass shop, there's plenty of equipment and materials available. The business represents not just a retail space but a 50-year legacy of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship.
Living Light Studio is currently open with extended holiday hours until Christmas, with updates available on their Facebook page. Zanto can be contacted directly at 920-251-6017 or through the store at 920-921-1962.
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