I would meet with a financial planner and map out a lifetime budget.
Most people who win the lottery are bankrupt in 5-10 years. No joke
As for flashlights i would replace the ones i have with the newest technology upgrades, some are still XM-L. Since i no longer need money i would do giveaways for the ones i have now.
4 Lights have sentimental value, the rest would be upgraded.
Edit: I would also upgrade all my batteries, i only have 4 that are under 5 years old, and no 21700s at present.
I would certainly buy some of those extremely high lumen flashlights, some LEPs, some of the color LED flashlights, all the BLF flashlights, all the International Outdoor flashlights, etc.
Things would get a little crazy, I mean a lot more crazy around here!
I would also do a lot of independent reviews of the latest flashlights. Of course I would need to buy all the testing equipment. And really put them thru their paces. Like take them apart to see how they are built and highlight the strengths and weaknesses. And then give them away at the end.
One can dream, but like others, I also don’t buy lottery tickets.
I would use the money to produce something that has been buzzing around in my head…
Glambringeer: Helm of the sunfather
A helmet with many flashlights, LEDs, and various light emitting devices built into it. It would be powered by an Arduino or rassPi, not sure which. It would have a wired in control that you can hold in the hand, and turn on or off any of the lights. I think I would integrate fire too. I am positive that I could do this if only I had the time and money.
Ah, the Lamborghini Miura. They ruined a real one for the movie. One of the more gorgeous Lamborghini’s ever made. Too bad it was a maintenance money pit!
There were Ferrari flashlights, kinda sorta. Cue the disappointment when you discover what it actually was.
There also exists a Lambo branded version of the corporate VW accessory, which is a rechargeable 12v cigarette lighter plug-in.
Fixed that. The Miura was the archetype of the mid-engined sports car. An iconic design, from an iconic designer, Marcello Gandini. Any designer would be lucky to have one such significant creation on their CV, but his body of work is astounding.
VW turned down an unsolicited €7.5 billion bid for the company from the Piech family earlier this year. I don’t think $100 million would elicit even a mocking laugh in response.
I would Definitely start my own flashlight company, after a couple years taking courses to learn CAD, machining, and design, among other things. I would design and manufacture as much as possible or that made sense, and I would love every minute of it.
or, I would go work for TermsakC's flashlight university & museum!
oh, and I would offer jobs to at least a dozen people on this forum to help. TomE would be head hunted first, then Gchart, the freeman, cncman, and JaredM. Then lightbringer and boaz for comedic relief.
I don’t think a flashlight company would be my quest, but i would be interested in investigating it. Similarly working with some of the BLF experts in design as you mention or providing some seed money and a seat on the board after a well conducted feasibility study.