Business View Magazine - May 2024

manage inventory levels, production schedules, and staffing to meet peak demand while minimizing excess inventory and overhead costs during the off-season. Among the many players in this sector, one company has dominated for over 30 years,Dekra-Lite Industries. Since its inception in 1987, this company has specialized in crafting incredible holiday ensembles for retailers, commercial properties, theme parks, and even cities across the country. However, this company’s success isn’t just measured by the sparkle of ornaments and seasonal lights; it has also developed a captivating culture of warmth, celebration, and shared ownership in the 10 years it has been operating as an ESOP. By staying ahead of the curve and diversifying its offerings, this company has captured newmarket after new market and sustained long-term growth. It has done an excellent job nurturing the organization’s roots through investing in training and development, fostering a sense of ownership among employees. At Dekra-Lite the foundation of success lies in empowering every member of the team. When employees feel valued and engaged they become ambassadors for the brand, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, this ESOP has excelled in outperforming its competition. It remains firmly tapped into winning consumer trends and has the structure in place to combat even the most problematic disruptions to an operation. Dekra-Lite is expanding its reach and creating magical experiences for its customers along the way. More importantly, it’s doing all of this while cultivating a workplace environment where every employee feels like a cherished part of the holiday magic—a culture where success is measured not just in share prices, but in the smiles of satisfied customers. FROM SEASONAL DREAMS TO YEAR-ROUND ESOP GROWTH Dekra-Lite with a simple dream: to enjoy the freedom of working only three months a year while still making enough to sustain for the remaining nine. However, what started as a seasonal venture quickly evolved into a year-round business of lights and festivities. Founder Jeff Lopez soon realized that the holiday spirit driving his business could not be confined to just one season, and thus, Dekra-Lite Industries embarked on a journey of perpetual business. As Lopez came closer and closer to retirement, the question of Dekra-Lite’s future arose. There were several options, but the ESOPmodel emerged as the optimal path due to its tax advantages. Additionally, this exit strategy would allow Lopez to slowly transition out of the company while still leaving a legacy behind to the employees who 91 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 05 DEKRA- L I TE INDUSTRIES