Business View Magazine - May 2025

In 2014, Lopez completed his exit by selling the firm to its employees under an ESOP structure. “So now we’re an ESOP, an employee-owned company. As of 2024 we’ve officially got 10 years of complete employee ownership,” Sterling reflects, underscoring how this shift has fostered a sense of shared purpose. Since its early days servicing individual homes, Dekra-Lite has grown into a national partner for shopping centers, municipalities, and corporate campuses seeking show-stopping seasonal displays. One of the most impactful aspects of Dekra-Lite’s growth is its emphasis on staying current with emerging technologies and trends. “We make sure to stay on the forefront of technologies so we can keep our operations clean and smooth,” Sterling states. On the front end, the lighting and decor is where Dekra-Lite truly shines. “We stay very on top of the core technology with RGB and controlled decorative lighting,” Sterling states. By combining its core technologies with its refined installation processes, Dekra-Lite easily replicates its signature displays coast to coast. Regarding the locations in which it operates, California remains a stronghold. However, DekraLite is pushing beyond the West Coast. “We’re deploying boots on the ground and really expanding our scope of work so that we can work more in Texas,” says Sales Manager Alicia Gonzalez, emphasizing the increase in customer programs in areas like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Dekra-Lite’s recent BuyBoard approval for Texas local governments—a milestone secured in July— has opened doors to municipal contracts previously out of reach. Meanwhile, Project Account Executive Nicole Santarelli reports strong growth in the Chicago area, where malls and municipalities are transforming into mixed-use destinations. 22 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 05

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