Lighting the Way to ESOP-Driven Innovation

Exploring how employee ownership, durable products, and community partnerships brighten commercial spaces nationwide

 

Dekra-Lite Industries, Inc. shines as a trusted nationwide partner, specializing in premium commercial holiday décor.

In an industry where image and impression are everything, Dekra-Lite doesn’t just install lights—it illuminates possibilities.

For over 40 years, the company has served as a creative force behind the scenes, collaborating with property management companies, marketing directors, municipalities, and installation firms.to deliver unforgettable seasonal experiences.

From consulting and custom design to fabrication, project management, and seamless installation, Dekra-Lite brings efficiency, expertise, and an understanding of what it takes to elevate any space during the most magical time of year.

Headquartered in Santa Ana, California and operating nationwide, Dekra-Lite’s unique business model is grounded in partnership.

They work directly with commercial directors and users, ensuring that their clients—Community members, shoppers, and holiday visitors-retain control of the relationship while gaining a trusted, specialized partner.

Because of this dynamic, Dekra-Lite’s white-label approach and commitment to service often mirror that of its clients.

And as a result, Dekra-Lite has become a silent powerhouse. Today, the company is focused on even greater expansion, investing in technology, talent, and supply chain resilience.

The company’s vision is clear: to create memorable holiday experiences for commercial entities and their visitors.

Dekra-Lite’s success means more than just its profits. It also means empowering its partners to deliver joy, elevate property value, and own the holiday season like never before.

A Legacy Transformed by Employee Ownership and New Markets

Dekra-Lite Industries traces its origins to 1987, when Jeff Lopez began spreading holiday cheer throughout his neighboring communities.

A few years later, Mike Sterling, the current President, joined the fledgling business and, together with Lopez, steered it from residential holiday installations to the large-scale commercial projects the company tackles today.

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, Dekra-Lite 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.

“Our clients are changing the way they do business… they’re trying to draw in a completely different kind of customer compared to 20 or 30 years ago,” Santarelli says, noting that this shift has resulted in a significant uptick in contract opportunities for Dekra-Lite within the Chicagoland region.

Unique Culture, Products, and Partnerships

One of Dekra-Lite’s biggest advantages is undoubtedly the uniqueness of its product. For example, a lot of the displays the company makes have not been seen in the Chicagoland area, so much of its expansion in the region has been fueled not just by necessity but also by novelty.

However, beneath the surface-level novelty of Dekra-Lite’s installations is a solid brand reputation built on a vital factor: durability.

“One thing we have is product longevity… we have upgraded trees that differ from the standard import tree. We have upgraded steel, aluminum, frames, and decorations. Even our garlands are heavier duty than the industry standard,” Sterling says.

While similar products offered by competitors usually last around two years, Dekra-Lite is confident in its ability to outperform and outlast. “We’re going to last about five to ten years, depending on the product,” Sterling clarifies.

Luckily, product durability never impedes uniqueness and innovation. For example, the Dekra-Lite team partners with a Belgian design firm to import multi-use overhangs and inflatable décor that can transition seamlessly from indoor malls to outdoor plazas.

This commitment to quality sets Dekra-Lite apart from cheaper alternatives that often crumble after a season or two.

Amid these unique qualities, Dekra-Lite also retains a culture rooted in teamwork. The company often has collaborative kickoff meetings that bring sales, art, and installation teams together to exchange ideas.

In these settings, every voice, whether it be from sales or mechanics, is heard and valued.

This collaborative culture isn’t limited to the Dekra-Lite staff either; it also includes the ESOP’s vendors.

“We view our vendors as partners, our customers as partners, and our team members as partners,” Sterling affirms, highlighting that this partnership mindset helps to foster mutual investment in every project’s success.

As a result, Dekra-Lite moves forward not as a hierarchy but as a united front. Similarly, Dekra-Lite’s procurement approach blends deep, long-term vendor relationships with ongoing market exploration.

Dekra-Lite outlines a core roster of about two dozen regular partners for both products and installations. Yet for new regions, the company assembles vetting teams to solicit bids and review potential installation partners.

This balance prevents Dekra-Lite from having all its eggs in one basket while keeping the ESOP at the forefront of new materials and technologies.

This strategy has built both local and overseas partnerships. Roughly half of installation vendors are now spread across the country

Driving Community Engagement and National Reach for the Future

While vendor relationships and professional collaborations play a crucial role in the company’s growth, Dekra-Lites has always been committed to fostering meaningful partnerships within the community.

One of Dekra-Lites’ longest and most cherished partnerships is with the National MS Society. Over the years, they’ve provided critical print and lighting services for numerous fundraising events, demonstrating their commitment to both the cause and their clients.

Dekra-Lite also often helps cities secure sponsorships, weaving sponsor branding into décor so smaller budgets can still fund enchanting programs.

By guiding municipalities and businesses through the process, Dekra-Lites enables communities to afford festive displays without stretching their financial resources.

Based on their consistency and results, the company has mastered the art of working with tight budgets to create impactful, branded experiences.

From city-wide holiday decorations to local shopping centers adorned with Christmas trees, Dekra-Lites creates a festive atmosphere that brings joy to both young and old.

Many within the company even describe the community-driven side of their operations as one of the most rewarding aspects of their work.

Looking toward the future, Dekra-Lites is focused on scaling its operations while maintaining the personal, community-oriented approach that has fueled its success.

The company is focused on expanding into untapped markets, and this growth is not just about increasing revenue; it’s about touching more lives and creating more memorable experiences.

“Our work speaks for itself. The referrals keep coming in because of the quality and passion we put into every project,” Santarelli proudly states, emphasizing that community engagement and creating joyful experiences will remain at the core of Dekra-Lite’s mission.

As Dekra-Lite enters its fourth decade, its leadership keeps a dual focus on measured expansion and deepening impact.

The overall mission is one of growth, joy, and community.

Whether expanding its reach to new regions or enhancing internal operations, the company’s future is bright, much like the holiday lights it skillfully installs.

Dekra-Lite Industries, Inc.’s passion for brightening up communities and creating lasting memories will continue to drive its success for years to come.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Dekra-Lite Industries, Inc.

What: A national leader in premium commercial holiday décor, specializing in large-scale installations that transform public and commercial spaces into festive experiences.

Where: Headquartered in Santa Ana, California,, Dekra-Lite operates across the United States, with strongholds in California Texas and Chicago and a rapidly expanding presence in east coast markets

Website: www.dekra-lite.com