About Us

How it began

Nick has always been a fan of outdoor design. Back in 2002, Nick was deep into his landscape architecture and business degree at Ohio State University when he realized that the stress of displaying outdoor lighting during the holidays could be a lucrative business. Even though he was nearing the end of his studies, Nick still found the time to help homeowners “avoid the holiday hassle” by designing and installing beautiful holiday lighting on their homes and property. Shortly after beginning this business, Nick’s hard work earned him a stellar reputation and a fully booked schedule. It was clear he had stumbled onto something big.

Heading down south

Nick graduated from OSU in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Business. Soon after graduating, Nick said farewell to the Buckeye State in favor of sunnier skies in St. Petersburg, Florida. However, he quickly realized he didn’t have to abandon his former business after graduation. Holiday lighting was just as popular — and stressful — in St. Pete as it was in Ohio. Armed with a new degree, an eye for outdoor design, and endless ambition, Nick reopened Decorating Elves as a holiday lighting service in Tampa Bay. Once again, people fell in love with Nick’s dedication to high-quality lighting design. Decorating Elves was putting its mark on the map, but Nick wasn’t anywhere close to satisfied yet.

Moving on up

In 2006, Nick added landscape lighting to Decorating Elves’ lineup of services. In just three short years, Nick’s passion and drive turned his seasonal business into a year-round outdoor and event lighting dynamo. Almost twenty years after his humble Midwest beginnings, Nick and his team at Decorating Elves are setting the bar high for exceptional outdoor events and landscaping lighting design in Tampa Bay.

Building credibility

As the lead designer, general manager, and owner of Decorating Elves, Nick has learned that it is important to stay updated about the industry and to never stop learning. In addition to earning his Florida Electrical Specialty Contractors License and being the only Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) in Tampa Bay, Nick has been a member of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), the foremost organization in advancement of the outdoor lighting design and installation industry, since 2009. As a member of AOLP, Nick’s accomplishments and titles have multiplied, including:

• Current AOLP Board of Directors (https://aolponline.org/board-of-directors/#1518040191252-6c01ca93-7d3a)
• Current Chairman of AOLP’s Communications/Marketing Committee (https://aolponline.org/committees/)
• Former AOLP CLVLT and Membership committee member
• 3-year Certified Outdoor Lighting Design (COLD) course completion

Along with the AOLP, Nick and the team at Decorating Elves are also members of the Small Business Network and St. Pete Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Building community

Nick is committed to giving his time for the betterment of the outdoor lighting industry, but he also gives back to the community. He volunteers to teach business with Junior Achievement, coaches youth soccer and supports several local charities and nonprofits, including:

• Tampa Bay Watch
• St. Pete City Theatre
• Dr. Carter Woodson Museum
• Florida Dream Center
• St. Pete Free Clinic

Professional recognition

Decorating Elves is no stranger to awards for their outstanding outdoor lighting design and customer service. Nick and his team have won several holiday lighting competitions and have been recognized on Angie’s List (now Angi) and Houzz. You can see Decorating Elves’ work online and in print nationwide, including: