B-K Lighting photo | B-K Lighting’s Madera headquarters, where the company manages operations and partnerships with clients including Microsoft, Amazon, and Disney.

Over 40 years ago, Doug Hagen and Skip Herbert discussed an idea for a lighting business over a Coors Light. Today, that idea has grown into one of the most respected names in the industry.

For President and CEO Nathan Sloan, who has been with Madera-based B‑K Lighting for 30 years, and Vice President of Strategic Growth Justin Perez, who has been with the company for 27 years, the company’s history is a point of pride.

“When we both joined, we started primarily as a residential landscape lighting company,” Sloan said. “Over the years, we’ve expanded to more commercial products — larger fixtures, higher light output, and robust construction for high‑traffic applications.”

B‑K Lighting has marked several milestones, including two acquisitions. In 2005, the company acquired TEKA Illumination, a Central Coast lighting company specializing in copper, bronze, and brass fixtures. Ten years later, they purchased a large‑format flood lighting manufacturer whose products illuminate stadium facades and major architectural projects.

Another turning point came during the Great Recession, when B‑K Lighting transitioned entirely to LED lighting.

“Coming out of the ’08 recession, we transitioned all of our products to LED,” Sloan said. “LEDs now make up 90 to 95% of our sales and 100% of TEKA Illumination’s sales.”

Perez said adaptability has become part of the company’s DNA.

“Our internal engineering team looks at new technology,” Perez said. “We’re the only architectural lighting company with laser-based sources in our products today.”

Laser technology delivers long‑distance, precise light for projects such as monuments or areas without power.

A major change came in 2016, when B‑K Lighting became a 100% employee‑owned business under an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

“The ESOP puts ownership stock in every employee’s hands,” Sloan said. “Everybody shares in the wins and losses.”

Perez said the ESOP fosters personal investment in the company’s success.

“It’s not just your paycheck, it’s your stock value,” he said. “Think of it as another leg to your retirement. If we do well, your future benefits.”

Although B‑K Lighting works worldwide with clients including Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Disney, its Central Valley ties remain strong.

“This is where the company started,” Sloan said. “Our roots are here, and we’re proud to keep producing some of the highest‑quality products in the lighting industry.”

The company supports Fresno State’s engineering and athletics programs, Valley Children’s Hospital, local robotics teams, Toys for Tots, clothing drives, first responders, and an annual 9/11 ceremony. Several past members of Madera High School’s award‑winning robotics team have joined B‑K Lighting as engineers and interns.

Sloan said the Valley connection is personal.

“Even though the Valley isn’t our largest market, it’s where we all come from, and we want to give back,” he said.

B‑K Lighting has also faced challenges. Sloan pointed to layoffs during the Great Recession and the COVID‑19 pandemic as the hardest times.

“The hardest thing was laying off people we’d worked with for years,” Sloan said. “We started as a family business. We still operate like one, though we’re more professionalized today.”

Perez said those challenges strengthened the company.

“Out of those experiences — ’08 and 2020 — we came out stronger,” he said. “You build strength as a company and as a team.”

Looking ahead, both leaders see opportunities in technology and expansion.

“There’s a big opportunity to adopt new technology and be more efficient,” Sloan said. “We’ve invested in automation for three years, elevating employees to new roles while machines handle lower‑level tasks.”

Sloan expects smart systems to play a growing role.

“Integration with control systems, whether your phone or Alexa, will keep evolving.”

Perez added: “I’m excited for B‑K to grow and expand into adjacent markets. We’re a quality manufacturer with opportunities to produce other high‑quality products.”

He said lighting is becoming more experience‑oriented.

“The way you experience a space will be very different. Technology will allow for elevated experiences.”

Through growth and change, one thing remains constant: B‑K Lighting’s commitment to quality.

“The barrier to entry is a quality product,” Perez said. “We have one of the highest‑quality products in architectural outdoor lighting. And relationships matter — we’re in it for the long term.”