How Decorating Elves Got Started and Achieved Success

Decorating Elves might be one of Tampa Bay’s premier landscape and holiday lighting designers today, but its beginnings were much more humble. 

It all started back in 2002 when Nick Schriver was still a student at Ohio State University. Even though he was deep into his landscape architecture and business studies, he couldn’t help but notice how stressed everyone was about putting up holiday lighting. As a way to make some extra cash and use some of his knowledge of landscape architecture, Nick started offering to put up holiday lighting displays in his spare time. In no time, his schedule was completely booked and he even had to hire extra help! Nick never imagined his side hustle would turn into an accomplished career as one of Central Florida’s elite outdoor lighting contractors.

After graduating in 2003, Nick headed down south to St. Petersburg, Florida, but he didn’t leave Decorating Elves behind. It didn’t take long before his eye for design brought him success once again in the Sunshine State. Three short years later, he added non-seasonal landscape lighting to his offered services, turning Decorating Elves into a year-round operation.

Since then, Nick has continued to build on his base of knowledge through membership in the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, where he is both learning new skills and teaching other professionals in the industry. He has completed their 3-year Certified Outdoor Lighting Design course and is now training to become Tampa Bay’s only Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician. Nick and his team are certified installers of several high-quality outdoor lighting brands.  Their designs have even been featured by brands such as Kichler, Brilliance LED, Dauer Lighting, and WAC Lighting. Staying true to his roots, Nick and Decorating Elves still compete in holiday lighting competitions and have won several awards along the way. Decorating Elves has been recognized both online and in print for its innovative lighting designs, from the New York Times to Houzz to Florida Home Magazine.

Hear it from the man himself during this episode of the Consumer Quarterback Show (also shown below), a live stream dedicated to helping consumers find the best businesses in Tampa Bay. Our very own Nick Schriver pops in at 3:39 to chat about the benefits of outdoor and landscape lighting before showing off some of Decorating Elves’ awesome holiday designs. It’s a must see and a rare opportunity to hear about Nick’s process when planning his jaw-dropping designs. 

With hard work, perseverance, and the love and support of his family, Nick Schriver turned his college side gig into one of the most well-respected outdoor lighting companies on the mid-Gulf coast. If you’re ready to find out for yourself why Decorating Elves is known nationwide for its inventive and stunning lighting designs, call us toll-free at 1-800-MY-LITES.