Local Entrepreneur Has Bright Idea: Decorations For Busy Residents

If the Grinch stole your Christmas lights or you don't have time to decorate the exterior of your house or business for the holidays, then Deck the Lights has the solution for you.

The start-up business is the brainchild of Wendy Gedaro. Recognizing the popularity of holiday lighting and the fact that most people don't have the time to decorate, she started researching the area marketplace to see whether there were any businesses offering home lighting services.

She discovered that the only businesses offering similar services are in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Deck the Lights caters to those who either don't have the time or the ability to decorate. With a background in department store merchandising, Gedaro said she thought the time was right.

"I developed the business based around lighting," she said, and added, "Specifically, LED lighting that glows brighter, is safer and green-friendly."

Light-emitting diodes have the ability to illuminate an area for long periods of time while costing less electricity than traditional lighting. Once they reach the end of their lifespan they can be recycled.

When used properly they can use up to 90 percent less electricity, according to Gedaro.

Gedaro offers custom light designs in which she takes a different approach to every home. She will visit the home, gather feedback from the customer, measure what is to be lighted and take into account the budget and deliver a plan to the customer.

A Deck the Lights basic design is kept simple and can incorporate items the owner has with the exception of the lighting. Installation can take three to six days, depending on the scope of the job.

Gedaro will program the lights, as well as install timers so the lights will automatically turn on and off.

Pricing includes brand new LED lights, timers, extension cords and the labor to install, as well as removal of the lights after the holidays. Repeat customers will only pay the labor to reinstall the lights next year.

For information, call (727) 457-0814.