We are family owned and operated, based out of Kernersville, NC.
Kevin Calhoun has been in the lighting business for 20 years. He began as an account manager at S&W Lighting in Winston-Salem, NC. In 2001, he saw a need for a different kind of lighting company. He came up with a business model and became partners with his employer.
The need that Kevin wanted to address was for a lighting distributorship that serviced builders through pre-planned packages and arrangements. The original business was named Builder’s Lighting Company. This business model served well until the housing market crash in 2007.
“The Dark Years” as we like to call them.
With building at an almost stand still, Kevin’s partner closed S&W Lighting and wanted out of Builder’s Lighting Co. Kevin bought his partner’s share and got creative! He realized he needed to change his business model and began calling all builders, big and small as well as designers and remodel contractors. He took any and all lighting work as well as worked part-time at the Home Depot. He had to completely restructure and unfortunately get rid of all of his employees. He cut costs down to the bare minimum just to “stay alive”. He did, at this time, hire his wife, Mackenzie (who would work without a paycheck) to do the book keeping.
After many months with little to no paycheck, some building began. He began to see some payoff for the hours of calls he made trying to find business. Things started to improve. Gradually at first and then the industry seemed to pick up steam by the beginning of 2011. In February of 2011, Kevin received a phone call from a former business associate that had “the Golden Account”. After getting this account things started to drastically improve.
In January of 2012 Kevin changed the name of the business and incorporated. He also made his wife officially his partner in the business. Kevin now has employees, Mackenzie is getting more involved with developing advertising and continued behind the scenes work. They both feel very hopeful and proud of the business that was once so close to ruin and that is now thriving, Lucent Lighting, Inc.
Behind Lucent Lighting:
Kevin Calhoun grew up on a tobacco farm in Dobson, NC. He went from high school into the Marines for 4 years. Upon returning, he went to High Point University and got a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He began working at S&W Lighting while in college in 1996. Kevin is also an abstract painter and has been involved with many art shows as well as sold work in local galleries and auctions. Finally, he is an avid gardener and enjoys spending countless hours digging in the dirt!
Mackenzie Calhoun grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. After high school she received a BA in Biology at the University of South Carolina. While living in Charleston, SC she received a Massage Therapy degree and moved to Winston-Salem in 1998. She is also a dancer with the Winston-Salem Festival Ballet company and teaches Pilates and Yoga. She has enjoyed her new role as business partner with her husband and loves to be in control of the money!
They have 3 beautiful children (2 boys and a girl) and reside in Ardmore, close to downtown Winston-Salem. They truly love the community they have found in Winston-Salem.
And Mackenzie operates as the office manager, oversees advertising and works with designers. The business has grown since 2012 and they both feel incredibly grateful for its success.
