NiteLites Outdoor Lighting is a premium franchise in the outdoor lighting industry. It was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Franklin, Ohio. The company began franchising in 2004, expanding its energy-efficient lighting model across the United States.

The franchise specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of custom outdoor lighting systems. These include architectural, landscape, pool, pond, path, deck, marina, dock, step, paver, and string lights.

NiteLites uses proprietary solid brass and copper fixtures with non-corrosive finishes, backed by long-term warranties. It also offers LED retrofits and solar lighting, with systems that consume up to 75% less energy and last up to 40,000 hours.

NiteLites stands out through its vertically integrated model—designing and manufacturing its own fixtures—and a “paint with light” design philosophy that blends function with visual appeal. The franchise delivers high-quality products with professional-grade installation, helping owners achieve strong customer satisfaction and referral-based

Training

NiteLites franchise provides a structured training program to support franchisees in launching and operating their business effectively. The training components include:

1. Initial Training Program
   Before the franchise opens, NiteLites requires the franchisee (or their Designated Manager) and one assistant to complete an initial training program. This program lasts approximately one week and includes around 35 hours of classroom and on-the-job instruction. Topics covered include administration, operations, sales and marketing, financial controls, and maintaining quality standards. This training is conducted at one of the franchisor’s facilities—either in Ft. Myers, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; or Cincinnati, Ohio. Although there is no tuition fee, franchisees must cover their own travel, lodging, meals, and related expenses.
2. Refresher and Ongoing Training
   NiteLites may require franchisees to attend additional refresher courses or seminars over time. Participation in these sessions is at the franchisee’s expense, and the franchisor may charge a fee for attendance. These trainings are intended to update the franchisee on operational practices and maintain system-wide quality standards.
3. Operations Assistance Post-Opening
   For the first three days after the franchise opens, a representative from NiteLites is provided on-site at the franchised location to offer guidance and support with operations, at no cost to the franchisee. Additional operational assistance may be available upon request, subject to the franchisor's discretion and at the franchisee’s expense.

Territory Protection

NiteLites offers its franchisees a defined Protected Territory within which no other NiteLites franchise will be established, provided the franchisee is in compliance with the agreement. This territory is outlined in Exhibit B of the franchise agreement and is based on demographic data, typically U.S. Census figures.

While the franchisee is protected from internal franchise competition within this area, the territory grant is non-exclusive. The franchisor retains the right to compete within the Protected Territory through alternate distribution channels such as e-commerce or retail outlets, and it does not provide compensation if sales occur through these means within the franchisee’s area.

Additionally, failure to meet required sales levels for two consecutive years may result in a reduction of the territory size. Despite these conditions, the franchisor does not unilaterally alter the territory unless specifically allowed in the agreement.