For more than four decades, NLMS has lit warehouses, retail floors, schools, hospitals, and parking structures across the country. What began with one determined founder and a single account has grown into one of the largest lighting installation companies in the United States.
In 1982, NLMS was founded by Jerri Merrill, a determined entrepreneur with a passion for lighting and a deep understanding of what facilities needed to operate safely and efficiently. She approached the business with a simple philosophy: earn one account at a time – and go after the big ones.
It didn’t take long. Jerri secured lighting installation work for Kmart stores nationwide, followed by major retailers including Target, Sears, and many other national operations. One customer led to another, new industries opened their doors, and through hard work and an understanding of the unique lighting needs of large facilities, Jerri grew NLMS into one of the largest lighting installation companies in the United States.
In 2023, after more than 40 years of hard work, dedication, and building NLMS into a respected name in the lighting industry, Jerri Merrill was ready to step back and begin the next chapter of her journey.
To help lead NLMS into its next era, Jerri brought on Slater Medley as Company President. With a fresh perspective, an energetic outlook, and a drive to take NLMS to the next level, Slater joined the company with more than 20 years of industry experience and an extensive network of relationships throughout the lighting community.
Under Slater’s leadership, NLMS has embraced new opportunities, welcomed new customers, and taken on exciting lighting projects across multiple sectors. His vision has also opened the door to new partnerships, distribution opportunities, and certified installer relationships, expanding what NLMS can offer its customers.
While honoring the strong foundation Jerri built over four decades, Slater is bringing a renewed energy and vision to the company—positioning NLMS for continued growth and new possibilities.
And this is just the beginning.
The final piece of the executive team came together when Slater connected with Sandy Woods, a Senior Human Resources Consultant with more than 30 years of experience in the HR and staffing industry.
While Slater brought extensive lighting industry expertise, operational knowledge, and relationships to NLMS, Sandy brought a complementary set of strengths—people, processes, procedures, and organizational strategy. Together, they recognized an opportunity to build upon NLMS’s strong foundation while creating new pathways for growth.
As their partnership developed, so did their vision for the company. Their goals expanded beyond the traditional lighting business, opening the door to diversified services, complementary business offerings, strategic partnerships, and new opportunities that could strengthen the company while supporting the continued growth of its lighting division.
Two and a half years into their partnership, Slater and Sandy continue to share the same vision, values, determination, and excitement for the future. Their combined experience and complementary strengths have created a strong foundation for the next chapter of NLMS.
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