Our Story: How Fireflies Landscape Lighting Began

Fireflies Landscape Lighting was founded in 2014 by John with a passion for outdoor living, thoughtful design, and helping homeowners get more enjoyment from their properties after dark. The company originally began in the Lake Norman area before John later relocated to Lake Wylie to be closer to family.

From the beginning, Fireflies has focused on creating custom lighting systems designed around each individual property. Homes, landscaping, architectural details, pathways, and outdoor living spaces all present different opportunities for lighting. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, John considers how the different areas of a property work together to create a finished design that feels natural, balanced, and inviting.

What began as a one-man operation has grown into an established landscape lighting company serving Lake Wylie, Charlotte, and surrounding communities in North and South Carolina. Over the years, John and his team have completed many residential lighting projects, from pathway and landscape lighting to architectural, outdoor living, and waterfront lighting. Regardless of the size of the project, the focus remains on thoughtful design, attention to detail, and quality workmanship.

Much of Fireflies' growth has come through word-of-mouth referrals and relationships with past customers. That approach fits the way John has always preferred to do business. Rather than relying on high-pressure sales tactics, the focus is on understanding the property, helping the homeowner determine what will work best, and allowing the finished work to speak for itself.

John remains personally involved in every project. He meets with homeowners, develops the lighting design, participates in the nighttime demonstration, and stays involved through installation and the final result. When you work with Fireflies, you're working directly with the owner and lead designer whose name and reputation are behind the work.

Today, Fireflies Landscape Lighting continues to grow while maintaining the hands-on approach that has been part of the company since 2014. The goal remains simple: create beautiful, well-designed outdoor lighting, take care of the customer's property, and stand behind the work.

In John's Own Words

John, Owner & Lead Designer

Folks have written up my story well enough, so let me just talk to you plain for a minute. I've been doing this work a long time, and after all these years, I still genuinely love what I do.

There's a moment on every job, right after dark, when the lights come on and the homeowner gets to see their property in a completely different way. After all these years, that moment still gets me. It's one of the reasons I've stayed so hands-on with every project.

Fireflies got its start around Lake Norman, and I eventually made the move to Lake Wylie to be closer to family. The location may have changed, but the way I run the business hasn't. Do good work, treat a customer's home like you'd want someone to treat your own, and stand behind what you install.

I'm the one who comes out to meet with you. I lay out the design, and I'm there for the nighttime demonstration. I want to understand what you want to accomplish, walk the property with you, and make sure the finished lighting feels right for your home.

If you're in Lake Wylie or one of the surrounding communities and you're thinking about landscape lighting, I'd be proud to come take a look.

— John

Our Team & Expertise

What Sets Us Apart

Free Nighttime Demonstrations

We set up temporary lighting so you can see exactly how your home will look before making any decisions. This hands-on approach takes the guesswork out of landscape lighting design and gives you complete confidence in your investment. Most landscape lighting companies near you won’t offer this level of commitment to customer satisfaction.

1-Year Service Warranty

We stand behind our work. Our 1-year service warranty covers our workmanship and installation. Plus, most premium fixtures carry manufacturer warranties of 10 years or more. This dual-layer protection means you’re covered from every angle.

Premium LED Technology

We use only the highest quality LED fixtures that are energy efficient, long lasting, and produce beautiful warm light. Our LED systems use up to 80% less energy than traditional halogen lighting, reducing your electricity costs while delivering superior illumination. The warm color temperatures we select create a natural, inviting ambiance that enhances your home without the harsh, artificial look of cheaper LEDs.

Custom Designs

No cookie-cutter solutions – every lighting design is tailored to your home's unique architecture and your personal preferences. John personally designs every project, considering your home's style, your landscape features, your lifestyle, and your neighborhood's character. The result is a one-of-a-kind lighting design that you won’t find at any other home on your street.

Local Expertise

We know the Charlotte metro area and York County. We understand local architecture, climate considerations, community aesthetics, and HOA requirements. As a landscape lighting company in Charlotte and Lake Wylie, we bring over 10 years of local knowledge to every project. We know which fixtures perform best in our climate, which design styles complement Carolina architecture, and how to work within local regulations.