Meet Nate

Nate Mullen

“AKA The Illuminator”

Nate's journey in the landscape lighting industry began at age 16, when he founded his first company, Phase 1 Electric, as an electrical contractor. His entrepreneurial spirit fueled the rapid growth of the company to nearly 100 electricians. Over the years, Nate expanded into several ventures, including Phase 1 Laundry, which managed laundry facilities in 12 apartment complexes, and Southern California Cable, which provided cable TV service to over 2,600 units.

In 1990, Nate founded Illumination Lighting, marking the beginning of a series of career milestones:

• January 1990 — November 1995: Illumination Lighting
• November 1995 — January 2011: Unique Lighting Systems (later sold to Toro)
• January 2011 — July 2017: Contract work for Toro
• July 2017 — Present: Lifetime Lighting Systems

Nate is known for his innovative, hands-on approach, often pushing the boundaries of conventional engineering in the lighting industry. Dubbed “The Illuminator,” he has earned a reputation for being bold and opinionated, admired by thousands of professionals he’s trained, and even respected by competitors. With over 35 years of full-time experience in lighting and part-time work as an electrical contractor, Nate stands as a leader in his field.

Accomplishments:

• 2020 Industry Lifetime Achievement Award
• 100,000 fixtures installed/designed
• Founder of Unique Lighting Systems
• Founder of Lifetime Lighting Systems
• Founder of L.I.T.E.
• Founder of IAALL
• Inventor of the Multi-Tap Transformer
• Inventor of the Hub Method of Wiring
• Holder of nearly 50 patents
• Creator of Nate Mullen Visual Concepts
• Avid off-roader and former owner of Off-Road Warehouse
• Author of:
  • The Landscape Lighting Bible
  • The Landscape Lighting Resource Manual
  • Trade Secrets of Landscape Lighting
  • The Art and Science of Landscape Lighting