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50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Commercial Lighting Solutions
Since 1973, Imperial Lighting has been a family-owned and operated leader in commercial lighting solutions. Our 50-year legacy is built on delivering energy-efficient upgrades, comprehensive maintenance, and expert consultations across the Greater Chicago area and beyond. With a team averaging 25 years of experience, we specialize in LED retrofits, interior/exterior lighting systems, and emergency lighting services. Our certified professionals hold leadership roles in national lighting organizations, ensuring adherence to industry standards. We prioritize customer-centric solutions, combining advanced lighting controls with utility incentive programs to maximize savings.

As the largest independently-owned lighting contractor in Chicago, we maintain a fleet of service vehicles and a 24/7 emergency response team to meet urgent needs. Our work spans hospitals, warehouses, retail spaces, and municipal facilities, demonstrating our adaptability to diverse environments. Through strategic partnerships, we extend our national service capabilities while maintaining the personalized attention of a local business.
Services
LED Upgrades Interior Lighting Exterior Lighting Electrical Maintenance Emergency Lighting Sign Lighting Parking Garage Lighting Commercial Electrician Utility Incentives National Accounts
Details
  • Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
  • 45+ years of specialized lighting expertise in commercial environments
  • 24/7 emergency response team with fully equipped service vehicles
  • Certified Lighting Maintenance Consultants on staff
  • Nationwide service capabilities through trusted partnerships
  • Utility incentive program specialists maximizing client savings
Associations and certifications
  • ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider
  • PLASMA
Services
LED Upgrades
Our LED lighting upgrades transform commercial spaces by replacing outdated fixtures with energy-efficient solutions. This service reduces energy consumption by up to 40% while improving light quality. We handle complete system audits, specification, and installation for warehouses, retail stores, and industrial facilities.
Exterior Lighting
We specialize in exterior lighting maintenance and upgrades for parking lots, gas stations, and commercial buildings. Our aerial ladder trucks reach up to 60 feet for high-access installations. Services include LED fixture replacement, canopy lighting, and 24/7 emergency repair capabilities for outdoor environments.
Electrical Maintenance
Our licensed electricians handle complex wiring issues and power system diagnostics. Services include underground electrical repairs, circuit troubleshooting, and integration of lighting systems with building electrical infrastructure. We provide both scheduled maintenance and urgent repair solutions for industrial clients.
Emergency Lighting
We ensure compliance with safety codes through emergency lighting installation and maintenance. Our 24/7 service team tests and repairs exit signs, battery backups, and emergency lighting systems in warehouses, parking garages, and commercial facilities across the Midwest region.
Utility Incentives
As ComEd-certified providers, we help clients maximize utility incentive programs. Our team conducts energy audits, prepares rebate documentation, and facilitates inspections to cover up to 40% of lighting upgrade costs. This service applies to both private and public sector clients.
People
Cary Mendelsohn
Chief Executive, Certified Lighting Maintenance Consultant (CLMC)
Cary co-founded Imperial Lighting in 1973 and has led its growth into Chicago's largest independent lighting contractor. He serves on the National Lighting Bureau's Executive Committee and previously held leadership roles at NALMCO.
Scott Mendelsohn
Director, Certified Lighting Maintenance Consultant (CLMC)
Scott joined Imperial Lighting in 2002 after graduating from Indiana University. He currently serves as NALMCO President and focuses on business development, employee training, and managing key client relationships across the Midwest.
Todd Mendelsohn
Director
Todd brings business management expertise from his prior corporate real estate experience. He manages internal operations and client relationships while serving as President of the PLASMA industry association since joining in 2009.
Lisa Orloff
Director
Lisa oversees marketing and national accounts at Imperial Lighting. With a background in healthcare communications, she manages external relations and serves as Chair on the NALMCO Board of Directors since joining in 2011.
Questions
What commercial lighting services do you offer?
We provide LED upgrades, interior/exterior lighting, electrical maintenance, emergency lighting solutions, and utility incentive program assistance for commercial clients.
Do you serve areas outside Chicago?
Yes, we service the Midwest region and offer national lighting maintenance through our certified contractor network.
Are your technicians certified?
Our team includes Certified Lighting Maintenance Consultants (CLMC) and licensed electricians with 25+ years average experience.
Can you help with energy rebates?
As ComEd-certified providers, we help clients access utility incentives covering up to 40% of lighting upgrade costs.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency lighting repair with fully equipped service vehicles and trained technicians.
How long have you been in business?
Imperial Lighting has served commercial clients since 1973, making us one of Chicago's most experienced lighting contractors.
Reviews (6)
Charlotte Bennett
Mar 27, 2022 Report
Thank you Imperial lighting for our fab light shade, it looks great in our newly decorated bedroom. The ordering process was really easy and Zoe was extremely helpful during the whole process. The item arrived in the expected timescales and was packaged very well. Thank you!
Sally Hickson
Feb 23, 2022 Report
Fantastic customer service. Professional, friendly and very helpful. The colour swatches we received were perfect for finally deciding on the right colour. Lampshade arrived quickly and was well packed. Delighted with the product- looks great, would definitely recommend.
Roger Lightfoot
Feb 15, 2022 Report
We have ordered several large lampshades from Imperial Lighting. The quality is first class and we have never received better customer service. Zoe is a superstar.
Naomi Haines
Feb 14, 2022 Report
I have ordered a bespoke lampshade, it arrived very quickly, it was very beautiful, excellent quality and craftsmanship, at a surprisingly low price and superb customer service provided by Zoe from beginning to end. I will certainly be using this company again!
Kath Grainger
Feb 10, 2022 Report
Absolutely delighted to find this helpful, positive, efficient and professional company to recover our old, but much loved lampshade. They were able to re-use our beaded fringe much to our delight. Can't thank them enough. Kirsty, Simon and Zoe are a credit to the Company, a privilege to deal with real professionals. Thank you.
Cheryl Pedersen
Feb 07, 2022 Report
My shades were delivered quicker than anticipated and as you can see from the photos look absolutely stunning, thanks to Linda. There workmanship, customer care and packaging are second to none and Zoe's communication skills are excellent keeping me up dated. Will use this company again and will definetly recommend to famiy and friends.