Bright Choices: How better lighting transformed Pratco Equipment’s business

Project spotlight: Pratco Equipment, Oldsmar, FL

When Pratco Equipment opened in Oldsmar, Steven Pratten, who helps manage the location, knew one thing right away: the lighting needed to be excellent. As a family-operated rental company with a wide variety of residential and commercial construction equipment—excavators, skid steers, hydraulic lifts and more—visibility isn’t just convenient. It’s essential for safety, security and catching the eye of potential customers driving by.

What Steven didn’t expect was that a simple conversation at the company’s ribbon-cutting event would spark the idea for the perfect lighting upgrade solution.

A Conversation Lit the Way

Tampa Electric’s outdoor lighting manager, John Melendez, attended Pratco’s ribbon cutting, hosted by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. During the event, a casual conversation led Steven to ask about options for improving the business’s outdooor lighting.

“We’re always looking for ways to support local businesses,” John said. “When Steven asked about improving Pratco’s lighting, it was clear that Bright Choices could deliver the right solution.”

Bright Choices is Tampa Electric’s outdoor lighting program, serving everyone from individual homes to entire communities, and from small businesses to large commercial campuses.

Custom Lighting Designed for Safety, Security and Appeal

After evaluating Pratco’s needs, Tampa Electric’s Chris Quinlan designed a custom lighting upgrade to enhance the site’s brightness without major construction or new poles. Bright Choices installed five 300-watt Evolve LED fixtures, known for their crisp, bright-white light and significantly higher lumen output. The existing wooden poles remained, saving time, disruption and cost.

“The goal was simple: give them brighter, better coverage so customers can easily see the equipment and so the equipment stays secure,” Chris explained. “The Evolve fixtures were the perfect fit.”

For more than 125 years, Tampa Electric has been a trusted provider of outdoor lighting. Its Bright Choices outdoor lighting program continues that tradition by offering:

• No up-front costs for equipment
• Expert design and installation
• Turn-key maintenance and repairs

A Bright Lot, Happy Customers

The results at Pratco Equipment exceeded expectations, owner Steven says. The upgraded lighting dramatically improved visibility and peace of mind after hours.

“We’re very pleased with the upgraded lighting,” he said. “Chris designed a system that’s not only brighter but truly meets our needs.”

The Pratco project is a strong example of what Bright Choices does best: improve lighting systems, boost security and help local businesses shine without up-front cost or hassle.