Vincent Lighting Systems
Vincent Lighting Systems is a 47-year-old, Cleveland-based private integrator providing lighting and rigging sales, rental, production, systems integration, training, and support services to theatres, concerts, corporate events, houses of worship, themed entertainment, and architectural landmarks across the U.S. Midwest with nationwide support.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1978
- HeadquartersSolon, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Vincent Lighting Systems does
Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) is a private, 47-year-old (founded 1978) lighting and rigging systems integrator headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with additional full-service offices in Cincinnati/Erlanger, Kentucky, and dedicated sales offices in Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and New England. The company runs six core service lines: Production Services (professional lighting for corporate events and theatrical productions), Rental Services (short-term equipment rental via rent.vls.com), Systems Integration (design and installation of intelligent lighting systems), Stage Rigging and Curtains (delivered by ETCP Certified Riggers), Support and Repair (on-site and in-shop service, retrofits, training, programming), and Training Services (certified-technician-led stage lighting training at customer sites or at VLS locations). Its underlying technology stack is conventional for the industry - ETC consoles and control, Philips Color Kinetics, DMX, and architectural lighting controls - supplemented by two proprietary offerings: the CoPILOT architectural automation system (used to coordinate show control, e.g., at the Terminal Tower) and RigSafe rigging inspection services.
VLS serves a diversified mix of end markets segmented by use case, including theatres/auditoriums/performing arts centers, concerts and festivals, corporate events, special events, houses of worship, cultural and themed entertainment (immersive art), studios/broadcast, and architectural lighting (facades, bridges, public spaces). Customers span enterprises (Meow Wolf, K&D Group's Terminal Tower, University of Akron's EJ Thomas Hall, Aronoff Center), higher education (Kent State MAC Center), non-profits and houses of worship (Crossroads Church), and government/tourism entities (Destination Cleveland's Illuminate CLE, City of Louisville/Waterfront Development Corporation on the Big Four Bridge, Washington on the Bazos historic site).
Commercially, VLS is sales-led, with an outside sales team conducting site surveys, sales meetings, and proposal work for design/build and public bids, complemented by inside phone/in-person sales and two e-commerce storefronts (proadv.com for equipment purchases, rent.vls.com for rentals). Revenue flows through multiple streams: one-time equipment sales, recurring rentals, professional services for integration/production/training/support, and - via a partnership with Quail Financial Solutions - equipment financing to customers on purchases starting at $15,000 with 12-84 month terms. The company sources equipment from more than 100 industry manufacturers, has executed over 10,000 projects and productions historically, and operates as a closely held private firm (founders Paul Vincent and Walt Weber, current senior leadership including Adam Hayward as SVP Sales & Business Development since 2007, with day-to-day leadership under a President and functional directors across Professional Services and Business Development).
Vincent Lighting Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vincent Lighting Systems
- Legal name
- Vincent Lighting Systems
- Website
- https://vls.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1978
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Vincent Lighting Systems is a 47-year-old, Cleveland-based private integrator providing lighting and rigging sales, rental, production, systems integration, training, and support services to theatres, concerts, corporate events, houses of worship, themed entertainment, and architectural landmarks across the U.S. Midwest with nationwide support.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vincent Lighting Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Entertainment Lighting and Rigging Services
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351), Electric Lamp Bulb and Other Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (335139)
- SIC
- Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Lighting Design & Rental (MPAGAKAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Camera, Grip & Lighting Equipment Rental (MPADAFAB), Lighting Design & Lighting Equipment Rentals (THAHAEAB)
Keywords
Where Vincent Lighting Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Solon
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Vincent Lighting Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Equipment Sales: Sale of lighting, rigging, and production equipment from over 100 industry manufacturers. Products available through proadv.com e-commerce platform.
- Rental Services: Temporary or short-term rental of lighting, effects, control, truss and rigging, and production equipment. Extensive catalog available through rent.vls.com.
- Systems Integration: Design and installation of permanent lighting systems for entertainment, architectural, and themed entertainment venues. Includes consulting, design, commissioning, and installation.
- Production Services: Professional lighting production for events ranging from high-end corporate events to professional theatrical productions. Includes on-site execution and operation.
- Support and Repair: On-site systems turn-on, training, programming, repair, retrofits, and in-shop services for existing installations.
- Training Services: Customized stage lighting training at customer venues or at VLS locations (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh).
- Stage Rigging and Curtains: Stage curtains and rigging systems with ETCP Certified Riggers for studio or theatrical rigging systems.
- Financing Services: Equipment financing through Quail Financial Solutions for customer purchases of $15,000 or more, with terms from 12 to 84 months. VLS acts as the commercial intermediary.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Monthly | Equipment Financing - Application Only |
| Other | Monthly | Equipment Financing - Full Documentation |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Internship Compensation |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Vincent Lighting Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) sells, rents, designs, integrates, and supports professional lighting and stage rigging systems for theatres, concert/touring productions, corporate events, cultural and themed entertainment, houses of worship, film/TV, and architectural venues. The firm combines new-equipment distribution, short-term rental, full systems integration, motorized rigging installation, on-site service, repair, and technician training, supported by an in-house e-commerce store (proadv.com) and online rental platform (rent.vls.com).
Product overview
Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) is a lighting sales, service, and training company providing complete solutions for visual environments. The company operates a multi-service model consisting of six core service lines: Production Services (professional lighting for corporate events and theatrical productions), Rental Services (short-term equipment rentals from an expansive catalog), Systems Integration (design and installation of intelligent lighting systems), Stage Rigging and Curtains (theatrical rigging with ETCP Certified Riggers), Support and Repair (on-site and in-shop services), and Training Services (customized stage lighting training). The company also offers financial solutions through Quail Financial Solutions partnership for equipment financing, and maintains an e-commerce platform at proadv.com for product sales. VLS sources equipment from over 100 industry manufacturers and has managed more than 10,000 projects since its founding in 1978.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Production Services Full-service concert, corporate event, theatrical, and live-tour production support providing lighting design, on-site crew, and lighting direction for events managed by external promoters, venues, or production companies.
- Equipment Rental Short-term rental of professional entertainment lighting, consoles, dimming/power, atmospherics, rigging hardware, and related gear for concerts, tours, corporate events, theatre productions, and film/TV shoots, ordered online via rent.vls.com or through a VLS account representative.
- Systems Integration Design, specification, installation, and commissioning of permanent lighting and control systems for theatres, performing arts centers, themed attractions, houses of worship, schools, corporate and architectural projects, including dimming, power distribution, DMX control, and architectural control systems.
- Stage Rigging and Curtains Design, supply, and installation of stage rigging hardware, motorized rigging systems, and stage curtains for performing arts venues, theatres, and themed environments.
- Support and Repair On-site and in-house technical support, maintenance, and repair services for installed lighting, control, and rigging systems, delivered through regional branch staff and manufacturer-certified technicians.
- Training Services Education and training programs for end-users on lighting consoles, control systems, and rigging operation, delivered as part of new installations and as standalone continuing-education offerings.
- ProAdv Online Equipment Sales Manufacturer-authorized direct online sales of professional lighting and rigging equipment, accessories, consumables, and replacement parts via the ProAdv e-commerce store (proadv.com), including partnership deals such as sully film lighting rentals.
Quantifiable outcome
- Managed more than 10,000 projects and productions
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Vincent Lighting Systems
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Vincent Lighting Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Vincent Lighting Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Design and Production (D&P)coreProducer partner for Washington on the Brazos museum lighting project. D&P served as producer for the $50 million renovation project where VLS provided comprehensive on-site leadership for all lighting elements.
- Available LightcoreLighting designer for Washington on the Brazos museum project, working with VLS as the on-site lighting integration partner.
- Destination ClevelandflagshipPartnership for Illuminate CLE permanent lighting installation in Cleveland Public Square. VLS served as lighting integrator for this major civic lighting initiative that transforms downtown Cleveland. Eighteen months of planning led to dynamic lighting display themed around Cleveland's lighting heritage.
- Chris Werner DesigncoreLead lighting designer collaboration on Meow Wolf Radio Tave project. Chris Werner's design team worked with VLS integrators described as 'kind, skilled, honest, and fun' and known as 'problem-solvers and collaborators' on project sites.
- Meow WolfflagshipOngoing lighting integrator partnership for Meow Wolf immersive art exhibitions. VLS served as show lighting integrator for 'The Real Unreal' in Grapevine, TX (awarded Best Location-Based Experience 2025) and 'Radio Tave' in Houston (fifth exhibition, over 1,600 custom fixtures installed). Collaboration involves working with Meow Wolf artists, local fabricators, and external lighting designers.
- K&D GroupcoreProperty management partner for Terminal Tower lighting projects. VLS partnered with K&D Group to enhance Terminal Tower lighting and provide the Cleveland community with hope during difficult times, including the E-V Live performance project.
- WOIO Channel 19minorMedia partner for Terminal Tower lighting choreographed to 'Better Days' by OneRepublic, helping spread community hope during pandemic times.
- HadleyminorFabricator partner collaborating on Washington on the Brazos museum lighting installation.
- GallagherminorArchitect partner for Washington on the Brazos museum project.
- 100+ Lighting ManufacturerscoreBroad network of manufacturers including ETC, Philips Color Kinetics, Vari-Lite, Elation, SGM, Clay Paky, Chauvet, and others providing equipment access for sales and rentals. Enables VLS to source best products for each project's specific needs while staying within budget.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Vincent Lighting Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Barbizon Lighting: Lighting equipment distributor, systems integrator, and rental house serving entertainment, architectural, and broadcast markets — closely mirrors VLS's sales/integration/rental model.
- Clair Global: Integrated audio, lighting, video, and rigging provider for live touring, festivals, and broadcast — comparable to VLS in live event lighting production and rigging capabilities.
- Christie Lites: Entertainment lighting rental and sales company with offices across North America serving concert touring, theatre, and events — directly comparable to VLS's concert/festival rental business.
- Atomic Lighting: Lighting production and rental company serving live events, concerts, theatre, and corporate productions — closely mirrors VLS's production services and rental offerings.
- Bandit Lites: Large-scale concert and event lighting rental and production company serving touring productions, festivals, and special events — comparable to VLS's concerts/festivals production and rental services.
- 4Wall Entertainment: National entertainment lighting retailer and rental house offering equipment sales, rentals, and production services for concerts, theatres, TV/film, and corporate events — directly competitive with VLS's core rental and sales business.
Broad incumbents
- Production Resource Group (PRG): Global provider of entertainment and event production services including lighting, rigging, video, and scenic solutions; directly comparable to VLS's event lighting production and integration offerings but at significantly larger scale and geographic reach.
- Encore (formerly PSAV): Large in-house event technology partner for hotels and venues providing lighting, audio, video, and staging — overlaps with VLS's corporate events production work at much larger scale.
- Solotech: Provider of audio, video, lighting, and rigging for live events, concerts, and permanent installations — comparable to VLS's production and integration offerings with broader geographic coverage.
Others
- Elation Professional: Lighting manufacturer whose products VLS sells and rents; representative of the supplier ecosystem that VLS integrates across, relevant for benchmarking equipment access and industry trends.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Vincent Lighting Systems social profiles
Digital presenceVincent Lighting Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vincent Lighting Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Vincent Lighting Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vincent Lighting Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Vincent Lighting Systems
What does Vincent Lighting Systems do?
Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) sells, rents, designs, integrates, and supports professional lighting and stage rigging systems for theatres, concert/touring productions, corporate events, cultural and themed entertainment, houses of worship, film/TV, and architectural venues. The firm combines new-equipment distribution, short-term rental, full systems integration, motorized rigging installation, on-site service, repair, and technician training, supported by an in-house e-commerce store (proadv.com) and online rental platform (rent.vls.com).
Is Vincent Lighting Systems a public or private company?
Vincent Lighting Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Vincent Lighting Systems founded?
Vincent Lighting Systems was founded in 1978. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Vincent Lighting Systems based?
Vincent Lighting Systems is headquartered in Solon, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vincent Lighting Systems make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are rental Services, systems Integration, production Services, support and Repair, training Services, stage Rigging and Curtains and financing Services.
Who are Vincent Lighting Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Barbizon Lighting, Clair Global, Christie Lites, Atomic Lighting, Bandit Lites and 4Wall Entertainment. Broad incumbents are Production Resource Group (PRG), Encore (formerly PSAV) and Solotech. Elation Professional is listed as an others.
Does Vincent Lighting Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vincent Lighting Systems.
What industry is Vincent Lighting Systems in?
Vincent Lighting Systems's product category is Entertainment Lighting and Rigging Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGAKAB, Lighting Design & Rental, with a secondary code of MPADAFAB, Camera, Grip & Lighting Equipment Rental. Its NAICS code is 3351 and its SIC code is 3640.