Member Profile Unique Lighting Systems

Unique Lighting Systems

9 West Ellington Court South Elgin, IL 60177 Keith Radatz (224) 242-2443 www.uniquelighting.com

by Meta Levin

Unique Lighting Systems owes its life to

innovation. About 25 years ago the then owner created and patented the lighting industry’s first HUB system, designed to reduce the number of wire connections and providing flexibility in installing low voltage lighting systems, says Keith Radatz, Unique Lighting’s district sales manager. Originally a stand-alone transformer company, it expanded into external lighting with the invention of the HUB system. It has been known for that since then. The HUB system provides an “ability to fuse loads and find issues faster,” says Radatz. “You don’t need a voltmeter to find a problem and track it down. It is an engineered system.” Raditz points to the connection as the number one problem with exterior lighting. The HUB, he says, “reduces the number of connections and keeps them out of the soil.” It also acts as a junction box. Using a brown ABS housing, which easily can be hidden above ground in the landscaping, it is easy to access. The housing is made to be impact resistant and has a snapin lid, making it easily accessible. It is small enough to be put in planters. A little more than eight years ago, Toro® bought the company and its patented system. About three years ago, Radatz, who has a background as a general contractor, joined the company. Radatz loves the interaction with landscape and lighting contractors. “It allows me to help contractors build their businesses,” he says. “I enjoy helping the guys grow.” Radatz’s territory includes Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and parts of Iowa. A master carpenter, who, prior to working for Unique Lighting specialized in cabinetry and trim work, Radatz developed a good eye for design, which has helped him in his work at Unique Lighting. “I worked with good designers and enjoyed the design work,” he says. “Lighting is really design.” He points to one Hispanic contractor, who spoke little English. Radatz worked with him to plan and execute a lighting system for a client, then helped him sell the job, which was a success. “His wife called me to tell me how well it turned out and how happy the client is,” he says. It is this kind of work that makes Radatz happy. Adding lighting to their offerings has helped many of his customers, he says, “I had one call me, saying that because of the lighting, he was able to make enough money to help pay for his son’s college education. With this job, I get to make people’s lives better.” Radatz was attracted to ILCA primarily for its networking opportunities. “Good, strong contractors get together; they network and the ideas flow,” he says. “That’s what ILCA is good at – bringing different businesses together.” It is one of the reasons he likes iLandscape, which he attended last year. During the event he talked with contractors and learned what types of projects they had going. “Lighting,” he says. “is one of the fastest growing markets in landscaping.” The job also has helped Radatz’s own family. Recently, one son had to travel to another high school to take the ACT exam. The school building was old and not nearly as nice as the one he attends in St. Charles. He told his father that the experience made him appreciate what his father is working so hard to provide for the family. Radatz is married and has two sons, one in middle school and one in high school. His wife is a dental hygienist. “I am,” he says. “extremely happy with my life.