Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Lucarelli.
Hi Jeremy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jeremy Lucarelli, and I’m the owner of Lucarelli Outdoor Lighting here in Jacksonville, Florida.
I’m 42 years old, and my path to owning a business definitely wasn’t a straight line.
I was born in Colorado, lived in Oklahoma for several years, then spent much of my childhood in Ohio before moving to Jacksonville in 2004 when I was 19 years old. My dad was a preacher at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, so faith and community were always around me growing up.
As a kid, I loved basketball, fishing, woodworking, being outdoors, and staying active. Some of my favorite memories were going to Canada with my dad and families from our church for fishing trips. I also spent a lot of time mowing properties and helping with landscaping work for a family that owned a florist and a large property. Looking back, I think that’s where my appreciation for outdoor spaces really started.
But my teenage years became difficult. I started struggling with drugs and alcohol at a young age, and over time those struggles became serious. There were a lot of years where I felt lost, unstable, and unsure of where my life was heading.
I’ve now been sober for over 13 years, and that journey completely changed my life.
Sobriety gave me clarity, discipline, and the ability to slowly rebuild my life piece by piece. I learned how important consistency is — showing up every day, even when things are hard. That mindset eventually carried over into my work and my business.
Before starting my company, I worked in several different industries, including golf course management and later as a project manager for outdoor living design firms. That experience gave me hands-on exposure to the construction and design of luxury outdoor living spaces, including landscaping, pools, hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and audio systems. It also helped me understand how important the details are when creating outdoor environments that feel both beautiful and functional.
One of the biggest turning points for me professionally was realizing how much lighting could completely transform a home or outdoor space at night. I became passionate about not just installing lights, but creating something that made people feel proud of their homes.
That eventually led me to start Lucarelli Outdoor Lighting.
Today, we specialize in residential low-voltage outdoor lighting and outdoor audio systems throughout Jacksonville and surrounding areas. We work with homeowners, builders, and pool companies to create outdoor environments that feel warm, inviting, and functional. I genuinely love what I do because every project is different, and it allows me to combine creativity, technical skill, and customer relationships.
One thing I’m especially proud of is that I built this business from the ground up. There were a lot of moments where things felt uncertain financially and personally, but I kept moving forward. As a small business owner, you wear every hat imaginable — sales, installation, customer service, problem solving, accounting — and I’ve learned a tremendous amount through that process.
I also recently became a Licensed Limited Energy Systems Specialist in the state of Florida, which was a major personal and professional milestone for me after years of hands-on experience in the industry. It represented a lot of hard work, persistence, and belief in the future of the business.
More than anything, I want to continue building a strong company that creates opportunities for other people too. I know what it feels like to struggle and to try to rebuild your life, and I’d love for my business to eventually provide stable careers and opportunities for others in the future.
Outside of work, my wife Ashley and I enjoy spending time together at home with our pets, staying active, going to the gym, practicing yoga, and focusing on building a peaceful, steady life together. Life today is much quieter and healthier than it used to be, and honestly, I’m grateful for that.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people can change. No matter how messy life gets, you can rebuild it one decision at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, both personally and professionally.
Before starting my business, I struggled with addiction for many years. There was a period in my life where I felt completely lost and uncertain about my future. Getting sober over 13 years ago changed everything for me, but rebuilding your life doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and a willingness to keep moving forward even when things are difficult.
Starting and growing a business has also come with a lot of challenges. In the early years, I wore every hat imaginable — sales, installation, customer service, scheduling, accounting, troubleshooting, and learning how to run a company all at the same time. There were financial pressures, long hours, and moments where I questioned whether I could really make it work.
Another challenge was earning trust and credibility in the industry. I knew I had the hands-on experience and work ethic, but becoming licensed as a Limited Energy Systems Specialist in Florida was an important milestone for me personally because it validated years of hard work and commitment to learning the trade properly.
I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth usually comes through difficult seasons. A lot of the struggles I went through helped shape the discipline, perspective, and appreciation I have today — not just in business, but in life overall.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Lucarelli Outdoor Lighting, we specialize in residential low-voltage outdoor lighting and outdoor audio systems. Most of our work focuses on luxury outdoor living spaces where lighting becomes a major part of the atmosphere and overall experience of the home. We work closely with homeowners, builders, pool companies, and landscape professionals throughout Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
We design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot outdoor lighting systems, and one thing I really enjoy is helping clients bring their outdoor spaces to life at night. A well-designed lighting system can completely change the feel of a property — not just aesthetically, but also in how people use and enjoy their outdoor spaces. I also enjoy integrating outdoor audio systems because sound and lighting together can completely transform the environment.
I think one thing that sets me apart is my background in outdoor living construction and project management. Before starting my business, I spent years working around luxury outdoor living projects, so I understand how all the pieces work together — landscaping, pools, hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and audio. That experience helps me design systems that complement the overall outdoor environment instead of just placing lights around a property.
I’m also very hands-on in the business. From the design process to installation and service, I stay personally involved with projects and relationships with clients. I care a lot about details, reliability, communication, and creating something that people are genuinely excited about when they see it at night for the first time.
What I’m most proud of is honestly the journey itself. Building a business from the ground up after overcoming a difficult past means a lot to me. Becoming a Licensed Limited Energy Systems Specialist in the state of Florida was also a major milestone because it represented years of hard work, persistence, and commitment to growing professionally.
More than anything, I’m proud that I’ve been able to build a life and business based on consistency, trust, and relationships. A lot of our work comes from referrals and repeat clients, and that means a great deal to me because it tells me people trust us with their homes and outdoor spaces.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There was a time in my life where I honestly didn’t know what my future would look like. Through sobriety, hard work, consistency, faith, and the support of people around me, I was able to completely rebuild my life over time. That experience changed the way I look at other people too.
If I can change, I truly believe almost anyone can.
One thing that’s important to me now is trying to share that message with people who may still be living the way I used to live. I don’t mean that in a preachy way — more through the example of how I live my life today, how I treat people, how I run my business, and how I show up consistently. Sometimes you may never know the impact you have on someone else, but I believe even small conversations or actions can plant a seed that may grow later in someone’s life.
I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through small decisions repeated consistently over time. That applies to sobriety, relationships, business, and life in general.
Pricing:
- Every project is custom designed based on the property, goals, and scope of work, so pricing can vary significantly from one project to another.
- Most residential outdoor lighting projects typically range from approximately $3,000 to $20,000+ depending on the size of the property, fixture count, design complexity, and control systems.
- Outdoor audio system pricing varies based on speaker quantity, coverage area, and equipment selection.
- We also offer maintenance and service plans to help homeowners keep their lighting systems operating and looking their best year-round.
- We offer free consultations and on-site quote visits to help homeowners explore ideas and determine the best solution for their property.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucarellioutdoorlighting.com
- Instagram: Lucarellioutdoorlightingjax
- Facebook: Lucarelli Outdoor Lighting & Audio
