About Us

About Bay Lighting

 

In the early 2000s, the electrical distribution industry was in a consolidation phase. Large chains were purchasing local companies, and the marketplace was becoming void of personal touch. Many commercial lighting customers sought the professional guidance and customized service they had relied on in the past. Brothers John and Kevin Richardson recognized the opportunity for a new, local company to shine. With a focus on the property management sector, Bay Lighting was founded in 2003 to provide property management companies premier lighting solutions for their facilities.

Our Name, Our Roots

The name Bay Lighting was derived with purpose. The company name defines the area we serve – the Chesapeake BAY region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

We specialize in LIGHTING. We are a lighting supplier: our goal is to provide customers with the best lighting for their space. This specialty distinguishes us from traditional electrical suppliers.

Growing up in the Bay area, as our family’s second generation in the lighting business, the BAY and LIGHTING are in our roots. Every day, we strive to bring customers our best in the world of lighting. Similarly, we strive to bring our best to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and the environment in which we live, by following best practices in industry recycling processes.

 

Our Mission: Providing premier lighting solutions for commercial property managers and owners throughout MD, VA, and DC. We leverage 30 years of expertise to offer personalized guidance and professional value that traditional suppliers can’t match. Our team ensures excellence through proactive communication and a daily commitment to earning your trust. We remain dedicated to protecting our local environment through sustainable practices and industry-leading recycling.

Bay Lighting's Core Values

  • We have integrity.
  • We are driven by success.
  • We succeed when our employees, customers, and vendors mutually benefit.
  • We provide superior service and exceed expectations.
  • We fulfill our commitments.
  • We set attainable goals and accomplish them in a timely manner.
  • We provide value through knowledge and execution.
  • We work as a team.
  • We recognize the importance of each individual to achieve company goals.
  • We communicate consistently with our customers, employees, and vendors.
  • We work hard to achieve customer satisfaction.
  • We learn from our failures and successes.
  • We only accept the best. We work to earn our success every day.

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Bright Ideas Blog

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October 1, 2026
Commercial buildings rarely remain exactly as they were originally designed. Offices add and remove walls. Tenants move in and out. Workstations shift. Warehouses change racking configurations. Classrooms take on new functions. Multifamily amenity spaces are renovated to meet changing resident expectations. The lighting system, however, is often designed as though the original floor plan will remain permanent. When fixtures, sensors, and lighting controls are tied too closely to one specific layout, even a relatively straightforward renovation can create additional work. Fixtures may no longer be positioned appropriately, controls may not correspond with the new rooms, and electrical components may need to be relocated or replaced.
September 21, 2026
Anyone comparing commercial LED lighting products will quickly encounter the term "DLC Listed." It may appear on a manufacturer's specification sheet, in a distributor's product description, or among the requirements for a commercial lighting rebate. For building owners and facility managers planning an LED lighting upgrade, seeing a product on the DLC Qualified Products List can provide useful information about its performance. But a DLC listing does not answer every question about a fixture.

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