Business Details
6 Years
experience
Expert Outdoor Lighting Solutions in Fort Wayne
1B Specialty was founded in 2020 by Tom Blee and Aaron Bentley, two Fort Wayne natives with over 20 years of combined experience in the landscape and lighting industry. Our expertise lies in custom low-voltage LED lighting solutions for residential and commercial properties, focusing on energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetic enhancement. We prioritize customer satisfaction through personalized design consultations, professional installations, and comprehensive maintenance services. Our team leverages decades of industry knowledge to deliver tailored lighting systems that improve safety, security, and visual appeal while reducing energy costs by up to 85%.With a 15-year warranty on Kichler LED products and a commitment to transparency, we ensure long-term reliability and client trust. Our services span Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, addressing diverse lighting needs from accent and path lighting to commercial projects. We specialize in retrofitting outdated systems and integrating modern technology like Lutron controls, ensuring every installation meets exacting standards. Our father-and-son leadership team, including Tom and Patrick Blee, continues to drive innovation while maintaining the personalized service that defines our company.
Services
Light Planning
Design Consultation
LED Installation
Commercial Lighting
Accent Lighting
Path Lighting
Deck Lighting
Hardscape Lighting
Maintenance Services
Retrofit Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2020
Highlights and features
- We offer 15-year warranties on Kichler LED lighting systems
- Our team has 20+ years of combined lighting industry experience
- We guarantee 85% electricity savings through LED conversions
- We provide customized lighting designs for every property
- Our father-and-son team ensures personalized service and continuity
Associations and certifications
- Kichler
What people say
Professional and courteous
85% electricity savings
Dramatic visual improvements
Reliable maintenance service
Customized lighting designs
Services
Light Planning
Our light planning service creates customized illumination strategies tailored to your property's unique needs. We assess existing systems, recommend energy-efficient upgrades, and design layouts that enhance safety and aesthetics. With expertise in LED technology, we ensure optimal placement for security, navigation, and visual impact while maximizing energy savings.
LED Installation
We install durable, energy-efficient LED lighting systems for residential and commercial properties. Our team handles complete installations from low-voltage landscape lighting to 110-volt fixtures. We specialize in Kichler products with 15-year warranties, ensuring long-term performance while reducing electricity costs by up to 85% compared to traditional systems.
Commercial Lighting
Our commercial lighting solutions enhance business properties with energy-efficient, code-compliant installations. We design systems that improve security, highlight architectural features, and create welcoming environments. Services include parking lot illumination, facade accenting, and integrated control systems for optimal functionality and cost savings.
Accent Lighting
Accent lighting highlights architectural details, landscaping, and water features to create dramatic visual effects. We strategically position fixtures to showcase trees, stone facades, and ponds while maintaining practical illumination. Our LED solutions provide lasting beauty with minimal maintenance requirements.
Maintenance Services
We offer comprehensive maintenance programs to keep your lighting system operating at peak performance. Services include bi-annual inspections, bulb replacements, fixture adjustments, and system diagnostics. Our proactive approach ensures continued reliability and preserves your investment in energy-efficient lighting technology.
People
Tom Blee
Co-Founder & Operations Lead
With 20+ years in landscape lighting, Tom co-founded 1B Specialty in 2020. He oversees daily operations and client installations, leveraging extensive LED expertise to deliver customized solutions that enhance property value and safety.
Aaron Bentley
Co-Founder & Financial Manager
Aaron co-founded the company with Tom Blee after two decades in the landscape industry. He manages financial operations and bookkeeping, ensuring organizational excellence while maintaining the company's founding commitment to quality lighting solutions.
Patrick Blee
Project Manager
Tom's son Patrick joined in 2023 to expand business operations. He manages project execution and client relations, combining fresh perspective with family tradition to grow the company's legacy in energy-efficient lighting solutions.
Questions
What lighting services do you offer?
We provide complete outdoor lighting solutions including design consultation, LED installation, accent lighting, path/navigation lighting, deck/steps illumination, hardscape highlighting, and ongoing maintenance services.
Do you service commercial properties?
Yes, we handle commercial lighting projects for businesses, including parking lot illumination, facade accenting, and integrated control systems to enhance security and aesthetics.
What warranty options exist?
Our Kichler LED lighting products carry warranties ranging from 5-15 years, with most fixtures featuring 15-year coverage against burnout or failure.
How much can I save with LED?
Customers typically achieve 85% electricity savings by converting to our LED systems, significantly reducing annual energy costs while maintaining superior illumination quality.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes, we provide bi-annual maintenance visits for system inspections, repairs, and adjustments to ensure continued optimal performance of your lighting investment.
Can you retrofit existing systems?
We specialize in retrofitting outdated lighting systems with modern LED technology, improving efficiency and extending the lifespan of your current infrastructure.
