Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Jones.
Hi Cole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi! My name is Cole Jones, I am a Charleston native with a passion for supporting my community and growing its local businesses. In the Fall of 2021, I recognized a desire for outdoor lighting displays throughout Charleston, leading to the opening of Lowcountry Outdoor Lighting. I discovered that serving my client’s needs by creating aesthetically pleasing displays in a stress-free and timely manner was what led to the rapid growth and success of my business.
Through Lowcountry Outdoor Lighting, I created an extensive and loyal client base who trusted me to create displays for their events. One afternoon while I was installing string lighting for a client’s New Year’s Eve block party at his home in the Old Village, he approached me and asks me if I have ever considered renting these string lights for parties. Being so focused on building my new business, I had never considered lighting rentals as an option and I quickly let him know that. He encouraged me to consider offering services that catered to those looking for one-time use of my lights for their events, which created a spark in my mind. My customers were already putting so much faith and trust in me to create memorable displays for both their homes and events through Lowcountry Outdoor Lighting, so why not offer them more? What if I could offer them both the lighting for their events and the necessary essentials needed to host their guests?
The idea of serving customers in an entirely new service realm gave me the drive to expand my business portfolio and open Jones Event Rentals in February of 2022. I started small by offering lighting and tent rentals along with a pre-event pest control service, tables, chairs, linens, etc. Opening Jones Event Rentals has given me the opportunity to serve, connect and engage with local business owners and event specialists throughout the community who has given so much to me.
My goal for both businesses is to create a seamlessly perfect experience for each and every client. I wanted to elevate their experience and make each moment magical. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family and community and I am eternally grateful to live in a city where the dream of opening your own business is achievable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We all know starting a business has numerous challenges and obstacles but here is a couple that stood out the most.
One challenge with Lowcountry Outdoor lighting was getting my name out in the world and letting people know what I could do. I needed to engage and connect with my local community and I have battled that obstacle by dominating the social media realm and applying my tenacious skills of networking with local business owners.
A challenge I encountered with Jones Event Rentals was acquiring funding for my initial inventory. I found an investor and we went back and forth on deals and we could never come to an agreement. During this same time that I was searching for funding, I was installing lights for the Vice president of South Atlantic Bank, Mr. Ken Pickens. I had created a relationship with Ken and I approached him with my business plan and budget for the new company and asked if his bank would be gracious enough to invest in my new business.
Eventually, he reviewed it approved it, and took it to the board for final confirmation. It got approved! Thus, I started my long Journey of starting my second business, Jones Event Rentals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lowcountry Outdoor Lighting and Jones Event Rentals?
Welcome to Lowcountry Outdoor Lighting! We are a Charleston-based landscape lighting company that services residential and commercial properties throughout the Lowcountry of South Carolina. We provide our clients with high-quality LED lighting that is built to last.
Whether you are looking to brighten your walkway with individual yard lights or decorate your patio with strands or string lights. We install lighting that is built to last Our goal is to provide our clients with only the best. Our team has developed a precise installation system using highly rated materials to ensure that our client’s property will be illuminated for decades. Landscape lighting isn’t just about looks. Many clients are looking to brighten an area in order to feel safer and more secure. Our team specializes in each design to fit our customer’s needs.
Jones Event Rentals brings the necessary essentials for events of all kinds right to you. We provide top-quality products and displays with 24/7 customer service to Charleston, South Carolina, and surrounding areas. We can show you how we stand out among the rest. We want to help create an exciting and memorable experience for both you and your guests! Our company offers tent, table, and chair rentals, along with string and starburst lighting and pest control. Contact us today to schedule your event! Our pre-event pest control is a special formula that is used in preparation for outdoor events.
It removes current pests and reduces the risk of pests during your event. Keep your guests happy and healthy! Our 24/7 customer service is just one reason why we stand out above the rest! Client satisfaction is our number one priority and being able to quickly accommodate their needs is a reason for us to be proud.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that some people don’t know about me is how I dropped out of College to start my entrepreneurial career. Another thing most people don’t know about me is how I came from an extensive Food and Bev Background.
I was the Director of Deliveries at Chickfila Mt. Pleasant and General Manager at a couple of Coastal Crust locations in Charleston. I recognized over time that the Food and Bev industry was not the path for me and I trusted my instinct, my gut feeling I’ve had since I was young which was to become an entrepreneur and build businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: lowcountryoutdoorlighting.com / joneseventrentals.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lowcountry_outdoorlighting / Instagram.com/jones_eventrentals
Image Credits
Riley Shropshire
