Meet the Nutcrackers
Meet the Nutcrackers
Meet the Nutcrackers
Zach Severns
Co-Founder
My crew handles business. That’s why we win.
Anyone can hang lights. We craft displays that actually make people stop and stare. Our focus isn’t just on how it looks—it’s how it feels. And when neighbors, towns, and businesses light up (literally), we know we nailed it.
Anyone can hang lights. We craft displays that actually make people stop and stare. Our focus isn’t just on how it looks—it’s how it feels. And when neighbors, towns, and businesses light up (literally), we know we nailed it.
Our installs work because our team does. We move fast, stay sharp, and actually care about the families and businesses we’re lighting up. That shared mindset is why clients trust us—and why we keep leveling up.
History
Our history is full of interesting stages and events.
2024
In 2024, things took off. We more than doubled our client base, partnered with DSC, and expanded our footprint across Central Illinois. With a strong team, cleaner installs, and a loyal customer base, we’ve hit a new level. We’re now preparing for our biggest season yet—and laying the groundwork for future franchise opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
2023
This was a turning point. We took on the Mahomet Light Tunnel, the biggest project we had ever attempted. It was a little out of our comfort zone—but we delivered, and the response was incredible. The tunnel became a community staple and a showcase of what we could pull off. We also brought in more commercial clients and saw strong growth in both residential and custom projects.
2022
In our second year, we built on what we learned. We brought in more clients, started expanding into garden bed and tree lighting, and really dialed in our systems. While we didn’t grow as fast as we hoped, we refined our craft, improved our install quality, and became known for clean lines, sharp service, and reliability. It was a year of tightening bolts and preparing for scale.
2021
It all started when we saw Christmas light signs popping up around town and thought, “We could do that—but better.” So we did. With zero experience, a few ladders, and a lot of hustle, we launched Son of a Nutcracker Lights. That first season wasn’t easy—we taught ourselves everything from scratch and made plenty of mistakes—but we finished strong and laid the foundation for what would become a real business.
2024
In 2024, things took off. We more than doubled our client base, partnered with DSC, and expanded our footprint across Central Illinois. With a strong team, cleaner installs, and a loyal customer base, we’ve hit a new level. We’re now preparing for our biggest season yet—and laying the groundwork for future franchise opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
2023
This was a turning point. We took on the Mahomet Light Tunnel, the biggest project we had ever attempted. It was a little out of our comfort zone—but we delivered, and the response was incredible. The tunnel became a community staple and a showcase of what we could pull off. We also brought in more commercial clients and saw strong growth in both residential and custom projects.
2022
In our second year, we built on what we learned. We brought in more clients, started expanding into garden bed and tree lighting, and really dialed in our systems. While we didn’t grow as fast as we hoped, we refined our craft, improved our install quality, and became known for clean lines, sharp service, and reliability. It was a year of tightening bolts and preparing for scale.
2021
It all started when we saw Christmas light signs popping up around town and thought, “We could do that—but better.” So we did. With zero experience, a few ladders, and a lot of hustle, we launched Son of a Nutcracker Lights. That first season wasn’t easy—we taught ourselves everything from scratch and made plenty of mistakes—but we finished strong and laid the foundation for what would become a real business.
2024
In 2024, things took off. We more than doubled our client base, partnered with DSC, and expanded our footprint across Central Illinois. With a strong team, cleaner installs, and a loyal customer base, we’ve hit a new level. We’re now preparing for our biggest season yet—and laying the groundwork for future franchise opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
2023
This was a turning point. We took on the Mahomet Light Tunnel, the biggest project we had ever attempted. It was a little out of our comfort zone—but we delivered, and the response was incredible. The tunnel became a community staple and a showcase of what we could pull off. We also brought in more commercial clients and saw strong growth in both residential and custom projects.
2022
In our second year, we built on what we learned. We brought in more clients, started expanding into garden bed and tree lighting, and really dialed in our systems. While we didn’t grow as fast as we hoped, we refined our craft, improved our install quality, and became known for clean lines, sharp service, and reliability. It was a year of tightening bolts and preparing for scale.
2021
It all started when we saw Christmas light signs popping up around town and thought, “We could do that—but better.” So we did. With zero experience, a few ladders, and a lot of hustle, we launched Son of a Nutcracker Lights. That first season wasn’t easy—we taught ourselves everything from scratch and made plenty of mistakes—but we finished strong and laid the foundation for what would become a real business.
We're a tight-knit, experienced crew that takes pride in craftsmanship, efficiency, and the details that separate a good display from a great one. From planning to install, every step is handled with precision and care.
Luke Severns
Install Manager
Luke Severns
Install Manager
Luke Severns
Install Manager
Tyson Finch
Co-Manager
Tyson Finch
Co-Manager
Alaina Miller
Design Visionary
Madden Shurvenski
Install Crew
Madden Shurvenski
Install Crew
Tyson Finch
Co-Manager
Kate Severns
Intern
Kate Severns
Intern
Grant Evangelisti
Install Crew
Alaina Miller
Design Visionary
Grant Evangelisti
Install Crew
Kate Severns
Opperations Intern
Grant Evangelisti
Install Crew
Alaina Miller
Design Visionary
Madden Shurvenski
Install Crew
Braden Finch & Zach Severns
Founders
What started as an idea became something bigger than us.
Braden Finch & Zach Severns
Founders
What started as an idea became something bigger than us.
Braden Finch & Zach Severns
Founders
What started as an idea became something bigger than us.
15
+
Employees
15
+
Employees
Awards
The Peoples Choice
2025
We didn’t win, but being the only Christmas light business nominated for the People’s Choice Award 2025 says everything. It means our work stood out in a sea of industries — and that our community saw the magic we’re creating. We’re beyond proud of the recognition, grateful for the support, and fired up to keep raising the bar in 2025.
The Peoples Choice
2025
We didn’t win, but being the only Christmas light business nominated for the People’s Choice Award 2025 says everything. It means our work stood out in a sea of industries — and that our community saw the magic we’re creating. We’re beyond proud of the recognition, grateful for the support, and fired up to keep raising the bar in 2025.
The Peoples Choice
2025
We didn’t win, but being the only Christmas light business nominated for the People’s Choice Award 2025 says everything. It means our work stood out in a sea of industries — and that our community saw the magic we’re creating. We’re beyond proud of the recognition, grateful for the support, and fired up to keep raising the bar in 2025.
Join the Team
Want in on the crew that makes Christmas shine? This is where it starts.