Founder

Braden Finch

Mahomet, IL

Summary

Co-owner, sales manager, installer, and friend—I care deeply about doing things the right way, even when no one’s watching. At Son of a Nutcracker Lights, that shows up in the precision of our installs, the way we treat customers, and the standards we set for ourselves as a team. I believe in building a business that people trust—not just because of how it looks, but because of how it runs behind the scenes.For me, it’s not about getting the job done—it’s about getting it done better than expected. I value systems that create consistency, communication that’s clear and honest, and a work ethic that earns respect. I thrive in high-stakes environments where accountability matters and the small details make all the difference.This business isn’t just seasonal—it’s personal. And my goal is to make sure every house we touch reflects the pride we take in our craft.

My standard is simple—I want to be proud of every job we do. I care about the way things look, the way they function, and how people feel when they see the final result. I’ve never been interested in cutting corners or doing the bare minimum. I want our work to stand out, to feel intentional, and to make people say, “That’s better than I could imagine.” At the end of the day, if I wouldn’t put my name on it, it’s not done yet.

Work Experience

Co-Founder

2021 - Present

Son of a Nutcracker Lights

As co-founder, I focus on building structure, driving sales, and making sure every piece of our operation runs with purpose. I’m hands-on with clients, active in the field, and constantly refining how we work—from the first quote to the final walkthrough. I care deeply about consistency, communication, and creating a team that takes pride in the product.My work blends logistics with leadership. I manage our install crews, develop internal systems, and lead outreach to secure both residential and commercial accounts. Every decision I make is about raising the bar—not just for our brand, but for the way people experience seasonal lighting.

— Closed residential and commercial sales through direct outreach and referrals

— Managed daily install operations and team coordination

— Built follow-up systems to drive repeat business

— Oversaw scheduling, routing, and on-site logistics

— Designed custom lighting layouts for homes and properties— Handled all customer communication and service

— Led community giveaways and seasonal promotions

— Supported branding and marketing content efforts

Founder

2024 - Present

Caddies Mobile Golf

As co-founder of Caddies Mobile Golf, I manage sales, operations, and client experience for a growing event rental business specializing in portable golf simulators and games. I focus on building relationships with event planners, ensuring smooth logistics, and creating unique golf experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Selected Projects

Project Name

Short Project Descriptionn

Project Name

Short Project Descriptionn

— Booked private events, corporate outings, and community rentals

— Managed scheduling, delivery, setup, and teardown for mobile units

— Oversaw customer service and day-of event coordination

— Developed pricing, contracts, and marketing materials for clients

— Oversaw maintenance and readiness of all equipment for flawless operation

— Handled client communication from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up

— Built social media presence and marketing campaigns to drive bookings