Founder

Zachary Severns

Zach Severns

Mahomet, IL

Summary

I’m a founder, installer, and brand builder behind Son of a Nutcracker Lights. I launched the company out of my basement with the help of Braden, one drill, two ladders, and a borderline obsessive drive to outshine every other installer. Together, we’ve tackled hundreds of installs, negotiated commercial contracts, built seamless systems, and scaled a team that delivers flawless, premium service on every job.

I've worn every hat in the business—sales, ops, marketing, creative—and I thrive where logistics meets storytelling. Whether I'm closing a deal, fine-tuning our light layouts, or reworking a website at 2am, I give a damn about the little things most people miss.

My standard has always been to deliver more than what's expected. For me, a project is successful when it redefines excellence. Ultimately, the goal is to build a company renowned for its unmatched quality and innovative design.

Work Experience

Co-Founder

2021 - Present

Son of a Nutcracker Lights

At Son of a Nutcracker Lights, I run point on everything from creative direction to operations. I’ve scaled our team, built customer trust, and grown a seasonal idea into a six-figure operation. I collaborate with partners, pitch towns and non-profits, manage client relationships, and oversee installations that transform homes and commercial spaces.

Selected Projects

— Closed commercial deals with nonprofits, cities, and businesses

— Created wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs

— Designed and priced full-service installs for over 200 residential homes

— Built internal estimating system to optimize margins by roof type, install difficulty, and materials

— Hired, trained, and managed seasonal crews

— Created marketing campaigns across Instagram, Facebook, email, and print

— Developed SOPs for scheduling, inventory, client follow-ups, and takedowns

—Managed company finances, budgeting, and reinvestment strategies

Founder

2024 - Present

Demeter Ag Capital

As the founder of Demeter Ag Capital, I lead a new wave of farmland investment—sourcing undervalued Midwestern land, structuring creative financing deals, and scaling sustainable agriculture. My work blends boots-on-the-ground strategy with institutional-level growth plans, helping transition America’s farmland into the hands of a new generation.

Selected Projects

— Built a detailed acquisition roadmap for sourcing undervalued Midwestern farmland

— Studied creative financing strategies including seller financing, USDA loans, and investor capital stacks

— Developed investment models projecting cash flow, ROI, and scalable land monetization strategies

— Researched major institutional land buyers to identify gaps and competitive advantages

— Designed investor pitch decks and proposals to communicate the opportunity clearly and persuasively

— Managed relationships with sellers, brokers, and institutional partners

— Built internal systems for tracking deals, financing terms, and acquisition milestones

— Built a deep understanding of soil health, water access, crop risk, and value appreciation drivers