Steve Zunker knew the lighting project would be tough, but he also knew better lighting would help business at Brings Cycle in Wisconsin Rapids.

“We went in and did basically a proposal for them,” Zunker said at a recent event. “And that meant a total overhaul because the systems were hard pipe together.”

Now, Brings Cycle is basking in the glow of energy-efficient lighting.

“I think the need for the uniform lighting is so that we look more professional,” Brings Cycle Co-owner Jenny Bring-Rockwood said. "And it was an opportunity for us to then be more energy efficient but also look better inside and outside

Brings Cycle is one of the 659 projects Steve Zunker and Badger State Lighting completed in central Wisconsin in just 7 years.

“I'm thrilled to be here," Public Service Commissioner of Wisconsin Commissioner Kristy Nieto told the crowd at the award presentation. "Thrilled to recognize Badger State Lighting and its partnership with Focus on Energy to implement energy efficiency upgrades. Steve and Badger State Lighting have gone above and beyond making sure customers are taken care of and helping get more area businesses to adopt energy efficient lighting upgrades. Focus Trade Allies are truly integral to the program's success."

Zunker’s commitment to energy efficiency put $430,000 of Focus on Energy rebates back into the pockets of Wisconsin business owners.

“This year's winners are providing benefits to the state beyond reduced energy consumption and cost savings," Commissioner Nieto continued. "Their projects support technology, innovation, job creation, lowered environmental impacts, increased competitiveness and reduced dependance on nonrenewable resources. I'm incredibly impressed by the collaboration between Focus on Energy, Marshfield Utilities and Badger State Lighting.”

“Steve truly deserves the award that's been presented today," said Jim Benson of Marshfield Utilities. "Having known Steve for a long time, I can attest to his tenacity and customer focus. He has consistently leveraged Focus on Energy and his suppliers to benefit his customers.”

Zunker says his success is only possible because of his customers and partnerships.

“I just want to take a moment to thank all of my customers," Zunker said after receiving the award. "I wanted to thank Focus on Energy for the programs that they put together.”

We also believe his success is due to his commitment to customers – like one business customer where a simple mistake cost Zunker thousands of dollars, but he didn’t hesitate to fix it.

“And I called my customer, and I said, 'Here's the situation, we're off by about, pretty close to $12,000.' I said, 'If you'll, give me the amount of time that it would take Focus Energy to pay you those incentives, which is 6 to 8 weeks,' I said, 'I'll give you that rebate incentive out of my pocket.' And the customer was floored. “

Congratulations to Badger State Lighting, a 2024 Trade Ally Energy Efficiency Excellence Award recipient.