858.322.6000
We believe that through solid team work, a dynamic and cutting edge product portfolio and strong relationships, we can be the Best in Service Lighting Agency in San Diego. Our goal is to be a team of driven, humble, experienced and service oriented people who drive to give the best solutions to our clients. We offer a portfolio of products with excellent fit and finish, competitive pricing and end of project satisfaction for the design and construction teams of Southern California.
The Lighting Element is building a team of service oriented, engaging and dynamic people. We are excited about building this dynamic team of driven individuals who want a fun, fast paced, enriching environment.
As founder and CEO of The Lighting Element, Maddy Kent MacElwee is excited to create a new lighting agency in San Diego. She began her career in 1990 from the ground up. She started in this industry doing submittals on a typewriter and managing a small warehouse for a lighting agency in Seattle. In the early 90s Maddy returned to her hometown of San Diego, where she worked as a project manager for a leading electrical distributor. In 1997, Maddy had her most rewarding and challenging job as a stay at home mom, and returned to the workforce in 2002 as quotations manager in electrical distribution. 2004 brought her to Lightolier where she began in specification sales, quickly becoming the District Sales Manager and winning Team of the Year in her first year in the role. In 2013 Maddy became District Manager for Philips Lighting, with responsibility for luminaires, lamps and drivers for the territory of San Diego and Hawaii. Excited to build up from this solid foundation, The Lighting Element brings her passion for lighting together with an amazing team of people.
Scott MacElwee joins TLE with 24 years experience in the electrical industry, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, solid relationships and his O.G. style. Scott and Maddy worked together starting back from 2004-2009 at Lightolier when Scott's career took him to Los Angeles. Originally from Pennsylvania, Scott might rock his Eagles jersey at TLE, bringing the NFC East into play in the office banter. Scott epitomizes the TLE values of Humble, People Smart, Champion, Happy & Dare to be Different. Scott is excited to be returning to the San Diego market as Vice President of The Lighting Element.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Manny moved to the US as a five year old with his family and grew up in the Bronx. A 12 year veteran of the US Marine Corps, he fell in love with San Diego while stationed here from 2011-2013. An avid NY Giants fan, Manny is a sports and gym enthusiast and a people person with a smile always on his face.
Allison is a Graduate of Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. She is a born and raised New Englander! A huge Patriots fan, her background is in real estate, marketing, and sales and came highly recommended by our friends at Ligman Lighting. Allison is a Navy Wife of a helicopter pilot and proud mother of 4, including twins. She played college soccer, her hobby is running and lifting.
Kenia joins The Lighting Element in November, 2018 and is now the Executive Assistant to Maddy & Scott. She joins TLE with years of experience with Visionaire Lighting where she was focused on sales in their manufacturing facility. Born & raised in Ensenada, Mexico, Kenia loves spending time with her son and husband and is an avid runner. She enjoys a nice glass of wine, knows her way around the Guadalupe Valley and is always up for traveling to new places.
A graduate of San Diego State, Pamela comes to TLE to our Quotations department. She loves being Outdoors, enjoys camping, hiking and checking out our country's beautiful National Parks. She is passionate about a lot of things, including travel, learning new things, music and Pizza!
Rae joins TLE with a theatrical lighting background. She has a BA from UC Irvine in Drama with Honors in Lighting Design. Cad/Bim certified, with Sketchup and Revit knowledge- she is going to take our spec team to the next level! She was a lighting fellow at the Berkeley Repertory Theater - Her knowledge of theater and art is amazing, and she is a proud cat enthusiast.
Alex joins us as a Project Manager as a graduate of Rutgers after relocating to San Diego from New Jersey. A former fitness instructor, Alex is looking forward to keeping our TLE projects in great shape. A NY Giant's fan and veteran Karaoke singer, Alex is a ringer for "name that tune" and can name almost any song after just three notes.
Rachael is a California native with a zest for life! Raised in the San Fernando Valley, she's got a BS Degree from California State University Northridge and an MA Degree from the University of San Diego. After a Denver adventure, she returned to her San Diego roots in 2010. With over a decade of experience in Construction Project Management, Residential Design, and Real Estate Development, she turns dreams into reality. A dedicated mom to three young adults and a spirited Goldendoodle, Rachael loves travel, the great outdoors, and game nights with top-tier charcuterie and fine wine.
Hilde is TLE's office dog. A rescue in 2016 from West Coast Boxer Rescue in LA. Hilde was named after BroomHilda VonShaft (from the movie Django Unchained). She comes in most days and spends her time lounging on the office couch or watching the door for Maddy or Scott to come back if they leave for meetings. A mellow pooch, she will come say hi if you visit.