GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Efficiency and conservation are principles Nick Dittrich grew up with in Golden, where his father once owned a solar company.

Promoting energy efficiency drives him as well, Dittrich said.

After working in the commercial lighting industry in Fort Collins for the past six years, and in construction before that, Dittrich, 28, branched out on his own in January with the help of the Business Incubator Center to open Vantage — an energy-efficient commercial lighting business.

The Incubator, 2591 Legacy Way, is a nonprofit that provides low-cost business classes, and free consulting to new and expanding businesses in Mesa County.

Incubator staff helped Dittrich create his business plan. He's also met one-on-one with business counselors Helen Roe and Analisa Pearson.

“I offer customers energy auditing, project design and implementation,” Dittrich said. “I provide efficient commercial lighting.”

Dittrich started as an installer of commercial lighting at Energy Solutions in Fort Collins and within a year was promoted foreman. Within another year he was named project manager. He also worked in sales.

In 2008, another larger company recruited Dittrich to develop a commercial efficiency lighting program.

“I managed over 300 commercial projects,” he said.

Married and the father of four children, Dittrich said he decided to leave that company and start his own business so he could spend more time with his family.

“I found I was spending too much time at work,” Dittrich said. “I wanted to start my own business to spend more time with my family, and I also wanted to prove I had better customer service,” with a smaller business.

“My heart is with small businesses. That's what I love. I love to meet people,” Dittrich said.

His wife, Helenbeth, grew up in Palisade and the family had visited the Grand Valley often over the years.

“I found businesses here could use my help,” Dittrich said. “I did some preliminary sales and found a strong need and interest in efficiency lights.”

“I am a full-service distributor — I provide an entire menu of commercial lighting. My focus is improving efficiency of customers' lighting.”

Jobs he's completed in the Grand Valley include Kokopelli Liquor Store, 30 and D Road, and Orchard Mesa and Peachtree True Value stores, where he is working with Syndicated Solar who is installing solar panels on the shops.

Dittrich can be reached at 720-295-9007, or info@vantage-pps.com.