The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in some of the Sault’s young people.
A.J. Carbone is a prime example of that.
Carbone, who’s 17 and going into Grade 12 at St. Mary’s College in September, launched his own company, Northern Lights Co., this summer.
“It’s definitely been an exciting journey so far. I’ve learned a ton. It’s consumed a lot of hours but I’m enjoying the process,” Carbone told SooToday.
Northern Lights Co. installs permanent exterior LED lighting systems on homes.
Using an app, homeowners can adjust colours and set the lights to automatically turn on and off daily and while on holiday.
The lighting is also ideal for special days throughout the year.
“There are a bunch of adjustable colour options for different holidays, like Christmas for example, Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day, for sports games, birthdays, and really any other special occasion,” Carbone said.
The lights aren’t necessarily for security purposes but they can be used that way.
“It’s kind of a dual use. The lights are pretty bright, so I’m sure it deters unwanted visitors but they’re mainly for curb appeal. They add value to your home,” Carbone said.
Prior to launching his business he installed exterior lighting on his aunt’s home.
“There’s a big learning curve when you first start so it was nice that she gave me the opportunity to do her house. It really came out beautifully.”
Since then Carbone has installed exterior lighting on 20 homes in the Sault with a lot more on his list.
“Business is really picking up a lot,” he said.
Though Carbone has a lot of his own hi-tech smarts, he has been mentored by an Edmonton-based technician in how to install lighting systems.
“I do one or two installs throughout the day and then quotes in the evening when people get home from work. There are definitely some long days but I like it.”
He works five days a week, sometimes six.
An installation takes four to five hours on average.
He’ll continue installing lights after returning to school in September, balancing the number of installations with school work.
“I have very high hopes for the future. I see a really successful future in this business. It’s going to be a busy fall and winter because that’s when the big demand is,” Carbone said.
He looks on his work with justifiable pride.
“I really like the look of the lights.”
“I think it’s something our city loves. I’d say our city’s festive and I think this business is a way for me to give back to our city. It’s something I can offer.”
Carbone’s customers are pleased with his work.
“Once they see the lights installed, it’s pretty awesome. Everyone’s been really happy so far and they love the lights. Seeing their faces once we turn those lights on makes it all worth it.”
Carbone was one of 11 local students who received startup funding and mentorship through the Summer Company Program for 2026.
After learning of the program through family and friends, he applied to be part of it for this summer.
“I was happy to be one of the people selected,” Carbone said.
Young entrepreneurs are granted $3,000 to start up their businesses.
“We had a really nice workshop. We got to connect with some experienced mentors and business owners in the Sault,” Carbone said.
“They told us their stories and gave us a lot of advice in all areas of business like advertising, marketing and accounting. It helped shape my mindset going into this summer. They taught me a lot about things that are required for owning a business.”
Carbone launched a Northern Lights Co. website that includes contact information and a questions and answers section.
“That made me ready to take on orders and really get myself out there.”
In running his own business, Carbone said he’s on the career path that’s right for him.
“It’s opened up so many opportunities through networking with other business owners and I also love meeting the clients.”
Is running your own business something he recommends to others?
“Yes, definitely. If they’re up to the challenge I definitely think it’s rewarding,” Carbone said.
“I think I can inspire some younger people and even older people. If they see me taking the leap and see it working out, it may give them the edge they need to take the leap themselves.”
