The Primus Story: From Summer Shop Days to Building a Brighter Future

In 2000, a small Southern California garage became the launchpad for what would grow into one of the lighting industry’s most respected names. Jaime Calderon, drawing on years of experience at Celestial Lighting, founded Primus Lighting with three principles: innovation, quality, and a customer-first approach.

From day one, family was at the heart of the business. Pedro Calderon, Jaime’s brother, joined early as production manager, a role he still holds today. Pedro became the operational anchor, ensuring products met rigorous quality standards and reached customers on time. His hands-on expertise turned designs into dependable real-world solutions.

Jaime’s children, Jimmy and Alondra, grew up in the shop. Summers meant sorting parts, counting hardware, and snapping on end caps. Over time, those simple tasks became meaningful roles. Alondra developed a career in purchasing and sourcing and now leads the sales team. Jimmy immersed himself in accounting, operations, and marketing and today serves as company president. Together, they’re shaping the next chapter with a focus on scalable growth through smarter systems, data-driven decision-making, and team development.

Other figures have played important roles in Primus’s journey. Blake Whitney, son of industry veteran Wally Whitney, one of Jaime’s earliest mentors, brought deep industry knowledge and helped forge long-lasting client relationships that opened doors for the company in its formative years.

Milestones That Mark the Journey
2000 – Launch of the Decostring series, blending style, durability, and versatility for both residential and commercial spaces
2001 – First major contract: Olive Garden locations nationwide
2004 – Installation at the Hollywood Bowl, a project that cemented Primus’s reputation for high-profile venues
2007 – Debut of the ALX Linear Series, setting the stage for expansive product innovation
2011 – Transition to LED technology, embracing energy efficiency and sustainability
2014 – Decostring illuminates Balboa Park, enhancing one of San Diego’s most historic cultural sites
2016 to 2020 – Projects span Pacific City in Huntington Beach, Playa Vista’s Brickyard, Rodeo 39 Public Market, and preservation lighting for a Los Angeles landmark hotel
2021 – Jaime passes leadership to Jimmy, marking a generational handoff
2024 to 2025 – Launch of the Decobar Series, Extreme Weather Decostring, and a refreshed brand identity

Mission and Future
Primus’s mission remains the same:

We firmly believe in providing equal opportunities for growth and prosperity to all. Our mission is to contribute to the development of local communities and economies by forming partnerships with local suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring the production of high-quality lighting fixtures. Moreover, we are committed to supporting causes that resonate with our core values: honesty, integrity, and service.

For Jimmy and Alondra, that mission is more than a statement; it’s a roadmap. Every project, from lighting a coastal boardwalk to outfitting a corporate headquarters, is an opportunity to make a positive impact on both the spaces they illuminate and the lives connected to the company.

And while the garage days are long past, the same family spirit, commitment to craft, and drive to light the way forward still shine in every Primus project.