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Worldwide searchlight manufacturer lights up rural Nebraska

From a countryside location near Culbertson, Neb., a remote control searchlight company serves customers throughout the world.

The company, Golight, Inc., was born 14 years ago on the Hayes County, Neb. ranchland of Jerry Gohl. Now that business — which started with one product and one employee — has an array of remote control searchlight products which are marketed in all 50 states and more than 70 nations worldwide.

Golight employs more than 30 people at the headquarters near Culbertson, and has an additional 73 sales representatives in cities throughout the United States.

The first Golight searchlights were designed to be mounted on pickup trucks, making it easier for stockmen to check on their cattle. But, soon, Gohl and his designer, Al Gebhard of Denver, began to realize the vast potential the remote control searchlight had for other markets.

Within three years, Golight's business had grown to the point that Gohl purchased a former gymnasium and turned it into the home office of the emerging company. From that point forward, Golight's rapid growth accelerated, expanding into marine, industrial, automotive, sporting goods and RV markets.

Then, came the emergence of a market that has brought Gohl lasting pride and satisfaction. Three years ago, Golight entered the military applications business, developing a focused light instrument for use by American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It has been a valuable aid for the troops," Gohl said. "It helps them considerably in their search for IEDs, detonation wires and roadside bombs."

While Golight serves customers throughout the world, Gohl doesn't think there's a better place than southwest Nebraska for his company to be located.

"This area is ideal for enterprises such as Golight," he said. "It's halfway between the two coasts and the talent and reliability of the employees in this area is unsurpassed."

Another advantage, Gohl says, is that warehouse costs in southwest Nebraska are a fraction of what they would be in cities such as Omaha, Kansas City and Denver.

But, best of all in Gohl's opinion, is the serene quality of life in rural America. "I stepped out on the deck at Golight's office this morning and saw six pheasant roosters. That's not unusual. I also have seen deer, coyote and raccoon. It's not only a special place to work, it's a special place to live and do business."

Gohl welcomes inquiries about his company and the advantages of southwest Nebraska as a place to do business. Visit Golight online at www.golight.com, or reach them via e-mail at info@golight.com.

Gene Morris is a freelance writer living in McCook, Nebraska.

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