C. W. Cole & Company, Inc., "Cole Lighting", is one of the oldest lighting companies in the United States, having been established in 1911. It is now owned by third-generation family members, brothers Steve and Don Cole. Their grandfather, Clarence Cole, originally began selling "Mazda" lamps, the predecessor to General Electric, from an office in Los Angeles. He soon found that his customers were in need of reflectors and other apparatus for controlling their lighting. A local sheet metal shop provided these items, which were sold with the lamps. By 1918, Mr. Cole had acquired ownership in the shop and had entered the manufacturing business. A new plant was constructed in downtown Los Angeles in 1923 and the company expanded its product line to include a wide range of both architectural and theatrical lighting fixtures.

Today the company splits its business almost evenly between its standard line of products, including Steplites, Darkroom Safelites, Exits and Directional Signs, Plugging Boxes, and Downlites, and its Custom work, including Lightrail illuminated handrail and all types of custom fabrications, from modified simple boxes to elaborate bronze chandeliers. Cole has provided lighting for many of the most significant projects in the country, working with designers in all areas to develop fixtures which meet a wide range of requirements.

Custom lighting remains as the most interesting aspect of the business, as each job presents its own new challenges. The successful accomplishment of these projects requires communication skills and understanding by all parties of each one's needs. The better each one explains their objectives and concerns, the more likely the result will satisfy everyone.