TL;DR:
Northern Lights Utility Locating has grown from a 12-person team to an industry leader by staying true to one principle: integrity. COO Caitlin Flater shares how their focus on relationships, employee care, and consistent service has built trust and success—both internally and externally. Watch her full interview and learn what it means to grow with purpose.
At Northern Lights Utility Locating & Inspection, we believe the key to long-term success lies in doing things the right way—every time. That mindset has carried us from a small team in 2001 to one of the fastest-growing utility locating companies in the country. Recently, we sat down with our Chief Operating Officer, Caitlin Flater, to talk about our journey, our values, and what continues to set us apart in the locating industry.
Interview with Caitlin Flater
Olivia Canter:
Today, I'm here with Caitlin Flater from Northern Lights. For folks who aren’t familiar, how did you come to join the family at Northern Lights?
Caitlin Flater:
Well, I started back in March of 2012 as the Business Development Coordinator. I kind of learned the 101 of locating. I went out in the field—at that time, we had about 12 employees, some of whom are still with us today, which is super cool.
I spent time with each one of them. They taught me about their day, their routines, their struggles, and the good things about what they do. And they taught me how to locate. I don't know if you want me to locate today, but they’re very good at their jobs.
Olivia:
Nice!
Caitlin:
Yes!
Olivia:
That’s fantastic. So, I’ve been watching the news a little bit lately and seeing that you guys have grown exponentially—even from when we started working together. Can you tell me a little bit about how that's come to fruition? What’s next?
Caitlin:
Northern Lights was started way back in 2001. And we actually still, to this day, have a contract from 2004 with a customer, which is incredible. I mean, you don’t hear those things these days.
Our work is based on relationships—whether that’s with our customers or our employees in the field who are doing the work for our customers. That is how we’ve been able to maintain the employees that we have, attract employees who want to work for us, and grow.
We’ve got employees that seek us out and want to work for Northern Lights because of how we treat our people. And we’ve got customers that find Northern Lights because of our reputation. We are known for on-time performance. Again, that goes back to our employees in the field—they do a great job. We feel like we’ve got the best team out there in the locating industry across the United States.
Olivia:
That’s fantastic. Yeah, I might be a little biased, but I couldn’t agree more.
So, last question for you—if someone has never heard of Northern Lights before, what’s one thing you would want them to know about what you’re all about?
Caitlin:
We are about integrity. Again, I keep talking about our employees, but that is truly what the breadth of Northern Lights is. We do things right. We hold each other accountable. Our customers can hold us accountable. And we do things the right way the first time.
We like to be more transparent and proactive, versus reactive. And so, you know, nothing is ever done exactly the same. We’re always seeking to improve efficiencies and improve what our employees do every day for the most effective, safe locating. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s really all about—keeping contractors, homeowners, and our utilities safe.
If we can do that in a more efficient way, then it is absolutely worth the investment.
Olivia:
Well, thank you so much for sitting down with me today.
Caitlin:
Thank you.
Caitlin joined Northern Lights back in 2012 as a Business Development Coordinator. “At that time, we had around 12 employees,” she said. “Some of them are still with us today, which is really special.” Her early days were spent in the field—learning directly from technicians about their daily routines, challenges, and successes. That hands-on experience shaped how she leads today, with empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for the work being done.
Since its founding, Northern Lights has always emphasized relationships—both with clients and with team members. One of the company’s oldest contracts dates back to 2004 and is still active today. “That kind of longevity isn’t common anymore,” Caitlin noted. “It speaks to how seriously we take trust and reliability.”
This relationship-first approach has also made Northern Lights a destination for top talent. “We have people seeking us out because of how we treat our team,” Caitlin said. “Our reputation for on-time performance and doing things right draws both clients and employees.”
When asked what she’d want someone new to know about Northern Lights, Caitlin didn’t hesitate: “Integrity. It’s at the heart of everything we do.” From transparent communication to proactive solutions, the company is constantly evolving to improve efficiency and keep people safe. “We’re not here to do the same thing over and over—we’re here to do it better, safer, and smarter.”
“When you put people first—both employees and customers—growth is a natural outcome,” says Caitlin Flater, COO of Northern Lights. By investing in relationships and operational integrity, the company has not only expanded but built a reputation that attracts top talent and long-term clients alike.
Northern Lights’ success stems from a culture of trust, clear communication, and a refusal to cut corners. With leadership grounded in real field experience and a commitment to continuous improvement, they’ve positioned themselves as a model for sustainable growth in the utility locating industry.
Watch the Full Interview
We invite you to hear the full story in our latest video interview with Caitlin Flater. Learn more about how Northern Lights continues to lead with purpose in the utility locating industry.
👉 Watch the video here
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Ready to safeguard your essential services and protect your community? Take action now. Call Northern Lights Utility Locating at 317.837.0520 or visit our contact page to ensure the integrity of your utilities today.
Q: What makes Northern Lights different from other utility locating companies?
A: Northern Lights focuses on integrity, relationships, and consistent performance—values that result in long-term contracts and strong team retention.
Q: How has Caitlin Flater contributed to company growth?
A: Starting in business development and learning directly from field techs, Caitlin brings both operational and human insight to her leadership, helping guide Northern Lights’ expansion.
Q: Why is trust so important in utility locating?
A: Utility locating requires precision and reliability. Trust ensures clients feel confident in the safety and accuracy of every job performed.
Q: What kind of team culture does Northern Lights promote?
A: The company promotes a people-first culture rooted in mutual respect, transparency, and professional growth.
Q: How can I explore career opportunities at Northern Lights?
A: Visit the careers section on their website to view open positions and learn more about the company’s values and benefits.
