Lighting For Profits

This week on the show we welcome Sam Taggart who has knocked on more doors than most people open in a lifetime. In this high-energy episode, the CEO of D2D Experts and Founder of D2DCON dives into his journey of hustle, heart, and hard-hitting sales lessons. Learn how Sam went from door-to-door rookie to one of the most influential voices in the direct sales industry — sharing stages with legends like John Maxwell, Jordan Peterson, and Eric Thomas. Whether you're in sales or just love a good underdog story, this episode will leave you inspired to knock harder and dream bigger.

This week on the show we welcome Chris Apfelstadt, whose story is one of discovery, creativity, and impact. As a father of three and a visionary lighting designer, Chris has made a career out of seeing what others overlook. In this episode, we dive into his philosophy on revealing beauty through light, the emotional connection behind every design, and how his adventurous lifestyle fuels his creativity. From coaching wrestling to chasing the perfect glow—this is a conversation about purpose, passion, and lighting the way forward.

This week on the show we welcome Tom Garber, With over 35 years of experience in the lighting industry, we specialize in developing cutting-edge products for all lighting channels. As an active member of the American Lighting Association (ALA) and the UL Technical Committee, we contribute to shaping industry standards and engineering advancements.

This week, we sit down with TJ Lucero, founder of Redwoods Landscape Lighting. With a unique business background and years of innovation, he’s redefining outdoor lighting. Join us as he makes his full-length podcast debut and shares the vision behind Redwoods' groundbreaking products.

This week on the show we welcome Joshua, a traveler, entrepreneur, and coach passionate about creating exceptional outdoor spaces and empowering business owners. He founded MasterPLAN Outdoor Living and YES Express Sales Academy, helping landscapers scale their businesses. As host of The Sales Made Simple Podcast, he shares insights on sales, growth, and success. An avid mountain climber, he embraces challenges with a drive for impact and innovation.

This week on the show we welcome, Greg Matthews, the owner of Luxury Illumination, a nationally recognized leader in outdoor lighting with locations in West Palm Beach, Denver, and Nashville. A CLVLT and COLD-certified expert, he also serves on the AOLP board and mentors at illi. As a Coastal Source Brand Ambassador, Greg continues to push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship in outdoor lighting.

This week on the show we welcome Team Easy Money. Including Jesse, a creative director who lives with his wife and three daughters in Salt Lake. His journey includes a church mission in England and selling religious videos in Nevada. Jeremy, a graphic designer, is passionate about music and motorcycles, having evolved through various eras, from punk rock to his current Taylor Swift phase. He’s also a husband, father, and zero-calorie soda lover. James, a close friend of Ryan Lee for over 30 years, completes this dynamic trio.

This week on the show we welcome, Ryan Fenn, a husband and proud father of 4, who achieved 7-figure success with text messaging and automation. This led him to create CHIIRP, a tool designed to help companies replicate his marketing success. Passionate about automation, Ryan has helped over 1,000 businesses, from startups to 9-figure companies, implement revenue-generating automations at every stage of the customer journey.

This week on the show we welcome, Vince Palasota is a serial entrepreneur with over 35 years in the Animal Health industry, known for turning ideas into thriving businesses. From leading Med-Pharmex to founding Cornerstone Animal Health, he has built companies across healthcare, technology, sports, and marketing. Currently the President of North America for Felix Vet and Owner of Inception Lighting, Vince specializes in branding, strategic growth, and exit planning. A Texas A&M graduate with an MBA in Marketing and Finance, he continues to drive innovation and business success.

This week on the show we welcome, Angela Chanowsky, a visionary entrepreneur, founder of Unique Genius Virtual Assistants, and a dynamic business coach with 25+ years of experience. She empowers entrepreneurs to thrive in their "unique genius" through strategic innovation, transformative leadership, and bold insights shared via her Amazon best-seller, The Courageous Mind, and her engaging podcasts. A sought-after speaker, Angela inspires audiences worldwide to embrace courage, achieve success, and create lasting impact.

This week on the podcast we welcome, Kenny Kaufman, who began his landscape lighting career in 2004 as an installer and opened his first OLP location in 2007 at age 23. Since then, he's built a network of 10 OLP franchises, 3 Conserva Irrigation franchises, a Mosquito Squad franchise, and consulted at Redwoods Landscape Lighting, a game-changing lighting manufacturing business.

This week on the show we welcome Nicole Rivera, the Director of Marketing and Sales at Jill’s Office, with a rich background in People and Culture. Known for her expertise in leadership, vision, and team building, Nicole combines entrepreneurial insight with a passion for fostering positive company culture. Her journey in HR, business development, and marketing showcases her dedication to turning big-picture ideas into actionable realities while inspiring others to embrace growth and adaptability.

This week we welcome Jake Sittner, a proud Lincoln, NE native with a Horticulture Degree in Landscape Design from the University of Nebraska who has spent the past 12 years manufacturing and installing bollards. With his wife of 16 years and their three boys, they enjoy family time at their sports events. Leveraging his extensive expertise in residential and commercial bollard applications, Jake is focused on empowering contractors nationwide to enhance their projects and create remarkable spaces. Tailored Lights is giving away a 20" Full Circle Bollard. Go to https://landscapelightingsecrets.com/podcast-giveaway to sign up for giveaway - drawing will be on January 28th.

This week on the show we welcome, Peter O’Flinn, founder of Light Up Naples Holiday & Outdoor Lighting, he has been creating festive home displays since 2018, with loyal clients returning year after year. He is also the President and Publisher of Spotlight News Magazine, a community publication he established in 2010. Peter and his wife, Katie, met as ski instructors in Vail, CO, and now reside in Bonita Springs, Florida, with their two daughters, Molly and Emily.

This week on the show we welcome, Nick Schriver, CEO of Decorating Elves Inc., who leads a top outdoor lighting company on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With 20 years of experience, he’s also president of the AOLP and a dedicated community volunteer. Nick lives in St. Petersburg, FL, with his wife, Julia, and their two children.

This week on the show, Ryan dives into the journey of building a million-dollar landscape lighting business. He'll explore the strategies, challenges, and insights that shaped its success, uncovering the secrets behind its growth and innovation in the industry.

This week on the show we welcome, Tom Garber, with over 35 years of experience in the lighting industry specializing in developing innovative products across all lighting channels. A dedicated member of the American Lighting Association (ALA), contributing to engineering subcommittees, and an active participant in the UL Technical Committee, shaping standards such as UL 1838, 1598, and 153.

This week on the show we welcome, Michelle Mueller, co-founder of Garden Light LED and owner of KDM7 Corporation, she is a business leader with 30 years of expertise in driving growth. She has helped entrepreneurs build multi-million-dollar lighting businesses and co-developed the CEU-accredited Learn•Night•Light course. Her firms specialize in high-quality LED lighting and expert design solutions.

This week on the show we welcome, Mandy Keene, a Performance Coach with over 25 years of experience, who has guided the world’s top entrepreneurs and leaders, starting her career at 21 with Tony Robbins. Known as an “expert in transformation,” she authored Understanding Personality to promote the use of personality assessments and tools like www.Understand.me, co-created by her friend Russell Brunson, to enhance leadership and coaching. With over 30,000 hours of coaching, Mandy is now dedicated to inspiring others to follow their hearts, believing true transformation begins with heart-centered wisdom.

This week on the show we welcome, Andy Thomas with nearly two decades of expertise, this seasoned lighting designer and business owner has been shaping the industry since 2005. As a former President of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP), he has held influential roles that drive both innovation and industry standards. His journey includes countless successful projects, a deep commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to elevating the art and functionality of lighting design. Known for a refined eye and technical precision, he brings a blend of creativity and practical know-how, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations.

This week on the show we welcome, Jonathan and Melissa, a husband-and-wife team, who founded Lit Outdoor Lighting as a part-time business over three years ago in Indiana. In April 2022, they relocated the business to Louisiana and committed to it full-time. While their primary focus remains landscape lighting, they’ve since expanded their offerings to include permanent track lighting, outdoor audio, and Christmas lights, which has grown to be a significant part of their revenue.

This week on the show we welcome, Daniel Dixon, CEO of ServiceMoxie since May 2019. He is a former U.S. Air Force officer and ex-corporate business consultant who has founded, acquired, and sold several businesses, and is now leading both SendJim and two seven-figure service companies.

This week on the show we welcome Meaghan Likes, a CPA with over 16 years of experience, who empowers small businesses to understand their finances without fear. Known for her innovative approach, she disrupts the accounting industry with forward-thinking and tech-driven practices.

This week, Join us as we explore Ryan’s transformation into his 2.0 version, reshaping his coaching business and lifestyle. Discover how this journey has impacted his business operations, family balance, and marriage. Ryan and Lindsey share valuable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their life and career. Don’t miss this powerful story of growth and balance

This week, Andy Schwindler, co-owner of Sandy Beach Outdoor Lighting and Design, alongside his wife, Michelle. Driven by a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces, they aim to enhance their community's outdoor experiences. Andy is also the new salesperson for Landscape Lighting Secrets, excited about this role's potential to grow his business while allowing Sandy Beach to flourish. When he’s not working, Andy loves spending time outdoors with family, cooking, traveling, and discovering new eateries.

This week, we welcome Eric Sprague who has over 25 years of experience in the home services industry, including roles as VP of Operations at a global company and owner of a successful cleaning and restoration business sold in 2018. He is the author of The Road to Seven Figures, a business coach, and the owner and Director of Education at Super Tech University, where he trains technicians and managers in soft skills. In his free time, Eric co-hosts the Blue Collar Nation podcast and enjoys skiing and biking in the mountains of Utah.

This week on the show we welcome Jimmy Tompkins, with 17 years of experience in the Holiday Lighting industry, Jimmy began his journey as a landscape contractor and launched a holiday lighting division in 2006 to retain employees during the winter season. Over the years, his passion for spreading joy through lights has only deepened, motivating him to continuously innovate and challenge the industry norms. As the owner of Lights for Decorators, Jimmy now shares his expertise with both new and seasoned contractors, helping them elevate their businesses and reach their full potential. His love for the craft and dedication to the industry drive his success season after season.

This week, Landscape Lighting Secrets members Paul Gardner, Scott Ruhoff, and Colton Tompkins come together to discuss their major takeaways from the Secrets Summit 2024. Tune in as they delve into the latest trends, strategies, and insights they gained from the summit, offering a comprehensive look at how these key learnings can be applied to enhance your landscape lighting projects.

This week on the show we welcome Dave Carroll, the founder of DOPE Marketing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After successfully exiting his home service business, he launched DOPE to help companies grow using direct mail and traditional marketing. His work has been featured in Forbes, LA Weekly, and Inc. Magazine, and he has collaborated with brands like Nike and the Golden State Warriors, as well as local businesses. Dave’s mission is to show business owners that anything is possible with determination and the right tools.

This week, we’re excited to feature Elwood Bakken, a lighting specialist with 14 years of experience at Action Lighting. Starting with tasks like restacking containers, Elwood now manages everything from sales to video content, showcasing his dedication. Founded in 1987, Action Lighting has evolved from its innovative origins to become a global leader in lighting solutions, serving a wide range of clients with extensive storage and service capabilities.

This week on the show we welcome Dan Platta, a fun-loving, beer-drinking business enthusiast with a passion for balancing the serious world of business with a laid-back, enjoyable lifestyle. Always ready to dive into the latest industry trends, yet equally excited to kick back with a cold one after a productive day. This business nerd thrives on mixing strategy with good times, proving that success and enjoyment can go hand in hand.

This week on the show we welcome Shawn Day, with over 35 years in entrepreneurship, founded Daycorp Mortgage and later Phcs, Inc., a cleaning company sold to Blue Skies Services. At Blue Skies, he introduced a groundbreaking recruiting division in 2016. Now leading Hire Lead Chill LLC, Shawn provides specialized recruiting services to home service businesses across North America. He’s also a speaker, consultant, and community advocate, involved in local initiatives and committed to positive change.

This week on the show we welcome Tim Ryan who has over 25 years of experience in landscape lighting, combining his expertise in landscape architecture and construction. In 2015, he joined The Lighthouse Group as an executive board member and director to mentor the next generation of lighting professionals and build a nationally recognized organization. Tim is also a professional photographer, specializing in architectural and landscape lighting. His goal for the next decade is to train and support new outdoor lighting designers, promoting this under appreciated art form.

Jonathan is an entrepreneur, husband, and father of three. Formerly in IT, he transitioned to building and scaling three successful home service companies, generating multiple seven-figure annual sales. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Jonathan now helps business owners overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As a professional keynote speaker, he offers insights on personal efficiency, time management, and business development to enhance organizational performance.

This week on the show we welcome Adam McChesney, a St. Louis-based entrepreneur, who transitioned from medical sales to entrepreneurship in July 2020. He founded Builders of Authority and co-owns Auto Glass Repair of STL. Formerly VP of Growth at Hite Digital, Adam now offers personal branding coaching and hosts the Builders of Authority Podcast. He lives with his wife Delaney, their son Murphy, and their dog Georgie.

This week on the show we welcome Ryan Williams, born with striking blue eyes and reliant on light, he earned a graduate degree in product development from Brigham Young University before joining FX Luminaire. Over 12 years he has developed innovative lighting solutions for residential and commercial projects. Starting at Hunter Industries in 2010, he advanced from manufacturing engineer to roles in product management, marketing, and business development across FX Luminaire, Holm, and Lumascape. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ryan now lives in San Diego with his wife Michelle and their four children.

This week on the show we welcome Phillip Ambrose, from installing Directv to washing houses, he found his true calling in Christmas light installation, which led to a successful career in landscape lighting. His earnings soared from $65k in the first year to over $500k by the third year. Beyond financial success, he cherishes illuminating homes and sharing his faith journey with others.

This week on the show we welcome Craig Batten, President of S4 Lights and S4 Decor, who brings over 25 years of experience in decorative and seasonal lighting, including the introduction of LEDs to the market & Aviv Ben-Abraham, an Account Executive with 20 years of experience, who excels in launching new territories, driving innovation, and integrating technology with design to enhance audience experiences.

This week on the show we welcome James Solecki, a lighting industry veteran with over two decades of experience. He founded INTEGRA Bespoke Lighting, a leading outdoor lighting company in Ontario known for its eco-friendly solutions. In 2015, he expanded to the Turks and Caicos Islands with Island Villa Lighting, offering cutting-edge designs to high-value clients. James is also active in community service and lives with his wife in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This week on the show we welcome Greg Shults, the Seasonal Product and Education Manager at Holiday Bright Lights. With 14 years of industry experience, he has witnessed the transition to LED lighting and is excited about the possibilities of RGB technology. Greg focuses on delivering training and tools to help contractors boost sales and improve performance. Based in Idalou, TX, he enjoys outdoor activities and is a big kid at heart.

This week on the show we welcome Eric Holmgren, known as a music man, Eric transitioned to becoming a lighting specialist before returning to his musical roots. His designs are characterized by meticulous attention to detail and an innovative flair, resulting in the creation of distinctive styles that he brings to the outdoor lighting and audio industry. With a background in music and a creative mindset, Eric has quickly excelled at developing relationships that expand business opportunities in unique ways.

This week on the show we welcome Chase Lord who co-founded MEGAH SoftWash in 2016. They've grown it to $1.3M with a 20% profit margin and are on track for $2M in 2025. Owning commercial real estate, they're pushing beyond the typical "pressure washing" image.

This week on the show we welcome James Reed, who is dedicated to innovating the hardscape industry by assisting other companies in building their brands and identifying their target markets. Through his expertise and strategic approach, he aims to elevate the standards of the industry and foster growth for businesses within this sector.

This week on the show we welcome Paul Jamison who specializes in guiding and empowering lawn and landscape startups on their journey from operational chaos to streamlined efficiency, ultimately leading them to achieve consistent profitability and long-lasting financial success.

This week on the show Ryan engages in a conversation with the spouses of accomplished landscape lighting business owners. This diverse group includes spouses who are not directly involved in the business, newcomers to the industry, and those who have been actively involved since the business's inception. It's widely acknowledged that their support plays a crucial role in the success of these businesses. They are akin to indispensable "employees" whose roles cannot be filled by anyone else—they are irreplaceable pillars of support.

This week on the show we welcome Jeff Hesser With 35 years of experience in the landscape industry, I bring a wealth of expertise to every project. My background includes 5 years of hands-on experience in installing irrigation, lighting, and Hardscaping, followed by a decade in the distribution of landscape products. For the past 20 years, I've served as the Regional Manager of CAST Lighting, honing my skills in leadership and innovation within the industry. (Sign up for RGBW Color Control Demo Kit giveaway here)

This week on the show we welcome Neel Parekh who in 2013, amidst his corporate endeavors, chanced upon a Reddit post that ignited the inception of MaidThis - a groundbreaking cleaning service tailored for the digital era. Witnessing the constraints of traditional cleaning firms, Neel embarked on a quest to revolutionize the industry, introducing automated booking, online payments, and cutting-edge marketing strategies. As MaidThis progressed, they honed in on the burgeoning vacation rental market, leveraging technology for exponential growth. With their footprint expanding and operations refining, MaidThis emerged as a frontrunner in the cleaning domain. The journey solidified MaidThis' potential as a remotely managed venture, culminating in the 2020 launch of a franchise model - a new era of expansion and innovation.

This week on the show we welcome Joe Crisara, who journeyed from a struggling home service contractor to a beacon of success. Faced with financial turmoil and a lack of sales expertise, Joe's breakthrough moment became the catalyst for turning his fortunes around. Today, as 'Uncle Joe,' he's not just a business owner but a mentor, reshaping the landscape of the home service industry. Through his acclaimed book, "What Should We Do?", he shares invaluable insights, empowering fellow blue-collar workers to transcend limitations and realize their fullest potential.

This week on the show we welcome Ron Callis, Jr., the founder of One Firefly, a leading marketing firm in the technology industry. With a background in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech, he launched Firefly Design Group in 2007, now known as One Firefly. Renowned as a marketing guru and industry authority, Ron's expertise as a CEDIA Certified Instructor and public speaker has earned him accolades, including the title of CE Pro Masters in 2021, recognizing his significant contributions to the custom electronics sector.

This week on the show we welcome Matt Hyden, San Diego native and first-generation Christmas Light Installer. Started in 1998 alongside Ruth’s Chris day job. Ventured into mortgages before finding passion in marketing, achieving $6.5 Million in the second year. Embraced challenges in 2008, selling the company and returning to Christmas lights. Specializes in commercial installations across California, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. Journey marked by determination, adaptability, and seizing opportunities.