September 2024 Contractor of the Month is: Guarded OIB Landscape Lighting & More

Can you tell us about your business?

GUARDED OIB Landscape Lighting and More was created in 2021 and established in Ocean Isle Beach NC. We are a small, local, family business and provide our services on the beautiful Carolina coastline!

How did you get into the landscape lighting business?

Prior to my 30 year career in Law Enforcement, (retired August 30, 2024), my work history included landscaping, irrigation, and managing a wholesale Nursery/Tree Farm. In 2021 I decided to take online courses in Landscape Lighting Design and Installation and I received certifications in those areas. Transitioning into landscape lighting with my previous work experience was fairly smooth and we continued to become more efficient and all around better as we gained experience in landscape lighting.

What percentage of your business is landscape lighting/what other services do you provide (ie: landscaping, irrigation, electrical…)?

GUARDED OIB began as exclusively installing landscape lighting but after recognizing an opportunity to expand our services into other outdoor, landscape projects the business grew and we now offer landscape design & installation in addition to landscape lighting. We are approximately 60/40, lighting to landscape split.

How long have you been installing landscape lighting?

Started August 2021.

What AMP products do you prefer to use? Which fixtures are your favorite?

Although I love all of the AMP products my two staples currently are any of the AMP MR-16 fixtures, lately I have been using more onyx finish then brass and the AMP Slim Line Transformers for the overall design, simplicity and “user friendliness!”

What tips or tricks have you learned that have benefited your work from a design/installation perspective?

I have learned through experience how to utilize shadowing and look for unique aspects in the architectural structure and not have plant tunnel vision!

Tell me about your sales process. How do you find your customers? What is your sales process? Do you use sales tools such as a free demo…

My design inspiration comes from each, unique property. I really enjoy trying to design a lighting package that is unique and super complimentary to the target property! I also follow and use as invaluable design resources other, fellow AMP installers!

Where do you find inspiration for your lighting designs?

My primary marketing agents are Social Media and the age old, irreplaceable, “word of mouth” referrals!

What do you feel is the most personally rewarding part of installing a lighting system for a client?

I love the look on the customers face when they realize something so feasible has turned their property to their very own personal resort!

Tell us a little bit about you personally: What do you like to do outside of work? What are your hobbies?

Spending time with family, offshore fishing and King Mackerel Tournament Fishing.