August 2023 Contractor of the Month is: Lite Outdoor

Can you tell us about your business?

Been in business 29 years. We started as an Irrigation company years ago and built the business to the second largest irrigation company in my region. I began to see a demand for lights and that created a passion for lighting. My wife Tammy works behind the scenes, keeping the business rolling through customer service, business issues and marketing efforts. We are a true team and both have a huge roll in the success of each project and of the success of Lite Outdoor.

How did you get into the landscape lighting business?

Conversations with customers during the housing boom, we saw such a demand for lighting and since we had the knowledge and tools for the job it helped fuel the passion I have for creativity and art.

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

100% lighting

How long have you been installing landscape lighting?

Around 20 years, I started a long time ago back when lighting was still new to the market. This has allowed me to grow with the industry and learn most every aspect of lighting.

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

ControlPro series, the dimming capabilities give me amazing designer control. I can fine tune each light to the exact brightness and beam for the perfect look. Whether I need a soft ambient light, or I need to tackle a 30ft oak, the ControlPro series has my back.

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

Learning through experience, installing many many jobs you learn to go from a light slinger to a lighting designer. Speaking with the customer and explaining the difference between a true lighting designer and someone who installs lights makes the difference. Pride in your work and not cutting corners has helped improve referrals and word of mouth.

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…

I demo fixtures Copy a sales process from another installers COTM. We have found that professional photography speaks volumes. The years old addage, a picture speaks a 1000 words. Providing great service provides great referrals as well.Confidence in the products that I use as well as Longevity of industry helps as well with confidence in my work.

Where do you find inspiration for your lighting designs?

Constantly trying to stay on the cutting edge to always stay on top of creativity. The home itself will normally speak to you when it comes to lighting, finding the emotion and beauty in the home is done during the walkthrough.

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

The customers face, nothing beats that. Watching the customer almost come to tears or invite me to celebrate the finished products, the referrals are also one of the best rewards of a successful lighting project.

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

Since we deal with a seasonal industry, In the winter months, we spend our time in Florida spending time with friends and family getting on the boat and saltwater fishing. Recently my wife and I started riding E-bikes and hit the trails when we can for some outdoors and excerise!