November 2024 Contractor of the Month is: Property Optics

Can you tell us about your business?

Property Optics is a Veteran Owned company that started 29 years ago with irrigation. 10 years ago added outdoor lighting and instantly were drawn to AMP. We service around 1,300 customers annually around the buffalo NY area.

How did you get into the landscape lighting business?

We started in irrigation, we loved making lawns and gardens look great and lighting seemed like the next best step and allowed our customers to enjoy what we do either day or night.

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

Lighting takes around 50% if not more. It seems like it’s only getting busier.

How long have you been installing landscape lighting?

We have been installing for 10 years.

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

We really like the new RGBCW series it gives us the options for color and zoning. We always provide options so hardscapes, pucks and downlights are must haves in my product offering.

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

Install is THE most important, proper installation is where it starts. Speaking to the customers and identifying their needs has helped me envision the lighting they deserve.

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…

Word of mouth. Doing great work in and around our communities has led to more new business than other avenues. It’s really about the customer service and experience we provide that really attracts our client base.

Where do you find inspiration for your lighting designs?

Testing out products and trying new things has inspired me to go beyond the normal lighting designs. Using new fixtures or testing them in my own backyard has allowed me to really refine my lighting techniques.

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

Seeing the customers face, hearing their reviews and kind comments. I don’t think there is a better feeling than having your customers say they LOVE us, it makes the hard work worth it.

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

I have 3 kids so we do everything, my daughter and I ride the motorcycle together and love going fishing with my son. Camping with the family is one of my favorites as it gets us all together.