March 2026 Contractor of the Month is: Troy’s Tropics

Can you tell us about your business?

Troy’s Tropics is a pillar of the Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County communities. With a 40-year legacy, we operate a 9-acre headquarters that provides landscaping, irrigation, property maintenance, and nursery wholesale/retail. My lighting division was built to ensure these properties don’t disappear when the sun goes down. We specialize in high-end residential and commercial design, focusing on creating comprehensive outdoor environments that stand the test of time.

How did you get into the landscape lighting business?

Plants are my roots, but I have always been captivated by light. I’ve been with Troy’s for over a decade and have served as the company’s "Swiss Army Knife"—doing everything from nursery work and plant diagnosis to operating heavy machinery and serving as foreman for massive landscape installs. After seeing the opportunity to elevate our projects through illumination, I started pushing the limits of what we could offer. I proved the value through consistent results, and the company has continued to invest in me as the division grows.

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

While we are a full-service horticultural powerhouse, lighting is a rapidly expanding part of our high-end installs. I also offer specialized architectural lighting, permanent trim lighting, and outdoor speaker services. I aim to provide an immersive environment that is a total sensory experience.

How long have you been installing landscape lighting?

I have been selling, designing, and installing systems for several years, backed by over a decade in the horticultural industry. My FNGLA certification changes how I see a property; I don't just see a light—I see what it will be illuminating 5 to 10 years from now. Knowing the growth patterns of Florida flora is the only way to ensure the design looks as good a decade from now as it does on night one.

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

The PinnaclePro Spotlight is a tank! It’s a heavy-duty fixture that stands up to the elements and the occasional lawnmower. For path lights, I prefer the omnidirectional "hat" styles to dial in functional beam spreads. My personal favorites, however, are lighting up boat docks and pool cages using the Deck Design Pro and customizable Up/Down lights. I also prefer the black powder coat finish across the board—it’s the best way to maintain that crisp, brand-new look for years.

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

I apply the "Florida-Friendly Landscaping" principle of Right Plant, Right Place, and I have developed this concept into my own: Right Light, Right Place. It’s about choosing the right fixture and the right lamp for a specific application, whether it be a plant or a hardscape. This expertise allows me to enhance the architectural and natural beauty of a property to perfect a client's view without the lighting feeling forced.

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…

Our reputation comes from decades of devotion to the community—from winning local Community Choice awards year after year to supporting our local schools. While our social media presence is strong, my success is 1000% built on the long-standing trust and relationships I develop with my clients. I truly want to give them the best experience possible. During consultations, I carry my tablet and landscape design, using the AMP catalog to reference ornamental options. I’ve also found that the gentle use of AI renderings helps clients visualize the end result of their project.

Where do you find inspiration for your lighting designs?

My inspiration comes from the lights themselves. I’ve always had a passion for the way light plays with its environment, and now I get to "play" for a living. When a project is in the hands of someone with a lifelong passion for the medium, you can trust you’re going to get the optimum outcome.

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

It’s the instant gratification of the Grand Reveal. Taking a client’s property from complete darkness to a glowing, evening oasis is like finishing a piece of artwork. Seeing that transformation and knowing I created a space where they can make memories night after night is incredibly accomplishing.

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

I spend a lot of my time commissioning multiple fantasy football leagues, primarily comprised of my coworkers. It has been a fantastic teambuilding tradition for our group, and we are currently making plans for our biggest draft party yet, next season!