Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

In this compelling episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, Spencer Myles and Brian Amundson dive deep into the complexities of the lighting industry, exposing the challenges posed by rebate programs, direct install initiatives, and shifting market dynamics.✨ Key Topics Discussed: The unintended consequences of rebate programs and how they can harm distributors. The rise of direct install programs—who benefits and who loses out? "Deep State" analogies in the lighting world and their impact on market competition. Why maintaining quality lighting solutions and advocating for fair practices is essential for the industry. The role of trade allies and the erosion of their importance in the lighting market.

Our old friend Mark Jewell joins us to talk about selling in the lighting industry—especially as rebates begin to dry up. A lot of people are worried about what the end of rebate programs will mean for project sales. Mark says we shouldn't be. Michael and Greg aren't so sure. In this episode, Mark talks us down off the “rebate ledge” with some sensible math. Rebates are great, but they're not the only reason to upgrade. With real-world examples, he explains how energy savings, increased building value, and improved worker performance—think efficiency, accuracy, and morale—can still make a strong business case for retrofits. And if you manage a mall, you'll want to hear Mark's take on why it TOTALLY makes sense to upgrade your parking lot lighting—rebates or not.Mark is an award-winning trainer and Wall Street Journal best-selling author with 30 years' experience in energy and efficiency. Over those three decades, Mark Jewell has taught more than 15,000 energy professionals and influenced efficiency decisions in more than three billion square feet of North American real estate. Earlier in his career, Mark helped the US EPA deploy both the ENERGY STAR® Buildings Program for Commercial Real Estate and the Portfolio Manager® benchmarking tool.Prior to founding Selling Energy, Mark Jewell served as founder and President of a consulting firm that identified energy-saving improvements, provided financial analyses to justify said improvements, and supported utilities and customers in the creation and implementation of efficiency programs. Mark received his B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.

For this episode, we hoped to welcome Brian Bastien of Product Care Recycling to discuss Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs and their impact on the lighting industry. The President of NAILD reached out—non-profit to non-profit—to open a conversation about how these programs support sustainability and what they mean for lighting distributors.  Surprisingly, every expert we invited declined the opportunity to join us. That's a first for us, as the lighting industry has always been generous with its time. Mr. Bastien was the only one to formally respond, mailing a letter to the President of NAILD stating that his schedule was completely full—now and in the future—due to the demands of EPR.  We certainly understand that time is valuable, especially when overseeing such a critical initiative. That said, lighting distributors are a key stakeholder group, and Get a Grip on Lighting is proud to serve as the official podcast of NAILD—North America's only trade association dedicated exclusively to lighting distributors. Given that the industry contributes significant funding to Product Care Recycling, we believe it would be beneficial to have an open discussion about the role and value of EPR in lighting.  So, while this episode won't feature Mr. Bastien, we're still diving into the topic. Our goal is simple: to better understand EPR, its benefits, and its challenges. We sincerely hope to have the opportunity to speak with Mr. Bastien—or another representative from Product Care Recycling—at some point in the future.  We think a 30–45 minute conversation would go a long way in helping everyone gain clarity on this important issue.

Jason knows so much about lighting that he wrote 2 books on the subject (see below). Jason chats with Michael and Greg about his books, wasteful lighting fixtures, the circular economy, and wired and wireless controls. And for pete's sake, don't go with flat panels if there are better choices. Jason Livingston LC, IES, IALD is the principal of Studio T+L, a lighting design and theatre planning firm in Brooklyn, NY.  His lighting design portfolio ranges from offices to churches and from theatres to experiential environments.  In addition to his design work, Mr. Livingston is the co-chair of the IES Color Committee and is on the faculty of New York School of Interior Design and New York University.  He is also the author of Designing with Light: The Art Science and Practice of Architectural Lighting Design, 2nd Ed. and Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Lighting and Controls.  Mr. Livingston is a frequent speaker on lighting design and color related topics, especially color rendering and ANSI/IES TM-30. Connect with Jason:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-livingston-3267271a/www.studio-tl.comBlog associated with my two books:  www.designinglight.com Jason's books:Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Lighting and Controlshttps://amzn.to/41kD7xdhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fundamentals-of-energy-efficient-lighting-and-controls-jason-livingston/1146628605?ean=9788770042369https://www.routledge.com/Fundamentals-of-Energy-Efficient-Lighting-and-Controls/Livingston/p/book/9788770042369?srsltid=AfmBOoqN7XXqHd4NokPQ2j0INufQ4eF6y5qiBypSOM8_D-E5Dv3drFCc Designing with Light: The Art, Science, and Practice of Architectural Lighting Design 2nd Editionhttps://a.co/d/al45bg7https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/designing-with-light-jason-livingston/1118231097?ean=9781119807780https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Designing+with+Light:+The+Art,+Science,+and+Practice+of+Architectural+Lighting+Design,+2nd+Edition-p-9781119807797

You've seen Dr. Motta on Restoring Darkness (https://restoringdarkness.com/episode/120-blue-light-leds-are-an-immune-suppressor-proven-to-cause-cancer-dr-mario-motta) now he's on Get a Grip on Lighting to tell you about the hazards of blue-rich LED's. No matter how some might push back, the evidence is irrefutable: blue light LED's suppress melatonin which can lead to cancer. When Dr. Motta's and the American Medical Association's report was released in 2016, the Lighting Deep State was “not polite” in their rebuttal. But it seems they have come around in recent years. Dr. Motta had been in practice at North Shore Medical Center in Salem, Massachusetts, since 1983, recently retiring in 2022. He is a graduate of Boston College, with a BS in physics and biology, and of Tufts Medical School. He is board certified in Internal medicine and Cardiology, and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. He is an associate professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Motta has long been active in organized medicine, both in the American Medical Association (AMA) and in the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS), holding a number of posts through the years. He is a past President of the MMS. He was elected and served 8 years on the AMA council of Science and Public Health, and then was elected to the Board of Trustees of the AMA in 2018, recently completing his term. In May of 2023 at its annual meeting, the MMS awarded Dr Motta its highest honor, the “Award for Distinguished Service.” Dr Motta also has a lifelong interest in astronomy, and has hand built a number of telescopes and observatories through the years to do astronomical research, including his entirely homemade 32 inch F6 relay telescope located in Gloucester, MA. He has been awarded several national awards in astronomy, including the Las Cumbras award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific in 2003, and also the Walter Scott Houston award from the northeast section of the Astronomical League, and in 2017 the Henry Olcott Award from the American Association of Variable star Observers (AAVSO). He has served as a president of the ATM's of Boston, and has served as a council member of the AAVSO, and is a past president as well. He has also served on the Board of the IDA. He has worked on light pollution issues, and published several white papers on LP as a member of the AMA council of science and public health. He served on a UN committee (COPUOS) representing the AMA on light pollution for a worldwide effort to control LP and satellite proliferation. Finally, several years ago the International Astronomical Union awarded Dr Motta an asteroid in part for his work on light pollution as well as amateur research, asteroid 133537MarioMotta. Connect with Dr. Motta: www.mariomottamd.com Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation: www.softlights.org

Put your preconceptions and biases aside, Mark baker is going to point the finger a little in this episode. LED's can be harmful to humans - Mark being one of them - and the industry needs to recognize this, step up, and address the problem. Admittedly, as Michael says, the lighting industry got steamrolled by the LED revolution, but now it's time to get back up on our feet and to be a part of the solution.Mark Baker is the President of The Soft Light Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for the protection of people and the environment from the harms of visible radiation emitted by products that use Light Emitting Diodes. Mark is the primary author of a primer on the differences between a curved surface emitter and a flat surface emitter.  His co-authors include subject matter experts in the fields of physics, engineering, medicine, and light pollution.

Jeffrey brings a lot of experience to his position as Divisional Vice President in the NEMRA Lighting Division. This division was formed recently when AAILA, the American Association of Independent Lighting Agencies, was integrated into NEMRA. Michael points out that in the past, he has seen lighting nonprofits absorbed into electrical associations where they have become very secondary. Jeffrey points out that NEMRA's goal is to strengthen that division. So everybody wins. Jeff Bristol is the Divisional Vice President of the newly formed NEMRA Lighting Division, bringing over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and executive leadership within the lighting and controls industry. Before joining NEMRA, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MaxLite, where he developed and executed strategies across multiple business units and managed a network of over 40 agents. His career also includes leadership roles at Panasonic/Universal Lighting Technologies, Philips Lighting, Osram Sylvania, and Westinghouse Lighting. Throughout his career, Jeff has built strong partnerships across the agent landscape, including with NEMRA agents, C&I Lighting agents, and Specification Lighting Agents, fostering seamless networks to drive business growth. In his role at NEMRA, Jeff focuses on supporting members, advancing industry standards, and fostering collaboration between manufacturers and representatives. His leadership aims to strengthen the division's mission and provide representatives with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an evolving lighting industry. Connect with Jeffrey: www.nemra.org/benefits-and-resources/nemra-lighting linkedin.com/showcase/nemra-lighting-division linkedin.com/in/jeffreybristol Sponsor: Keystone www.keystonetech.com 

Hey distributors. Are you selling emergency lighting? If not, this episode with Heather McCune might change your mind. Barron has seen ROI of under a year with their Exitronix Guardian G3 on all their retrofit jobs. This system reduces maintenance, labor hours, and interruptions to building power during testing. It can even self-test and back up the data so you'll have proof of testing for those surprise safety inspections. Heather McCune is a dynamic and experienced leader in the lighting industry. With twenty years of expertise, she brings knowledge and creativity to her role as Vice President, Sales Operations at Barron Lighting Group. Her dedication and commitment are evident as she works closely with the Marketing, Brand and Engineering teams to ensure success in today's sales landscape. As Vice President, Sales Operations, Heather oversees sales productivity and effectiveness for Barron. This includes strategic planning, reporting, quota setting, management, sales process optimization, and training programs. She also plays a vital role in recruiting top talent. Heather's leadership and strong partnerships have led to Barron's continued sales success. Heather has shaped Barron Lighting Group into a company known for integrity, innovation, and quality products. With her drive and track record, it's no wonder she excels as Vice President, Sales Operations at a leading lighting company. 

Jason wants it all - now. But he also says, be careful what you wish for. In this competitive environment, don't just take any job. Jason is competitive and doesn't like to lose but, as he says, you don't want to win a race to the bottom. Then the only way you're going to make money is if all the stars align and nothing goes wrong on the project. So despite the title, there are some things you don't want. Over the last 19 years Jason has been a leader in providing turn-key retrofits amounting to millions of dollars' worth of energy saving that have also garnered millions in incentive money for clients across Ontario. Jason has also provided educational seminars for George Brown College, ACMO RCM training, Tradeshow seminars etc. Jason has been a Trailblazer in the multi-residential energy retrofit market being one of the first to introduce Occupancy sensor technology in parking garages over 17 years ago.

As of this recording, the US has backed off on tariffs, for now. But they still loom as a possibility sometime in the future. Michael gives his perspective from the viewpoint of Canada, while Greg and Spencer look at it from a “what's best for America” standpoint. Can't we all just get along? Spencer Miles first appeared on Get a Grip On Lighting way back in 2017 on episode #4. He is the President of Pacific Lamp and Supply Company where he has worked for 24 years of Pacific Lamp's over 100 years of business. Spencer served as NAILD's President in 2019. 

You've heard him on Monday mornings. You've seen his work quarterly. We pull back the curtain on Scott Wachter to take a look behind the scenes at his work on the Lighting Industry News Brief, Today's Lighting Distributor, and The Darkness News Update (on RestoringDarkness.com). Beyond his work as the best-informed person in the lighting industry, he's part of the content management team; keeping the social feeds up to date, co-authoring Today's Lighting Distributor, developing courses for LS Evolve, the recent revamp of LS-2, and developing the new DS-1 course. Other notable things about Scott: Has never sold a lamp or fixture. Wrote his senior thesis on the value of apologies in situations of bad moral luck. His recent, unrelated podcast The Recap from Mercury was the Number 1 on the Apple Podcasts Animation Charts in Brazil (top 20 in Japan). He once entered a stand-up comedy contest as it was running because the other comics were so bad, improvising a winning 5-minute set. He once got in a fistfight with a bouncer at the bar he worked at. Scott was once threatened with a lawsuit over cupcake recipes. He makes the best gin gimlet you have ever had. No one drinks gin gimlets. His favorite color is blue. He has the nicest hair in NAILD. He should probably get a new headshot; this one is 11 years old.

Fear. Is that a sales strategy? Michael thinks so. If you have a “perversely commissioned sensor” that suddenly makes the lights go off in a machine room while someone is under the HVAC equipment, the urgency level to fix that for safety is high. Make sure the lights serve their purpose–to see! Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group www.barronltg.com 

Retrofitting a troffer? Impossible! Or is it? Greg presents a case where maybe, just maybe, it's possible to save the old fixture. Even Michael thinks this one has a chance to not end up in a landfill. Sponsor: Griplock www.griplocksystems.com

This one is short but important. Michael and Greg discuss the recent Restoring Darkness podcast featuring Dr. Mario Motta (https://youtu.be/tEbcyBf-2Ug). Michael and Greg want to get to the bottom of the conflict between Dr. Motta and the IES. They'd love to hear the IES's side of the story.

Al brings along some predictions from some movers and shakers in the industry. He, along with Michael and Greg, assesses the predictions for 2025 from people like Colleen Harper at the IES, Cory Schneider at Lighting Unlimited, and Rob Duncan from Bell & McCoy. Will controls take off? Can the circular economy be strengthened? Is consolidation in the industry going to grow? Let us know about your own predictions for the coming year. Al Uszynski is a seasoned lighting industry professional with a career spanning sales and management roles at several well-known lighting and controls manufacturers. Today, he serves as the Publisher and Editor of Inside Lighting, North America's most visited media site for lighting industry news and information. Al is also the #1 favorite recurring guest of Michael and Greg on their Get a Grip on Lighting podcast. Connect with Al: https://inside.lighting/https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-lighting/https://www.instagram.com/inside.lighting/https://twitter.com/InsLightinghttps://www.facebook.com/InsideLighting/ 

Leon and Brenda tell you how it's done! Two years ago, FSG acquired West-Lite Supply Company in California and they'll tell you in this podcast, that it was a complete success. Brenda stayed on with FSG to become VP of California Sales and no one lost their job. In fact, Leon always looks forward, in an acquisition scenario, to finding a gem among the new employees. Leon has been in the lighting industry for over 24 years. Leon entered the industry out of college, joining his family's New Jersey based lighting distributorship, which specialized in lighting supply sales to end users. This company was one of the early adopters of promoting energy conservation programs offerred by utilities in the Northeast. Upon joining FSG in 2007, Leon became one of the National Account Representatives handling multi-site national accounts. In 2012, Leon led the acquisition of Summit Lighting, a Manhattan-based commercial lighting distributor servicing the construction industry. After the acquisition, Leon become the Market Director of this FSG branch, located in the heart of Manhattan. He currently oversees this New York City operation, while concentrating on providing National Accounts with all of the services of FSG including lighting, electrical, signage, technology, and energy solutions. In 2022, after overseeing the NYC operations, Leon became the Chief Operating Officer - Distribution, overseeing the lighting business for FSG nationally. Brenda is one of the VP's of Sales at Facility Solutions Group, assisting in California sales and new business development for one of the leading providers of lighting, electrical, and energy solutions in the US. She has more than 40 years of experience in the lighting industry, having served as the President of West-Lite Supply Company., Inc. for 7 years, and previously in sales and marketing, helping to grow a local California business to a regional leader in lighting distribution and marketing. Her mission is to help customers achieve their lighting goals, whether it is to reduce energy costs, improve aesthetics, enhance safety, or comply with environmental standards. Brenda has extensive knowledge and expertise in energy saving lighting solutions, and has worked with utilities and end users to secure rebates and incentives for implementing green lighting practices. She is passionate about delivering quality service and value to clients and partners, and is always looking for new opportunities and challenges in the lighting industry. 

Who owns Lightfair? What new things are coming along? How are exhibitors being vetted? What is the vision for Lightfair? What's hot right now in the lighting design world? Christopher answers these queries and more in this episode. Get to Lightfair, May 4 - 8, 2025 in Las Vegas. https://lightfair.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en.html. Christopher Knowlton is the CEO of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), leading strategic initiatives to support and grow the global architectural lighting design profession. With over 18 years of experience across the built environment industry, his career has spanned theatre, events, and architecture. Christopher holds a BA(Hons) in Lighting Design, an MSc in Light and Lighting and an MBA. His creative and entrepreneurial background, combined with expertise in business strategy and leadership, positions him to drive innovation and collaboration within the IALD, enhancing the profession's global impact. 

Y por fin llegó el día. En este primer capítulo damos inicio a una nueva etapa: Get a Grip on Lighting en Español, la versión en nuestro idioma del podcast en inglés que lleva años iluminando la industria. Exploramos el fascinante mundo de la iluminación desde dos perspectivas únicas: el diseño y la astronomía. Acompaña a nuestros conductores Alex Carrillo, un diseñador de iluminación y Fernando Ávila, un astrónomo experto en contaminación lumínica, mientras discuten qué es la luz, cómo nos afecta y su importancia en la sociedad. Descubre las diferencias entre luz natural y artificial, su impacto en nuestras vidas y el futuro de la iluminación. Agradecemos especialmente a Michael Colligan por su inspiración y apoyo en este emocionante proyecto. Escúchanos y sé parte de esta conversación! Si tienes ideas, preguntas o te gustaría unirte como invitado en un futuro episodio, ¡nos encantaría escucharte! Acerca de los conductores, Alex es un diseñador de iluminación mexicano relativamente joven que estuvo en el Episodio #364 de GAGOL y desde entonces dejó sembrada la idea de hacer la versión en Español del podcast. Ha realizado proyectos de iluminacion de todo tipo en varias partes del mundo y ha dado clases de iluminación en diversas escuelas en México, por lo que compartir y opinar respecto a la industria de la iluminación, no es nuevo para él. En contraste, Fernando Avila desde niño se enamoró de las estrellas y hoy trabaja para el Observatorio Astronómico Nacional en México, como responsable de la Oficina de la Ley del Cielo, donde busca proteger el entorno natural nocturno de la contaminación lumínica. Fernando también es parte de Dark Sky International desde 2013 y actualmente está en su mesa directiva. Conectar con Alex & Fernando @alexcarrilloromano en Facebook, Instagram y LinkedIn @soyalexcarrillo en X (Twitter) https://astronomia.unam.mx/comunidad/fernando-andres-avila-castro/ 

If Nikola Tesla only knew… Philip Gotthelf has run with Tesla's invention and made it “the most advanced sustainable commercial lighting on the planet.” In this episode, you'll learn about induction lighting, but Philip is also pretty knowledgeable about LED, flicker, and blue light effects on the pineal gland. And don't get him started on road lighting! Philip Gotthelf is a world renowned authority on energy markets and technologies. His expertise dates back to the original formation of energy futures markets in the 1970s where he worked directly with the New York Mercantile Exchange to popularize their crude oil and #2 heating oil contracts. In response to the first Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970, Philip Gotthelf became a crusader against the “Five Ps;” the pollution targets of 1) air, 2) water, 3) soil, 4) light, and 5) noise. In 1982, he revived Nikola Tesla's magnetic induction light (MIL) to achieve energy efficiency and longevity while reducing light pollution and protecting soil and water from dispersed mercury contained in fluorescent bulbs. In 2007, he created a line of modernized MIL under Ultra-Tech Lighting™ which is now operating as Tesla Induction Lighting Co. in deference to Nikola Tesla who invented the technology. His design objectives included minimizing glare and light pollution to achieve Dark Sky compliance without sacrificing visual acuity, creating quiet drivers (ballasts) to address noise pollution such as the 20,000 cycle harmonic that can disturb bats and canines, encapsulating mercury to render it environmentally inert, eliminating high-frequency flicker to eliminate dangers of strobe migraines or even epilepsy, and developing precise spectral tuning to provide the correct wavelengths for specific applications. Tesla Induction Lighting has the only proven “white light” fixture that does not distract sea turtles like the Green and Loggerhead. His Snow-Bright™ brand has been approved as Dark Sky compliant by the Grand Teton Environmental Commission and the University of Wyoming infrared observatory. Philip Gotthelf has been an active environmentalist for more than half a century. 

John comes onto GAGOL to explain how ESCO's are serving MUSH. Okay. You know what GAGOL is. You probably know what an ESCO is. You'll have to listen to this podcast to find out what MUSH stands for. John breaks down what it is to be an ESCO, who they serve, and how they make money. John Hamilton is an accomplished sales executive with over a decade of experience leading growth and driving profitability in the energy services and lighting industries. Currently serving as Vice President of ESCO Sales at SLG Lighting® (since April 2023), John is responsible for creating value within the ESCO market space by developing innovative products and solutions that address the unique needs of energy services companies. In this role, John is focused on expanding SLG's market share and ensuring the long-term success of the ESCO channel, providing strategic leadership in sales management, account development, and product delivery.Prior to SLG Lighting®, John served as National Sales Director at LEDVANCE, where he managed the growth and profitability of the Energy Services Company (ESCO) channel, establishing relationships with key accounts and aligning customer needs with cutting-edge lighting solutions. During his tenure at MaxLite as National Sales Director for ESCOs (2018–2021), John further honed his expertise in leading national sales initiatives, nurturing client relationships, and building impactful business strategies.Known for his ability to forge long-lasting client relationships and drive results in highly competitive markets, John brings a consultative approach to sales, delivering tailored solutions that create both short-term wins and sustainable growth. With expertise in sales management, account development, and strategic partnerships, John is a trusted leader in the lighting and energy services industries.

Integrity. Is it in short supply? Michael thinks there is a lot of it in the lighting distribution business. People pay their bills on time, honor handshake deals, and trust one another. But it may not be so in other businesses. Lighting Distribution is a good business to be in! 

If you missed the live stream, here is a recording of Michael's chat with Eric Teacher at Canada Light Expo. Michael and Eric talk about what it is to be a lighting agent, how STL has survived the chaotic agency world of Toronto, and how the US market seems unaware of how enormous the Ontario and Toronto economy is. Working in the lighting industry since 1993, Eric has been with STL Lighting Group for 4 years as a lighting system specification consultant. Eric is Past President of the Toronto IES. 

Dr. Shelley James is back with a little preview of her new podcast, “Thinking Differently About Lighting.” Dr. James has pulled together her “dream team” of scientists to discuss the latest research and findings, and how that is transforming the way we think about lighting. Watch out for the launch on the Get a Grip network. Dr. Shelley James is an international expert on light and well-being, TEDx and keynote speaker, Author, WELL Advisor and Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art. She is also a trained glass artist and electrician. Shelley is on a mission to inspire others to harness the power of the humble lightbulb to be healthier, happier and help to save the planet too. Clients include global lighting and technology brands and regulators, healthcare and education trusts, architects and designers, academic institutions and museums. A recent social media campaign to raise awareness of the impact of light on teens was translated into three languages and reached over 2.5 million people around the world. Her TEDx talk was the third-most watched in the world in the month following the launch. 

Is the LED boom over? Maybe so, but not in sports lighting. The energy savings and cost reductions with LED, and the advancements in controls now means you can get that NFL “look” for your local high school field. As Royce says, it can make participants feel like they are part of something bigger. Royce Banuelos is the marketing manager for SLG Lighting, an LED lighting manufacturer known for their high bays, commercial lighting, and turn key sports lighting solutions. He has an extensive 15+ years of experience in marketing and has been in lighting for 4 of those years, falling in love with the industry of making the world a brighter place. 

Yes, there is a market north of the border! The Toronto area is huge and deserves its own lighting show. Gaurav saw the opportunity and jumped on it all the way from India. With his company, MEX Exhibitions, he plans to “provide a platform for the lighting community to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the future of smart lighting, LED technology, and design.” And he's getting help from The Lighting Agora's Tom Butters who is acting as the Knowledge Partner for the educational program. Spoiler alert - we'll be there live streaming from the Get A Grip On Lighting booth! Bonus as a GAGOL listener: use the code NAILD40 to receive a discount on your registration fees. Gaurav Juneja, Director of MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and MEX International Inc., is a pioneering leader in the B2B exhibition industry specifically for lighting industry, apart from many other Industry Verticals. He has played a transformative role in the industry, most notably through his leadership in launching major trade shows that have become flagship events in each sector. Gaurav was instrumental in the launch of LED Expo India in 2009, a ground breaking platform that introduced the Indian market to advanced LED technologies and solutions, helping accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient lighting across the country. Following its success, Gaurav spearheaded the expansion of the brand into Southeast Asia by establishing LED Expo Thailand in 2013, making it one of the largest and most influential lighting shows in the ASEAN region. Tom Butters, LC, is the creative mind and developer behind some of the most well received educational tools and events of the global lighting industry. Since 1986, Tom has worked in or served the entire array of the lighting industry. He uses this diverse background and empathy to understand the needs of the individual or organization to deliver high quality lighting education to suit the precise needs of the user. Tom is a proud board member of the Nuckolls' Fund for Lighting Education and an Emeritus Member of the IES. As the Senior Manager then Director of Canlyte/Philips Lighting Concept Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from 2000 to 2016, Tom developed and delivered top level lighting education to thousands of attendees in all segments of the lighting industry. Tom was the co-developer, along with F.X. Morin, of the globally successful free lighting app “IES Ready Reference”. He is the creator of “Light for Life – a Global Collaboration 2020” which involved 17 webinars from 15 lighting organizations from around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom was the director of the IES' free 4-hour live webinar “Germicidal Disinfection in the Days of COVID-19” which had over 3600 live attendees from 56 countries and has been viewed by thousands more as a free offering on the IES website. 

You or your contractor are installing lights in a retail store with a scissor lift. Suddenly, a few tiles crack under the weight. Who's to blame? It might not be who you think.Cory joined his father at Lighting Unlimited in 2008. He took on a leadership role in 2014 as well as receiving his LC from the NCQLP in 2017.  He was the president of NAILD in 2018 and the VP of the Phoenix chapter of the IES.

Michael recently had a customer call to fix some blinking lights in his parking lot. Brian joins Michael and Greg to discuss how a distributor could handle this situation when some other company did the installation. THe boys discuss everything from selling them new fixtures, to advising them to call the installers to find out the warranty situation. What would you do?Brian began his career in the lighting industry with Pacific Lamp Wholesale, in 2009. Before Pacific Lamp he sold radiant floor heating, solar electric, and solar water systems. That is how he got started working with utility rebates and tax credit programs. Pacific Lamp founder Dave Junkin, a founding member of NAILD, came out of retirement, and Brian was the first person he hired after his son decided to do another line of work. Dave took him under my wing and taught him everything he knows about the business. Brian purchased the company from him in 2019.Brian would like to see more sustainable lighting and better standards of uniformity and would like to contribute to making the industry a better place with more collaboration between manufacturers and distributors to give end users better quality fixtures. He would love to see higher end lines manufactured in the US again! He is a huge advocate for dark sky friendly and animal friendly lighting that has purpose with the correct color and distribution based on the application. 

CEOs of publicly traded lighting companies, you are invited to be a guest on Get A Grip On Lighting. Michael, Greg, and Spencer Miles discuss the pros and the cons for you. And we have concluded the pros outweigh the cons. If you're up for it, email us at getagrippodcasts@gmail.com. Spencer Miles first appeared on Get a Grip On Lighting way back in 2017 on episode #4. He is the President of Pacific Lamp and Supply Company where he has worked for 23 years of Pacific Lamp's over 100 years of business. Spencer served as NAILD's President in 2019. 

Devin and Louvers International have a new UVC air sanitizer product called Cluvaire. But while we have Devin, we go into the “deep state” of the lighting industry, outdoor lighting, bulb bans, dark sky compliance… But yeah, he has a new UV product called Cluvaire. Check it out: https://louversintl.com/uvc-air-sanitizers/ Devin, along with his brother Derek, heads up Louvers International which was founded in 1986 with reliability and good design in mind. What started out as a small business has evolved into a team that works together to build connections between their customers and the lighting and plastics industries. 

Michael presents a document from the Canadian government outlining the coming ban on CFL bulbs. Brian Huff joins Michael and Greg to tackle this misguided and needlessly complicated plan. Hey Governments - want to get rid of Mercury containing bulbs? A NAILD committee will figure it out in 15 minutes. Brian Huff, President of Adventure Lighting in Des Moines, IA, has been in the lighting industry for 15ish years, and has owned Adventure Lighting for 7 years. He has 2 kids, and spends a lot of time going to kids sports, coaching kids sports, playing golf, and volunteering on a few local boards/non-profits. 

Jake Watters reached out to us after listening to episode #356 with Paolo Cordovado and how difficult it has become, as a building manager, to simply replace light bulbs. Even as Jake's company attempts to mitigate the waste with their modular system, even he admits that the only path to sustainability is probably form factor standards. Michael gets hotter than usual on this one. Born and raised in the Lighting industry, Jake's father was a branch and then general manager of a regional ED/showroom in the Detroit area. As a kid, he worked in the warehouse, eventually putting together, hanging, and electrifying light fixtures. While in college, Jake helped his father open up a 10,000 sq foot lighting showroom in Central Florida. A year after finishing college, his father retired and Jake ran the showroom for 7ish years until his father had to sell the business. Jake moved out to California, where his wife was from, and he purposefully turned down opportunities to return to lighting. Fast forward a decade, and after having 3 young kids and being a stay-at-home dad for a little over 3 years, he returned to lighting on the manufacturing side in 2019 working for Auroralight, and then Elco Lighting since May 2023. 

It was another very successful NAILD Convention. Michael and Greg give us their take on the event, from the seating plan to the presentations to the first pitch at the baseball game by Brian Huff. Greg considers the boxed lunch sandwich possibly one of the best he's ever had!

Mel Jacobson started selling light bulbs out of a van in 1951 and in 1955, Paul's Grandfather Don McLellan joined Mel, then bought the company in 1982 when Mel retired. When the internet arrived, teenage Paul built a website and started selling light bulbs online. But vanolite.com just wasn't going to cut it. And so LightBulbs.com was born. Paul and his brother-in-law Jason tell us how they built up the online business and how they continue to keep it successful. Hint - they have a big family. Paul created LightBulbs.com's first website in 1996, and continues to provide all eCommerce development today, focusing on providing a fast, responsive and user-friendly experience. After over 25 years of working in nearly every position at the company, Paul now rests comfortably as President (and Programmer).When he isn't working at LightBulbs.com, he's spending time with his wife Laura and their nine children (five of which are currently employed by LightBulbs.com), enjoying the outdoors, especially their favorite vacation spot of Fort Myers Beach, FL; and in his spare time, Paul really, really enjoys immersing himself in a good movie or video game. Jason has been with LightBulbs.com for 24 years and works directly with: Sales, Distribution, Customer Service, Accounting and Web Content. Fresh out of high school and after one year of doing tech support for a dial-up ISP in Minneapolis, he decided to join the family lighting business of his then girlfriend – who eventually became his wife.Since joining Service Lighting, Inc. / LightBulbs.com in 2000, Jason helped the company develop a pick, pack and ship process that handled a 1500% increase in average daily volume in these 24 years. In 2013, Jason began working with both Commercial and Retail / Utility Sales Managers on various projects and initiatives for their customers. Overseeing the growth of an online sales department that went from 4 reps up to 13 in those 11 years.Jason loves spending time with two kids, playing fantasy sports and having his heart constantly broken by the sports teams in Minnesota, especially the Vikings…

Special Release! It's almost September and that means the Archlight Summit is almost upon us. Lea and Cindy update Michael on what to expect this year at The Dallas Market Centre in Dallas Texas. Educational and enjoyable. Catch up with friends and colleagues you haven't seen for a while. September 17 and 18. Lea is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in Trade Show Sales, Attendee Development, and new business development, specializing for over 14 years in the commercial and architectural lighting industry. Lea joined the Dallas Market Center this past April and is focused on Attendee Development and Exhibit Sales for ArchLIGHT Summit. She is dedicated to driving exhibit hall growth by attracting high-profile exhibitors and key industry attendees, ensuring the show's success, and expanding its impact in the lighting industry. Cindy is an award-winning Independent Marketing Consultant who's been working in the lighting industry for 20 years. She has an extensive background in Event Management and Marketing in various industries including professional sports, non-profit events, and industry trade shows. She got her start in the commercial and architectural lighting industry with Acuity Brands and continues to serve as a marketing specialist for a variety of clients in architectural lighting. Cindy was contracted by the Dallas Market Center four years ago to create and manage ArchLIGHT Summit to Central Texas. She serves as the Director of Event Strategy and is responsible for exhibitor growth, association involvement, board members and overall event marketing and management. Cindy serves as the National Marketing Chair on the Women in Lighting + Design Board of Directors. 

We get back to basics with lighting distributor Brian Amundson, President of Pacific Lamp Wholesale. We start off with a video of possibly the most hellish room you could ever experience. Brian discusses with Michael and Greg, how to handle a situation like that, and sticking up for the customer in general. Brian began his career in the lighting industry with Pacific Lamp Wholesale, in 2009. Before Pacific Lamp he sold radiant floor heating, solar electric, and solar water systems. That is how he got started working with utility rebates and tax credit programs. Pacific Lamp founder Dave Junkin, a founding member of NAILD, came out of retirement, and Brian was the first person he hired after his son decided to do another line of work. Dave took him under my wing and taught him everything he knows about the business. Brian purchased the company from him in 2019. Brian would like to see more sustainable lighting and better standards of uniformity and would like to contribute to making the industry a better place with more collaboration between manufacturers and distributors to give end users better quality fixtures. He would love to see higher end lines manufactured in the US again! He is a huge advocate for dark sky friendly and animal friendly lighting that has purpose with the correct color and distribution based on the application. 

Alex and Paulina are our first guests from Mexico. And they seem to have many of the same challenges as in the rest of North America - problems with Chinese products and standards and certifications, for example. They are making headway on light pollution however, starting with some dark sky compliant areas in the Baja Peninsula and working its way through Mexico. Alex is an Architect and Lighting Designer from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. With extensive experience in lighting design, mainly in the industrial and commercial sectors. He has collaborated on multiple projects to achieve green certifications, such as LEED. He is a university lecturer, teaching Lighting courses in the Architecture program. Passionate about sharing knowledge, he has conducted various workshops where light is the medium for expressing ideas. Co-founder with his wife Paulina of Wawa Lighting. Paulina is an architect from the National Technological Institute of Mexico and holds a master's degree in Lighting Design from Aalborg University in Denmark. She has over 10 years of experience collaborating on hospitality, residential, urban, and industrial projects in Mexico, the United States, and Europe. She is the co-founder of Wawa Lighting, an architectural lighting design firm. Committed to education, she actively participates in courses, diploma programs, master's programs, and workshops, where she seeks to share knowledge about the culture of light and dark skies. 

We're a little off-topic here, but it's for a good cause. Instead of the usual black tie event to raise money to fight cancer, founders of the H Foundation decided to create an uplifting event with The Goombay Bash. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and get yourself to the Navy Pier in Chicago on July 27th and help fight cancer (https://www.goombaybash.com/). While you're there, order yourself a Goombay Smash, just like the one Michael is drinking in this episode. Cortney Hausser has dedicated her career to the nonprofit industry holding numerous positions over the years in this sector. She began her career in 2010 as the Partnership Builder for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will & Grundy Counties. After leaving her position to pursue a more corporate setting, Cortney took the role as Development Associate for the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation where she advanced the fundraising efforts to support the healing mission of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. Through this role, Cortney reinvigorated the Employee Charitable Giving Program nearly doubling the amount raised year over year. In October of 2015, Cortney made the decision to pursue a new role within the cancer nonprofit sector. Cortney began her position as Executive Director of The H Foundation in December of 2015. As Executive Director of The H Foundation, Cortney sits on the Advisory Board for the Friends of the Lurie Cancer Center. She was the recipient of the 2019 West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry 30 Under 40 Award, graduate of the 2014 Adventist Hospital Emerging Leader Program, a prior member of the Exchange Club of Joliet and the recipient of the 2012 Exchange Club of Joliet William H. Lipsey "Rookie of the Year" Award. John Rot is a proven community and charitable leader. He started his career doing business valuations as a part of the appraisal group for Arthur Anderson. After leaving this position, John managed Hortons of La Grange, Inc., a pillar in La Grange since 1896. After two years in a management position, John purchased the company and created the business we know today as Hortons Home Lighting. This business propelled John's track record as an experienced businessman. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to opportunities of investment and ownership in the La Grange Theater, Q-BBQ, and The Hot Dog & Burger Co. His advocacy to the La Grange community drove him to invest in a $2 million renovation of the historic La Grange Theater in order to maintain this community asset. Through his business ventures, John has served as an Advisory Board member for the largest co-op in the lighting industry and as an Advisory Board member for the Friends of the Lurie Cancer Center. He was the recipient of the 2016 Business Person of the Year for the Rotary Club of La Grange, 2005 La Grange Business Association Person of the year, and served as the 2004 La Grange Business Association President. John is a Founding Father and the current President of The H Foundation. 

Let's go back to the time when people accepted that light bulbs would burn out. Michael calls it a “pseudo subscription model.” You could sell light bulbs to customers on a pretty regular schedule. We don't need to tell you how that changed with the advent of LED. Michael and Greg discuss how distributors should react to the change.

Deborah Gottesman is a lighting Designer in Michael's neck of the woods. Gottesman Associates has been designing lights since 1999. Deborah stresses, as a lighting designer, to consider what's best for the client. For instance, one client who was visually impaired, needed to see everything. So a design with contrast and shadows, which would be pleasing for most of us, just wouldn't work for this person. The “intention” in this case was flat, even lighting, and that was the best design for that customer. Deborah has a unique contextual understanding of lighting from all perspectives; her career spans over 30 years in all facets of the lighting industry including design, engineering, management, education, and manufacturing. An electrical engineer with an MBA in Real Property, Deborah has successfully worked on projects in many sectors, with particular expertise in Heritage, Residential, and Commercial projects. She has taught lighting at all levels to a wide audience from students at colleges and universities to senior architects. Deborah currently sits on the Illuminating Engineering Society Residential Lighting Committee, and is a past president of the Toronto Section. She also currently sits on the Canadian National Committee of the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE). 

Sure, Jon sells light bulbs, but he also sells safety and risk mitigation. First, by installing the right bulb in the right position, safety is increased, and second, by installing a longer lasting bulb and requiring someone to climb up and change it less often, he is mitigating risk. If you're doing it right, you'll NEVER have OSHA involved. Jon Rud is an accomplished sales executive with over a decade of experience in the electrical and lighting industries. Currently serving as the VP of Sales for the Americas at Dialight, Jon has been with the company since 2012, where he has held various pivotal roles after having started as a regional sales manager. Prior to his current position, he served as the Director of Sales for the Gulf region for seven years and the Global Strategic Accounts Manager for two years. Before joining Dialight, Jon developed his expertise in the electrical industry with business development at Graybar and previous to that served as the Industrial Manager for Border States Electric for three years. A dedicated member of the Green Building Council since 2011, Jon is committed to promoting sustainable building practices and innovative lighting. 

If you want to REALLY become technically proficient about lighting, get on grow lighting. Taylor Schaberg has been in the business for quite awhile and he tells us he's still learning. You want to light a warehouse, throw up some high bays. You want to light a cannabis greenhouse? Wait a minute, what strain of cannabis is it? How strong do you want it to be? Then there are the controls that you need to set to mimic night and day. And then there's the heat and moisture controls! Taylor is all for educating lighting professionals who want to get into the grow lighting business. After you listen to this episode, check out Taylors podcast, Get Up & Grow (activegrowled.com/en-ca/pages/the-get-up-and-grow-podcast). Taylor is the Founder and CEO of Active Grow. He started working in lighting back in 2011 when he lived in a factory in Nanjing, China. This was during the time when commercial LEDs were starting to flood the American and European markets. He then got a job with Green Creative in Shanghai during their early days, as a product manager. He was always intrigued by how spectrums can manipulate organic life, and the idea of sustainable food and medicine production. So he designed and built an LED prototype to test on a friend's cannabis farm in California. The tests were successful so he drove a beat up van full of samples from Eau Claire, WI to Seattle, WA and started Active Grow. In the early days of the company he lived on a cannabis farm, did hands-on research and learned what it takes to grow healthy and thriving plants. Today Active Grow offers a variety of grow lights not only for cannabis growers but microgreen businesses, mushroom farms, vertical farms, plant-based food production facilities and more. 

If you don't know who Bill Brown was, you weren't in the lighting industry. From founding Bill Brown Sales at the kitchen table with his wife Norma in 1955, to creating A.L.P manufacturing in 1972, Bill was a force in the industry. Known for his mutual respect, philanthropy and hard work, he received numerous industry awards over his lifetime. We were lucky enough to have him as a guest way back on episode 10 in 2017. Please enjoy this retrospective and encore presentation. https://www.billbrownsales.com/ 

Like many of us, India “fell” into lighting. Except India's interest is in the history of Los Angeles street lighting, from the “moon towers” of the 1880's, to the Golden Age of street lighting in the 40's and 50's to the skyrocketing of street lighting over crime concerns in the 60's. Some of these classic light poles are still in use, but alas, with copper wire theft and some of these cast iron poles being literally ripped out of the ground and taken for scrap metal, we may be losing the beauty of the past. Come on, leave the street lights alone! India Mandelkern was born in Los Angeles, California, received her B.A. from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, and received her Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Berkeley. After all this school, she made her way back to Los Angeles, where she has worked as a curator, consultant, and critic, writing on art, culture, design, and cities for a variety of publications, both local and national. From 2016-2018 she served as a fellow at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where she got interested in public art and worked as the speechwriter for the CEO. During her tenure there, she created a 'field guide' to the 16 different 1920s and 1930s streetlight designs included in Chris Burden's famous streetlight sculpture located at LACMA's south entrance, Urban Light. The guide became an overnight hit at the museum, which led her down a rabbit hole, so to speak, and resulted in her latest book, Electric Moons: A Social History of Street Lighting in Los Angeles, published in late 2023 by Hat & Beard Press. In the book, she uses the streetlight as a "flashlight" to reexamine the history of LA, looking at how lighting shaped conversations about civic identity, transportation, policing, and the definition of public space, to name a few. She currently works at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) –– a fortuitously "streetlight-adjacent" gig –– where she oversees the agency's blog and writes about Metro construction projects and policies. 

Paolo is your typical customer for a lighting distributor or a contractor. The misinformation on LED lifecycles, the difficulty in replacing drivers, and the sheer waste that has been created prompts Paolo to label the whole system as a Ponzy scheme. How many electricians does it take to change a light bulb? The joke's on you because on many fixtures, you can't change the bulb.Paolo Cordovado is a Building Operator at Avison Young Real Estate Management Services, recognized as BOMA Toronto's 2023 Emerging Leader of the Year. With a decade of experience, Paolo is a key member of the Ontario Operations Team, overseeing two buildings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). He excels in problem-solving, preventive maintenance, and tenant relations, earning a reputation as the go-to person for building needs. Paolo's professionalism extends beyond his role, actively contributing to industry groups, mentoring new operators, and spearheading innovative initiatives such as e-waste recycling and piloting barcoding systems for preventive maintenance tasks. As a member of Avison Young's Global Operations Task Force, Paolo is shaping the future of CRE operations, demonstrating leadership and dedication to excellence in building management.  Connect with Paolo: www.linkedin.com/in/paolocordovado/ linkedin Group- Building Operations-  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9127092/ Newsletter- https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/lets-talk-building-operations-7097993398795595777/ 

Mike is a member of AAILA and he'll tout the benefits all day long, from assistance and support to education, just like NAILD does for independent lighting distributors. AAILA brings together independent lighting agents and makes them “stronger together.” When he's not volunteering for AAILA, he and his company are working on projects like lighting the longest enclosed pedestrian bridge in the world. (https://www.durhamregion.com/news/lighting-up-the-pickering-skyline/article_008e7f09-f2f4-5d10-96bc-0601ce2c4f33.html) The vision for Mike's company, Visionz, is simple: be dedicated to the customer experience, partner with premier brands, and support the design community on their projects from start to finish. You'll have to listen to the end to hear what Michael and Greg think is the best explanation they've heard for what an agent is. A Canadian with over 24 years in the lighting industry, Mike Hamilton's experience in the lighting specification community is extensive, having been a part of the 12V LED lighting market, from its inception. Mike has led national sales teams and participated in their product design & development initiatives. All prior to entering the lighting specification market in Toronto. Mike has participated in a number of media attention grabbing projects, like the lighting of the longest enclosed pedestrian bridge in the world. Mike is currently the principal of Visionz Inc. a prominent Toronto based Architectural Products agency, that is focused on the creation of specifications in the areas of Architectural Lighting, Landscape Furnishings, and integration of Architectural Elements. 

Luminaire Level Lighting Controls. Is it time? Bruce and Angela think so. With wireless and Bluetooth maturing, the time may be right to NOT rip out walls and old control boxes, and just install LLLC. Now lighting controls are accessible to contractors and end users. Everybody's happy. Okay maybe it's not quite that simple. Listen to this one to hear about the promises and the challenges of LLLC. Angela Pilant has more than 25 years of experience working within the lighting and energy industries. She has a diverse background as a utility specialist, manufacturer's representative, and consultant. She has worked at Evergreen Energy Partners since 2009 and specializes in market and trend analysis, utility program development, client engagement strategies, and training. She is a certified instructor for the Building Operator Certification Program (BOC) and has earned a Lighting Certified Professional designation from NCQLP. Bruce Hemmelman has more than 30 years of experience in the lighting and lighting controls industries. He has worked for lighting and lighting controls manufacturers as a Product and Sales Manager, as a manufacturer's representative and currently as a consultant. His current focus is promoting market transformation and adoption of Luminaire Level Lighting Controls working with the electrical specification, distribution and contractor market segments. 

We've all heard about AI by now. But probably not everyone really understands what it's about. Pete Grett is kinda counting on that a little. As he says, using AI is pretty simple, but people just want others to do it for them. That's where Pete steps in. He wants to help individuals be more efficient by taking away tasks and giving them to AI to perform. But don't tell the boss. Just produce your usual level of productivity, then with your spare time watch or listen to Get A Grip On Lighting episodes! Pete started in supply chain 25 years ago as a temp worker in a warehouse. He rose to operational leadership in a variety of roles before moving to system implementations and support. Eventually, Pete took on leadership responsibility at what became FedEx Supply Chain. Pete oversaw system solution design, sales, and implementation for the two largest verticals at FedEx. Pete took that experience and many key resources and started his own consulting firm, The Blackrock Group, offering Supply chain management and system consulting. The Blackrock Group now has clients and uses resources all over the globe With a keen eye for innovation, Pete is now steering into the future with Blackrock Software Company, where he's embracing the transformative power of generative AI. Under his #TechSherpa brand, he's dedicated to guiding businesses through the evolving landscape of technology, ensuring they stay ahead in today's digital ascent. Join Pete as he unpacks the complexities of supply chains and explores the frontiers of artificial intelligence. 

You will remember Dr. James from episode 291 in December 2022. She's written a couple of books about light and health since then (see below). Light and its relation to circadian health keeps popping up on this podcast. There's no doubt there's something to it. But even Dr. James will tell you, the best way to deal with it is to go outside and let the rays from that big light in the sky hit you. Dr Shelley James is an international expert on light and well-being, TEDx and keynote speaker, Author, WELL Advisor and Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art. She is also a trained glass artist and electrician. Shelley is on a mission to inspire others to harness the power of the humble lightbulb to be healthier, happier and help to save the planet too. Clients include global lighting and technology brands and regulators, healthcare and education trusts, architects and designers, academic institutions and museums. A recent social media campaign to raise awareness of the impact of light on teens was translated into three languages and reached over 2.5 million people around the world. Her TEDx talk was the third-most watched in the world in the month following the launch. Connect with Dr. James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shelley-james-53592229/, https://www.facebook.com/DrShelleyJames/ https://twitter.com/DrShelleyJames/ https://www.instagram.com/drshelleyjames/ www.ageoflightinnovations.com

What exactly is the National Lighting Bureau? Well, Tom can tell us because he is now the Executive Director. He gives us a sneak peak on what's ahead for the Bureau. Tom also explains three personal goals he has as Director: increasing member benefits, outreach to like-minded organizations, and public outreach. The topic of transformation comes up between Tom, Michael and Greg. Is it coming? Listen to this episode to find out. Tom Butters, LC, is the creative mind and developer behind some of the most well received educational tools and events of the global lighting industry. Since 1986, Tom has worked in or served the entire array of the lighting industry. He uses this diverse background and empathy to understand the needs of the individual or organization to deliver high quality lighting education to suit the precise needs of the user. Tom is a proud board member of the Nuckolls' Fund for Lighting Education and an Emeritus Member of the IES. As the Senior Manager then Director of Canlyte/Philips Lighting Concept Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from 2000 to 2016, Tom developed and delivered top level lighting education to thousands of attendees in all segments of the lighting industry. 

From billionaires' butler to very successful owner of 3 hair salons with 77 employees (which also meant 77 headaches) to lighting designer and decorative lighting store retailer. William has always had a knack for what looks good and that has served him well as a lighting designer. When he's not out designing the interior and exterior lighting of a home, he's minding the store in Santa Barbara (lightandhome.com). William George has been a photographer, interior designer, art historian, theatrical set and lighting designer, and successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. He has always loved lighting and design and brings his fresh perspective and design sensibility to Light + Home 

Two interesting perspectives on the lighting distribution industry: Sean Valliere who knew nothing about the lighting industry when he became an owner of Lamp Sales Unlimited, and Miranda Shepherd, who worked at Lamp Sales Unlimited for 23 years and also became an owner. Sean and Miranda discuss how they keep customers coming back by carefully choosing the right stock and having better customer service than the other guys. Sean Valliere moved from Pennsylvania at the age of 19 to Jacksonville FL where he worked in Supply Chain and Logistics management for 20 years. He spent 9 years at UPS, 4 years at Grainger and 7 years in Medical Logistics. In November of 2021, Sean's family along with Miranda Shepherd acquired Lamp Sales Unlimited Inc. A 40-year-old Lighting Distributor with locations in Jacksonville FL and Orlando FL. Sean serves alongside Miranda as a VP to oversee operations and day to day business functions in both Jacksonville and Orlando FL. Miranda Shepherd, a Jacksonville, FL native, has 37 years of experience in the wholesale lighting industry, 23 of those years with Lamp Sales Unlimited. Her lighting career began with a 22-branch multi-state firm in inside sales selling residential lighting, and after 3 years was promoted to outsides sales and later to Branch Manager. Miranda started at Lamp Sales Unlimited in 2001 in outside sales and over the years served in multiple roles including Sales and General Manager. Miranda became one of the managing partners in 2021 and currently serves as Lamp Sales Vice President and General Manager.