Lighting for Profits is your #1 source for all things landscape lighting. Whether you are looking to learn about lighting design, lighting installation, or just need helpful tips on how to start or grow your landscape lighting business, you are in the right place. We will discuss how to go from being business operator to business owner.
If you want to increase your profits, you'll need to focus on 3 things: Increasing your price, Increasing your # of qualified leads, Increasing your closing rate. With over 14 years of experience in the landscape lighting industry, Ryan Lee reveals the secrets behind his success in the landscape lighting industry.
After selling his multi-million dollar landscape lighting company in 2019, Ryan Lee started Landscape Lighting Secrets - The world’s first business coaching program dedicated to the landscape lighting industry. Although it wasn’t always easy and perfect, Ryan had figured out ways to grow his lighting business faster and smoother than his competition. Ryan now dedicates his time to helping others start and grow their own landscape lighting businesses and divisions. So far, Ryan has helped Landscape Lighting Secrets members generate over $40 million in revenue from landscape lighting.
To learn more about Ryan Lee's coaching program, visit: https://landscapelightingsecrets.com
Contact EmeryAllen through their website and mention Lighting For Profits to get contractor pricing.
From hand-lettering trucks at 14 to leading the world’s most awarded home service branding agency, Dan Antonelli’s journey is proof that passion fuels success. In this LFP episode, discover how the President and Creative Director of KickCharge™ Creative has built over 2000 brands, authored four books, and revolutionized service business design—one logo and truck wrap at a time.
JC Chanowsky — The Freedom Maker — helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time, energy, and purpose. From military discipline to 7-figure strategy, JC brings you no-fluff insights to fuel your freedom.
In this episode of Lighting For Profits, we’re joined by Paul Mulkey Jr., the powerhouse behind Landscape Lighting of Charleston and a generational landscape services business known for crafting some of Charleston’s most high-end gardens. Paul shares how shifting from chasing “vanity revenue” to focusing on “sanity profit” completely transformed his business—and how Landscape Lighting Secrets (LLS) helped him triple his revenue without sacrificing profitability.
With over 35 years of lighting industry expertise, Tom Garber dives into the brilliance behind product innovation, engineering standards, and the future of illumination. Join a seasoned ALA and UL committee member as he shares deep insights, untold stories, and what’s next for lighting technology.
From lighting up landscapes to lighting up life - William Coggins shares how discipline, design, and grit fueled his rise from NCAA wrestling champ to founder of a 7-figure outdoor lighting firm. Hear how this family-first entrepreneur blends artistry and ambition in business and beyond.
Meet Peter O’Flinn, the man behind Light Up Naples and Spotlight News Magazine. From decorating one home in 2018 to lighting up an entire community, Peter’s story is one of passion, partnerships, and staying rooted. Hear how a Christmas gig turned into a yearly tradition and why family and community are at the heart of everything he does.
Unlock the next level of your business as we welcome Mike Andes, founder of Augusta Lawn Care, Copilot CRM, and The Turnaround Show. With over 170 franchise locations under his belt, Mike breaks down real strategies, mindset shifts, and step-by-step actions to help home service and small business owners grow fast and profit big. If you're stuck, scaling, or starting—this show is your next move.
Join us as we dive into the world of outdoor illumination with Patrick Harders—nationally recognized lighting designer, Sterling Lighting Co-Founder, and industry pioneer. With over 25 years of hands-on experience and multiple international design awards under his belt, Patrick shares his journey, insights, and vision for the future of landscape lighting. Whether you're an aspiring designer, seasoned pro, or lighting enthusiast, this episode will shine a light on the art, science, and soul behin...
We’ve made it to Episode 200! 💡 Join host Ryan Lee for a milestone celebration of Lighting for Profits as we reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to what’s next. This special edition features surprise guests, unfiltered stories, and powerful lessons from some of the brightest minds in the outdoor lighting industry. Whether you've been here since episode one or just tuning in, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs you won't want to miss. Celebrate. Reflect. L...
If you're tired of being the first one in, the last one out, and the only one who knows what's going on, this one's for you. Danny Kerr, co-founder of Breakthrough Academy, has helped thousands of contractors escape the daily grind and build businesses that actually run without them. In this episode, he unpacks what that transition really looks like and how to structure your company for long-term growth. We’re talking smart org charts, clear roles, job costing that tells the truth, and KPIs that...
What began with a failed lighting company in 1996 turned into a remarkable journey of resilience, risk-taking, and reinvention. From publishing a sports newspaper to leading national sales and co-founding a thriving landscape and lighting business, each step built the foundation. Now, as Senior Sales Director at Wintergreen Corporation, this story proves that setbacks are setups for a brighter future.
Meet Joshua Latimer — a first-generation entrepreneur who went from humble beginnings to building and exiting 4 companies, launching a million-download podcast, and founding the FRAP Challenge. Discover how he helps business owners double their profit without spending a dime on ads.
Go behind the brilliance with Keith Rosser—father, grandfather, husband, and the powerhouse behind Landscape Lighting Pro. With over a decade of lighting up the outdoors and leading a passionate team of 15, Keith shares his journey of growth, grit, and glowing success. Now partnering with a national industry leader, he’s scaling new heights and spreading illumination nationwide. This is more than lighting—it’s legacy.
This week on the show we welcome Eric Holmgren — After 15 years in the music industry as an artist, producer, and audio engineer—and backed by a background in exercise science and clinical psychology— he built a lighting business from scratch. He's bought out competitors, survived the struggle, and learned what it really takes to win. This podcast is for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone wired for more. Real talk. Real strategies. Real growth.
This week on the show we welcome Dan Platta — the self-proclaimed nerd behind Best Damn Bookkeeping. With a background in corporate life and experience scaling home service businesses, Dan now helps small business owners make sense of their finances… with a side of humor. If you're into serious business talk with a not-so-serious tone, this episode is your jam. Tune in as we dive into money, mindset, and a few unexpected laughs.
This week on the show we welcome Andy Thomas, whose’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion for landscape lighting. With over two decades in the industry—from distribution to design—Andy has not only mastered his craft but become a guiding light for others. Tune in as he shares his journey, lessons learned, and how he's helping shape the future of lighting professionals one connection at a time.
This week on the show we welcome Sam Taggart who has knocked on more doors than most people open in a lifetime. In this high-energy episode, the CEO of D2D Experts and Founder of D2DCON dives into his journey of hustle, heart, and hard-hitting sales lessons. Learn how Sam went from door-to-door rookie to one of the most influential voices in the direct sales industry — sharing stages with legends like John Maxwell, Jordan Peterson, and Eric Thomas. Whether you're in sales or just love a good und...
This week on the show we welcome Chris Apfelstadt, whose story is one of discovery, creativity, and impact. As a father of three and a visionary lighting designer, Chris has made a career out of seeing what others overlook. In this episode, we dive into his philosophy on revealing beauty through light, the emotional connection behind every design, and how his adventurous lifestyle fuels his creativity. From coaching wrestling to chasing the perfect glow—this is a conversation about purpose, pass...
This week on the show we welcome Tom Garber, With over 35 years of experience in the lighting industry, we specialize in developing cutting-edge products for all lighting channels. As an active member of the American Lighting Association (ALA) and the UL Technical Committee, we contribute to shaping industry standards and engineering advancements.
This week, we sit down with TJ Lucero, founder of Redwoods Landscape Lighting. With a unique business background and years of innovation, he’s redefining outdoor lighting. Join us as he makes his full-length podcast debut and shares the vision behind Redwoods' groundbreaking products.
This week on the show we welcome Joshua, a traveler, entrepreneur, and coach passionate about creating exceptional outdoor spaces and empowering business owners. He founded MasterPLAN Outdoor Living and YES Express Sales Academy, helping landscapers scale their businesses. As host of The Sales Made Simple Podcast, he shares insights on sales, growth, and success. An avid mountain climber, he embraces challenges with a drive for impact and innovation.
This week on the show we welcome, Greg Matthews, the owner of Luxury Illumination, a nationally recognized leader in outdoor lighting with locations in West Palm Beach, Denver, and Nashville. A CLVLT and COLD-certified expert, he also serves on the AOLP board and mentors at illi. As a Coastal Source Brand Ambassador, Greg continues to push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship in outdoor lighting.
This week on the show we welcome Team Easy Money. Including Jesse, a creative director who lives with his wife and three daughters in Salt Lake. His journey includes a church mission in England and selling religious videos in Nevada. Jeremy, a graphic designer, is passionate about music and motorcycles, having evolved through various eras, from punk rock to his current Taylor Swift phase. He’s also a husband, father, and zero-calorie soda lover. James, a close friend of Ryan Lee for over 30 year...
This week on the show we welcome, Ryan Fenn, a husband and proud father of 4, who achieved 7-figure success with text messaging and automation. This led him to create CHIIRP, a tool designed to help companies replicate his marketing success. Passionate about automation, Ryan has helped over 1,000 businesses, from startups to 9-figure companies, implement revenue-generating automations at every stage of the customer journey.
This week on the show we welcome, Vince Palasota is a serial entrepreneur with over 35 years in the Animal Health industry, known for turning ideas into thriving businesses. From leading Med-Pharmex to founding Cornerstone Animal Health, he has built companies across healthcare, technology, sports, and marketing. Currently the President of North America for Felix Vet and Owner of Inception Lighting, Vince specializes in branding, strategic growth, and exit planning. A Texas A&M graduate with...
This week on the show we welcome, Angela Chanowsky, a visionary entrepreneur, founder of Unique Genius Virtual Assistants, and a dynamic business coach with 25+ years of experience. She empowers entrepreneurs to thrive in their "unique genius" through strategic innovation, transformative leadership, and bold insights shared via her Amazon best-seller, The Courageous Mind, and her engaging podcasts. A sought-after speaker, Angela inspires audiences worldwide to embrace courage, achieve success, a...
This week on the podcast we welcome, Kenny Kaufman, who began his landscape lighting career in 2004 as an installer and opened his first OLP location in 2007 at age 23. Since then, he's built a network of 10 OLP franchises, 3 Conserva Irrigation franchises, a Mosquito Squad franchise, and consulted at Redwoods Landscape Lighting, a game-changing lighting manufacturing business.
This week on the show we welcome Nicole Rivera, the Director of Marketing and Sales at Jill’s Office, with a rich background in People and Culture. Known for her expertise in leadership, vision, and team building, Nicole combines entrepreneurial insight with a passion for fostering positive company culture. Her journey in HR, business development, and marketing showcases her dedication to turning big-picture ideas into actionable realities while inspiring others to embrace growth and adaptabilit...
This week we welcome Jake Sittner, a proud Lincoln, NE native with a Horticulture Degree in Landscape Design from the University of Nebraska who has spent the past 12 years manufacturing and installing bollards. With his wife of 16 years and their three boys, they enjoy family time at their sports events. Leveraging his extensive expertise in residential and commercial bollard applications, Jake is focused on empowering contractors nationwide to enhance their projects and create remarkable space...
This week on the show we welcome, Peter O’Flinn, founder of Light Up Naples Holiday & Outdoor Lighting, he has been creating festive home displays since 2018, with loyal clients returning year after year. He is also the President and Publisher of Spotlight News Magazine, a community publication he established in 2010. Peter and his wife, Katie, met as ski instructors in Vail, CO, and now reside in Bonita Springs, Florida, with their two daughters, Molly and Emily.
