AOLP LightLines Spring 2024

Outstanding in His Field

AOLP Honors Paul Gosselin Sr. with Industry Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to Outdoor Lighting Design

The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals annually awards the prestigious AOLP Industry Achievement Award in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by individuals in this industry.

This year’s recipient is Paul Gosselin, Sr., CLVLT, COLD, owner of Nightscenes Landscape Lighting Professionals Paul is recognized for his significant contributions to the advancement of outdoor lighting design.

Paul’s journey in the industry started in the early 2000s when he was a struggling electrician in a small town. He was looking for something to set himself apart from the competition when one of his clients asked for extra lighting in their backyard. This was the turning point in Paul’s career as he discovered his passion for landscape lighting.

Landscape lighting was a relatively new industry then, and Paul spent an intense weekend on the Internet researching and learning about the craft. With a hesitant nod from his wife, Patty, Paul founded his company.

Paul’s passion for learning led him to join the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals, where he became an active member, serving as an officer and even as the association’s president. He honed his craft by attending seminars, webinars, and training schools, including the Janet Moyer Landscape Lighting School (now the International Landscape Lighting Institute) in 2008. He also earned AOLP certifications as a Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician and as a Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer.

Over the years, Paul’s expertise in outdoor lighting design has earned him multiple awards. He has been generous in sharing his knowledge and wisdom with others in the industry, making himself available to those interested in improving trade standards. In 2007, he published a book, The Landscape Lighting Guide, specifically for outdoor lighting entrepreneurs and contractors. This book has been a go-to resource for many people in the industry.

Paul’s exceptional contribution to the advancement of outdoor lighting design and his passion for education and sharing his knowledge has made him an outstanding ambassador for AOLP. He has promoted standards and education for the industry, making him a mentor to many young professionals.

Even as he prepares for the next chapter of his life, Paul remains committed to the continuing education of outdoor lighting contractors and designers. He plans to host a webinar for AOLP later this year, and he is passing on the responsibilities of his successful company to his son, Paul Jr.

We thank Paul for his passion for outdoor lighting design, commitment to education, and generosity in sharing his knowledge have made him a valuable member of the industry.

Upcoming Webinar

Thoughtful Lighting Design for Small Homes

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 2 p.m. Eastern Presented by Chris Mitchell, COLD

Learn from a seasoned pro who’s been in the business for 25 years about how to elevate lighting design on small residential homes.

This webinar will cover:

• Where to begin,

• What to look for, and

• How to communicate these elements with detail, effectiveness, and respect to the homeowner.

This interactive webinar will provide information for all outdoor lighting company employees. Whether you’re taking the first step in design or refining your mastered craft, join us as Chris dives deep into mastering lighting design for small residential homes.

Chris Mitchell

Chris Mitchell, COLD, is the lead designer of NiteLiters Inc. in Owensboro, Kentucky. Founded in 1998, this family-owned business focuses on using outdoor lighting to transform ordinary outdoor living spaces into places of art and beauty that customers will enjoy for years to come.

Chris is an active speaker and educator on low-voltage lighting design and sales. Recently, he presented at Equip Exposition among other events. He is active with AOLP as a former Board and committee member. He is also a mentor with the ILLI Intensive Course and an advisor/educator with ELLI.

President’s Message

by Nick Schriver, CLVLT

Dear Members of the AOLP,

It is an honor and a pleasure to be the next president of this association.

As I reflect on when I joined in 2009, it is truly amazing what we have accomplished together over the years. I am filled with pride and gratitude for the dedication and hard work of each and every one of our members. Our association has grown and flourished thanks to our collective efforts.

As we look towards the future, it is important for us to continue striving for progress and growth. Our association can potentially make an even greater impact in our industry. This can be achieved through constant innovation, adaptation to changing times and a strong consistency and continuation of our conference and certification programs.

AOLP is ready for the challenge! I know because I saw its future shining bright at this year’s Illuminate. Our members’ enthusiasm for the future of the association was clearly evident, and I’m sure that we will continue to work towards growth and progress in the coming years.

I am confident that, with our shared vision and commitment, we can overcome any challenges ahead and continue to build a thriving and influential association.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We are better together.

Looking forward to an exciting 2024!

Nick Schriver, CLVLT

Thanks Andy!

Andy Thomas’ Board Presidency Comes to an Exciting Close

The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals expresses its gratitude for the dedicated service and leadership of Andy Thomas, CLVLT, COLD during his successful term as President of the AOLP Board. We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Always a brand champion and spokesman for the industry, Andy freely shares his knowledge and expertise. He recently contributed to an article in Better Homes & Gardens on outdoor motion sensor lights. You can read the full article by clicking on THIS LINK .

Andy Thomas, COLD, CLVLT posing with Bill Knowles, CLVLT at Illuminate ’23.

Illuminate ‘24 Was a Platform for Outdoor Lighting Professionals to Learn, Network and Grow

Illuminate ‘24 was a remarkable opportunity for outdoor lighting professionals to exchange their knowledge, skills and experiences.

It provided a platform for attendees to learn about the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in the outdoor lighting industry. The sessions were informative, engaging, and interactive. The roundtable discussions were particularly helpful, allowing attendees to share their thoughts and ideas with their peers.

The presenters deserve a special mention for their insights and experiences, which proved invaluable to the attendees. Our volunteers, Conference Committee and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the conference ran smoothly also deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.

The city of San Antonio was a wonderful host city for the conference. Attendees had an especially fun time on Friday night at the Alamo, where AOLP member, Joel Mayor of Texas Landscape Lighting, showcased his lighting work on the historic site. It was an inspiring opportunity for attendees to see his work and impact. We will always remember the Alamo!

Illuminate ‘24 was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and grow in the outdoor lighting industry. The impact of this conference on the industry is sure to be felt for years to come. Once again, thanks to everyone who made this event a success. We will see you next year in beautiful Clearwater Beach!

Ryan Jaso and Nick Schriver, CLVLT presented Paul Gosselin, Sr., CLVLT, COLD, with the 2024 Industry Achievement Award.

“This year’s AOLP conference in San Antonio, Texas was absolutely outstanding. The classes and Expo for outdoor lighting were great, and it was incredibly informative. I met and had conversations with multiple new landscape designers from all over the country. I’m truly looking forward to next year’s event.”

— Jim Corbett, Light Up Columbus

AOLP’s COLD Committee

Congratulations to the 2024 CLVLT Graduates!

“If you are in the landscape lighting industry, becoming a member of AOLP and attending Illuminate is a must. I have always gotten nuggets that I get from speakers, roundtable discussions, or other members that I can implement into my business to help advance it in a great way.”

— Shaun Omar, CLVLT, Outdoor Lighting Experts, Inc

“Illuminate is the only event in the USA dedicated to just outdoor lighting. If you are in the landscape lighting industry, you need to be here!”

— Tom Garber, CLVLT, EmeryAllen, LLC

AOLP Executive Director Lisa Ruggiers and Joel Mayor of Texas Outdoor Lighting at the Alamo.

Nick Schriver Named New Board President

The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals is pleased to announce that Nick Schriver, CLVLT, has been named as its new Board President.

Nick is a well-known expert in the field of outdoor lighting, and his peers have recognized his dedication to excellence and commitment to the industry. He is the founder of Clearwater, Florida-based Decorating Elves. The company provides high-quality, innovative, and sustainable outdoor lighting designs for both residential and commercial projects.

As the President of AOLP, Nick will guide our association’s strategic direction, foster professional development, and advocate for the highest standards in the outdoor lighting industry. We believe that his leadership will bring a fresh perspective and drive our mission to promote the success and growth of our members.

Nick expressed his gratitude and excitement about the new role, stating, “I am honored to be elected President of AOLP. I look forward to working with the Board and our members to advance the outdoor lighting profession and ensure we continue to set the standard for excellence in our industry.”

The Board elected Schriver and its officers during a special Board meeting held during Illuminate ’24.

Industry News

The Spectrum of Illumination: Navigating the Benefits and Limitations of Lighting Colors

This article from US Lighting Trends discusses the complexities of dynamic lighting colors. The article explores their advantages and limitations from three different perspectives: cold colors, warm colors, and dynamic colors, which include RGB, RGBW, and the contrast between cold white and warm white. It also looks at how these elements can be combined to create diverse lighting designs.

2024 Board of Directors

President

Nick Schriver, CLVLT Decorating Elves Clearwater, FL (800) 695 - 4837

nick@decoratingelves.com

Vice President

Chris Apfelstadt, CLVLT Light Up Columbus Dublin, OH 43017 (614) 832-3139

chris@lightupcolumbus.com

Treasurer

Matt Carli, COLD Moonlighting Landscape Lighting Systems Charleston, SC 29405 (843) 853-3221

matt@moonlightinglls.com

Secretary

Anthony Bogdanovich, CLVLT, COLD California Outdoor Lighting Harbor City, CA 90710 (310) 940 - 0731

anthony@californiaoutdoorlighting.com

Directors

Ryan Jaso Lighting BOSS Pinellas Park, FL 33782 (727) 565 - 0900

ryanj@lighting-boss.com

Greg Matthews, CLVLT, COLD Luxury Illumination West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (561) 644 -3860

greg@luxuryillumination.net

Andy Thomas, CLVLT, COLD Viewpoint Lighting Sacramento, CA (916) 501-0495

andy@viewpointlighting.com

AOLP LightLines - Spring 2024

Congratulations to Our Newest COLD and CLVLT Graduates!

AOLP proudly announces our newest Certified Outdoor Lighting Designers (COLD). These individuals completed an advanced level of specialized training in landscape lighting design and completed their certification prior to Illuminate ‘24 in San Antonio, Texas.

Anthony Bogdanovich, #2458

California Outdoor Lighting

Harbor City, CA

Frank DiMarco, #2459

DiMarco Landscape Lighting

Mount Albert, ON

Dow Fry, #2460

Irrigation & Lighting Specialties LLC

Charleston, SC

Michael Kennedy, #2461

Elegant Glow Lighting LLC

Houston, TX

Todd Lawrence, #2462

Blingle 132 - Nashville West

Franklin, TN

Baylor Rollins, #2463

Moonlighting Landscape Lighting Systems

Charleston, SC

Mark Strother, #2464

Light Your Nights Landscape Lighting, LLC

Huntersville, NC

We would also like to congratulate our newest Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technicians (CLVLT). The following individuals proved their technical knowledge through rigorous testing, including a written exam and hands-on labs prior to Illuminate ‘24.

Rishi Bansal, #2402

KeKe Lux

San Antonio, TX

Dallas Brown, #2405

Viewpoint Lighting

Sacramento, CA

Lucas Burke, #2422

Nightfall Landscape Lighting

Wyndmoor, PA

David Cavilla, #2403

Keys Landscape Lighting

Bergenfield, NJ

Ian Cordovez, #2406

Showcase Lighting

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Jetty Dooly, #2414

Evening Glow Landscape Lighting

Freeport, FL

Frank Dudzik, #2407

Light Up Columbus Plain City, OH

Jamie Frisella, #2408

Walbrandt Electric and Technology

Saint Louis, MO

Chris Geryak, #2401

Musselman Landscape Solutions

Nobelsville, IN

Michael Guyer, #2416

K2 Services, Inc.

Enka, NC

Alex Hambleton, #2415

Bella Terra Landscapes & Garden Center

Lewes, DE

Remmington Hold, #2417

Amarillo Land Services

Canyon, TX

Anthony Imondi, #2409

LDF Outdoor Lighting

Westerville, OH

Bram Morison, #2418

Orion Landscape Lighting Pros

Zephyrhills, FL

Chris Moser, #2419

Equinox Outdoor Lighting

Kingwood, TX

Isidro Orozco, #2410

Custom Lights + Shades

Burbank, CA

Scott Sim, #2411

Moon Glow Lightscapes

Drumbo, ON

Chris Thomas, #2420 Kichler Lighting Mechanicsburg, PA

Zachary Tomlin, #2404 Viewpoint Lighting Sacramento, CA

Jason Warren, #2421 Carolina Outdoor Lighting Leicester, NC

Bradley Weber, #2412 Festive Lighting Pros Sarasota, FL

John Wilson, #2413 Lights by Sparky Benton, AR

Please join us in congratulating all our graduates on their impressive accomplishments!

2024 Outdoor Lighting Awards

The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals announced the 2024 Lighting Award winners at Illuminate ‘24. The annual awards program honors remarkable projects that showcase innovative, creative and excellent lighting design and installation in various applications like: residential landscapes, commercial installations, public spaces and stunning architectural facades.

Eleven projects received the 2024 Award of Excellence in their respective categories.

of Show and Residential XXL Lighting:

Residential Large Lighting: Greg Matthews, CLVLT, COLD/Luxury Illumination for 21 South Beach Road

Residential XL Lighting: The Lighthouse Group for Colorado Nights

Residential Large Lighting: Luxury Light Outdoor Systems, Shademaster Luxury Landscapes for The Old Goat Farm

Residential Large Lighting: The Lighthouse Group for Crows Nest Residence

Commercial Lighting: Knight Lighting for Manoir Saint Sauver

Residential Small Lighting: Jesse Wisley, COLD, Mid South Night Lights for Acuff Residence

Feature-Focused Lighting: The Lighthouse Group (Lighthouse of Denver) for Sculpture Garden

Outdoor Living Lighting: The Lighthouse Group (Lighthouse of Cincinnati) for Woodside Residence

2024 Awards of Merit:

Residential XL Lighting:

Greg Matthews, CLVLT, COLD/

Luxury Illumination

Naples Oasis

Commercial Lighting:

Sestak Lighting Design

Sacramento Municipal Utility

District Substation G

Feature-Focused Lighting

Jeff Bieniewicz, COLD

Oceanview Landscapes

Swinging Reflections

Outdoor Living Lighting:

Anthony Bogdanovich, CLVLT, COLD

California Outdoor Lighting

South Bay Backyard Oasis

Holiday Lighting:

Andrew Schwindler, CLVLT, COLD

Sandy Beach Lighting and Design Co.

Purdue Painter Home

Entries for the 2025 Lighting Awards will open in late summer. Check out the Awards page on our website for details.

VB-11

VB-08

VB-09

In hardscape and masonry applications, the Versa Beam is designed to be recessed into standard 1” electrical conduit, making rough-ins simple, without the need for complicated back boxes or pour sleeves. VB-04

VERSA BEAM

The Brilliance Versa Beam is designed to be an easy-to-install, versatile light source. The Versa Beam can be used to achieve nearly any lighting configuration in landscape lighting designs. Because of its modular design, the Versa Beam can be used in hanging applications, hardscape applications, in ground applications, and overall landscape lighting. It provides indirect light for interest, as well as safety. It is dimmable with the Brilliance Dimmer and most magnetic transformers. ETL Certified for UL 1838 and CSA C22.2 Standards.

All configuration options use the same light engine with 3W, 180 lumen output, 8-15 VAC, and 90 CRI. The brass light engine housing ensures the Versa Beam dissipates heat efficiently while withstanding harsh elements and is rated IP 65. Best of all, the Versa Beam comes fully assembled with finish and configuration option of your choice already attached, so it is ready to use out of the box.

If used as a directional light, the 30-degree optic is pre-installed. If you prefer the 15, or 60 degrees, choose optic of your choice from the interchangeable options, or remove the optic for a wider beam angle. Then, simply install the fixture in one of its many applications.

Welcome, New Members

Advanced Lightscaping

Mike Soifer, Park Ridge, Ill.

Aquasense Irrigation Services LLC

Julio Cesar Gordillo, Houston, Texas

Blingle 100 - Omaha

Darin Engelbart, Omaha, Neb.

Blingle 105 - Greater Sugar Land

Darry McDowell, Rosenberg, Texas

Blingle 108 - Greater Austin

Dawn Cobler, Driftwood, Texas

Blingle 113 - Portland

Alexander Quataert, Portland, Maine

Blingle 114 - Northwest DFW

Brad McEowen, Plano, Texas

Blingle 117 - Frisco

Christine Kornegay, Lewisville, Texas

Blingle 124 - North Austin

Stacy Brown, Pflugerville, Texas

Blingle 130 - Oklahoma City

Devin Jackson, Edmond, Okla.

Blingle 131 - Greater Fort Collins

Philip Schuyler, Fort Collins, Colo.

Blingle 134 - Texas Hill Country

Rich Schneider, Boerne, Texas

Blingle 137 - Murfreesboro

Michael O’Neal, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Blingle 138 - Marietta

Eric Mesimer, Marietta, Ga.

Blingle 140 - St. Augustine

Darin VanLandingham, St. Augustine, Fla.

Blingle 141 - NW Minneapolis

Brad Sullivan, Maple Grove, Minn.

Blingle 142 - North Milwaukee

Brett Benson, Mequon, Wis.

Blingle 143 - Toledo

Patrick Steiner, Maumee, Ohio

Blingle 144 - South Boston

Patrick Purtell, Weymouth, Mass.

Blingle 147 - Twin Cities North (MN)

Keith Hug, New Brighton, Minn.

Blingle 148 - Jacksonville

Dipak Rajhansa, Jacksonville, Fla.

Blingle 149 - SW St. Louis

Kate Schoffman, Chesterfield, Mo.

Blingle 151 - Chandler

Robert Keating, Chandler, Ariz.

Blingle 152 - Eastern Indianapolis

Yan Folck, Indianapolis, Ind.

Blingle 153 - Fairfield County

Roger Arjoon, Short Hills, N.J.

Blingle 154 - the Lowcountry

David Proctor, Bluffton, S.C.

Blingle 155 - Greater Naples

Cheryl Alker, Cape Coral, Fla.

CLS Outdoor Environments

Ace Emerick, Ontario, Calif.

Custom Lights + Shades

Skip Marsh, Burbank, Calif.

David J Frank Landscape Contracting, INC.

Erik Dyba, Germantown, Wis.

Equinox Outdoor Lighting

Chris Moser, Humble, Texas

First in Lights and Design

Marshall, Henry, Aurora, Colo.

Get Lit Lighting

Scott Beard, Cape Coral, Fla.

Hampton Lights

Scott Armusewicz, Wainscott, N.Y.

HIS Lighting LLC

Amy Hammond, Cave Creek, Ariz.

HS Landscapes

Hal Stringer, Thomasville, Ga.

in-lite design

BV

Jaap-Jene Langevoord, Gorinchem

Jackson Lighting

Wes Jackson, Dripping Springs, Texas

K2 Services, Inc.

Kevin McRae, Enka, N.C.

KeKe Lux

Rishi Bansal, San Antonio, Texas

Keys Landscape Lighting

David Cavilla, Big Pine Key, Fla.

LandLux LLC

Shane O’Keeffe, COLD, Southampton, N.Y.

Light Up Permanent Exterior Lighting

Kevin Pruett, Midlothian, Texas

LoneStar Lighting and Audio

Lyons Whitmore, Montgomery, Texas

Moonshine Outdoor Lighting

Matt Booth, Alpharetta, Ga.

Nightfall Landscape Lighting

Lucas Burke, Wyndmoor, Pa.

Orion Landscape Lighting Pros

Bram Morison, Zephyrhills, Fla.

Pacific Landscaping Inc.

Larry Arndt, Lake Forest Park, Wash.

Reinders Inc

Joel Reinders, Sussex, Wis.

S&M Landscape Lighting

Matthew Malyar, Hillsborough Township, N.J.

Scott Blair - Landscape Design

Scott Blair, West Shokan, N.Y.

Southern Nightscape

Gail Yongue, Daphne, Ala.

Southwest Irrigaton Systems

Peter Hudson, Magnolia, Texas

Walbrandt Electric and Technology

Jamie Frisella, St. Louis, Mo.

Wonderly Lights

Kyle Beach, Virginia Beach, Va.

Check Out the Newest Offers in AOLP’s Affinity Perks Program

AOLP is pleased to announce that more offers have been added to the 2024 Affinity Perks Program! The Membership Committee has been working diligently to bring this program full of discounts and savings to our Company members.

The Affinity Perks Program leverages the purchasing power of our Distributor, Manufacturer, Affiliate Manufacturer, and Industry Service Provider members to provide a varying range of discounts on outdoor lighting products and services. Save on things you want to purchase! Enjoy exclusive coupons you won’t be able to find outside our association.

Discounts are valid through the end of 2024, unless otherwise noted on the offer. If you have any questions related to a specific promotion, use the contact information provided on the advertisement.

Start utilizing the Affinity Perks Program today! The program can also be found in the members-only section of our website.

Persuasive Leadership: Effective Communication

by Jeff Tippett

In talking with human resource officers, COOs, CEOs and other corporate leaders about areas needing improvement within their organizations, communication almost always bubbles up.

This need is supported in a 2018 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. study, where about 60 percent of companies say they don’t have a long-term internal communication strategy. Strikingly, though, about half said they wanted to make improving leadership communication a priority.

So organizations see the need, yet often fail to act. And then there are those leaders that don’t value effective communication who will refer to it as a waste of time, an effort to put a focus on “feelings” instead of productivity and ultimately profits. Or they may refer to communication as a soft skill unimportant to a company’s bottom line.

Poor communication with your team members can lead to attrition and difficulty attracting top talent. And given that replacing a worker can cost a company 33 percent of that worker’s annual salary, it will cost you a lot (both in finance and company morale) for unhappy team members to walk away.

However, as the team leader you can change all of this. And it’s not just good for the people on your team; it’s also good for business.

You have the power to change the direction of your organization through effective 1:1 communication. You just need the tools to get you there.

For all the complexities of communication with others, all communication falls into one of four buckets:

• Verbal communication

• Nonverbal communication (including but not limited to eye contact, facial expressions and gestures, posture, body orientation, body language

• Proximity (space and distance)

• Para-linguistic (accent, pitch, volume, speech rate, modulation, and fluency.

• Touch

• Silence

• Personal appearance

• Written communication

• Visual communication

That’s it. You have these four buckets of communication mediums to communicate 1:1 with your team members.

We’re going to focus on one: verbal communication.

In the 1952 publication of Effective Public Relations, Scott Cutlip and Allen Center first introduced the 7 Cs of effective communication. Since its publication, these 7 Cs have become the gold standard for effective, persuasive communication with those around you.

Here are the 7 Cs:

1. Clarity

2. Completeness

3. Correctness

4. Conciseness

Now, with these 7 Cs in focus, there are practical ways you can create space for 1:1 communication that will help you persuade those with whom you work. Let’s look at a list of those ways:

• Preparing before the conversation

• Being open

• Showing respect

• Exhibiting compassion and empathy

• Actively listening (including not thinking of your next question instead of being in that moment)

• Having a solution mindset

• Prioritizing subject and topic over emotion

• Always seeking common ground, mutual goals, shared purpose

• Ensuring both sides have equal respect, ability to share thoughts and feelings, and equal opportunities to be heard

• Avoiding distractions

Having first focused on communication enablers, I do think it important to your success to also talk through items that block communication. Take a look at this list:

• Accusing

• Judging

• Insulting

• Using sarcasm

• Globalizing (using words like “always” and “never”)

• Threatening or ordering

• Interrupting

In addition, there are physical barriers like time, environment, comfort, and noise. There are emotional barriers like fear, distrust, and uncertainty.

Finally, with communication enablers in place and a willingness to avoid communication blockers, there’s a path to persuasion:

• Relate

• Move from relating to solving

• When solving offer very specific direction

• Within this direction, use concrete language

• Provide space for your listener to process and ask questions

• Empower that listener to take actions need to help you accomplish your vision as their own

Once again, we revisit President Johnson. LBJ was attuned to the language that others used. However, collaborative efforts were less of his wheelhouse. In fact, LBJ more often steamrolled those around him during discussions, pressing them to defend their ideas and suggesting they were infantile. The very next day, he would sometimes take their position as his own. In grilling them, he wanted to find who firmly believed what they said and who was flaky in their beliefs. LBJ’s methods in this department will not translate well into the corporate world, but in the throes of Vietnam it made decision-making easier for the president.

If you’re not getting the support of your team you need, don’t have great team camaraderie, or just not hitting your targets, examine your ability to persuade your team through 1:1 communication with you—their leader. I’ve given you the tools to get there.

About the Author: Jeff Tippett

Jeff Tippett is the international best-selling author of two books, Pixels Are the New Ink and Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communication is the Only Force You Will Ever Need. Speaking to international audiences through keynotes

and seminars, Jeff helps attendees increase their effectiveness, gives them powerful tools to reach their goals, and empowers attendees to positively impact and grow their organizations or businesses.

In 2014, Jeff founded Targeted Persuasion, an award-winning public affairs + communications firm. He has worked with renowned brands like Airbnb, The National Restaurant Association, The League of Women Voters, The League of Conservation Voters, plus others. Other industry experts have validated Jeff’s work with numerous awards including the prestigious The American Advertising Award.

Jeff is the host of Victory by Association with Jeff Tippett, a podcast that shares the victories of association executives with the world, highlighting the great work done across this country every day.

Metro

Jefftippett.com

VictoryByAssociation.com

Member Spotlight

Tim Ryan, CLVLT, The Lighthouse Group

Tim Ryan’s lighting industry journey began in 2001, after dabbling in lighting as a landscape designer and contractor for many years. Today–as Director–Tim serves both Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting and Lighthouse Design Studio. His responsibilities include training, product and design support, long-term strategic planning and professional business development.

We asked Tim about some of the challenges he has faced in the industry, and he mentioned the labor shortage since COVID-19 began. To overcome this challenge, his company has employed a head-hunting agency to locate talent and has been working with other construction companies and sub-contracting projects with direct supervision.

One of Tim’s most notable projects was designing the architectural and site illumination for a multiuse community of six buildings that included high-end apartments, condominiums, offices, restaurants, and retail spaces. The $900 million complex was built on a pedestal over a 500-car parking garage, requiring meticulous planning of line and low voltage lighting schemes and all circuit planning and electrical calculations.

“This was a long but rewarding project to see come to fruition,” Tim reflected. “It was definitely out of the norm of the typical residential lighting.”

As a member of AOLP, Tim enjoys networking with other members and sharing ideas and trends in the industry. He also acquired his CLVLT in 2018 and returned to proctor in 2019, as he loves to teach and see others grow.

In addition to his passion for lighting, Tim is a professional photographer and a helicopter pilot. He also has a side hustle restoring and selling old analog film cameras for the next generation.

A Captivating Landscape Lighting Transformation

We asked Tim to share with us a memorable project. Top of mind was Midwest Solitude, a backyard transformation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tim collaborated with the homeowners, and landscape architect Wesley Silk from Earth Landscape Architecture.

An immersive, beautifully lit environment captured the beauty of the landscape, directed traffic safely to a distant gathering area and artistically illuminated a central sculpture. The illumination design also needed to be visually stunning from four or five different vantage points throughout the home and property and aid in safe navigation around the property for guests and the homeowners alike.

The project illuminated the backyard space, specimen trees, plant material, and paving. The scope extended to a fire pit and gathering area. The design process involved a site visit, “nighteyes” visualization, owner interview, hierarchy of priorities, lumen hierarchy map, and fixture layout.

The result is an environment that enhances the space’s natural beauty and creates a comfortable and safe area to enjoy at night. The Midwest Solitude project is an excellent example of how collaboration between skilled professionals and passionate homeowners can transform an ordinary space into a breathtaking sanctuary.

AOLP Can Help You Spotlight Your Products!

Looking for a way to target your advertising and show off new or existing products? Consider a Product Spotlight through AOLP.

The Product Spotlight provides a platform to highlight your outdoor lighting products, introduce new products and educate an audience of faithful readers on the benefits of using your products. This is a great way to make sure your products are top-of-mind with our members.

Two exclusive advertising options are available through AOLP:

• LightLines Article – one featured article

• Email blast – limited to one per month

Each Product Spotlight consists of the product name, a description and one to two images and your company logo. To better target your advertising, YOU decide exactly which LightLines issue or which month your Product Spotlight will be seen by AOLP members. (This may be combined with other manufacturer Spotlights.) Click here to download the AOLP advertising

The Brilliance Versa Beam is designed to be an easy-to-install, versatile light source.

The Versa Beam can be used to achieve nearly any lighting configuration in landscape lighting designs.

All configuration options use the same light engine with 3W, 180 lumen output, 8-15 VAC, and 90 CRI

Attention, Manufacturer Member Companies: Are you taking advantage of your FREE ad in LightLines?

LightLines, AOLP’s quarterly e-publication, is received by more than 200 company and distributor members and is always full of good information. We know our members love reading LightLines because they have told us so through surveys, through open and click rate tracking reports and by sending us direct emails complimenting the publication.

All manufacturer members of AOLP receive one quarter-page ad in each issue of LightLines for FREE as one of your member benefits – that’s a $400 value! If you are not currently taking advantage of this benefit and would like to, simply send your FREE quarter page ad (3.5” w X 4.5” h; full color; JPG, TIF or PDF) to ads@aolponline.org. The deadline for submitting ads for the next issue of LightLines is May 1.

One more additional advertising benefit for manufacturers only… If you would like to UPGRADE your advertising presence in LightLines, you can always submit a half- or full-page ad and just pay the difference in the price. To take advantage of this offer, please fill out and submit this advertising contract – just make sure to note UPGRADE and the new ad size in the Ad Size column on the contract.

Our Mission

To promote and advance the landscape and architectural lighting industry for lighting designers and installers, distributors and business-to-business manufacturers.

LightLines is published four times annually, in the spring, summer, fall and winter.