An e-newsletter for members of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals.
Behind the Scenes With Matthew Broyles Illuminating Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane is a 2023 American Christmas fantasy comedy film starring Eddie Murphy as a laid-off corporate marketer who makes a deal with a wicked Christmas elf to win his street’s house decoration contest.
A movie about Christmas lights! It sounds like a perfect film for AOLP members to enjoy. One member, Matthew Broyles, CLVLT, COLD, enjoyed it even more!
Matthew is the founder of Firefly Lighting LLC in Roswell, Ga. In a recent interview for LightLines, he shared his insights into his fascinating experience working on the set of Candy Cane Lane. Matthew shared his journey, detailing his role as a specialty lighting consultant and the creative process behind bringing festive Christmas magic to life on screen.
Matthew’s involvement in the film industry began with the movie Love, Simon, filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. His expertise in lighting caught the attention of the Production Designer and Art Director, leading to his initial foray into film production. This opportunity paved the way for his involvement in subsequent films and eventually led him to the bustling film studios in Los Angeles for the production of Candy Cane Lane.
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AOLP LightLines - Summer 2024
During his time at Universal Studios, Matthew designed and installed Christmas lights for 16 houses on the set, each with its own distinctive theme. With meticulous attention to detail, he used his expertise to create custom lighting designs tailored to each house’s character. From conceptualization to execution, he combined creativity with technical precision to bring the envisioned holiday spectacle to fruition.
Upon returning to Atlanta, Matthew continued to refine his designs, leveraging tools like SketchUp to craft intricate drawings that captured the essence of his lighting concepts. He coordinated the installation process, ensuring that each house was adorned with the perfect illumination to enchant audiences on screen.
Matthew emphasized the importance of comprehensive product knowledge. He highlighted the invaluable support of S4 Lights, an AOLP affiliate manufacturer specializing in Christmas lights, and their diverse lighting options. His strategic use of C9 bulbs, reminiscent of traditional Christmas lighting, and his collaboration with S4 Lights achieved an antiqued look, adding a touch of nostalgia to the film’s enchanting visuals.
Drawing from his experience of lighting 500 homes every year for Christmas, he efficiently lit all of these homes. He utilized shingle tabs for the roof lights, eliminating the need for stapling wires. With various clips and innovative methods of connecting power, such as using zip plugs to create custom extension cords with male and female plugs on a zip wire, he successfully avoided the clutter of long green extension cords spanning 40 feet.
He especially enjoyed working with the film crew. “I enjoyed being in a place where my input was valued,” Matthew said. “They were open to my suggestions for installation, and I had a great time.” We have to imagine how the techniques he showed them are now being used by dozens of film crew members to light their own homes!
“It all starts with having thorough product knowledge. Without that, it’s impossible to coordinate resources and understand what we’re working with.”
A pivotal aspect of Matthew’s role was ensuring the lighting design was seamlessly integrated with the film’s production requirements. He recognized the significance of LED technology in creating captivating visual effects, emphasizing the need for lights that could withstand the scrutiny of camera tests. His expertise in navigating the intricacies of how LEDs flicker and his collaboration with manufacturers to address specific lighting demands underscored his dedication to delivering exceptional results for the film’s production team.
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One of the most intriguing challenges that Matthew encountered was the design of the “Matrix House,” which evolved from a club-like rave feel to a mesmerizing effect following input from the film’s producer. This transformation necessitated a high-level collaboration with S4 Lights and meticulous planning to bring the vision to life. The intricate installation process, spanning three weeks, exemplified his unwavering commitment to realizing the director’s creative vision with precision and artistry.
“I always tell others that as long as you have the resources, knowledge, and good people to work with, then anything is possible,” he said.
Matthew’s journey as a specialty lighting consultant for Candy Cane Lane highlights the critical role of outdoor lighting professionals in film production. His expertise, creativity, and dedication not only illuminated the film’s fictional world but also showcased the valuable contributions of AOLP members to the art of storytelling through visual media.
As AOLP continues to promote collaboration and innovation within the outdoor lighting industry, Matthew’s experience serves as an example of the transformative power of lighting in creating immersive cinematic experiences. His journey exemplifies the artistry and technical skills that define the outdoor lighting profession, inspiring fellow members to explore new creative expressions and enhance the visual landscape of film and entertainment.
After you watch Candy Cane Lane, celebrate Christmas in July with these movies that feature the beauty of holiday lighting.
1.National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
This comedy classic follows the Griswold family as they attempt to create the perfect Christmas, complete with an over-the-top light display. We’ll forgive Clark Griswold for using staples rather than Shingle Clips to install his lights.
2.Deck the Halls
Two neighbors compete to create the most elaborate holiday light display, leading to comedic chaos and heartwarming moments.
3.The Holiday
This romantic comedy features captivating scenes of holiday lights as two women swap homes and find love during Christmas.
4.A Christmas Story
Set in the 1940s, this beloved film captures the nostalgia of Christmas with its iconic leg lamp and charming neighborhood light displays.
5.The Santa Clause
This heartwarming family film showcases Scott Calvin’s magical transformation into Santa Claus, complete with enchanting holiday light displays.
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
President’s Message
by Nick Schriver, CLVLT
Dear
Outdoor Lighting Professionals,
Last month, the Board of Directors met at AOLP headquarters for our annual Strategic Planning meeting. The enthusiasm and innovative ideas that emerged from our discussions are a testament to our collective commitment to growth and excellence. Your active participation and insightful contributions have laid a solid foundation for our future endeavors.
One of the highlights from the meeting was the report about the impressive attendance of and successful completion of the COLD and CLVLT certifications by many of our members. This dedication to professional development enhances our individual skills and strengthens this industry and our association as a whole. Your continued pursuit of knowledge, skill, and industry standards is truly inspiring and instrumental in driving our success.
As we move forward, let’s maintain this momentum and focus. Our path ahead is bright but requires our ongoing professionalism and collaborative spirit. I have no doubt that, together, we will achieve our ambitious goals and continue to elevate our standards within this industry.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks for success.
Warm regards, Nick Schriver, AOLP President
Upcoming Webinar
Register for AOLP’s July Webinar:
When an LED Expires and How to Properly Relamp
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. Eastern
Presented by Bryan Gold, Brilliance LED
Ever wonder how an LED fades over time? When is a good time to schedule replacements? When do LEDs stop looking their best?
Join Bryan Gold for an insightful webinar that will dive deep into the lifecycle of LED lighting and the best practices for ensuring your lighting always shines at its best. In this session, you’ll learn:
• The Aging Process of LEDs: Discover how LEDs degrade over time, the factors that influence their longevity, and the signs that indicate it’s time for a change.
• Optimal Replacement Timing: Understand the ideal timeframes for scheduling LED replacements to maintain optimal lighting conditions and avoid unexpected failures.
• Maintaining LED Quality: Learn how to keep your LEDs looking their best, from initial installation to end-of-life, ensuring consistent and high-quality illumination.
Whether you’re a contractor, facility manager, or lighting enthusiast, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your LED lighting systems. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your expertise and ensure your lighting solutions are always at their peak performance. Register now to secure your spot!
Register by July 19 to participate in the live webinar and Q&A session or to receive a recorded copy of the presentation.
Questions about the webinar? Contact Teresa Oscilowski at eventco@aolponline.org.
Bryan Gold
Bryan Gold got his start in the green industry in 2006 when he and his father, Steve Gold, started a landscape lighting company in Carefree, Arizona. As landscape lighting contractors, Bryan and Steve identified gaps and potential product improvements that would make their work look better, install easier, and last longer. In 2008, they pivoted to become an LED manufacturer and formed Brilliance LED in Carefree, Arizona. In 2018, Bryan took his passion of machining and added the Metal Works line of landscape lighting fixtures to their portfolio of products. Today, Bryan leads the company as CEO and retains his passion for providing high quality products to the green industry and developing new products to address the market’s needs.
Click Here to Register
For more information on each event or to register click here.
Permanent Roofline Lighting – Fad, Bad or Glad, August 29, 2024
AI and Your Business: How It Can Help & What to Look Out For, September 24, 2024 Virtual Holiday Mixer, December 11, 2024
Dauer Manufacturing Launches Spanish-Language Product Brochure
Dauer Manufacturing released its first fullline Spanish-language product brochure to meet the business needs of its customers and the diverse consumer base across the U.S. The fullline brochure is available for digital download and mail request.
“At Dauer, we fully believe in helping our customers grow and succeed, and this includes exclusive territories for our distributors and now information in language of preference, be it English or Spanish,” stated Craig Klomparens, president of Dauer Manufacturing. “We have seen a shift in our audience demographics, and this new Spanish-language brochure is a natural progression for us in making the resources we provide more accessible.”
“This project was very personal to me as a Hispanic in the industry,” adds Joaquin (Kino) Obeso, vice president. “Hispanics are now the fastest-growing contributors to the United States economy, and while we are consistently out in the field with our Spanish-speaking customers, this brochure is a way for us to be there when we are geographically away. We are seeing explosive growth in markets like Texas and California, and several of our distributors and contractors are now better equipped with this new tool.”
Hispanics in the United States represented 19% of the total U.S. population at 62.5 million in 2021, according to the Pew Research Center: Latinos in the U.S. | Data on U.S. Hispanics; The Latino Donor Collaborative (2023). The 2023 Official LDC U.S. Latino GDP Report values the U.S. Hispanic GDP (gross domestic product) at $3.2 trillion and purchasing power at $3.4 trillion, ranking the United State’s Latino GDP the fifth largest in the world.
Protecting Yourself From Phishing Attacks
As technology advances, the threats associated with it have also evolved. Phishing attacks have become a significant concern for individuals and organizations.
According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), 963,994 phishing attacks were observed in the first quarter of 2024. This highlights the pervasive and evolving nature of phishing attacks.
Phishing is a cybercrime in which attackers pretend to be trustworthy entities to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data. Phishing attacks can take various forms, including fraudulent emails, websites, or text messages. They usually aim to exploit individuals or organizations for financial gain or to compromise sensitive data.
Phishing is typically a result of technological vulnerabilities and the potential for significant financial rewards, making it an attractive tactic for cybercriminals.
At AOLP, we recognize the importance of preventing phishing attacks and encourage all of our members to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves from these malicious attempts to steal sensitive information.
Here are some telltale signs of a phishing attack:
1. Unusual Sender: Watch out for emails or messages from unfamiliar senders or those with slightly misspelled email addresses similar to legitimate ones, as these could be signs of phishing attempts.
2. Urgency or Threats: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or use threatening language to prompt immediate action, such as claiming that your account will be closed unless you provide certain information or verification.
3. Requests for Sensitive Information: Be cautious if an email requests sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data, especially if it prompts you to click on a link and enter the information on a non-secure site.
4. Suspicious Links: Be wary of links in emails that appear abnormal or lead to unfamiliar websites. These could potentially be phishing attempts to install malware or gather sensitive information.
5. Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many phishing emails contain grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or awkward phrasing, as they are often sent by non-native English speakers or hastily put together by cyber criminals.
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Recognizing these signs can help you identify and avoid potential phishing attacks. Here are five essential tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks:
1. Stay Vigilant: We advise all members to remain vigilant when dealing with unsolicited emails, messages, or calls. Be cautious when clicking links or downloading attachments, especially if they are unexpected or from unfamiliar sources.
2. Verify Requests: When you receive requests for sensitive information, whether from within the organization or external sources, always verify their authenticity. Double-check the sender’s email address or contact the individual or department directly to confirm the request’s legitimacy.
3. Keep Software Updated: It is crucial to keep all your devices and software updated with the latest security patches and updates. We emphasize the significance of regularly updating antivirus programs, firewalls, and operating systems to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
4. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is a powerful defense against phishing attacks. We encourage everyone to stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and security best practices. Educating yourself and your colleagues can collectively strengthen the organization’s defenses against phishing attempts.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Implementing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. We recommend utilizing this feature wherever possible to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive accounts and data.
By following these tips, you and your organization can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. Remember, proactive prevention is the key to maintaining a secure digital environment.
Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe.
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.
Click Here to Download the Program
Radiating Generosity
AOLP Members Invited to Enhance Community Spaces Through Acts of Kindness
Illumicare Group is launching a new initiative called #AOK (Acts of Kindness). This initiative aims to provide support to individuals who are dedicated to giving back to the community.
The first phase is exclusively offered for AOLP members. Any AOLP member with a lighting job they would like to complete for a local hospital, church, memorial, or similar facility can apply. When the applicant supplies the labor, selected projects will receive donated materials.
Illumicare Group Limited is a leading manufacturer and supplier of landscape LED lighting products, offering solutions that seamlessly blend form and function. Dedicated to excellence and innovation, they are driven by a passion for landscape and architectural lighting and a commitment to their customers.
Director of Illumicare, John Higo, stated, “#AOK Initiative is about the spirit of community and coming together to support a worthy cause. It is a collective effort within the landscape lighting industry towards a cause that uplifts community by enhancing and honoring community spaces and sharing our passion for bringing magic to outdoor spaces through light.”
The goal of the #AOK project is to highlight the importance of each project within the community. “Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference,” he added.
Headwaters Health Center, Orangeville, Ontario
Although it is a new initiative, the company has a long history of donating fixtures to community-benefit projects, including illuminating a police memorial, a Highway of Heroes installation inspired by fallen soldiers’ return home, and—most recently—the surrounding gardens at a local hospital.
The inaugural #AOK Initiative is exclusive to AOLP members. Members will be directed to the Acts of Kindness webpage. The #AOK Selection Committee— including a couple of AOLP distributor members—will review all applications and select winners.
John added, “We hope for many applications from likeminded individuals who share our passion for lighting and giving back to their community. We also hope to inspire members who are passionate about what they do and invite them to share their talents and illuminate a meaningful project generously.”
Illumicare will provide 20-30 of its professional-grade light fixtures, as well as wire, transformer, and connectors related to the project. Illumicare will also offer design advice if required.
Highway of Heroes Tribute, Ruth Abernethy, Artist
The success of each project will reach beyond quantitative measurement. It includes generating goodwill, achieving community good, and bringing light to meaningful life experiences and memories.
In the long term, Illumicare hopes to see an #AOK installation in every state and province in North America.
We encourage AOLP members to look for the #AOK webpage and see how simple it will be to enter their project. Once there, they can review details and submit their project description and design directly online.
West Warwick Police Memorial, Rhode Island
Headwaters Health Center, Orangeville, Ontario
What Is Authenticity and Authentic Leadership?
by Jeff Tippett
Authentic leadership may not strike you as a necessary category of persuasive leadership. Maybe it seems somewhat abstract, or perhaps too obvious to mention. But I think authenticity is a key element of persuasion. If your audience doesn’t accept that you’re coming from a place of authenticity, your efforts will likely fall flat.
So, what do I mean by authentic? Let’s define the parts and then combine them to see what they mean in sum.
Authentic means “of undisputed origin; genuine.” I would then add that authenticity is being true to yourself, being open with others and being honest. If you want to be a persuasive speaker, these traits are essential.
How do these pieces work in the context of authentic leadership? Bill George, in the Harvard Business Review, put it this way:
“An authentic leader is someone who is genuine and true to what they believe in. They understand the purpose of leadership, they lead with very consistent values, and with their heart, as well as their head. They have courage, compassion, empathy –qualities like that – and they build long-term connected relationships. And they have the personal self-discipline to deliver extraordinary results from their teams.”
Hone in on this piece: “lead with very consistent values.” That’s important here. Not only do your values need to be respectable and of clear intention, they need to be consistent. You should identify your core values and stick to them, always, not just with certain company or in certain scenarios.
Being an authentic leader means you need to come across as legitimate. Sure, you can fake it ‘til you make it. But that’s no way to inspire confidence. In fact, you’ll find it’s far easier to be sincere, and thus consistent, if you lead with your values.
Let’s revisit Bill George for one moment. He cites five qualities that authentic leaders must demonstrate:
• Understanding their purpose
• Practicing solid values
• Leading with heart
• Establishing connected relationships
• Demonstrating self-discipline
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While you consider these five traits, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to focus on human beings. Though I’m aiming in this book to show you the ways to navigate leadership in the 21st century, in a world of automation and artificial intelligence, at the end of the day you’re dealing with people. They have to trust you, and you have to seem sincere. I’d argue that it is even more important today, given how disconnected people are on a human level. Even as we all have an infinite number of contacts at the tip of our finger, interpersonal relationships seem to falter. As an authentic leader, it’s up to you to help rebuild a sense of community within your workplace.
Another important aspect of authentic leadership is that it isn’t necessarily innate. Some people may be born with the ability to lead others, and certainly that’s borne out by studying leaders throughout history. Every single one of us can be our true selves.
Steve Robinson has a great quote on this:
“At its most basic level, authenticity means being genuine – not a replica, not a copy or imitation. In leadership being genuine implies that we are embodying our true selves into our leadership role. Being true to ourselves calls us to draw on the very essence of our values, beliefs, principles, morals and that all of these create our ‘guiding compass’ in the job.”
There are two buckets of leadership we should examine: authentic leadership and transactional leadership.
Authentic leaders inspire confidence in how their team views them, and also in the individuals themselves. Allowing people to flourish and find success in their own ways builds trust among everyone in your organization.
Keep firm to your beliefs, and you’ll be an authentic leader. Be yourself.
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.
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Transactional leadership leans heavily on what could be defined as simply micromanaging. Transactional leaders focus on what basically amounts to: You do this, and you get that. This is a useful method of gaining results from people in the short term and accomplishing discrete goals. But a management style of sticks and carrots will not inspire confidence over the long term.
Welcome, New Members
Blingle 157 - Greater Richmond
Billy Droste, Midlothian, Va.
Blingle 159 - South West Florida
Patrick Dunivan, Englewood, Fla.
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.
Jefftippett.com
Dan Allen Landscape Lighting
Patricia Vilela, Bonita Springs, Fla.
Four Seasons Outdoor Lighting
Peter Cantore, Mokena, Ill.
Light Up Naples
Peter O’Flinn, Bonita Springs, Fla.
Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Denver
Nick Wojdak, Centennial, Colo.
descubre el poder de
Con todos nuestros nuevos productos y accesorios destacados, es una guía integral de toda la iluminación paisajística de bajo voltaje de calidad que Dauer Manufacturing tiene para ofrecer.
La versión digital ya está disponible y descargable desde nuestro sitio web. La versión impresa esta disponible ahora.
Asegúrese de llamar a su representante de Dauer 1.888.DAUER.LED y reserva tu copia hoy!
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 August 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.
www.cast-lighting.com
Advertising Opportunities
Contact AOLP at 717-238-2504 or ads@aolponline.org to reserve your space.
2024 Deadlines
Fall – August 1 Winter – November 1
Material in this e-newsletter may be republished with permission of AOLP and with proper line
or
Association of Outdoor
Professionals 2207 Forest Hills Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-238-2504
Fax: 717-238-9985
Website: www.aolponline.org
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern Time
Contacts:
Executive
Lisa Ruggiers info@aolponline.org
Director of Communications
Michelle Keyser communications@aolponline.org
AOLP’s staff wants you to get the most out of your experience with AOLP. We are available to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact staff with any question or concern that you may have. For a full staff listing, please click here
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.
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