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CONTRIBUTORS
SHIRLEY COYLE
Shirley Coyle has worked in the North American commercial lighting industry for several decades, holding various leadership roles. A Past President of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), Shirley is very active in the lighting community, including participation on lighting standards development.
BRAD PICHT, LC
Brad Picht, LC is the National Category Manager, Lighting for Graybar Electric, where he maintains the national contracts and relationships with all the lighting suppliers that sell to the company, setting the tone and direction for lighting company-wide. Previously, he was in the national strategic accounts division, developing strategies to upgrade multi-state, multi-site facilities and large national accounts. Before joining Graybar in 2012, Brad worked as a manufacturer’s representative in the St. Louis area for 20 years.
Editor and Publisher
Randy Reid
Assistant Editor
Parker Allen
VP, Associate Publisher, Advertising Cliff Smith 917.705.3439
Art Direction Seraphine Morris
Lighting Management & Maintenance (LM&M) publishes information for the benefit of its members and readers. The sponsor (NALMCO), publisher and editor of LM&M cannot be held liable for changes, revision or inaccuracies contained in the material published. For detailed information on the products, programs, services or policies covered, it is recommended readers contact the appropriate person, company agency of industry group.
LM&M is published by EdisonReport (ISSN 2835-821X). Statements and opinions expressed in articles and editorials in LM&M are the expressions of contributors and do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions of the EdisonReport. Advertisements appearing in the publication are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.
On The Cover
JENNIFER BRONS
Jennifer Brons, MSc, has enjoyed a 30year career as a researcher, educator and designer at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Mount Sinai’s Light and Health Research Center. In addition to field studies addressing management and maintenance of lighting, Brons coordinates lighting research focusing on energy and demand management.
Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) Vancouver, WA
Photo courtesy of WSSB
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Breakthrough OPTI-SELECT technology lets you change light distribution quickly and easily, with the turn of a switch or twist of the wrist. No lens or reflector swap, no need to open the luminaire or lamp.
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President's MESSAGE Dear
members and industry partners,
Dear members and industry colleagues,
I’m thrilled to welcome you to NALMCO’s 72nd Annual Convention and Trade Show! This year’s gathering promises to be a memorable one as we come together in the heart of the Midwest in beautiful Des Moines, Iowa.
Our Platinum Sponsors—Keystone Technologies, LEDVANCE, and Acuity Brands—have played a pivotal role in making this event possible. Their continued support, innovation, and commitment to our industry help drive our Association forward, and we are proud to have them as trusted partners.
Did you know that Greater Des Moines is the fastestgrowing metro in the Midwest? Over the past 20 years, Iowa’s capital city has transformed into a vibrant, diverse community filled with world-class venues, attractions, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a full day of sessions or connect with industry peers, this convention truly has it all. We can’t wait to show you the “fields of opportunity” Iowa has to offer.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
We’re honored to welcome two outstanding keynote speakers this year.
• Taresh Grover, CEO & Co-Founder of Pull Logic, will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming productivity across the industry and what the next
ERIK J. ENNEN CLMC, CLA, CLCP, CSLC, CLEP, C-GUVMP
wave of intelligent tools means for every professional role.
• Stephen McGown, a former Al Qaeda hostage held for more than six years, will share his powerful and inspiring story of resilience, perspective, and purpose.
This year’s program is packed with engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and a floor full of exhibitors. From “speed dating” and oneon-one sessions to expert-led discussions and the new Labor Partner Meet & Greet, you’ll have plenty of chances to gain insights, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.
For our golf enthusiasts, we’re excited to host a tournament at the Tournament Club of Iowa, a course designed by Arnold Palmer. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, it’s the perfect opportunity to mix business with friendly competition in a stunning setting.
This conference is more than just a gathering — it’s a celebration of our achievements and a look ahead at the opportunities shaping our industry’s future. I encourage you to take full advantage of the sessions, engage with your peers, and enjoy all that downtown Des Moines has to offer.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to NALMCO. I look forward to seeing you in Des Moines for an inspiring and unforgettable experience!
Warm regards,
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FROM THE EDITOR
Illuminating Innovation at NALMCO 2025
A crisp chill fills the air tonight. The leaves are painting Des Moines with vibrant hues of gold and red. That can only mean one thing…
NALMCO’s 72nd Annual Convention and Trade Show is here! This annual highlight is set to ignite inspiration and drive progress across the lighting industry.
Our speaker lineup is a highlight. Taresh Grover, CEO of Pull Logic, will explore how AI is revolutionizing supply chains and daily operations, offering manufacturers and contractors smarter tools for success. Stephen McGown, a former Al Qaeda hostage turned motivational speaker, will share his six-year journey of resilience, inspiring us to unlock our inner strength. These sessions promise to spark meaningful conversations and innovative ideas.
This issue dives deep into cutting-edge topics. Jennifer Brons from the Light and Health Research Center reveals how outdoor lighting systems can enhance grid stability with load-shedding technology.
We catch up with Frank Austin of TaxCentric Lighting, who sheds light on tax code updates from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and how to navigate the legislation to win projects. positioning contractors as strategic advisors.
We visit an award-winning project in Washington state, a retrofit that showcases tunable white lighting tailored for visually impaired students, blending energy efficiency with human-centric design.
The convention offers a perfect backdrop to explore these advancements. Attendees will find opportunities to network and learn. This event is more than a gathering—it’s a chance to shape the future of lighting.
As we celebrate NALMCO’s legacy, we’re committed to spotlighting industry trends and best practices. The evolving role of lighting controls is pushing contractors into building automation and energy management, opening new horizons.
Let’s harness this momentum to innovate and collaborate. I look forward to seeing you at the show! Reach me anytime at editor@nalmco.org to share your thoughts or ideas. ■
FROM THE EDITOR
When Northwest Edison was first invited to bid on a lighting upgrade at the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) in Vancouver, Washington, the team faced an unusual challenge.
The original design intent called for all new fixtures with advanced controls and tunable white technology—a “lofty goal,” as Jennifer Thornfeldt, Vice President of Design Development at Northwest Edison, described it. The problem was cost: The proposal simply exceeded the school’s budget.
Rather than walk away, Northwest Edison took a different approach. By re-engineering the specification with alternate manufacturers and control partners, they delivered a system that not only fit the budget but elevated the project’s impact.
The result was a tunable white LED and controls retrofit that has since been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) and the National Lighting Bureau’s 2025 Lighting Transformation Awards.
THE HUMAN FACTOR
For Thornfeldt, who holds a degree in biomedical
Washington State School for the Blind’s Tunable White Retrofit Lighting for Sensitivity and Success
By Parker Allen
engineering, the project offered a rare opportunity to merge lighting design with human biology. Blindness exists on a spectrum, and many students at WSSB still perceive light, shadows, or contrast.
Additionally, research shows that intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in the eye, which help regulate circadian rhythms, often remain intact even when vision is impaired. Without appropriate light cues, people with low or no vision can experience disrupted sleep, digestion, and mood.
That’s why tunable white lighting was essential. By cycling through warmer tones in the morning, cooler whites midday, and back to warmer tones in the evening, the system supports circadian entrainment and provides options for teachers to adjust the lighting to individual student needs.
COLLABORATION AND CONTROLS
Delivering this level of flexibility required a deep collaboration among partners. Northwest Edison joined forces with Form Lighting and Controls and Avi-on Labs, who provided the Bluetooth mesh-based control system. Fixtures were supplied by Energy Solutions International (ESI).
Initially, the design called for fully automated schedules to mimic daylight patterns. But, based on feedback from teachers, the final configuration allowed manual selection of preset color temperatures via wall stations in each classroom.
This simplified control gave educators the ability to adjust quickly—whether to create a calm environment, support alertness, or tailor conditions for students with residual vision.
HOW IT WORKS: SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS
Each classroom includes tunable white luminaires equipped with in-fixture controllers, occupancy sensors, and daylight harvesting.
• Automatic On/Off: Lights switch on when motion is detected and shut off 20 minutes after vacancy.
• Daylight Harvesting: Rows of fixtures closest to windows dim automatically to maintain roughly 35 footcandles at desk level.
• Circadian Scheduling: Default programming cycles color temperature between 2700K and 6500K over the course of the day.
• Local Control: Teachers can override both intensity and color temperature using a four-button wireless wall station. Overrides persist until the next scheduled transition.
This combination of automation and manual flexibility proved key. It allows staff to maintain consistent circadian cues while adapting lighting for diverse visual needs.
CHALLENGES IN COMMISSIONING
No cutting-edge project is without hurdles. “It was definitely a punch list,” Thornfeldt recalled of the commissioning process. At times, light levels were too high in bathrooms, eliminating shadows that low-vision students rely on for navigation. Northwest Edison adjusted the programming and added dimming options until the spaces worked for all users.
Fournier noted that the transition from automated to manual control also stemmed from lessons learned. “It’s one thing in theory and another in practice,” he said. “Simplifying gave teachers confidence and ensured the system was actually used.”
TANGIBLE RESULTS
The impact has been measurable:
• 68,000 kWh/year in energy savings
• 74% reduction in annual consumption
• $38,000+ in utility rebates
• Improved circadian support for students
For WSSB, the project not only modernized an aging system but created a learning environment tailored to its unique student population.
RECOGNITION AND BROADER IMPACT
The project’s innovative approach earned a Special Citation for Exemplary Design and Implementation of Controls from the National Lighting Bureau and recognition in the DOE’s Integrated Lighting Campaign.
Awards aside, its true significance lies in proving that human-centric lighting is not reserved for premium corporate interiors or healthcare facilities.
“WSSB shows that tunable white can be delivered at scale, within budget, and in places you might not expect.” said Fournier.
A MODEL FOR FUTURE PROJECTS
This project underscores two key lessons:
• Value engineering doesn’t mean cutting features. Northwest Edison demonstrated that by rethinking manufacturers and controls, advanced features like tunable white can be achieved at cost parity with basic systems.
• Commissioning and end-user education matter. The success of the WSSB retrofit hinged on adjustments made after installation and on training teachers to confidently operate the system.
As Thornfeldt put it, “We’re always balancing cost, energy, and visual comfort. Here, we added a human condition we’d never worked with before. It made the puzzle fourdimensional—and that’s what made the project great.” ■
LIGHTING THE PATH TO SAVINGS, REVISITED
What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Lighting Contractors
By Parker Allen
Frank Austin, LC Principal, TaxCentric Lighting
When LM&M first spoke with Frank Austin of TaxCentric Lighting in July 2024, the discussion centered on key federal tax deductions that could dramatically improve the payback period for lighting upgrade projects.
Austin explained how tools like bonus depreciation, qualified improvement property (QIP) reclassification, and partial asset disposition could be leveraged to reduce upfront project costs. In short, a contractor who understood the tax side of lighting could help a client recover much of their investment in the first year and drastically reduce the payback period of lighting upgrade projects.
A NEW BILL, A NEW LANDSCAPE
A year later, the landscape has changed. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) went into effect on July 4, 2025, and applies retroactively to projects placed in service
after January 20, 2025. Among many provisions, OBBBA reshaped several sections of the tax code that directly affect LED lighting upgrades.
The big news, Austin explained, is that bonus depreciation is back to 100 percent permanently. Under previous rules, that bonus was set to taper off from 60 percent in 2024 to 40 percent in 2025, 20 percent in 2026, and eventually phase out altogether.
The OBBBA reversed that course entirely, reinstating the full 100 percent deduction for qualified assets and eliminating the scheduled step-down.
BONUS DEPRECIATION AND QIP: THE CORE ADVANTAGE
Under OBBBA, 100 percent bonus depreciation now applies to all capitalized assets depreciable over 20 years or less. Lighting, however, remains a 39-year asset under the IRS tax code, unless it can be reclassified as Qualified Improvement Property (QIP).
“Through QIP, an LED lighting upgrade can be reclassified as a 15-year asset,” Austin explained. “That makes it eligible for the full 100 percent deduction in the first year.”
But, this isn’t as simple as filing a different form. “You must document the improvement properly. If you get audited and
can’t provide proof that your lighting qualified as a property improvement, that 100 percent write-off could become a big fine waiting to happen,” he cautioned.
TaxCentric Lighting prepares documentation designed to withstand an IRS audit, ensuring that clients can safely claim the deduction without risking penalties.
PARTIAL ASSET DISPOSITION REMAINS IN PLAY
While bonus depreciation saw the biggest change, the OBBBA left partial asset disposition rules untouched—a relief to many in the lighting industry. Partial asset disposition allows building owners to write off the remaining depreciable value of the old lighting system when it’s removed or replaced.
“If you remove fixtures that still had 20 or 25 years of depreciation left, you can deduct that remaining value immediately,” Austin noted. “That’s a huge cash-flow advantage, and it keeps your books clean by removing what the IRS calls ‘ghost assets’—items you no longer own but are still depreciating.”
When combined, these two deductions—bonus depreciation and partial asset disposition—can cover anywhere from 40 to 110 percent of the installed cost of a new lighting upgrade before factoring in energy or maintenance savings.
WHAT’S BEING PHASED OUT
Not all deductions survived untouched. The Section 179D deduction, originally created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, will begin to phase out by mid-2026, though it will still apply to projects already underway before that deadline.
The deduction amount remains the same, but contractors should prioritize projects that qualify under the older rules before the phase-out is complete.
DOCUMENTATION IS EVERYTHING
Austin emphasized that while these deductions represent enormous opportunities, they come with one major caveat: documentation. “You wouldn’t drive without a license, registration, or insurance,” he analogized. “If you take a 100 percent deduction on a 39-year asset without a QIP letter, it’s the same thing—you’re asking for trouble.”
For contractors, the takeaway is clear: Understanding the rules is only half the battle. Ensuring your client’s accountant or tax department has the proper documentation can make the difference between saving hundreds of thousands and triggering an audit. “We build the bridge between the lighting world and the tax world,” Austin says. “That’s what TaxCentric Lighting was created to do.”
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CONTRACTORS
Austin’s message to contractors is pragmatic: you don’t need to be a tax expert, but you do need to know these opportunities exist. When bids are tight, the ability to show clients how they can recoup the majority of their investment through deductions can turn a “maybe” into a “yes.”
Lighting professionals who understand these deductions can position themselves as trusted advisors, not just vendors. “You can win more projects, and you can do it profitably,” Austin added. “Because once the client sees the tax savings, price becomes less of an issue.” ■
BUILDING A LIGHTING MAIN TE NANCE Strategy for the Future
By Parker Allen
For years, lighting maintenance strategies have revolved around a simple equation: Install efficient luminaires, reduce energy use, and replace lamps or drivers as they fail. That formula is still necessary but no longer sufficient.
“Energy savings are now table stakes,” notes Greg Hermanowycz, Director of Technology and Project Development at Wesco Energy Solutions and Director of Wesco’s Corporate Lighting Controls Center of Excellence (COE). “We can’t assume that’s all our customers care about anymore.”
Today’s facility managers, CFOs, and safety directors each view lighting through a different lens—one focused on reliability, operational continuity, and long-term return on investment. Future-ready maintenance strategies must bring those perspectives together.
FROM ENERGY SAVINGS TO SYSTEM INTELLIGENCE
Lighting controls have emerged as the natural next step. They not only fine-tune light levels but also extend fixture life and improve monitoring. Controls allow for the capability to maintain consistent light output over the life of the fixture, as output can gradually be increased to offset fixture depreciation. The light stays consistent for years, removing the need to send a crew 70 feet in the air for maintenance every few months.
The importance of controls has been reinforced by new rebate structures and energy codes. Many utilities now require luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLC) for incentive eligibility. The cost of controls has also dropped dramatically while their capabilities have expanded.
“The technology is better, cheaper, and smarter,” Hermanowycz noted. “A single device can now act as a daylight sensor, occupancy sensor, gateway, and control brain all in one.”
THE PATH TO PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
With that intelligence comes the foundation for predictive maintenance—a future where lighting systems diagnose and solve problems before they occur. It is the logical evolution of connected lighting.
Hermanowycz offered the following example: “Imagine you’re the facility manager of a warehouse. On Sunday, the system detects a fixture drawing more power than normal and calculates that it will fail in three months. It checks inventory, sees there’s no spare, and automatically orders one from the manufacturer with an eight-week lead
Graphic courtesy of Greg Hermanowycz
time. Then it schedules the replacement for the facility’s next planned shutdown. When you walk in Monday morning, there’s a note in your inbox, updating you on the replacement.”
It’s a compelling vision—one that uses data not just to monitor but to manage operations proactively. “Systems we currently work with today already provide actionable data from system health monitoring and provide autonomous alerts via email, text, and phone call,” noted Hermanowycz. In short, the control system will dispatch maintenance personnel prior to equipment failure.”
While full-scale predictive systems are still emerging, the necessary building blocks already exist in D4i drivers, which enable two-way communication between fixtures and controls. The bi-directionality is key—the system needs to know what the fixture is doing, not just tell it what to do.
OVERCOMING OLD PAIN POINTS
Skepticism around lighting controls still lingers. “We all know someone who taped over a sensor because it was too complicated,” Hermanowycz laughed. “That’s the reputation we’re fighting against.”
New autonomous systems aim to change that. Instead of manual commissioning or dip switches, these intelligent networks self-configure by sensing daylight, occupancy, and spatial relationships. Power it up, and the system finds the walls, the switches, and learns how to behave.
For electrical contractors, this simplification has the potential to be transformative.
INTEGRATING BEYOND LIGHTING
The implications extend beyond illumination. Modern control networks can tie into building management systems (BMS)
Predictive maintenance isn’t just a technology— it’s a mindset.
and monitor more than just the lighting.
Hermanowycz sees a layered approach emerging: lighting and lighting controls at the core, surrounded by occupancy sensors, leak detection, HVAC, and power-quality monitoring. “Facilities managers have an opportunity right now to voice their wish lists,” he said. “The industry is finally equipped to respond.”
REDEFINING ROI
As controls and sensors merge into the fabric of buildings, the traditional notion of ROI must evolve. Energy savings alone no longer capture the full picture. Maintenance savings, operational uptime, safety, and even brand perception belong in the equation.
“If a light outage causes a safety incident, or if a dimly lit store turns customers away, that has real financial consequences,” Hermanowycz noted. “Those intangibles are part of the return on investment now.”
In that sense, predictive maintenance isn’t just a technology— it’s a mindset. It’s about anticipating problems, managing risk, and using data to make decisions that serve people as well as balance sheets.
THE TAKEAWAY
Building a lighting maintenance strategy for the future means expanding the conversation beyond watts and lumens. It’s about connectivity, intelligence, and foresight—designing systems that learn, adapt, and protect the environments they illuminate.
“We’re better equipped than ever,” Hermanowycz concluded. “The challenge isn’t the technology anymore. It’s education— helping the market understand that what failed ten years ago isn’t what’s being offered today.” ■
Connected lighting keeps offices bright and efficient, automatically maintaining output and reducing maintenance demands. Image courtesy of Greg Hermanowycz
WHAT'S NEW
1X4 LED BACK LIGHT PANEL
NEXGEN
LOTUS LAMP
HyLite LED’s new NexGen Lotus Lamp combines dual-wattage flexibility with color selectability and 0–100% smooth dimming via both Triac and 0–10V systems. Featuring adjustable mounting and a 180° directional design, it can replace HID, PAR halogen, CFL, or incandescent lamps while reducing energy use by up to 90%.
LA1 AISLE LIGHTER
Filamento’s new LA1 Aisle Lighter redefines warehouse illumination by delivering more energy savings and requiring fewer fixtures compared to traditional high-bay solutions. Engineered for aisles with tall racking, its precision optics ensure uniform light distribution without dark patches or wasted output.
The new 1x4 LED Back Light Panel from EarthTronics delivers uniform, glare-free illumination, offering power- and CCT-selectable settings. The panel includes 0–10V dimming and wide-range 120–347 VAC operation. Compatible with EarthConnect Bluetooth® Mesh controls, it ensures smart energy management and reliable performance across extreme temperatures.
HLR SERIES
MaxLite’s HLR Series delivers reliable, energy-efficient illumination for Class I Division 2 hazardous locations, combining robust performance with compact, lightweight construction. Designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, the family includes multiple wattages and eight versatile mounting options, offering long-lasting, lowmaintenance operation ideal for demanding environments.
ECO-SPS SERIES EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM (INVERTERS)
Ecolume LED’s ECO-SPS Series provides reliable emergency power for lighting systems, ensuring continuous output during outages. Available in 55W, 110W, and 220W models, the inverter features soft start, short-circuit, and overload protection, and uses a sealed lead-calcium battery with automatic recharge for 90-minute operation and is compatible with incandescent, fluorescent, induction, and LED loads.
TSLED FIELD-ADJUSTABLE STAIRWELL LIGHTING
RAB Lighting’s next-generation Treadsafe® TSLED delivers intelligent, adaptable illumination for stairwells and corridors. The fixture features integrated ultrasonic sensing, ideal for spaces with limited line of sight. Available in Lightcloud® Blue wireless control models and with battery backup for power-loss safety, Treadsafe offers field-adjustable wattage and CCT for on-site customization.
SECURE™ CONTEMPORARY FLOOD LIGHTS
Expanding its SECURE™ family of outdoor luminaires, AMP® Lighting introduces the Contemporary Flood Lights, available in 35W and 80W models. Each luminaire offers selectable lumen output and CCT and 0–10V dimming, with IP66-rated die-cast aluminum construction, a marine-grade powder-coat finish, and DarkSky compliance.
ALTOR WVLF G2
Engineered for the rigorous demands of food and meat processing environments, LumenFocus’s Altor WVLF G2 delivers high-output, bacteria- and debris-resistant illumination in a vaportight, easy-to-clean housing. Available in 2-foot and 4-foot models and made in the USA, the WVLF G2 is UL 1598, NSF, IP66, and NEMA 4X rated, ensuring reliability across food facilities, industrial sites, and recreational applications.
SWIVELPOLE™ INCORPORATING MAXIS™
Introducing Swivelpole™ incorporating Maxis™, a next-generation lowering pole solution that enables safe, efficient access to lighting fixtures and mounted equipment without ladders or scaffolding. The solution is built for hazardous and harsh environments and allows fixtures to be inverted and lowered to a safe, ergonomic working height, reducing maintenance time and cost while improving worker safety.
LIGHTEN THE LOAD
By Jennifer Brons Light and Health Research Center at Mount Sinai
A version of this article appeared in designing lighting (dl), October/November 2025 issue
Utility companies are facing increasing challenges in balancing electric supply and customer demand. For over a century, electrical generation has been accomplished with a limited number of power plants that are carefully designed to meet maximum electrical needs.
As electrical demand continues to rise, solar and other renewable power generation have helped to offset construction of more nuclear or fossil fuel power plants.
Managing this balancing act efficiently while maintaining grid stability is a key concern (Figure 1). Demand for electricity has
always varied by time of day, season, and region. But, with the growth of renewables, power generation itself has been added as a time-dependent variable. This can be a particular problem when the timing of demand does not match generation schedules.
When electrical demand exceeds supply, utilities must purchase electricity or use inefficient plants, which can create logarithmic price increases. Conversely, when electrical supply from renewables exceeds demand, efficient plants must be taken offline to balance supply and demand. This, too, is costly for utilities.
How Outdoor Systems Can Support Grid Stability
Figure 1. Utilities must balance electrical demand with supply.
To achieve this balance of supply and demand, utilities are looking for alternatives to “shave” the demand peaks and “fill” the supply valleys. Figure 2 illustrates how this would work with a common and a new type of load profile. By charging batteries during times of low demand and using that power in times of high demand, the utility goal of “flattening” the load is closer to being reached.
Parking lot lighting presents an ideal opportunity for load flattening because as the sun sets, photovoltaic production decreases, and demand for electric outdoor illumination increases.
Switching between battery charging (when demand is low) to battery use (when demand is high) for parking lot and other forms of outdoor lighting can help to keep utility costs down and grid reliability high.
Here we present the results of a study where parking lot lighting used battery storage in this manner.
PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT
Funded by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Light and Health Research Center recently developed a simple prototype referred to as a “load shed” system. While there are numerous potential uses for this technology, we focused on a proof-of-concept design for lighting a small to mediumsized parking lot adjacent to our laboratory in Menands, NY, between September 2024 and June 2025.
TESTING RESULTS
The load shed prototype performed well and successfully demonstrated non-emergency nightly shifting for multiple operating parameters. The battery charged and discharged properly, both in the depths of a Northeastern winter and during a summer heatwave.
When the length of the winter evening exceeded the battery’s capacity, the system automatically switched to mains electricity as designed. The system also powered the luminaire during a simulated power failure, providing functionality not commonly available in parking lots.
The prototype’s battery was positioned in a pole-mounted enclosure (Figure 3) along with other energy storage equipment (charger/monitor), electrical equipment (ac/dc inverter, relays), controls (photocell, timer, clock, cellular
Figure 3. The load shed prototype (left) powered a pole-mounted luminaire (right) in the study’s parking lot location in Menands, NY.
Figure 2. To dampen swings in electricity demand, batteries should be charged when electrical demand is low and discharged in the early evening during peak demand. In a common load profile, battery charging occurs overnight (left). In regions with ample photovoltaic generation, charging would occur during the day (right). (Adapted from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.1)
interface), and monitoring equipment. (Detailed schematics of the design are available from the author on request.)
We designed the system to maintain the same light output regardless of power source.
We also tested demand emergencies that simulated a utility company sending an automated demand response signal to override the system’s scheduled programming and operate the luminaire via battery beyond the system’s nightly flex load shed parameters.
While the cellular communication we used for the test showed minimal lag time, there were a few instances when wireless commands were not getting through to the system due to a spontaneous disconnection from our cellular network. Fortunately, the system continued to operate with the previous program settings, allowing nightly flex load to shift to a less expensive time of day as designed.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy,2, 3 we estimate that 53–83 million parking lot lights were operating in the US as of 2020. Assuming an average power demand of about 155 watts per light, this translates to a nationwide parking lot lighting demand of 8,220 to 12,870 megawatts that could be shifted to off-peak demand times.
Our calculations show that shifting this demand would variably reduce energy costs, depending on market factors. A similar system installed in Idaho, for example, would see a payback period of 37 months whereas one installed in Southern California would yield a payback in only 18 months. Incentives offered by utilities to encourage the adoption of load shed systems could further enhance the proven economic benefits.
A principal limitation to adopting load shed technology is the significant impact of season on electrical demand. During autumn through spring in much of the US, daily peak demand occurs a couple of hours after parking lot lighting turns on. Summertime peak demand, on the other hand, occurs before the lighting turns on, potentially making demand management less useful for electrical utilities.
In fact, because annual demand for electricity peaks during the summer in some regions, some utilities incentivize demand management efforts during the summer only, for limited hours of the day. But demand profiles are changing, especially with increasing electrification (e.g., vehicle charging at night).
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Our research revealed several considerations for effectively
bringing load shed technology to market.
♦ Maintaining a load shed system’s wireless connectivity is important for its capability to respond to grid emergency signals.
♦ Battery capacity should be based not only on the size of the load, but also on intended duration of operation. A smaller battery could be used for a few hours of nightly flex load. A larger battery may be needed for grid emergencies.
♦ Consider integration of load shed technology in luminaire heads. This may reduce AC/DC conversions but will limit physical size/form factor of battery and duration of operation. While integration would avoid an ungainly enclosure connected to a pole, it would add complication to luminaire housing design. Luminaire integration might also offer opportunities to expand load shed technology to street lighting.
♦ Pole-mounted load shed technology would be suitable for small to medium-sized parking lots with about 1 kilowatt of outdoor lighting. For lighting larger sites, we calculated that a centralized battery system would be more practical for load management.
♦ While many utilities in North America already publish special rates to encourage demand management, many have minimum loads (e.g., ≥ 50 kilowatts) for eligibility, which most potential end-users of this load shed technology would not meet.
♦ To accommodate minimum load requirements, a “curtailment service provider” could be used to aggregate load shed savings from a client portfolio in the utility’s territory as part of a suite of solutions that aggregators could offer their clients.
Outdoor lighting presents opportunities for commercialization and aggregation of simple load shed technology for sites across the country. We expect this technology to offer nightly opportunities for electrical flex load management that will help utilities balance supply and demand in the future.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author wishes to acknowledge Chris Wolgamott of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance for providing inspiration and support for this research. The project was also made possible by the design and fabrication efforts of Light and Health Research Center staff and Namreiba LLC of Albany, NY. To learn more about this load shed technology, contact us for detailed schematics. ■
REFERENCES
1 U.S. Energy Information Administration. Hourly Electricity Consumption Varies Throughout the Day and Across Seasons. Washington, DC: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2020. [Available from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42915].
2 Buccitelli N., Elliott C., Schober S., Yamada M. 2015 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Energy, 2017. [Available from https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2017/12/f46/lmc2015_nov17.pdf]
3 Elliott C., Lee K. Adoption of Light-Emitting Diodes in Common Lighting Applications. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Energy, 2020. [Available from https://www.energy.gov/eere/ssl/articles/2020-led-adoption-report?nrg_redirect=453978].
Annual Convention and Trade Show
435 Park St, Des Moines, IA 50309 HOTEL
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES
TRANSPORTATION
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle* to the airport. Please call the hotel at (515) 241-1456 upon arrival to utilize the shuttle service. If schedule allows, the hotel offers a shuttle service within 2 miles of the hotel. Uber, Lyft, taxis are also available.
*Shuttle service typically runs from 5:00 a.m. – midnight
CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW VENUE
IOWA EVENTS CENTER
730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
OFF-SITE RECEPTION
Wilson’s Orchard and Farms* 3201 15th Ave, Cumming, IA 50061
*Transportation will be provided to and from the Hilton for the reception.
NALMCO wishes to thank sponsors who have signed up:
PLATINUM
■ Acuity Brands Lighting
■ Keystone Technologies
■ LEDVANCE
GOLD
■ LSI Industries, Inc.
SILVER
■ Energy Solutions International, Inc.
■ MaxLite
■ Peace Services, LLC
■ Satco Products Inc.
BRONZE
■ Avi-on Labs, Inc.
■ BWI Light
■ ESCO, Retrofitters Direct
■ ESPEN Technology
■ Graybar Electric
■ Jarvis Lighting
■ Lighting Resources, LLC
■ Linmore LED
■ SENSORWORX
■ SnapCount
■ Utility Management Solutions
TARESH GROVER
CEO & Co-Founder, Pull Logic
The AI Surge: Reinventing the Lighting & Electrical Industry
AI is transforming the lighting and electrical industry not just by optimizing supply chains, but by simplifying how people plan, quote, manage, and execute work every day. From the factory floor to the job site, AI is helping manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and agents reduce complexity, save time, and make faster, smarter decisions.
This session will explore real-world and emerging use cases showing how AI is improving productivity across the ecosystem and what the next wave of intelligent tools means for every role in the industry.
Taresh Grover is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pull Logic, an AI-powered supply chain platform spun out of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Pull Logic helps manufacturers, distributors, and service providers optimize product availability and decision-making using
Stephen is a former Al Qaeda hostage who was captured in 2011 while traveling through Mali and held for over six years. During his captivity, he faced unimaginable challenges and developed a deep understanding of the human spirit and the power of the mind.
After his release in 2017, Stephen decided to share his story in the form of a book, Six Years with Al Qaeda, which became a best seller in South Africa within the
advanced AI agents built for real-world complexity.
Before Pull Logic, Taresh was the Co-Founder and CEO of MySupplier, a tech-enabled services company that managed large-scale national lighting retrofit rollouts for enterprise clients. At MySupplier, he worked with Fortune 500 companies to streamline procurement, logistics, and execution across thousands of locations; powered by a customdesigned project management tool purpose-built for high-volume, multi-site rollouts.
Taresh brings a rare cross-functional perspective across planning, operations, and field execution, helping companies bridge the gap between strategic intent and day-to-day decisions. At Pull Logic, he leads product vision, go-to-market, and enterprise partnerships.
STEPHEN MCGOWN
Freedom Is an Attitude
first 5 weeks of sale and went on to win the Adult non-fiction category at the South African Book Awards for 2021. This memoir details his journey as a hostage and the lessons he learned about resilience, hope, and finding your authentic self.
In addition to writing his book, Stephen is now an international motivational speaker, helping others to explore freedom through mindset and attitude. He draws from his own experiences to inspire audiences to push through difficult times, discover their own inner strength and take ownership of their lives. He also works with organisations and companies to help them build a strong and resilient culture.
72ND NALMCO ®
CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CLMC Content Review Session
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Set-Up
2:00 – 6:30 p.m.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
7:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
7:00 – 8:00 a.m. Past Presidents’ Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Keynote Session: The AI Surge: Reinventing the Lighting & Electrical Industry, Taresh Grover
a.m. – 12:30
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. One-on-One Appointments with Exhibitors (Part 1)
3:30 – 3:45 p.m. Visit with Exhibitors
3:45 – 5:00 p.m. General Session: Labor Partner Meet & Greet
6:00
October 19-21, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Desk Open
Expo Center 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast – Visit with Exhibitors
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Keynote Session: Freedom Is an Attitude, Stephen McGown
10:30 – 12:00 p.m. One-on-One Appointments with Exhibitors (Part 2)
–
Expo Center Hall C
Expo Center Hall C
Center Hall C 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. General Session: Open Networking
Expo Center Hall C 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. One-on-One Appointments with Exhibitors (Part 3)
Expo Center Hall C 3:15 – 5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Tear-Down
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Off- Site Reception sponsored by LEDVANCE
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Golfers Breakfast (Golfers only) Sponsored by SnapCount Hilton 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. NALMCO Golf Tournament (Golfers only) Tournament Club of Iowa
1:00 p.m. Golf Tournament Lunch (Golfers Only) Sponsored by ESCO, Retrofitters Direct Tournament Club of Iowa
NEW CERTIFICATIONS
CERTIFIED APPRENTICE
LIGHTING
TECHNICIAN™
ABM Lighting
Jonathan Franks, CALT
Contemporary Energy Solutions
Joseph Canett, CALT
Crawford Electric Supply
Karen O'Bier, CALT
CSL Technology Solutions
Chris Bilbrey, CALT
Echo Electric Supply
Jackson McGovern, CALT
Facility Solutions Group
Asia Clayton, CALT
Juan Flores, CALT
Nadia Grandy, CALT
Noel Marroquin, CALT
Catherine Marube, CALT
Deavonta Bluitt, CALT
Green Tech LEADers
Alejandro Redondo, CALT
Daniel Franco, CALT
David Acevedo, CALT
Hazril Suwandi, CALT
Ismael Coronel, CALT
Joelvy Marte, CALT
Justin Lu, CALT
Linda Navarrette, CALT
Lucio Rodriguez, CALT
Marcus Bistline, CALT
Marvin Sanchez-Ortiz, CALT
MD Taiyeb Rashid, CALT
Michael Trujillo, CALT
Samuel Collado, CALT
Sayaf Sibat, CALT
Sheanleigh Ken Cajote, CALT
Vanessa Hadzovic, CALT
Zander Warner, CALT
Milwaukee Public Schools
Alfonso Saldivar, CALT
Andrew Mlagan, CALT
Angel Gutierrez, CALT
Brandon Gardner, CALT
David Moreno, CALT
Dior Emerson, CALT
Emannuel Figueroa, CALT
Isabella Martinez, CALT
Jacob Smith, CALT
Jenny Martinez, CALT
Justin Allen, CALT
Keshaun Young, CALT
Shomarion Tubbs, CALT
Stephon Clincy, CALT
Zoran Adjar, CALT
Pacific Energy Concepts (PEC)
Greg Jordan, CALT
Mackenzie Glenn, CALT
MJ Fleming, CALT
Rand and Jones Enterprises, Inc.
Joan Yang, CALT
Sunset Lighting
Lisa Prilutskikh, CALT
Wauwatosa School District
Douglas Baisley, CALT
Sabrina Massey, CALT
Willdan
Adelle Anderson, CALT
Estephan Varela, CALT
Joshua Thompson, CALT
Mahlon Aldridge, CALT
Willdan Clean Energy Academy
Anton Gunn, CALT
Baldemiro Leon, CALT
Joshua Lyssette, CALT
Justin Allen, CALT
World Electric Supply
Christina Epperson, CALT
Daniel Bryant, CALT
Julie Marco, CALT
Savon Lawson, CALT
CERTIFIED SENIOR LIGHTING TECHNICIAN™
Contemporary Energy Solutions
Jason Stitt, CSLT
Facility Solutions Group
Heather DeLeon, CSLT
Kevin Tran, CSLT
Mark Heisler, CSLT
Pacific Energy Concepts (PEC)
Alec Watkins, CSLT
CERTIFIED LIGHTING CONTROLS PROFESSIONAL™ Acuity Inc.
Kyle Wood, CLCP
Dyno Group Inc.
Christopher Wan, CSLT, CLCP
Power Design Inc
Robert Payne, CLCP
United Electric Supply
Tyler Suchyj, CLCP
CERTIFIED APPRENTICE GUV TECHNICIAN (CA-GUVT)
Directional Approach Inc
Mohit Rajput, CA-GUVT
Rea Lighting Inc.
Monica Kristo, CALT, CLA, CA-GUVT, CLMC, CLEP
Roger Williams University Human Health and Harmony Lab
Carolina Miranda, CA-GUVT
CERTIFIED LIGHTING AUDITOR
Utility Management Solutions, LLC
Joseph D'Acquisto, CLA
NEW MEMBERS
Certified Apprentice GUV Technician (CA-GUVT)
• Introduction to germicidal GUV technology
• Principles and mechanisms of germicidal GUV disinfection
• Safety considerations and protocols
Exam Fee: $350
Certified Lighting Management Consultant® (CLMC®)
• Characteristics and proper usage of lamps, ballasts, fixtures, and controls
• Lighting layout designs and applications
• Energy conservation related to lighting and controls and sustainable lighting practices
Exam Fee: $500 (Member Rate)
Prerequisites: 3
Certified Lighting Controls Professional™ (CLCP™)
• Introduction to lighting, switching, dimming, personal lighting, wireless lighting, and intelligent lighting control
• Daylight harvesting, energy codes, LEDs, etc.
Exam Fee: $200 (Member Rate)
Certified Lighting Auditor (CLA)
• Perform accurate, energy-efficient lighting audits
• Assures clients of precise, comprehensive audit recommendations
• Ideal for lighting professionals, energy auditors, and facility managers
Exam Fee: $225 (Member Rate)
exam registration, link to online
and 1-year certification fee
LIGHTING THE FU TUR E
By Brad S. Picht
Category Manager, Graybar
Regional Sales at Acuity Brands
How LEDs Are Powering Smarter, Greener Spaces
Since the late 19th century, lighting technology has evolved in dramatic ways. Progressing from the very first incandescent lighting options to innovations like fluorescent and halogen lamps, each new technology has offered improvements in lighting quality, efficiency and longevity.
Rapid innovations in lighting have transformed LEDs into a full spectrum of affordable, high-intensity, energy-efficient lighting solutions. LEDs have become synonymous with modern, eco-friendly, and smart lighting solutions. They're adaptable to all environments and can deliver a soft glow in our homes or bright, focused lights in operating rooms— and pretty much every application in between.
As every industry begins the transition to LED, there are several factors that can help ensure your projects run smoothly, create optimum efficiency and cost savings, and are ready to adapt as technology advances.
FOUR KEY BENEFITS OF LED TECHNOLOGY
Advancements in LED technology have created opportunities to use lighting in new and innovative ways. In addition to increased efficiency and reduced maintenance costs, the technology offers several important advantages over its predecessors:
• Enhanced Control: Modern LED systems are
Product
versatile, allowing for precise control over light intensity, color temperature, and illumination distribution. This flexibility makes LED lighting suitable for a wide array of applications.
• Integration: LED technology is inherently smart and flexible. LEDs can integrate with building management systems, respond to environmental changes and be programmed to suit hyper-specific requirements, making them a highly customizable choice for modern lighting needs.
LIGHTING UP INDUSTRIES: LEDS’ DIVERSE APPLICATIONS
The versatility of LED technology extends far beyond general illumination. LEDs are transforming industries by meeting unique lighting requirements that were once challenging to achieve.
Data Centers. As AI fuels rapid growth of data center construction, LED lighting plays a key role in supporting energy efficiency, security and reliability. LEDs are ideally suited for data centers because they emit very little heat, consume minimal energy and have a long lifespan. Combined with automated controls, LEDs can also dim or turn off lighting in unoccupied areas of the data center to save energy.
Healthcare. LEDs contribute to creating environments that aid in recovery and comfort. For example, the ability to control light intensity and color temperature plays a critical role in patient rooms, allowing bright, focused light when staff need it to provide care, and softer light to enhance the healing environment and patient rest.
Agriculture. LEDs are revolutionizing how we grow food. In controlled environments like greenhouses, LED lighting supports plant growth by emitting specific light spectra that enhance photosynthesis. This technology is important in vertical farming and urban agriculture especially, as space is limited, and maximizing yield is essential.
Hospitality. Designing and providing the correct ambiance of a space is important in the hospitality industry. LED lighting helps create inviting atmospheres in hotels, restaurants, and event spaces. In hotel rooms, smart systems offer features like occupancy sensors, which help to save energy and comply with evolving state and federal requirements.
Education. School districts and college campuses are using LED lighting to create environments conducive to learning. As with hotels, occupancy sensors and smart systems can help to ensure that lighting is only on when it’s needed in dorms and common spaces, which can help reduce energy costs.
Warehousing and Storage. The efficiency and safety in warehousing and storage facilities are vastly improved with LED lighting. Bright, consistent lighting is crucial in these environments for both safety and operational efficiency.
Heavy Industrial. Like warehousing applications, LEDs
can support safety and productivity in manufacturing facilities, as well as other heavy industrial applications such as foundries and oil and gas refineries.
THE DAWN OF SMART LIGHTING: THE FUTURE OF LED TECHNOLOGY
As AI transforms the way we live and work, it is also transforming lighting. The industry is focused on creating smarter, more responsive, and more integrated lighting systems that contribute to overall well-being, improve facility maintenance, and enhance energy efficiency. Here are some areas where AI is transforming commercial and industrial lighting:
• Internet of Things (IoT) Capabilities: When combined with the Internet of Things (IoT) AI will create new opportunities for intelligent lighting solutions. LEDs can be equipped with sensors and connected to networks, providing valuable data that can be used to enhance security, traffic management, and environmental monitoring. This integration positions LED lighting as a key player in the smart technology revolution, contributing to more sustainable and efficient urban development.
• Integration With Building Systems: The future of LED lies in its ability to become even more intelligent. LEDs can work in harmony with other building systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), to optimize energy use and create a more comfortable environment. This level of integration will make our buildings not just places to live or work, but ecosystems that respond intelligently to our needs, while improving sustainability.
• Customized User Experience: The future will also see a heightened focus on the customization capabilities of LED lighting. Imagine AI-enabled lighting systems that learn from your habits, adjusting brightness and color based on the time of day or the activity in the room. From dynamic lighting that adapts to individual moods and activities to architectural lighting that transforms buildings into works of art, the possibilities are limitless. This will continue to enhance the user experience, with the possibility of providing lighting solutions that are not only personalized, but also enriching and inspiring.
• Streamlined Maintenance: By continuously monitoring performance and analyzing data, lighting systems equipped with AI will be able to predict when a component is likely to fail. With this information, maintenance teams will be able to replace parts before they fail, which minimizes downtime and reduces the cost of emergency repairs.
Moving forward, lighting will become an increasingly integrated—and integral—element of smart building design. By leveraging AI and IoT capabilities, the future of LEDs is bigger and brighter than ever. ■
By Parker Allen
TARIFFS, TIGHTENING, AND TRADE TENSIONS
By Parker Allen
As we begin the final quarter of the year, the global logistics picture is once again dominated by tariffs and trade uncertainty. Rates have come down since a relative peak in midsummer, but the calm may be temporary.
New U.S. duties, Chinese retaliatory fees, and tightening capacity in Asia threaten to raise costs for importers across North America, especially those sourcing fixtures, drivers, and components from China.
October’s Golden Week factory closures in China brought the usual slowdown—followed by a scramble to catch up. Both Maersk and C.H. Robinson report widespread blank sailings and shrinking space on the Trans-Pacific.1,2
Maersk advised shippers to book three to four weeks in advance and consider alternate ports as vessel schedules normalize.1 C.H. Robinson estimated that shipment capacity to both the East and West Coasts was down roughly 10%, warning that equipment shortages could persist into November.2
Despite these constraints, most carriers are absorbing new USTR service fees on Chinese-built vessels rather than passing them along to customers, helping to stabilize near-term freight pricing.2
At home, trucking remains steady but sensitive to policy shifts. The Department of Transportation recently enacted a rule restricting non-domiciled
CDLs, which could lead to a reduction of the driver pool, tightening capacity, and increasing rates by late 2026.2
LTL markets are still soft, giving shippers leverage for now. But carriers warn that higher equipment and insurance costs are forcing small operators out of the market—another sign of consolidation ahead.
For those navigating imports of fixtures, ballasts, and controls from Asia, the fourth quarter calls for disciplined planning. Book early and stay flexible. Reserve November–December sailings now to avoid higher rates and post-holiday congestion.
Diversify inland carriers. Spread drayage and trucking across multiple partners to hedge against regional driver shortages.
Audit tariff exposure. New U.S. duties on copper, auto parts, and Chinese-built vessels could affect component costs.1
And finally, monitor trade deadlines. The current tariff “pause” on Chinese imports expires November 10, and no extension has been confirmed.3
Even as volumes fluctuate and rates soften, the fundamentals—slowing demand, evolving regulation, and unpredictable trade policy—continue to shape the supply chain outlook for 2026. For now, success depends on vigilance, diversification, and accurate forecasting. ■
1 Serra, F. (2025, October 1). “Maersk North America Market Update – October 2025.” Maersk. https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2025/10/01/northamerica-market-update-october
2 C.H. Robinson. (2025, October 2). Freight Market Update: October 2025. https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/resources/insights-and-advisories/northamerica-freight-insights/oct-2025-freight-market-update/
3 Jensen, L. (2025, October 11). 100% tariff on China again? Well, here we go again. Yes, Trump has threatened 100% tariff on everything from China [Post]. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7382732067836514304/
TARIFFS
AD INDEX
UPCLOSE WITH Wendy Fry
By Shirley Coyle, LC
From the outside, the lighting industry may seem like a world of technical specifications and product solutions. But, for Wendy Fry (center), it’s a story of family legacy, resilience and the drive to build something meaningful.
As President and owner of The Lighting Retrofit Companies (TRC), a thriving electrical and lighting business in Owatonna, Minnesota, Wendy has navigated the complexities of a changing industry while staying true to the values that have defined her family and her company.
The roots of Wendy’s career trace back to her father, Steve Kath, who founded the business. Wendy joined the environmental division in 1998, which was created in response to Minnesota’s 1994 law prohibiting the disposal of fluorescent lamps in the trash.
In 2007, Wendy transitioned into the lighting division, conducting energy audits and managing projects. She stepped into the role of sales manager after a series of unsuccessful external hires. “If you have enough failure trying people that are qualified, you just give the job to someone that can figure it out,” Wendy laughed, highlighting her pragmatic approach to leadership. In 2017, she took over as president and owner of TRC.
The lighting industry underwent seismic shifts during Wendy’s tenure, from the heyday of straightforward fluorescent conversions to the complex world of LED technology. She candidly described the
challenges of this transition, “The paybacks went from two years for fluorescent, to fifteen to twenty years in the early LED days. I mean, who buys that, right?”
The company faced the daunting task of educating themselves and their clients on new technologies, sometimes investing significant time and resources into projects that never materialized.
Another major challenge was maintaining a consistent workflow in a business prone to seasonal fluctuations and high demands. The company’s focus on large projects and national contracts led to periods of intense travel and strain on staff, particularly electricians with families.
Recognizing the unsustainable nature of this model, Wendy made a strategic pivot, transforming the business into a full-service electrical contractor with a strong lighting expertise. This shift not only stabilized the company’s workload but also helped retain and grow a talented team.
For Wendy, the heart of the business is people, and she spoke passionately about the importance of building a cohesive, ego-free leadership team. “Once you find a team that has truly like-minded people, with a great work ethic—and no ego ... it is so refreshing and fun, even when it’s hard.”
Wendy emphasized the value of versatility and humility, noting that in a small business, no one is above pitching in, whether it’s buying toilet paper or stepping into a new
role. She recognizes the challenges of hiring and integrating new staff, especially during periods of rapid growth. “We went from seven electricians to twentyseven ... you’re just kind of learning all the personalities, making sure everyone’s rowing in the same direction.”
Asked for her advice for those coming into the field, Wendy recommended involvement in organizations like NALMCO. “NALMCO’s a great group of people that love lighting, understand the technology, and it kind of marries people on the street selling projects with those designing projects. So, everyone can learn something about giving people out in the field what they want.”
Reflecting on the current issues facing the industry, Wendy highlighted the ongoing challenges of product reliability and warranty management in the LED era, noting the significant time and resources required to keep customers satisfied when products fail. “Very seldom do you get labor reimbursement from manufacturers when products fail. Sometimes you get a little bit of labor coverage, but it just never covers the time and energy you spent trying to keep your customer happy when they’ve just purchased this brand-new lighting system.”
Outside of work, Wendy is a devoted mother of three—two daughters, both at university and both softball players, while her son, a freshman in high school, plays football and baseball.
It’s a hectic schedule of getting to their games, but Wendy wouldn’t have it any other way, finding joy in supporting her children’s athletic pursuits and spending time with her extended family. She carves out time for early morning workouts and dreams of returning to “grandma crafts” like sewing and scrapbooking.
In every chapter of her journey, Wendy shows a spirit of adaptability, teamwork and genuine care for her family and her business. ■
