Episode 518: #423 - Doin' The Right Thing

 In this electrifying episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we sit down with Tom Kieffer of Service Lighting (aka LightBulbs.com)—a 40-year veteran who's still pushing boundaries and saving clients up to 85% on lighting costs. But this isn't just about retrofits and wattage. It's about honor, innovation, and rebellion. 💡 What’s Inside Tom’s take on why most lighting design is broken—and how to fix it The truth about wall packs (spoiler: “light pukers” 🚫) Why the lighting industry needs to grow a pair and say NO to bad fixtures A fiery debate on DLC, free fixture programs, and market fairness The rise of Starry Skies North and the fight against light pollution How NAILD is leading the charge on darkness restoration education Real talk on lighting distributors, contractors, and who really knows lighting  ⚡️ If you sell light bulbs, install fixtures, or care about the future of lighting—this one’s for you. #LightingIndustry #DarkSky #DLC #LightingDesign #NAILD #GetAGripOnLighting #TomKieffer #LightBulbsDotCom #StarrySkies #LightingReform #PodcastConnect with Tom:lightbulbs.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkieffer/[email protected] Sponsor: Satco, satco.com, @satco

Is the DLC a wolf in sheep's clothing? Michael and Greg lay it out. The live stream experienced some technical difficulties, so here it is in full.

🔥 Buckle up for a bold ride through the lighting industry! Mike & Greg give you a brief recap of the Nailed Convention, and challenge the DLC to display their transparency values by inviting them and D+R to speak up on the Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast this Friday.  Plus, you’ll get some classic Mike & Greg banter, including a wild donkey analogy that somehow makes perfect sense. #LightingIndustry #LightingDistribution #TransparencyTalk #IndustryVoices #DLCdebate Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ehrich-2b375a2/  Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-colligan-64380016/

Alan Karen of Satco is the OG, the original gangster of lighting. With his 30-year journey in lighting, Alan brings wisdom, grit, and heart to the mic. 🔥 What’s inside: The evolution of lighting distribution and Satco’s game-changing portal Why relationships still matter in a tech-driven world The story behind the Guiding Light Award and the H Foundation’s fight against cancer (www.hfoundation.org) Real talk on lamp bans, tariffs, and the future of lighting legislation A passionate defense of the right to repair and the role of lighting distributors  Alan, Michael, and Greg tackle this episode with insight, humor, and inspiration. 💡 “We don’t dictate to the market—we supply it.” – Alan Karen  #LightingIndustry #Satco #AlanKaren #RightToRepair #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #HFoundation #GuidingLightAward #LEDRevolution #LightingDistributors Connect with Alan: https://twitter.com/SATCOPRODUCTS https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-karen-02a16b8/   Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Butters—lighting educator, and Founder & Executive Director of The Lighting Agora—for a no-holds-barred conversation on the state of lighting education, the evolution of the industry, and what to expect at the Canada Light Expo, November 12-13 (canadalightexpo.com). From the value of in-person learning to the challenges of brand-driven training, Tom brings clarity, candor, and a touch of rebellion to the mic. 💡 Whether you're a seasoned lighting pro or just curious about the future of the industry, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way. #LightingEducation #TomButters #CanadaLightExpo #LightingAgora #GetAGripOnLighting #Podcast Connect with Tom: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-butters-lc-20416551/ Https://lightingagora.com/ Https://www.nlb.org/  Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we welcome back Al Uszynski—founder of Inside Lighting (inside.lighting) and one of the most respected voices in lighting journalism—for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the lighting industry. 📰 From the launch of the new Lumy Awards to the controversy surrounding DLC, Al shares candid insights into the role of journalism, the need for industry reform, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action. 💥 Topics covered: The creation and vision behind the Lumy Awards 🏆 Why journalism matters in lighting—and how Inside Lighting is changing the game The DLC debate: prescriptive rebates, transparency, and calls for a five-year moratorium Industry leadership, contested elections, and the future of IES How trade organizations can better serve their members   🔗 Learn more athttps://www.insidelighting.com🔗 Visithttps://www.naild.org #LightingIndustry #InsideLighting #LumyAwards #DLC #NAILD #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #AlUszynski #LightingJournalism #EnergyEfficiency #TradeOrganizations Connect with Al: Https://inside.lighting/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-lighting/ Https://www.instagram.com/inside.lighting/ https://twitter.com/InsLighting https://www.facebook.com/InsideLighting/   Sponsor: Halco, www.halcolighting.com,

This episode tackles the hidden pitfalls of LED lighting with two seasoned designers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Rachel and Anne expose how the promise of long-lasting LEDs often falls short—especially in demanding environments like airports and hotels.🔧 Key Points: LEDs Aren’t Forever: Despite marketing claims, many fixtures fail within 3–7 years. Repairability Crisis: Most modern fixtures can’t be fixed, turning “sustainable” designs into landfill. Design Smarter: Specifying maintainable fixtures and attic stock upfront is crucial. Call for Standards: The industry needs enforceable guidelines to stop the throwaway trend. It’s a bold, insightful conversation that urges lighting pros to rethink what “sustainable” really means.Connect with Rachel: Stantec.com www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fitzgerald-44901839/  Connect with Anne: Akld.net www.linkedin.com/in/annekustnerhaser/  Sponsor: Griplock Systems, griplocksystems.com

In this fiery and insightful episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Michael and Greg dive deep into the DLC's 501 (c) 3 charitable activities like product labelling in the lighting industry.  Pulling no punches as they challenge the status quo. Here's what you'll get: Lighting Industry Real TalkMichael and Greg dissect the influence of the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and how its evolving standards are reshaping—some say disrupting—the lighting landscape. From rebate gatekeeping to the unintended consequences of product labelling outcomes, they call out the system with passion and precision. Global Power ShiftIs America losing its grip on lighting tech? Our hosts argue that DLC policies have inadvertently handed the reins to Chinese manufacturers, raising serious questions about strategic independence and technological sovereignty. Back to BasicsForget chasing rebates—Michael champions a return to practical lighting solutions that serve real needs other than free money from electrical utility ratepayers.  Smarter choices, and fixtures people can actually maintain. Unfiltered Opinions & Sharp InsightsFrom lumens per watt fatigue to the absurdity of shrinking fixtures for Chinese container optimization, this episode is filled with bold takes and industry wisdom.

🔥 Welcome to the ArchLight Experience 🔥 Get ready to plug into the pulse of the lighting design world at the ArchLIGHT Summit, September 16-17 at the Dallas Market Center.From color-changing corridors to line dancing at the Last Call party—this is lighting, learning, and networking at its best. #ArcLightSummit #LightingDesign #GetAGripPodcast #WILD #DallasEvents #DesignInnovation #PodcastVibes Connect with ArchLIGHT: archlightsummit.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/archlight-summit/ https://www.facebook.com/ArchLIGHTSummit/ https://www.instagram.com/archlightsummit/  Connect with Lea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-tranakos-7476083b/  Connect with Cindy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyfosterwarthen2009/

In this unforgettable episode, Matt Honson—President of NAILD and lighting industry veteran—shares his jaw-dropping journey from warehouse worker to industry leader. But it’s not just about lighting. Matt recounts surviving a near-fatal fall off a cliff in China, breaking his neck and back, and being rescued by farmers who carried him out on a donkey. His miraculous recovery and resilience are nothing short of inspiring.   We also dive into:  His unconventional path into the lighting business  The evolution of LED technology and industry challenges  NAILD’s fight against unethical practices and its renewed mission  Why the upcoming convention in Saint Paul, MN is a must-attend   🔥 If you’ve ever wondered what grit, leadership, and integrity look like in the lighting world—this is the episode to watch.   📅 Join the movement. Join NAILD. Convention info: September 22–24, Saint Paul, MN.  Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-honson-3171a32b/ https://www.thayerenergysolutions.com/about   Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, www.barronltg.com