Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

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

In this spirited episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts dive deep into the highs and hiccups of the LSC training held in Dallas — a hands-on lighting controls certification course that left attendees saying, "It hurt good."  🔥 Highlights Include:  Insights from course creators Webster Marsh, Ron Kuszmar, and Chris O'Shea as they reflect on what worked and what evolved.  Emphasis on hands-on learning over theory, adapting curriculum in real-time to meet student needs.  Big takeaway? Lighting controls education is vital — and the industry is yearning for it.   🧠 Why This Matters:  The training emphasized real-world scenarios, offering immediate value to distributors and techs.  Students learned how to translate lighting control drawings into actionable installations — often for the first time.  The importance of legacy systems and maintaining older dimmer panels stirred lively discussion, pointing to a massive opportunity in the controls space.   🧾 Final Thoughts:  Education in lighting controls is no longer optional—it’s essential.  Plans for a second course (LS-C II) to dig deeper into legacy tech and advanced integration.   👉 Ready to be part of the revolution in lighting controls? Hit that like button, subscribe, and learn more at naild.org.  Connect with:  Chris: www.controlforce.comlinkedin.com/in/chris-o-shea-64a58131a  Webster: https://www.penumbracontrols.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-webster-marsh/ Ron: https://www.portlighting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-kuszmar-7a8a3538/ Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, Michael Colligan, Greg Ehrich, and Scott Wachter dive deep into the latest efforts to address light pollution through education and innovation in the lighting industry. Scott reveals the launch of Lighting Specialist: Darkness Restoration Part One, a pioneering training program designed to equip professionals with practical knowledge to mitigate night pollution in poor outdoor lighting design. 🔥 Topics Covered: - The behind-the-scenes creation of the 71-minute training course 🧠- Why fixture certification alone isn't enough—and might be misleading ⚠️- The importance of educating installers and designers on lighting specs 📘- Regional successes in dark sky initiatives, from Georgia to Arizona 🌌- Debates around the health impacts of LED lighting, featuring Mark Baker 👁️- The role of nonprofits, corporations, and associations in shaping lighting legislation 🏛️- How the lighting industry's lack of unified leadership is slowing progress ⏳- Scott’s vision for future advanced modules and hands-on training 💡 💬 “At the end of this, you’ll have a certification that says you know your stuff.” – Scott Wachter If you're a lighting professional, sustainability advocate, or just curious about the next frontier in outdoor lighting, this episode is a must-watch. 📅 Convention details, and more available at naild.org/ls-c 👍 Like, Subscribe & Comment — and join the conversation around restoring our night skies. Connect with Scott:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-wachter-5a3109113https://restoringdarkness.com/darkness-news-update/https://naild.org/lighting-industry-news-brief/ Sponsor: Keystone, www.keystonetech.com

In this illuminating episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, science journalist Lynne Peeples—author of The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythm—joins Greg and Michael for a deep dive into the fascinating world of biological timekeeping. 🌞🕰️  From her background in biostatistics and journalism to her personal struggles with sleep and seasonal affective disorder, Peeples shares why aligning our lifestyles with natural light-dark cycles is essential for optimal health, productivity, and well-being. 💡 Key topics covered: - What circadian rhythms really are and how they govern nearly every system in our body - The biological impact of electric lighting—both its disruptions and potential benefits - Why LED technology could revolutionize our health (if used wisely) - Real-world examples: circadian lighting for pro athletes and shift workers - The equity gap in light access and its implications for public health - Practical strategies for syncing with your inner clock—no fancy gadgets required!  If you've ever wondered how something as simple as light could shape your sleep, your energy, and even your future, this episode is a must-watch. Available now wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget, The Inner Clock is available from RiverheadBooks on all platforms including Audible and in bookstores everywhere. 📚🌙  Connect with Lynne: IG: lynne.peeples X: @lynnepeeps FB and LinkedIn: Lynne Peeples  Sponsor: Keystone, www.keystonetech.com

In this illuminating episode, Karl Zartarian, Regional VP at Barron Lighting Group, joins the show to discuss innovation, strategy, and the evolving landscape of emergency and specialty lighting. From anti-ligature exit signs for institutional settings to RGBW panels with DMX controls, Karl shares practical insights and real-world applications that are shaping the future of lighting. 💡 Topics include: - Why green exit signs might be more than just a design choice - How RGB lighting is being used in hospitals, airports, and entertainment venues - The challenges and opportunities of utility rebates and DLC standards - What makes lighting controls effective—and why tech support matters - How distributors, engineers, and designers each play a unique role in the lighting ecosystem  Whether you're in distribution, design, or just passionate about lighting, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where the industry is headed.  Connect with Karl: linkedin.com/in/karl-zartarian  Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group www.barronltg.com

In this vibrant episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Greg and Mike welcome back Kathryn Toth, an award-winning architectural lighting designer renowned for her mastery in crafting artistic lighting solutions across commercial, residential, retail, and landscape spaces. 🌍✨ 🎙️ Highlights Include: - Decorative Lamp Design Tips: Kathryn shares her preferences for medium and candelabra base lamps that enhance ambiance and avoid unsightly shadows. - Antique Fixture Restoration: Hear how she navigates importing, rewiring, and customizing antique fixtures to meet UL/ETL safety standards, including dramatic pieces for Urban Outfitters and luxury Bahamas installations. - Dark Sky Advocacy: Learn how Kathryn promotes sustainable lighting by supporting DarkSky International and integrating low-wattage, dimmable LED solutions. - Lighting Controls in Projects: From residences to hotels, Kathryn dives deep into programmable systems with astronomical timers and tailored scenes to improve mood, reduce glare, and support retail experiences. - Maintenance Made Easy: She champions lamp consistency across projects, emphasizing repairability and long-term planning for her clients. 🔦 Plus: Insight on trends like retrofit vs. replace, compatibility concerns with European fixtures, and the importance of diffused light over visible diodes in high-end design.  Connect with Kathryn: www.illiedu.orgwww.theialighting.com Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

In this mind-bending episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, tech visionary Tony Lawrence dives deep into the future of light, AI, quantum computing—and even interdimensional data transfer. From mining Bitcoin with a lightbulb, to using quantum entropy to generate synthetic data, Tony explores how light itself is becoming both a medium for communication and a tool for cybersecurity, surveillance, and perhaps even time travel. If you’ve ever wondered how quantum randomness, entangled photons, or spy-level tech could shape the next digital revolution, this episode is unmissable. 👁️‍🗨️ Topics include: AI vs. Quantum: What’s the difference and how do they work together? Light as information (and maybe... an interdimensional messenger) LiFi, quantum key distribution, and the coming "quantum internet" Mining crypto through lighting fixtures (!) Why synthetic data may be the ethical future of AI 🚨 Tune in now—this one’s part sci-fi, part science, and all real. Connect with Tony:linkedin.com/in/tony-l-22b08151lightriderinc.com/https://twitter.com/VORTECHNOLOGYhttps://twitter.com/lightriderinchttps://www.facebook.com/lightriderinchttps://www.instagram.com/lightriderinc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-rider/ Sponsor: Grip Lock Systems www.griplock.com

In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich dive into the ever-important topic of emergency lighting and exit signage. From battery packs to combo units and LED emergency backup tubes, they explore the evolving landscape and the challenges distributors face when retrofitting or maintaining systems. They emphasize the critical importance of separating emergency systems from general lighting, and share real-world examples where overlooking proper emergency planning led to serious consequences.Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group  www.barronltg.com

In this eye-opening and unscripted episode, Mike and Greg peel back the curtain on one of the most underappreciated parts of the lighting industry—customer service. From misfit lightbulbs and warranty nightmares to dremel-happy customers and failing retrofits in century-old churches, no story is too strange and no frustration is off-limits. Whether it’s juggling returns, handling broken bulbs, or chasing down elusive manufacturer answers, these two veterans tackle it all with grit, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk.🔥 Topics Covered: Why customer service is the unsung hero of the lighting industry Mishaps with mislabeled bulbs and untested retrofits What happens when suppliers go quiet The real cost of poor follow-through This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a front-row seat to the real-life grind—and glory—of keeping the lighting world lit.💡 Tune in, laugh a little, learn a lot, and maybe shed a tear for your favorite customer service rep.Sponsor: Satco www.satco.com

🚀 On the latest episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, Matt Honson, President of NAILD, dives into the evolution of lighting distribution, industry education, and the urgent need for transparency in product labeling and eco-fee schemes. - Why collaboration among independent distributors strengthens the industry - Why integrity comes natural when you are living in the light - There shouldn’t be anything to hide when you are working in the non-profit sector and charging the lighting industry for product accreditation and eco-fees. If you care about the future of lighting distribution, this conversation is a must-listen! #LightingIndustry #NAILD #Innovation #Leadership #transparency   📌 Listen now! 🔗 Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-honson-3171a32b  Sponsor: Keystone www.keystonetech.com

Join Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich on Get a Grip on Lighting as they dive into the evolving lighting industry in 2025. With rebates disappearing and competition tightening, distributors must rethink their approach. Michael highlights a unique opportunity in repairable fixtures—bringing back the distributor's original role of providing lighting components instead of simply selling new fixtures. Greg shares real-world examples of retrofitting LED purpose-built fixtures with socketed solutions, making them easily replaceable and future-proof.   Whether you're navigating post-rebate challenges or looking for fresh sales strategies, this episode is packed with insights to keep you ahead in the game!   🔥 Watch now and stay ahead of the curve in lighting sales!   Sponsor: Halco Lighting www.halcolighting.com

In this episode, we sit down with Taresh Grover, co-founder and COO of Pullogic, an AI-powered platform transforming supply chains. From predicting demand to optimizing inventory, AI is revolutionizing distribution—especially in the lighting industry. Taresh shares insights on how AI helps manufacturers and distributors reduce lost sales by forecasting demand and making smarter replenishment decisions in real time. He also dives into common challenges lighting businesses face and how Pullogic’s data-driven approach aligns supply with customer needs.  If you work in lighting distribution, manufacturing, or just want to know how AI is reshaping the industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!  🔗 Listen now & subscribe for more insights!   Taresh Grover is the Co-Founder and COO of Pull Logic, an AI-powered SaaS platform that helps manufacturers and distributors reduce lost sales by optimizing product availability, not just inventory. By modeling real-world buying behavior, Pull Logic uses AI to forecast demand, recommend substitutions, and guide smarter replenishment decisions in real time. 

The podcast features Elizabeth Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at iFixit, discussing the Right to Repair movement and its impact on the lighting industry. Traditionally, lighting was designed with standardized, replaceable components, ensuring easy repairs. However, modern LED fixtures often have non-repairable parts, leading to more electronic waste. Liz explains iFixit's mission to provide free repair guides and advocate for laws requiring manufacturers to support independent repairs. Michael and Greg argue that lighting should return to its repairable roots, emphasizing sustainability and waste reduction.  Liz Chamberlain is Director of Sustainability at iFixit, where you can find everything you need to fix consumer gadgets (and more). She heads the company's fight for the Right to Repair, which is the idea that you should be able to fix everything you own and manufacturers shouldn't be able to stop you. Her writing about repair and e-waste has been published in The Wall Street Journal and Wired, and she's been interviewed for NPR and Vox.  Connect with Liz: www.ifixit.com www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-chamberlain-4a96264a/ X: liz_ifixit facebook.com/iFixit instagram.com/ifixit  Sponsor: Griplock Systems griplocksystems.com

Lighting controls are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re fast becoming the backbone of smart, energy-efficient buildings. In this episode, Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich sit down with Scott Metker, COO of Autani, to explore how the convergence of lighting, HVAC, and data is transforming the built environment.From the rise of wireless and hybrid systems to the untapped potential of demand reduction and data-driven decision-making, this conversation sheds light on what’s next for building intelligence. Scott breaks down the real-world benefits of connected controls and why facility managers are seeing lighting systems as more than just sources of illumination—they’re becoming powerful platforms for insight and automation.And if you're a distributor, contractor, or agent looking to pivot into the future?Get a Grip on Lighting is blazing a new sales path with rebates and lighting controls—and NAILD is backing it up with an in-person, hands-on controls certification. Click here to learn more. If you’re ready to shift gears with the industry, this is where you start.Tune in and find out why the smartest buildings start with the smartest lighting systems.Connect with Scott: https://autani.com https://www.litetrace.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmetker/   Sponsor: Satco  www.satco.com

In this explosive discussion, Devin Wall returns to break down the deep-state influence in the lighting industry—focusing on tariffs, accreditation agencies, and the power dynamics shaping the market.   🔦 Key Topics Covered:  - Why Devin supports tariffs & U.S.-based manufacturing - The real role of accreditation agencies (like DLC) - How non-player characters are controlling lighting policies - Is the DLC helping or hurting lighting innovation? - Why rebates dictate product choices—and who profits - The unseen impact of industry regulations   🔥 If you're in the lighting industry, this episode is a MUST-WATCH! Let’s talk about who’s pulling the strings and how manufacturers & distributors can navigate the system.   💡 Hit like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments!   #LightingIndustry #Tariffs #DLC #LightingRegulations #DeepStateLighting #GetAGripOnLighting

In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we sit down with Webster Marsh, host of the Lighting Controls Podcast, and Lighting Specialist in Controls instructor, to talk about the exciting future of lighting controls certification and why the industry desperately needs certified professionals.   💡 Key Topics Discussed: - Why the demand for lighting controls expertise is growing now more than ever. - How rebate programs are shaping the market and driving controls adoption. - The LC-C Lighting Controls Certification—a hands-on, multi-track training program designed for designers, distributors, and installers. - The importance of in-person training—seeing, touching, and working with controls firsthand. - How distributors can monetize lighting controls and position themselves as experts in the industry.  🎓 Ready to take your career in lighting to the next level? Learn more about LC-C Certification and why YOU should be signing up today!   🔥 Like, share, and subscribe for more industry insights! #LightingControls #GetAGripOnLighting #LC_Certification #LightingIndustry #LightingTraining   Connect with Webster: www.penumbracontrols.com www.linkedin.com/in/c-webster-marsh Sponsor: Keystone www.keystonetech.com

In this compelling episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, Spencer Myles and Brian Amundson dive deep into the complexities of the lighting industry, exposing the challenges posed by rebate programs, direct install initiatives, and shifting market dynamics.✨ Key Topics Discussed: The unintended consequences of rebate programs and how they can harm distributors. The rise of direct install programs—who benefits and who loses out? "Deep State" analogies in the lighting world and their impact on market competition. Why maintaining quality lighting solutions and advocating for fair practices is essential for the industry. The role of trade allies and the erosion of their importance in the lighting market. 🔍 Discover how Spencer and Brian shed light on these pressing issues and share their insights into navigating a rapidly evolving industry landscape. If you're in the lighting business, this episode is a must-watch!💡 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!#LightingIndustry #RebatePrograms #DeepStateLighting #DirectInstall #GetAGripOnLighting

Our old friend Mark Jewell joins us to talk about selling in the lighting industry—especially as rebates begin to dry up. A lot of people are worried about what the end of rebate programs will mean for project sales. Mark says we shouldn’t be. Michael and Greg aren’t so sure. In this episode, Mark talks us down off the “rebate ledge” with some sensible math. Rebates are great, but they’re not the only reason to upgrade. With real-world examples, he explains how energy savings, increased building value, and improved worker performance—think efficiency, accuracy, and morale—can still make a strong business case for retrofits. And if you manage a mall, you’ll want to hear Mark’s take on why it TOTALLY makes sense to upgrade your parking lot lighting—rebates or not.Mark is an award-winning trainer and Wall Street Journal best-selling author with 30 years’ experience in energy and efficiency. Over those three decades, Mark Jewell has taught more than 15,000 energy professionals and influenced efficiency decisions in more than three billion square feet of North American real estate. Earlier in his career, Mark helped the US EPA deploy both the ENERGY STAR® Buildings Program for Commercial Real Estate and the Portfolio Manager® benchmarking tool.Prior to founding Selling Energy, Mark Jewell served as founder and President of a consulting firm that identified energy-saving improvements, provided financial analyses to justify said improvements, and supported utilities and customers in the creation and implementation of efficiency programs. Mark received his B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.