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Who owns Lightfair? What new things are coming along? How are exhibitors being vetted? What is the vision for Lightfair? What’s hot right now in the lighting design world? Christopher answers these queries and more in this episode. Get to Lightfair, May 4 - 8, 2025 in Las Vegas. https://lightfair.us.messefrankfurt.com/us/en.html. Christopher Knowlton is the CEO of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), leading strategic initiatives to support and grow the global architectural lighting design profession. With over 18 years of experience across the built environment industry, his career has spanned theatre, events, and architecture. Christopher holds a BA(Hons) in Lighting Design, an MSc in Light and Lighting and an MBA. His creative and entrepreneurial background, combined with expertise in business strategy and leadership, positions him to drive innovation and collaboration within the IALD, enhancing the profession’s global impact.
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Y por fin llegó el día. En este primer capítulo damos inicio a una nueva etapa: Get a Grip on Lighting en Español, la versión en nuestro idioma del podcast en inglés que lleva años iluminando la industria. Exploramos el fascinante mundo de la iluminación desde dos perspectivas únicas: el diseño y la astronomía. Acompaña a nuestros conductores Alex Carrillo, un diseñador de iluminación y Fernando Ávila, un astrónomo experto en contaminación lumínica, mientras discuten qué es la luz, cómo nos afecta y su importancia en la sociedad. Descubre las diferencias entre luz natural y artificial, su impacto en nuestras vidas y el futuro de la iluminación. Agradecemos especialmente a Michael Colligan por su inspiración y apoyo en este emocionante proyecto. Escúchanos y sé parte de esta conversación! Si tienes ideas, preguntas o te gustaría unirte como invitado en un futuro episodio, ¡nos encantaría escucharte! Acerca de los conductores, Alex es un diseñador de iluminación mexicano relativamente joven que estuvo en el Episodio #364 de GAGOL y desde entonces dejó sembrada la idea de hacer la versión en Español del podcast. Ha realizado proyectos de iluminacion de todo tipo en varias partes del mundo y ha dado clases de iluminación en diversas escuelas en México, por lo que compartir y opinar respecto a la industria de la iluminación, no es nuevo para él. En contraste, Fernando Avila desde niño se enamoró de las estrellas y hoy trabaja para el Observatorio Astronómico Nacional en México, como responsable de la Oficina de la Ley del Cielo, donde busca proteger el entorno natural nocturno de la contaminación lumínica. Fernando también es parte de Dark Sky International desde 2013 y actualmente está en su mesa directiva.
Conectar con Alex & Fernando @alexcarrilloromano en Facebook, Instagram y LinkedIn @soyalexcarrillo en X (Twitter) https://astronomia.unam.mx/comunidad/fernando-andres-avila-castro/ -
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If Nikola Tesla only knew… Philip Gotthelf has run with Tesla’s invention and made it “the most advanced sustainable commercial lighting on the planet.” In this episode, you’ll learn about induction lighting, but Philip is also pretty knowledgeable about LED, flicker, and blue light effects on the pineal gland. And don’t get him started on road lighting! Philip Gotthelf is a world renowned authority on energy markets and technologies. His expertise dates back to the original formation of energy futures markets in the 1970s where he worked directly with the New York Mercantile Exchange to popularize their crude oil and #2 heating oil contracts. In response to the first Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970, Philip Gotthelf became a crusader against the “Five Ps;” the pollution targets of 1) air, 2) water, 3) soil, 4) light, and 5) noise. In 1982, he revived Nikola Tesla’s magnetic induction light (MIL) to achieve energy efficiency and longevity while reducing light pollution and protecting soil and water from dispersed mercury contained in fluorescent bulbs. In 2007, he created a line of modernized MIL under Ultra-Tech Lighting™ which is now operating as Tesla Induction Lighting Co. in deference to Nikola Tesla who invented the technology. His design objectives included minimizing glare and light pollution to achieve Dark Sky compliance without sacrificing visual acuity, creating quiet drivers (ballasts) to address noise pollution such as the 20,000 cycle harmonic that can disturb bats and canines, encapsulating mercury to render it environmentally inert, eliminating high-frequency flicker to eliminate dangers of strobe migraines or even epilepsy, and developing precise spectral tuning to provide the correct wavelengths for specific applications. Tesla Induction Lighting has the only proven “white light” fixture that does not distract sea turtles like the Green and Loggerhead. His Snow-Bright™ brand has been approved as Dark Sky compliant by the Grand Teton Environmental Commission and the University of Wyoming infrared observatory. Philip Gotthelf has been an active environmentalist for more than half a century.
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John comes onto GAGOL to explain how ESCO’s are serving MUSH. Okay. You know what GAGOL is. You probably know what an ESCO is. You’ll have to listen to this podcast to find out what MUSH stands for. John breaks down what it is to be an ESCO, who they serve, and how they make money.
John Hamilton is an accomplished sales executive with over a decade of experience leading growth and driving profitability in the energy services and lighting industries. Currently serving as Vice President of ESCO Sales at SLG Lighting® (since April 2023), John is responsible for creating value within the ESCO market space by developing innovative products and solutions that address the unique needs of energy services companies. In this role, John is focused on expanding SLG’s market share and ensuring the long-term success of the ESCO channel, providing strategic leadership in sales management, account development, and product delivery.
Prior to SLG Lighting®, John served as National Sales Director at LEDVANCE, where he managed the growth and profitability of the Energy Services Company (ESCO) channel, establishing relationships with key accounts and aligning customer needs with cutting-edge lighting solutions. During his tenure at MaxLite as National Sales Director for ESCOs (2018–2021), John further honed his expertise in leading national sales initiatives, nurturing client relationships, and building impactful business strategies.
Known for his ability to forge long-lasting client relationships and drive results in highly competitive markets, John brings a consultative approach to sales, delivering tailored solutions that create both short-term wins and sustainable growth. With expertise in sales management, account development, and strategic partnerships, John is a trusted leader in the lighting and energy services industries.
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If you missed the live stream, here is a recording of Michael’s chat with Eric Teacher at Canada Light Expo. Michael and Eric talk about what it is to be a lighting agent, how STL has survived the chaotic agency world of Toronto, and how the US market seems unaware of how enormous the Ontario and Toronto economy is. Working in the lighting industry since 1993, Eric has been with STL Lighting Group for 4 years as a lighting system specification consultant. Eric is Past President of the Toronto IES.
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Dr. Shelley James is back with a little preview of her new podcast, “Thinking Differently About Lighting.” Dr. James has pulled together her “dream team” of scientists to discuss the latest research and findings, and how that is transforming the way we think about lighting. Watch out for the launch on the Get a Grip network. Dr. Shelley James is an international expert on light and well-being, TEDx and keynote speaker, Author, WELL Advisor and Visiting Lecturer at the Royal College of Art. She is also a trained glass artist and electrician. Shelley is on a mission to inspire others to harness the power of the humble lightbulb to be healthier, happier and help to save the planet too. Clients include global lighting and technology brands and regulators, healthcare and education trusts, architects and designers, academic institutions and museums. A recent social media campaign to raise awareness of the impact of light on teens was translated into three languages and reached over 2.5 million people around the world. Her TEDx talk was the third-most watched in the world in the month following the launch.
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Is the LED boom over? Maybe so, but not in sports lighting. The energy savings and cost reductions with LED, and the advancements in controls now means you can get that NFL “look” for your local high school field. As Royce says, it can make participants feel like they are part of something bigger. Royce Banuelos is the marketing manager for SLG Lighting, an LED lighting manufacturer known for their high bays, commercial lighting, and turn key sports lighting solutions. He has an extensive 15+ years of experience in marketing and has been in lighting for 4 of those years, falling in love with the industry of making the world a brighter place.
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Yes, there is a market north of the border! The Toronto area is huge and deserves its own lighting show. Gaurav saw the opportunity and jumped on it all the way from India. With his company, MEX Exhibitions, he plans to “provide a platform for the lighting community to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the future of smart lighting, LED technology, and design.” And he’s getting help from The Lighting Agora’s Tom Butters who is acting as the Knowledge Partner for the educational program. Spoiler alert - we’ll be there live streaming from the Get A Grip On Lighting booth! Bonus as a GAGOL listener: use the code NAILD40 to receive a discount on your registration fees. Gaurav Juneja, Director of MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and MEX International Inc., is a pioneering leader in the B2B exhibition industry specifically for lighting industry, apart from many other Industry Verticals. He has played a transformative role in the industry, most notably through his leadership in launching major trade shows that have become flagship events in each sector. Gaurav was instrumental in the launch of LED Expo India in 2009, a ground breaking platform that introduced the Indian market to advanced LED technologies and solutions, helping accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient lighting across the country. Following its success, Gaurav spearheaded the expansion of the brand into Southeast Asia by establishing LED Expo Thailand in 2013, making it one of the largest and most influential lighting shows in the ASEAN region. Tom Butters, LC, is the creative mind and developer behind some of the most well received educational tools and events of the global lighting industry. Since 1986, Tom has worked in or served the entire array of the lighting industry. He uses this diverse background and empathy to understand the needs of the individual or organization to deliver high quality lighting education to suit the precise needs of the user. Tom is a proud board member of the Nuckolls’ Fund for Lighting Education and an Emeritus Member of the IES. As the Senior Manager then Director of Canlyte/Philips Lighting Concept Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from 2000 to 2016, Tom developed and delivered top level lighting education to thousands of attendees in all segments of the lighting industry. Tom was the co-developer, along with F.X. Morin, of the globally successful free lighting app “IES Ready Reference”. He is the creator of “Light for Life – a Global Collaboration 2020” which involved 17 webinars from 15 lighting organizations from around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom was the director of the IES’ free 4-hour live webinar “Germicidal Disinfection in the Days of COVID-19” which had over 3600 live attendees from 56 countries and has been viewed by thousands more as a free offering on the IES website.
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You or your contractor are installing lights in a retail store with a scissor lift. Suddenly, a few tiles crack under the weight. Who’s to blame? It might not be who you think.
Cory joined his father at Lighting Unlimited in 2008. He took on a leadership role in 2014 as well as receiving his LC from the NCQLP in 2017. He was the president of NAILD in 2018 and the VP of the Phoenix chapter of the IES.
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Michael recently had a customer call to fix some blinking lights in his parking lot. Brian joins Michael and Greg to discuss how a distributor could handle this situation when some other company did the installation. THe boys discuss everything from selling them new fixtures, to advising them to call the installers to find out the warranty situation. What would you do?
Brian began his career in the lighting industry with Pacific Lamp Wholesale, in 2009. Before Pacific Lamp he sold radiant floor heating, solar electric, and solar water systems. That is how he got started working with utility rebates and tax credit programs.
Pacific Lamp founder Dave Junkin, a founding member of NAILD, came out of retirement, and Brian was the first person he hired after his son decided to do another line of work. Dave took him under my wing and taught him everything he knows about the business. Brian purchased the company from him in 2019.
Brian would like to see more sustainable lighting and better standards of uniformity and would like to contribute to making the industry a better place with more collaboration between manufacturers and distributors to give end users better quality fixtures. He would love to see higher end lines manufactured in the US again!
He is a huge advocate for dark sky friendly and animal friendly lighting that has purpose with the correct color and distribution based on the application.
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CEOs of publicly traded lighting companies, you are invited to be a guest on Get A Grip On Lighting. Michael, Greg, and Spencer Miles discuss the pros and the cons for you. And we have concluded the pros outweigh the cons. If you’re up for it, email us at [email protected]. Spencer Miles first appeared on Get a Grip On Lighting way back in 2017 on episode #4. He is the President of Pacific Lamp and Supply Company where he has worked for 23 years of Pacific Lamp’s over 100 years of business. Spencer served as NAILD’s President in 2019.
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Devin and Louvers International have a new UVC air sanitizer product called Cluvaire. But while we have Devin, we go into the “deep state” of the lighting industry, outdoor lighting, bulb bans, dark sky compliance… But yeah, he has a new UV product called Cluvaire. Check it out: https://louversintl.com/uvc-air-sanitizers/ Devin, along with his brother Derek, heads up Louvers International which was founded in 1986 with reliability and good design in mind. What started out as a small business has evolved into a team that works together to build connections between their customers and the lighting and plastics industries.
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Michael presents a document from the Canadian government outlining the coming ban on CFL bulbs. Brian Huff joins Michael and Greg to tackle this misguided and needlessly complicated plan. Hey Governments - want to get rid of Mercury containing bulbs? A NAILD committee will figure it out in 15 minutes. Brian Huff, President of Adventure Lighting in Des Moines, IA, has been in the lighting industry for 15ish years, and has owned Adventure Lighting for 7 years. He has 2 kids, and spends a lot of time going to kids sports, coaching kids sports, playing golf, and volunteering on a few local boards/non-profits.
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Jake Watters reached out to us after listening to episode #356 with Paolo Cordovado and how difficult it has become, as a building manager, to simply replace light bulbs. Even as Jake’s company attempts to mitigate the waste with their modular system, even he admits that the only path to sustainability is probably form factor standards. Michael gets hotter than usual on this one. Born and raised in the Lighting industry, Jake’s father was a branch and then general manager of a regional ED/showroom in the Detroit area. As a kid, he worked in the warehouse, eventually putting together, hanging, and electrifying light fixtures. While in college, Jake helped his father open up a 10,000 sq foot lighting showroom in Central Florida. A year after finishing college, his father retired and Jake ran the showroom for 7ish years until his father had to sell the business. Jake moved out to California, where his wife was from, and he purposefully turned down opportunities to return to lighting. Fast forward a decade, and after having 3 young kids and being a stay-at-home dad for a little over 3 years, he returned to lighting on the manufacturing side in 2019 working for Auroralight, and then Elco Lighting since May 2023.
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It was another very successful NAILD Convention. Michael and Greg give us their take on the event, from the seating plan to the presentations to the first pitch at the baseball game by Brian Huff. Greg considers the boxed lunch sandwich possibly one of the best he’s ever had!
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Mel Jacobson started selling light bulbs out of a van in 1951 and in 1955, Paul’s Grandfather Don McLellan joined Mel, then bought the company in 1982 when Mel retired. When the internet arrived, teenage Paul built a website and started selling light bulbs online. But vanolite.com just wasn’t going to cut it. And so LightBulbs.com was born. Paul and his brother-in-law Jason tell us how they built up the online business and how they continue to keep it successful. Hint - they have a big family.
Paul created LightBulbs.com's first website in 1996, and continues to provide all eCommerce development today, focusing on providing a fast, responsive and user-friendly experience. After over 25 years of working in nearly every position at the company, Paul now rests comfortably as President (and Programmer).
When he isn't working at LightBulbs.com, he's spending time with his wife Laura and their nine children (five of which are currently employed by LightBulbs.com), enjoying the outdoors, especially their favorite vacation spot of Fort Myers Beach, FL; and in his spare time, Paul really, really enjoys immersing himself in a good movie or video game.
Jason has been with LightBulbs.com for 24 years and works directly with: Sales, Distribution, Customer Service, Accounting and Web Content. Fresh out of high school and after one year of doing tech support for a dial-up ISP in Minneapolis, he decided to join the family lighting business of his then girlfriend – who eventually became his wife.
Since joining Service Lighting, Inc. / LightBulbs.com in 2000, Jason helped the company develop a pick, pack and ship process that handled a 1500% increase in average daily volume in these 24 years. In 2013, Jason began working with both Commercial and Retail / Utility Sales Managers on various projects and initiatives for their customers. Overseeing the growth of an online sales department that went from 4 reps up to 13 in those 11 years.
Jason loves spending time with two kids, playing fantasy sports and having his heart constantly broken by the sports teams in Minnesota, especially the Vikings…
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Special Release! It’s almost September and that means the Archlight Summit is almost upon us. Lea and Cindy update Michael on what to expect this year at The Dallas Market Centre in Dallas Texas. Educational and enjoyable. Catch up with friends and colleagues you haven’t seen for a while. September 17 and 18. Lea is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in Trade Show Sales, Attendee Development, and new business development, specializing for over 14 years in the commercial and architectural lighting industry. Lea joined the Dallas Market Center this past April and is focused on Attendee Development and Exhibit Sales for ArchLIGHT Summit. She is dedicated to driving exhibit hall growth by attracting high-profile exhibitors and key industry attendees, ensuring the show's success, and expanding its impact in the lighting industry. Cindy is an award-winning Independent Marketing Consultant who’s been working in the lighting industry for 20 years. She has an extensive background in Event Management and Marketing in various industries including professional sports, non-profit events, and industry trade shows. She got her start in the commercial and architectural lighting industry with Acuity Brands and continues to serve as a marketing specialist for a variety of clients in architectural lighting. Cindy was contracted by the Dallas Market Center four years ago to create and manage ArchLIGHT Summit to Central Texas. She serves as the Director of Event Strategy and is responsible for exhibitor growth, association involvement, board members and overall event marketing and management. Cindy serves as the National Marketing Chair on the Women in Lighting + Design Board of Directors.
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We get back to basics with lighting distributor Brian Amundson, President of Pacific Lamp Wholesale. We start off with a video of possibly the most hellish room you could ever experience. Brian discusses with Michael and Greg, how to handle a situation like that, and sticking up for the customer in general. Brian began his career in the lighting industry with Pacific Lamp Wholesale, in 2009. Before Pacific Lamp he sold radiant floor heating, solar electric, and solar water systems. That is how he got started working with utility rebates and tax credit programs. Pacific Lamp founder Dave Junkin, a founding member of NAILD, came out of retirement, and Brian was the first person he hired after his son decided to do another line of work. Dave took him under my wing and taught him everything he knows about the business. Brian purchased the company from him in 2019. Brian would like to see more sustainable lighting and better standards of uniformity and would like to contribute to making the industry a better place with more collaboration between manufacturers and distributors to give end users better quality fixtures. He would love to see higher end lines manufactured in the US again! He is a huge advocate for dark sky friendly and animal friendly lighting that has purpose with the correct color and distribution based on the application.
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Alex and Paulina are our first guests from Mexico. And they seem to have many of the same challenges as in the rest of North America - problems with Chinese products and standards and certifications, for example. They are making headway on light pollution however, starting with some dark sky compliant areas in the Baja Peninsula and working its way through Mexico. Alex is an Architect and Lighting Designer from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia. With extensive experience in lighting design, mainly in the industrial and commercial sectors. He has collaborated on multiple projects to achieve green certifications, such as LEED. He is a university lecturer, teaching Lighting courses in the Architecture program. Passionate about sharing knowledge, he has conducted various workshops where light is the medium for expressing ideas. Co-founder with his wife Paulina of Wawa Lighting. Paulina is an architect from the National Technological Institute of Mexico and holds a master's degree in Lighting Design from Aalborg University in Denmark. She has over 10 years of experience collaborating on hospitality, residential, urban, and industrial projects in Mexico, the United States, and Europe. She is the co-founder of Wawa Lighting, an architectural lighting design firm. Committed to education, she actively participates in courses, diploma programs, master's programs, and workshops, where she seeks to share knowledge about the culture of light and dark skies.
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