What lighting trends should contractors be watching in 2026?

In this #podcast episode, Neil Peterson welcomes back David Shiller, Editor of LightNOW, to discuss the biggest shifts shaping the lighting industry, from dark-sky lighting compliance, tariff news, the fluorescent light ban, and broader market forces.

Topics We Cover

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to David Shiller, Editor of LightNOW

01:40 – The ongoing phase-out of fluorescent & HID lighting

03:16 – The rise of dark sky lighting & new state-level compliance laws

05:25 – Growth of selectable LED technology (wattage, CCT & optics)

08:35 – Tariffs, pricing shifts & real estate market impact

12:17 – Data centers, LED rebates & how rising electricity costs affect ROI

Links From The Show

📰 LightNOW – Industry News & Insightshttps://www.lightnowblog.com/

💡 LED Lighting Supply – Commercial & Industrial Lightinghttps://www.ledlightingsupply.com/

📩 Get a Custom Lighting Planhttps://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan

Have a question or challenge in your facility or contracting business? Reach out to us at [email protected], and we may feature it in a future episode. If The Project Advantage is helping you stay ahead, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Subscribe & Review: 

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast/id1813159666 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DQy60dzWboGcdGqQdKYdH 

Amazon:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/38ae03de-69cd-402d-8d97-20b705fca2a3/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast 

How can lighting design and modern lighting technology help contractors improve project outcomes, strengthen profitability, and make better long-term financial decisions?

In this #podcast episode, we sat down with Mason Brady of Brady CFO to explore how contractors can use lighting design, lighting plans, and upgraded lighting technology to support better pricing, cleaner installs, stronger ROI, and improved customer experience. 

We also discuss how energy savings, utility rebates, and incentives like the 179D tax deduction fit into a broader strategy for contractors looking to grow their business with smarter planning and financial insights.

Topics We Cover

00:00 – Meet Mason Brady & what Brady CFO does for contractors

02:11 – The biggest financial challenges contractors face today

03:55 – Which contractors benefit from CFO-level financial strategy

07:09 – Why lighting design & lighting plans matter for contractors

10:14 – Modern LED tech: wattage tuning, color changing, flexibility

11:16 – Energy savings, rebates & ROI from LED upgrades

11:58 – Understanding the 179D tax deduction for energy projects

13:24 – How LED upgrades improve safety, experience & long-term value

Links & Resources

💡 Brady CFO https://bradycfo.com

Connect with Mason Brady on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/

📩 Get a Lighting Plan with Product Recommendationshttps://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan

💡 Learn More About LED Lighting Energy Savingshttps://www.ledlightingsupply.com

Have a question or challenge in your facility or contracting business? Reach out to us at [email protected], and we may feature it in a future episode. If The Project Advantage is helping you stay ahead, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Subscribe & Review: 

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast/id1813159666 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DQy60dzWboGcdGqQdKYdH 

Amazon:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/38ae03de-69cd-402d-8d97-20b705fca2a3/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast 

How can an electrical-related or energy-saving project turn the final QA step to be completed faster, more accurately, and with better documentation?

In this episode of the Project Advantage Podcast, Cory Peterson sits down with Thomas Jarloev, Founder and CEO of CX Planner, to explain how commissioning is evolving from manual checklists into structured digital QA workflows.

They explore how electricians, contractors, and building owners can apply commissioning principles to improve QA processes, system verification, and project handoff across energy-saving and other electrical projects.

Topics we cover:

00:00 - Thomas Jarloev & commissioning introduction

08:05 - What electrical projects include as a final QA step

10:50 - Why commissioning impacts system performance long after installation

16:13 - How poor documentation creates issues for owners and facilities teams

19:31 - When spreadsheets stop working for commissioning and QA workflows

23:18 - How digital tools and AI support modern commissioning processes

29:25 - The future of commissioning in lighting, electrical systems, and facility operations

Links from the show: 

💡CX Plannerhttps://cxplanner.com

Connect with Thomas Jarloev on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastoftgaardjarloev/ 

📩 Get Your Custom Lighting Plan with Product Recommendations

https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan 

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

Quality Control

Quality Assurance

Commissioning

Electrical Commissioning

Testing and Commissioning Electrical

What is Testing & Commissioning in Electrical

installation commissioning and maintenance of electrical equipment

Electrical

Facility Management

Operation and Maintenance

How should contractors think about SEO in the era of AI?

In this episode, Cory Peterson sits down with SEO and growth advisor, Kevin Indig to break down how LLM tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing search, customer discovery, and decision-making for contractors and facility managers. 

The conversation explores how showing up in Google and AI results now depends on context, content, and trust.

Topics we cover:

0:00 – Meet Kevin Indig

02:45 – Why should contractors and facility managers care about SEO?

10:14 – How do Google, ChatGPT, and Claude influence buying decisions today?

13:02 – Is SEO really worth it for local and regional contractors?

22:17 – How do AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude decide which contractors to recommend?

33:42 – Is it too late to start SEO and AI-driven search strategies?

36:31 – Should contractors hire an agency, a freelancer, or build SEO in-house?

46:39 – Can SEO experimentation actually work for growing and enterprise companies?

Links from the show: 

🔗 Growth Memo Newsletter https://www.growth-memo.com

🔗 Connect with Kevin Indig on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinindig/ 

🎥 WATCH - The Power of AI on the Construction Industry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wFd_RiYSps&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=2  

What does it take to transform a blank space into a premier indoor pickleball facility?

In this #podcast episode, Cory Peterson sits down with Bob Saraf of ELEVENO Pickleball to share how his team turned a former retail space at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts, into a nine-court indoor destination. 

They dive into ELEVENO’s entertainment-first vision, the community-driven approach behind the club, and the essential pickleball court lighting decisions, including black ceilings, fixture placement, glare control, lighting controls, and glow-in-the-dark play that helped light up pickleball the right way. 

Bob also highlights the behind-the-scenes challenges, from tight timelines and vendor selection to meeting project timelines.

Topics we cover:

0:00 – ELEVENO Pickleball Intro

2:01 – The vision behind the entertainment-driven pickleball facility at Patriot Place

6:14 – Designing the ideal pickleball lighting layout and selecting the right fixtures

11:49 – Premium design elements: lighting, fencing, turf walls, glass entry, and aesthetics

17:31 – Programming for all skill levels and building a community-first club

22:38 – Grand opening details, hours, and what players can expect

Links from the show: 

🔗 ELEVENO Pickleballhttps://www.eleveno.com/ 

Follow Bob Saraf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-saraf-2a96848a/

💡 Pickleball Court Lighting by LED Lighting Supply:

https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/led-sports-lighting/led-pickleball-court-lights

📩 Request a Free Pickleball Court Lighting Plan:

https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan/sports-lighting-design

🔧 Learn More About Indoor LED Sports Lighting:

https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/led-sports-lighting

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

In this #podcast episode of The Project Advantage Podcast, Cory Peterson, VP of Marketing & Sales Ops at LED Lighting Supply, sits down with Melissa Dixon, Senior Product Manager at Trimble®, to discuss how construction companies are modernizing through technology.

Melissa and Cory explain how moving to a digitized workflow with digital platforms help contractors, distributors, and manufacturers work together more efficiently. By providing clearer visibility and real-time product specifications, the data integrity of digital procurement helps to reduce manual errors, improve communication, and help teams stay ahead with the ability spot trends quickly.

They also dive into the growing role of AI for contractors, showing how automation and real-time data make day-to-day operations faster and more accurate. 

Topics we cover:

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Trimble

01:40 When it makes sense for contractors to digitize

03:59 How manual workflows increase cost and risk

05:42 How Trimble’s digital platform solves data gaps

08:05 Managing material pricing and tariff surcharges

13:18 Using digital tools to control tariffs and construction costs

20:49 The evolving role of AI for contractors

26:27 Modular tools for sustainable contractor business growth

33:44 The measurable ROI from digital transformation

36:19 Where to learn more about Trimble’s construction solutions

Links from the show: 

🌐 Trimble®: https://www.trimble.com/en

🎥 WATCH - How Distributors SAVE Time & WIN More Bids With AI-Powered Software | LED Lighting Supply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qc71gcr2VI&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=2 

📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan 

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

Construction safety isn’t just a regulation; it’s the foundation of every successful project.

In this #podcast episode, we sit down with Mike Maloney of ABC® Massachusetts and Gould Construction Institute to explore the critical role of construction safety, training, and the current state of trades careers.

From apprenticeship programs to the latest OSHA requirements, Mike shares how today’s commercial construction contractors can protect workers, fill the labor shortage, and grow their businesses responsibly.

Topics we cover:

00:13 – Introduction: Mike Maloney

02:51 – Apprenticeship programs and worker training

10:18 – How to become an instructor and maximize worker construction safety

13:25 – Workforce shortages in construction

27:42 – Improve worker safety on job sites through proper training

37:16 – Scholarships and opportunities for commercial construction contractors and apprentices

Links from the show: 

💡 Learn more about ABC® Massachusetts: https://www.abcma.org

🎓 Explore Gould Construction Institute: https://www.gwgci.org 

🎧 Listen to The Build Zone Podcast: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast 

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maloney-7294811a2/ 

🎥 WATCH - Explore a Career in the Trades: Skilled Trades Shortage: What Students & Instructors Need To Know | The Project Advantage Podcast

📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/ceiling-fan-layout 

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

Are long quoting and submittal hours draining your margins?

In this #episode of The Project Advantage, Cory Peterson, VP of Marketing & Sales Ops at LED Lighting Supply, talks with Forest Flager, CEO of Parspec, about how AI-powered software is helping distributors maximize productivity and boost profitability.

Topics we cover:

00:00 – From architecture & engineering to AI-powered product selection, quoting, and submittals

02:30 – Why quotes cost 30+ hours (and how to cut it in half)

07:15 – Product recommendations & margins that boost profitability

12:00 – Project management benefits: order status, lead times, visibility

18:20 – Tariffs: pricing pressure & sourcing “U.S.-made” alternatives

24:00 – The future of software for distributors & AI-native tools

Links from the show: 

Parspec: https://www.parspec.io/

Forest Flager | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestflager/ 

💡 Browse Commercial LED Lights: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/commercial-lighting 

🎥 Watch How to Avoid Project Cost Surges: youtube.com/watch?v=Yv_N6P-x4nI&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=5&t=111s 

📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/ceiling-fan-layout

📱 Use our FREE Done-For-You Commercial LED Savings Calculator: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/resources/calculators/commercial-led-savings-calculator 

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

How can contractors maximize savings and stay prepared amidst the uncertainty around tariffs?

In this #podcast episode of The Project Advantage, Cory and Neil explain questions you should be asking your supplier, how energy-efficient products still save on energy costs despite price increases, staying ahead with utility projects, and how steel and aluminum tariffs are impacting contractors. 

They share practical ways customers can lower their energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and further enhance savings from available rebates. 

Topics we cover:

00:00 – Fall 2025 Tariff Update

02:15 – Federal Rulings and the Ripple Effect for Contractors 05:40 – Aluminum & Steel 2025 Tariffs: The Impact on Construction Projects

09:00 – How to Stay Ahead with Utility Tariffs

13:27 – How LEDs & Fans Offset Tariff Price Increases

20:15 – Questions to Ask Your Supplier

26:45 – Looking Ahead: 2026 Tariffs

💡 Browse Commercial LED Lights: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/commercial-lighting 

🎥 Watch How to Avoid Project Cost Surges: youtube.com/watch?v=Yv_N6P-x4nI&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=5&t=111s 

📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/

📱 Use our FREE Done-For-You Commercial LED Savings Calculator: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/resources/calculators/commercial-led-savings-calculator 

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers!

Listen on your favorite platform:

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast/id1813159666 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DQy60dzWboGcdGqQdKYdH 

Amazon:https://www.amazon.it/LED-Lighting-Supply-Project-Advantage/dp/B0F8JB3X13?utm_campaign=15042583-LLS%20TPA%20Podcast&utm_content=340269332&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UCYYSOQ9MYzy3d4aTBmdkF-w 

Planning a new indoor sports facility build or an existing facility upgrade? 

Pro Tip: Start with the lighting.

In this episode, Bill Taylor, Operations Manager and Head Pro at Match Point Pickleball Club, shares how they built what is soon to be the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility using a custom-tailored pickleball court light recommendation from LED Lighting Supply. Proper lighting impacts precision on the court, player safety, and spectator visibility. 

To get the best ROI on your pickleball lighting system, consider these supplier selection tips from Match Point.

Topics we cover:

00:00 – Meet Bill Taylor, Introducing Match Point Pickleball Club
01:25 – Considerations for the ideal pickleball court environment
03:24 – The importance of lighting for every level of play
08:04 – Before you start, get a custom lighting plan
14:27 – Pickleball champs: Guinness World Record in Columbus, Ohio

Links from the Show:

Matchpoint Pickleball Club (Columbus, OH): https://www.matchpointpickleballclub.com/ 

Bill Taylor | LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-t-29442144/ 

💡 Pickleball Court Lighting by LED Lighting Supply:
https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/led-sports-lighting/led-pickleball-court-lights
📩 Request a Free Pickleball Court Lighting Plan:
 https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan/sports-lighting-design
🔧 Learn More About Indoor LED Sports Lighting:
https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/led-sports-lighting 

🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers!

Have a question or challenge in your facility or contracting business? Reach out to us at [email protected] and we may feature it in a future episode. If The Project Advantage is helping you stay ahead, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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