Lighting For Profits

We’ve made it to Episode 200! 💡 Join host Ryan Lee for a milestone celebration of Lighting for Profits as we reflect on the journey so far and look ahead to what’s next. This special edition features surprise guests, unfiltered stories, and powerful lessons from some of the brightest minds in the outdoor lighting industry. Whether you've been here since episode one or just tuning in, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs you won't want to miss.

Celebrate. Reflect. Level up. This is Lighting for Profits—like you've never heard it before.

If you're tired of being the first one in, the last one out, and the only one who knows what's going on, this one's for you. Danny Kerr, co-founder of Breakthrough Academy, has helped thousands of contractors escape the daily grind and build businesses that actually run without them. In this episode, he unpacks what that transition really looks like and how to structure your company for long-term growth.

We’re talking smart org charts, clear roles, job costing that tells the truth, and KPIs that create accountability so you don't have to chase people down. Plus, Danny is giving away 8 of BTA’s most valuable tools for free. If you want more time, more control, and a business that doesn’t need you 24/7, hit play.

You don’t just have to imagine an organized business. Danny’s giving you 8 FREE TOOLS to build one. Download them here: 

https://trybta.com/LightingForProfits

What began with a failed lighting company in 1996 turned into a remarkable journey of resilience, risk-taking, and reinvention. From publishing a sports newspaper to leading national sales and co-founding a thriving landscape and lighting business, each step built the foundation. Now, as Senior Sales Director at Wintergreen Corporation, this story proves that setbacks are setups for a brighter future.

Meet Joshua Latimer — a first-generation entrepreneur who went from humble beginnings to building and exiting 4 companies, launching a million-download podcast, and founding the FRAP Challenge. Discover how he helps business owners double their profit without spending a dime on ads.

Go behind the brilliance with Keith Rosser—father, grandfather, husband, and the powerhouse behind Landscape Lighting Pro. With over a decade of lighting up the outdoors and leading a passionate team of 15, Keith shares his journey of growth, grit, and glowing success. Now partnering with a national industry leader, he’s scaling new heights and spreading illumination nationwide. This is more than lighting—it’s legacy.

This week on the show we welcome Eric Holmgren — After 15 years in the music industry as an artist, producer, and audio engineer—and backed by a background in exercise science and clinical psychology— he built a lighting business from scratch. He's bought out competitors, survived the struggle, and learned what it really takes to win. This podcast is for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone wired for more. Real talk. Real strategies. Real growth.

This week on the show we welcome Dan Platta — the self-proclaimed nerd behind Best Damn Bookkeeping. With a background in corporate life and experience scaling home service businesses, Dan now helps small business owners make sense of their finances… with a side of humor. If you're into serious business talk with a not-so-serious tone, this episode is your jam. Tune in as we dive into money, mindset, and a few unexpected laughs.

This week on the show we welcome Andy Thomas, whose’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion for landscape lighting. With over two decades in the industry—from distribution to design—Andy has not only mastered his craft but become a guiding light for others. Tune in as he shares his journey, lessons learned, and how he's helping shape the future of lighting professionals one connection at a time.

This week on the show we welcome Sam Taggart who has knocked on more doors than most people open in a lifetime. In this high-energy episode, the CEO of D2D Experts and Founder of D2DCON dives into his journey of hustle, heart, and hard-hitting sales lessons. Learn how Sam went from door-to-door rookie to one of the most influential voices in the direct sales industry — sharing stages with legends like John Maxwell, Jordan Peterson, and Eric Thomas. Whether you're in sales or just love a good underdog story, this episode will leave you inspired to knock harder and dream bigger.

This week on the show we welcome Chris Apfelstadt, whose story is one of discovery, creativity, and impact. As a father of three and a visionary lighting designer, Chris has made a career out of seeing what others overlook. In this episode, we dive into his philosophy on revealing beauty through light, the emotional connection behind every design, and how his adventurous lifestyle fuels his creativity. From coaching wrestling to chasing the perfect glow—this is a conversation about purpose, passion, and lighting the way forward.