The Reveal

People assume running a landscape lighting business is simple, just install a few lights and call it a day. But we believe it requires so much more. 

Recently, Sandy Beach Lighting & Design Co. was recognized as Lafayette Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Month. In this episode of The Reveal, Andy and Michelle Schwindler open up about the challenges, mistakes, and lessons that shaped their business. This conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the evolution of Sandy Beach, and the responsibility that comes with serving clients at a high level.

Key Takeaways:

• Great design is about the full experience, not just installation
• Why the most meaningful outcomes happen when approached with intention
• Building something worthwhile requires constant evolution

Highlights:

(00:00) Small Business of the Month: The Unexpected Recognition

(05:21) We don’t just install lights, we design experiences

(10:24) The reality of running a small business

(15:04) The weight of leadership and ownership

(30:45) Legacy, growth, and building something that lasts

Resources:

Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/
Michelle’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/
Sandy Beach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design
Sandy Beach Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/

From an outsider’s perspective, some stories look like overnight successes until you understand what it actually took to get there.

In this episode, Andy and Michelle Schwindler reflect on the journey behind Sandy Beach Lighting & Design Co., starting with a recent milestone—being featured in Masters of Landscape Lighting, a book that highlights leading designers from around the world.

They share the years of hands-on experience that shaped their path, from early work in outdoor construction to building a focused outdoor lighting company with a clear point of view. Andy and Michelle also discuss why they stay committed to their design principles, and how that consistency has led to a recognizable style.

Key Takeaways:

• Lighting should influence the design from the start
• Why great design requires conviction
• What looks like “overnight success” is built over years

Highlights:

(00:00) Recognized in the Masters of Landscape Lighting

(01:39) Why design philosophy matters

(09:16) Outdoor lighting should be planned early

(14:48) The moment that changed everything

(22:47) Building a business with purpose

(30:46) What makes a lighting project stand out

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/
Michelle’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/
Sandy Beach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design
Sandy Beach Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/

Download your own copy of “Masters of Landscape Lighting” at https://inspired.uberflip.com/i/1543281-sandy-beach-lighting-design-co/0?

All of us have the potential to lead. We don't have to wait for permission to step up and make a difference.

In this episode, Andy and Michelle Schwindler revisit their conversation with Kitty Campbell and reflect on the lessons they learned through Leadership Lafayette. They share how these insights are shaping their approach to leadership at Sandy Beach Lighting & Design, focusing on collaboration, personal growth, and guiding their team toward a shared vision.

Key takeaways:

• How to lead with purpose, integrity, and intentionality
• How confidence is built through action, not validation
• The value of collaboration and empowering others as a leader

Highlights:
(00:00) Stepping into leadership
(05:52) Doing hard things to build confidence
(09:06) Mentorship, community, and giving back
(15:09) The unwavering commitment to your vision

Resources:
Kitty’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/
Leadership Lafayette Website: https://leadershiplafayette.org/
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/
Michelle’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/
Sandy Beach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design
Sandy Beach Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/

Leadership isn’t about titles, but about showing up and giving back.

It’s something people often think comes with time or a title. But in many communities, it actually grows through showing up, getting involved, building relationships, and finding ways to give back.

In this episode, Andy Schwindler sits down with Kitty Campbell, Executive Director of Leadership Lafayette, to talk about how leadership takes shape through real-world experience. They share what it looks like to grow into leadership through community, how the program develops people over time, and how the Volunteer Expo creates simple ways for anyone to step in and make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership grows through showing up and contributing
• Experience matters more than theory
• Community is built through connection and collaboration
• Everyone has the potential to lead at the right time

Highlights:
(00:00) Rethinking leadership through service
(00:14) Meet Kitty Campbell and Leadership Lafayette
(01:05) Why leadership isn’t learned in textbooks
(03:05) Overcoming self-doubt and stepping into leadership
(05:10) Understanding the depth of community impact
(06:10) How leadership programs build confidence
(09:30) Looking at root causes, not just solutions
(11:54) The story and purpose of Leadership Lafayette
(18:31) Inside the 9-month leadership journey
(20:46) How the Volunteer Expo connects people to purpose
(29:28) Creating momentum through community collaboration
(54:42) Reflections on leadership, service, and giving back

Resources:
Kitty’s LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/
Leadership Lafayette Website: https://leadershiplafayette.org/
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/
Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/
Sandy Beach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/
Sandy Beach’s Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/

What makes a home feel alive? 

For the team at Sandy Beach Lighting & Design, it’s more than furniture or the color of your walls. It’s the way light, layout, and textures come together to create an environment that supports your life and your everyday wellbeing.

In this episode, Amy Smith, founder of Lafayette Custom Interiors, shares her approach to creating successful interior design projects that blend thoughtful furniture selection, layouts, and intentional lighting. She explains how lighting choices influence the way we experience our spaces. From design mistakes to avoid to the subtle elements that can transform a room, Amy offers valuable insights for both homeowners and designers.

Key takeaways:

• How to evaluate and transform the energy of your home
• The importance of lighting in interior design and its impact on mood
• Amy’s approach to working with clients and creating spaces that feel like home

Highlights:
(00:00) About lighting and lighting psychology
(01:26) The trade-offs of installing lighting last
(04:46) Why you should design with intention
(06:15) The power of focal points
(11:43) Meet Amy Smith
(22:03) Subtle shifts that can change how a room feels
(24:26) Lighting in interior design

(30:34) Turn your home into a getaway with lighting

(44:23) The evolution of exterior lighting

(47:07) Why you should think of lighting design early

(01:01:53) Reflections on the interview

Resources:
Amy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-smith-619a1b19/
Lafayette Custom Interiors Website: https://www.lafayettecustominteriors.com
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763
Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/
Sandy Beach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/
Sandy Beach’s Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/ 

With new experiences and lessons learned, 2026 promises to be a year of even bigger projects and greater growth for Sandy Beach.

In this episode, Andy and Michelle Schwindler wind down from the busy holiday season and reflect on their individual accomplishments and memorable projects in 2025. They offer a glimpse into the experience of lighting a historic building, their growth journeys as lighting designers and leaders in the industry, and their dream projects for the year ahead.

Key takeaways:

• Why lighting a historic building is different from a modern project
• The importance of helping the lighting industry grow
• Andy and Michelle’s lighting goals for 2026

Highlights:

(00:00) Packing up after the holiday season
(02:11) Lighting a historic building

(04:24) How Michelle became a certified outdoor lighting designer

(08:54) Andy’s experience as a board member of the AOLP

(12:23) Andy and Michelle’s dream projects for 2026

(19:08) A holiday light show in Lafayette

(23:19) Goals for The Reveal

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/

Sandy Beach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/

Sandy Beach’s Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/ 

Holidays are all about tradition. With thoughtful lighting, seasonal attractions, and simple moments done well, venues can become places families return to year after year.

In this episode, Andy and Michelle Schwindler chat with Jacqueline McCloskey, Director of Business Management at Fair Oaks Farms, about the unique Christmas experience they’ve created together. They share what the holiday season looks like in a small Indiana county, how Fair Oaks creates experiences for guests of all ages, and what it takes to turn a working farm into a Christmas destination.

Key takeaways:

• Why Fair Oaks Farms invests in Christmas programming
• How lighting becomes part of a brand’s story
• The behind-the-scenes planning of large-scale holiday installations

Highlights:

(00:00) A busy season for holiday lighting
(00:55) The challenges behind holiday projects

(04:09) Working with Fair Oaks Farm

(12:35) Christmas installations at Fair Oaks

(17:17) Meet Jacqueline McCloskey

(20:01) Creating a uniquely Indiana holiday experience

(24:15) Family traditions at the farm

(28:36) Jacqueline’s family tradition during Christmas

(33:42) What makes a partnership work

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/

Jacqueline’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-mccloskey-220870186/

Fair Oaks Farms website: https://fofarms.com/ 

Every design choice, from the shade of the lights to the play of shadows, conveys a message. Each detail is intentional, shaping the atmosphere and emotion of a space.

In this episode, Andy Schwindler walks us through the holiday lighting design at the Purdue Memorial Union and what he calls the business of atmosphere. He explains how warm tones, scale, and multiple viewing perspectives work together so the Union feels connected and worth revisiting. 

Key takeaways:

• The importance of every detail, from tone to placement
• The process of designing lighting for both aesthetics and emotional impact
• How to create visual harmony through design

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/

Purdue Memorial Union website: https://www.union.purdue.edu/

Lighting is the centerpiece of great holiday décor. It sets the tone, draws people in, and creates a feeling that everyone remembers long after the season ends.

In this episode, Andy and Michelle Schwindler sit down with the Purdue Memorial Union for a behind-the-scenes look at their holiday lighting project. They reflect on the beginning of their collaboration, the significance of PMU’s holiday events to the local community, and what people can expect as the season draws nearer. 

Key takeaways:

• How lighting design transforms the holiday experience
• Why lighting is an extension of a company’s branding
• What goes into a successful collaboration

Highlights:

(00:00) Kicking off the holiday season
(02:55) Lighting is marketing

(04:07) Creating a great holiday experience with lighting

(08:28) The start of Sandy Beach’s collaboration with PMU

(14:02) Meet the Purdue Memorial Union

(18:01) PMU’s holiday lighting tradition

(24:23) What success will look like for the PMU lighting project

(26:33) Upcoming holiday events at the PMU

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/

Purdue Memorial Union website: https://www.union.purdue.edu/

Lighting design is often treated as an afterthought. 

But for Andy and Michelle Schwindler, it’s the star of the show, not the final detail.

In this episode, they share how their passion for lighting design grew into a thriving business that transforms outdoor spaces and creates lasting experiences. As they kick off The Reveal, Andy and Michelle give you a glimpse of what to expect from the podcast: conversations about vision, business, and the power of great design. 

Subscribe for insights, stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of lighting design from the people who’ve made it their life’s work.

Key takeaways:

• Why lighting design should be part of a project from the start
• What it’s like for Andy & Michelle to work together
• What’s coming up on The Reveal

Highlights:

(00:11) Meet Andy & Michelle
(00:53) The origin story of Sandy Beach Lighting & Design

(04:56) Designing with intention and emotion

(07:14) Inside the client journey

(10:40) Running a business with your partner

(12:23) Changing perspectives on lighting design

(14:44) Shaping the lighting industry together

(16:58) The meaning behind The Reveal

(19:55) Looking ahead at what’s to come

(24:07) Building a community around great design

Resources:
Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-cold-clvlt-963b5763

Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/

Sandy Beach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/

Sandy Beach’s Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/