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/ 

Lighting is the subtle shift. That spark of brilliance. The element that transforms a space from ordinary to extraordinary.

The Reveal is where lighting professionals, residential experts, and designers come together to explore the art and business of outdoor design. From the intricacies of running a design company to the transformative power of lighting itself, this channel gives you the insight, inspiration, and tools to bring every project to life.