Best Lighting Showrooms Podcasts (2024)

1
This with That: Paint with Harry Adler: Season 3 Episode 1 59:36

5M ago59:36

59:36

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with Harry Adler of Adler's Design Center & Hardware in Providence about paint, incuding C2 Paint.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
2023 Recap & Looking to 2024 in Lighting 41:36

7M ago41:36

41:36

Navigating the shifting tides of the lighting industry is no small feat, and as I peer into the rearview mirror of the past year, I'm struck by our collective resilience. Even as we missed the zenith of success from previous years, there's a spark of optimism for what 2024 holds, despite the perplexing economic signals and the shadow of an election…

1
Implementation Update & Service Add-ons for Showrooms 34:52

7M ago34:52

34:52

If you noticed there was no LWL episode last week, it is because I was mid-implementation of NetSuite with not an ounce of energy to spare. Listen now for an update on our process PLUS a great listener tip that I elaborate on to drive add-on services (and a much needed margin boost and competitive advantage) for your showroom. What add-ons does you…

1
Social Media : The Hard Truth 36:39

8M ago36:39

36:39

Are you weary of cookie-cutter content and impersonal posts that are plaguing your social media experience? Do you feel like the lighting industry is lagging behind in effectively harnessing social media's full potential? Yeah, I am too. So heading into 2024, let's rethink our approach, identify our end goals, and shake things up a bit to tap into …

1
Holiday Gifting: Move From Autopilot to Thoughtful Choices 34:42

8M ago34:42

34:42

It's time once again to plan your holiday gifts for your best customers and staff too. This year, let's challenge the autopilot mode most of us fall into during the holiday season, and let's question if our annual gifts to clients and employees are truly expressing our sentiments of appreciation and thanks. This episode promises to provide a fresh …

1
Feeling Overwhelmed? Same. 36:06

8M ago36:06

36:06

Facing challenges in your business? A storm of one's own making or something external? Me too. I'm opening up in this episode about my recent work life (and complete lack of balance) in an effort to make us all feel a little less alone. Sharing is indeed caring. Also, it's vital we talk about our individual as well as industry-wide challenges in a …

1
Review and Refresh : Your Customer's Journey 36:03

8M ago36:03

36:03

When was the last time you were a customer in your own business? Not as an expert in what you do but as a true never-before-visited customer? This episode talks it through and highlights the importance of excellent service and how our immersion in the professional sphere can often lead to a disconnect with the consumer's experience. Can you pinpoin…

1
Margins, Margins, Margins 37:46

8M ago37:46

37:46

Brace yourself, as we're about to set off on an electrifying journey, illuminating the intricacies of boosting margins in the lighting industry. We'll unearth how market changes disrupted traditional pricing structures, causing a 'margin squeeze' for conventional showrooms, coupled with other industry-wide changes to the distribution landscape. But…

1
Maximizing Efficacy: Training Strategies for Lighting Sales Staff 33:11

9M ago33:11

33:11

Today's episode highlights the challenges and potential solutions for training sales staff in the toughest category we face : lighting & fan technical expertise. We explore the importance of effective training, discussing the balance between overwhelming information and insufficient training and how we can optimize this for maximum effectiveness. T…

1
Transformative Power of Data in Lighting Showrooms 30:01

9M ago30:01

30:01

Are you poised to revolutionize your lighting showroom with the power of data and robust ERP systems? We'll delve into the data consistency, examining its need to keep up with the ever-evolving industry standards. Information overload or the lack thereof can be an issue, but what if you had an abundance of searchable and sortable data at your finge…

1
Showroom Strategizing & Updates 28:00

9M ago28:00

28:00

Do you struggle with navigating Saturday staffing and hours for your lighting showroom? Dive into the evolution of my own lighting showroom and our journey with Saturday hours. We'll also delve into the challenges and rewards that come with managing a showroom in the residential lighting & fan industry. From the strategic decisions that led to my m…

1
Closing a Chapter, Beginning a New: Exciting Changes 19:50

9M ago19:50

19:50

As the Lighting Showroom Association chapter draws to a close, there is much to celebrate. We've had an enriching six-year journey, creating a legacy with our interactive 3D model and augmented reality program, which is set to expand even further in the coming months. We've built this unique platform thanks to countless members and volunteers, and …

1
Big Ideas: Residential Waste Reduction with Emily Gaylord of CET: Season 2 (Bonus) Episode 19 43:51

10M ago43:51

43:51

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with Emily Gaylord of CET about reducing waste at homeBy Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
June Lightovation Recap : Selling to the Trade 22:44

12M ago22:44

22:44

A quick Lightovation recap + an extended discussion of the things I learned in the panel discussion for lighting showrooms on how to sell to the design trade. And I'm pleased to announce it was very informative and encouraging! Season One of the Light Files podcast has reached its conclusion -- please share with me your feedback and thoughts for wh…

1
Featured Guest Peter Chapman, Former Book Editor at The Taunton Press: Season 2 (Bonus) Episode 18 51:56

1y ago51:56

51:56

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with Peter Chapman, former Book Editor, about his road to the Taunton Press and the home-design books he has shaped.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
Margins, Sales & Other Concerns 29:18

1y ago29:18

29:18

There has been a lot of chatter in our podcast community this past week, focused a lot on sales channels, margins, and our dreaded "race to the bottom" in pricing policies. I've also been asked several times about the general state of sales in our industry for 2023. In this episode, I piece together as much information as I can on all of the above …

1
A Peach and a Pit for the Lighting Industry 25:21

1y ago25:21

25:21

I wanted to take an episode to talk about a big positive and a ongoing negative in our lighting + fan industry. I won't spoil the peach/pit (or rose/thorn if you prefer) here, so take a listen, share with a colleague and let me know if you agree with my assessment or not. And if you don't -- what is your peach/pit for our industry? Where am I getti…

1
Fear, Success, and Feeling Stuck 23:33

1y ago23:33

23:33

Being an entrepreneur isn't for the faint of heart, as y'all well know, and there are definite moments of stress, worry, and fear that can paralyze you and your business. What do you do when you feel your business is ready to add on a new revenue stream but you don't want to jeopardize your ongoing work? How do you push yourself to step forward whe…

1
Technology, Lamping, Trade Services & More 28:46

1y ago28:46

28:46

This episode is another "grab bag" of various topics -- from technology to improve shopping experiences, an ill conceived New York magazine article on LEDs, and a service that makes it easy for designers to have access to all kinds of brands -- I review all of the latest odds and ends that have been on my list to discuss. Be sure to share your thou…

1
The Downside of Assumptions 31:12

1+ y ago31:12

31:12

We all make them and so often they seem innocuous. But assumptions are a silent killer to the forward momentum of any business or industry. Bits of information shared by even the most trusted colleagues are often lacking key details. But we often take these things as fact -- and we are all guilty of it. Let's a take a moment to consider the assumpt…

1
Hiring for Your Lighting Showroom 23:45

1+ y ago23:45

23:45

Let's face it, finding great help for the sales positions at your lighting showroom is a tough task. In this episode, I talk through some of the challenges and tips for hiring a great staff member and how to get them on board and working successfully for your business and with your team. Have a favorite hiring tip? Be sure to send me a note/leave a…

1
Featured Guest Florence MacGregor of NESEA: Season 2 (Bonus) Episode 17 36:46

1+ y ago36:46

36:46

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with Florence MacGregor about NESEA and the BuildingEnergy Boston conference.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
Episode 100! Where to from here? 36:49

1+ y ago36:49

36:49

The Light Files has made it to episode 100! That's nearly two years of podcasting, and I can hardly believe it. This super-sized episode is a discussion of how we got here and where we are going now -- as a podcast, as the LSA, and the lighting industry as whole. There's a lot to discuss here, and while I review the many hurdles in our path, there'…

1
Featured Guest Paula Silva: Season 2 (Bonus) Episode 16 42:27

1+ y ago42:27

42:27

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with realtor Paula Silva about the local real estate climate, home improvements that make sense, and the value of authentic communities.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
Shifts in the Lighting Industry 28:17

1+ y ago28:17

28:17

A few news items have come out recently that indicate shifting trends in how the lighting industry might operate in the not too distant future. I recap these news items and discuss small ways that our industry has been shifting in the past few years, right under our noses, and with almost no one noticing. I close with a discussion of consumer expec…

1
Shopping Trends & Knowing Your Worth 23:33

1+ y ago23:33

23:33

The January 2023 issue of Furniture, Lighting & Decor is filled with so much great content, this episode is only the first in my discussion of what I found inside -- from ongoing reminders about the value lighting experts bring to their customers to heartening and interesting trends in consumer shopping behavior -- there is much to consider! Send y…

1
Lightovation Recap 23:46

1+ y ago23:46

23:46

January Lightovation was last week in Dallas and this episode is my recap of the week plus some other news, information, and highlights surrounding market, product intros, and our manufacturer partners. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email LisaBy Lisa Bartlett

1
Top Five 26:28

1+ y ago26:28

26:28

A new year means a recap episode of lessons learned in 2022! This is my top five lessons in the lighting + fan industry for 2022 -- what are yours? I conclude with my wish for 2023 for all of us. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email LisaBy Lisa Bartlett

1
Return Policy 22:32

1+ y ago22:32

22:32

What is your showroom's return policy? When is the last time you even looked at or revised it? After a recent question from a customer, I updated my own return policy and took the opportunity to also take a look at the policies of other showrooms to see what is currently the "industry standard." Listen in for all the details and please let me know …

1
Improving One's Business, Day by Day 22:35

1+ y ago22:35

22:35

As the leader of a small business, if there is one thing I have learned know with certainty, it is that the "work" never stops. There are always new ideas and challenges to try to anticipate, and I firmly believe that if you stop thinking about what you can do today to improve your business that the whole enterprise will stagnate and eventually dis…

1
Big Ideas: Water Conservation: Season 2 Episode 15 37:33

1+ y ago37:33

37:33

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with Amy Vickers about water conservation at home.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
Our Industry's Journey in 2023 23:00

1+ y ago23:00

23:00

What will 2023 hold for the lighting & fan industry? A few marginal changes to be sure, but I'd also argue that as an entire industry, 2023 offers us an amazing opportunity to really coalesce as a whole and forge stronger and deeper partnerships. As homeowners start to move more to the renovation market than new home construction, the value of work…

1
New Products: A Recap 21:21

1+ y ago21:21

21:21

Since 2020, I have been expanding into different product categories for my lighting showroom, some with seeming more success than others. In this episode, I dive into the nitty-gritty of our explorations into cabinet hardware and holiday decor as a retail store -- giving you the real numbers and pros and cons behind these expansions. What new items…

1
Industry-Wide Success 24:59

1+ y ago24:59

24:59

The LSA AR & 3D model program has officially launched and I am jazzed about it! So much so, that this episode is an audio "white paper" on the benefits of this program and why this opportunity to do this as the lighting & fan industry only leads to success all around. Instead of benefiting just one company's marketing team in a small way, this is a…

1
The Struggle is Real 21:38

1+ y ago21:38

21:38

Well friends, I have to admit, the inspiration just wasn't popping this week for the podcast and I realized -- that's what I need to speak about. What do you do when you're on the "struggle bus?" How do you overcome the feeling of "this just isn't working out like I planned" and learn and grow and carry on? And perhaps the most important thing to k…

1
Accountability Strategies 22:47

1+ y ago22:47

22:47

When you own your own business or are similarly self-employed, how to do you maintain accountability? What strategies work to keep yourself motivated and on task? In this episode, I discuss several ways I hold myself accountable plus a few other ideas but I really can't wait to hear your feedback -- how do you hold yourself accountable in your job?…

1
Challenge to Change 22:08

1+ y ago22:08

22:08

2022 is rapidly heading to a close and as we all look at the past year and think about the coming one, I want to challenge us all, as an entire industry, to do some deep reflection and accept some change in 2023. Let's look at spaces where we can all improve and work on investing time and energy (and probably some money too) into making changes and…

1
Shop Talk: Sole Practitioners: Season 2 Episode 14 42:01

1+ y ago42:01

42:01

Textile designer Dawn Oliveira and co-host architect/designer Katie Hutchison chat about running their studios as sole practitioners.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
Generating In Store Traffic 23:45

1+ y ago23:45

23:45

So the holiday season is upon us again, and I don't know about you, but getting customers into the showroom sometimes seems like the biggest challenge from mid-November through New Year's. In this episode, I talk about the importance of planning your annual in-store promotions and events in order to keep a continual flow of "feet in the door" to su…

1
Vacation Fallout? 24:14

1+ y ago24:14

24:14

So, my extended vacation is over and you might be wondering -- did I even have a business left to come back to? The answer is a big YES and I couldn't be more pleased with how my professional world carried on during my absence. I also had the great mental reset that I knew I needed but was apprehensive about taking. If you are wrapped up in the dol…

1
Quiet Quitting & Employee Appreciation 21:53

1+ y ago21:53

21:53

We've all heard about it and as a manager, you've definitely experienced it, the employee who "quietly quits" and stops doing anything beyond the bare minimum of their job responsibilities. Perhaps just a sign of burn out or the need to increase everyone's feeling of value as team member, but regardless, ending up with dissatisfied team members (an…

1
Discounting: More Harm than Good? 24:10

2y ago24:10

24:10

Discounts are seemingly ubiquitous these days, but should they be? There's definitely a place for them with obsolete merchandise, but what about in new-to-market goods? Are we actually doing our businesses and industry more harm than good with perpetual sales? Can we outsell our profit margin losses to remain viable? Let me know what you think on t…

1
Eight Practices of Effective Leaders 21:55

2y ago21:55

21:55

Through another podcast, I was recently turned on to Peter Drucker's Eight Practices of Effective Executives and a lot of this list really resonated with me as I continue on my leadership journey. I wanted to share the list here as I know many of us are not born leaders, but have become one along the way out of necessity. This list renewed my commi…

1
Take a Vacation! 20:20

2y ago20:20

20:20

I am pre-recording several Light Files episodes because right now, I am on vacation! And preparing for this time out of the office has been incredibly stressful, but the more I think about it much needed -- and probably is for you too! So here are my thoughts on the importance of time off and I'd love to hear your times for successfully unplugging …

1
What's Your Superpower (aka Core Competency)? 22:16

2y ago22:16

22:16

As a leader and as a business, what are your superpowers? The answer, of course, will be different for everyone. It is always important to learn and try new ideas, programs, or skills, but I also think it is critical to know your core competency and really build on that asset first. Your superpower is likely someone else's kryptonite, which just me…

1
This with That: Residential Lighting with Evelyn Audet: Season 2 Episode 13 51:43

2y ago51:43

51:43

Co-hosts architect/designer Katie Hutchison and textile designer Dawn Oliveira speak with Evelyn Audet about lighting your home.By Katie Hutchison and Dawn Oliveira

1
LSA AR/3D Model Program, Part 2 24:03

2y ago24:03

24:03

This week I cover the rest of the LSA AR program and why I see value for the entire industry with an investment in this program. Ready to sign the petition to let our manufacturers know you're excited for this sales tool? Here's the link! https://form.jotform.com/222353274836155 Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email Lisa…

1
LSA AR/3D Model Program, Part 1 25:06

2y ago25:06

25:06

This week's episode is all about the exciting new LSA Augmented Reality program and why I am so excited to bring this tool to our industry. Fixture Finder Lighting Jobs Email LisaBy Lisa Bartlett

1
Getting Out of Our Silos 22:53

2y ago22:53

22:53

On a recent Zoom call, I went off on a small tangent about how siloed we can be in the lighting & fan industry and the realization hit me that of course we don't have to be! There is so much we can learn from one another by sharing even small tips and ideas that would encourage us all and help increase our growth. We have so much data, tools, skill…

1
A Shopping Experience Analyzed 24:32

2y ago24:32

24:32

I recently had to make a purchase of a major home appliance I was struck over and over by aspects that were very different than how sales and distribution are handled in the lighting & fan industry. There are pros and cons all around, to be sure, but my biggest takeaway is that we are leaving so much partnership opportunity on the proverbial table …

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