Speaker:

Tom Kessler

Tom, owner of Tom Kessler Photography, specializes in architectural photography. He photographs projects for McKay Landscape Lighting and enjoys traveling and riding his bike.  

At this year's Summit, he was a surprise guest speaker and shared his knowledge about nighttime photography and provided some tips for hiring a photographer for your landscape lighting business.  

Conference topics: 

Building A Luxury Brand

Jerry McKay, owner of McKay Landscape Lighting and host of The Lighting Summit, discussed key components a landscape lighting business should have in place to become the luxury brand in their market and get the clientele they deserve. The purpose of this session is to help landscape lighting business owners increase their position as the market leader for affluent consumers and influencers in their area.  

Luxury brand pricing

When you think about your company – where it’s at now it's at now and where you want it to be in the future - it's important to know your numbers as it can change the trajectory of a business. In this session, Jerry McKay provided clarity and simplified key financial decisions to help businesses reach their goals by covering:  
  • Different factors to take into account when bidding projects
  • Recovering overhead
  • Reading financials
  • Understanding monthly financials
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Marketing, sales, AND Growth Plan

This session covered how McKay Landscape Lighting keeps organized to reach their marketing and sales goals. Attendees will get an inside peak into our goals for 2019, current projects, and more! This session will help attendees get organized to help them reach their sales and marketing goals as well as provide inspiration. 
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Innovative Landscape Lighting Designs and Challenging Installations 

​Participating attendees shared photos and discussed their most challenging or unique installations. 
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Small Group Breakout Sessions

​Attendees discussed business related issues and shared ideas with how to solve them in a group setting. The collaboration between attendees is invaluable.
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Tour of McKay Landscape lighting

Attendees had the opportunity to tour McKay Landscape Lighting’s facility and meet the staff. They got to see how the shop is organized for efficiency, how the crews keep organized, and the office is structured. Attendees could ask our staff questions to learn more about their role, especially if they are in a position you are considering as your next hire.  

Landscape lighting tour

During the nighttime tour, attendees will drive by and visit a property that McKay Lighting recent installation. The site visit will include various landscape lighting applications and unique techniques. Attendees have the opportunity to see first hand one of our installations, ask questions on any unique or challenging install technique, and more! 

Testimonials: 

"This years theme "Building a Luxury Brand" was the Best yet! Don't know how the McKay Lighting team keeps delivering fabulous new and inspired content year after year like they do but they did. One thing that McKay has demonstrated to me is what the power of building a strong team can do for your business. The professionals at McKay Lighting are top in their field. I would just like to thank all of them for sharing not only their experience but also their passion, and deep understanding of how to grow a successful, sustainable and profitable business. See you all next year!"
​- Keith Rosser, Landscape Lighting Professionals of Utah
"The Lighting Summit exceeded my expectations by a mile!!! I was truly amazed by the talent and quality of the McKay team and the other Lighting Professionals that attended. As a first timer to the Summit I could not be more happy with the knowledge, techniques, and strategies that I was able to bring back with me. The "open forum" style the the Summit brings is truly a fantastic way to learn from some of the best. I can't wait to implement some of the things I learned at the Summit into my company. Looking forward to next year!!!!" 
- Brian Matthews, Outdoor Provisions

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If you have any questions about The Lighting Summit, please contact us online or call (402) 289.3424 or (866) 663.5434