LED Lighting Supply: The Project Advantage Podcast

Project Advantage Podcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY

How do facility managers, contractors, and engineers gain a competitive edge in their projects? They stay ahead with expert insights—and that’s exactly what The Project Advantage delivers. Hosted by Neil and Cory of LED Lighting Supply, this podcast brings you straight to the source with in-depth industry discussions on energy efficiency, facility operations, and scalable business opportunities.  Each episode features industry experts sharing the latest trends, strategies, and technology shaping the future of commercial, industrial, and sports-related projects. No sales pitch - just real expertise from real professionals.  Tune in, stay informed, and gain The Project Advantage.

  1. Protecting Contractor Margins With LEDs and Tax Deductions

    FEB 10

    Protecting Contractor Margins With LEDs and Tax Deductions

    How can lighting design and modern lighting technology help contractors improve project outcomes, strengthen profitability, and make better long-term financial decisions? In this #podcast episode, we sat down with Mason Brady of Brady CFO to explore how contractors can use lighting design, lighting plans, and upgraded lighting technology to support better pricing, cleaner installs, stronger ROI, and improved customer experience.  We also discuss how energy savings, utility rebates, and incentives like the 179D tax deduction fit into a broader strategy for contractors looking to grow their business with smarter planning and financial insights. Topics We Cover 00:00 – Meet Mason Brady & what Brady CFO does for contractors 02:11 – The biggest financial challenges contractors face today 03:55 – Which contractors benefit from CFO-level financial strategy 07:09 – Why lighting design & lighting plans matter for contractors 10:14 – Modern LED tech: wattage tuning, color changing, flexibility 11:16 – Energy savings, rebates & ROI from LED upgrades 11:58 – Understanding the 179D tax deduction for energy projects 13:24 – How LED upgrades improve safety, experience & long-term value Links & Resources 💡 Brady CFO https://bradycfo.com Connect with Mason Brady on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/ 📩 Get a Lighting Plan with Product Recommendationshttps://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan 💡 Learn More About LED Lighting Energy Savingshttps://www.ledlightingsupply.com Have a question or challenge in your facility or contracting business? Reach out to us at marketing@ledlightingsupply.com, and we may feature it in a future episode. If The Project Advantage is helping you stay ahead, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Subscribe & Review:  iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast/id1813159666  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DQy60dzWboGcdGqQdKYdH  Amazon:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/38ae03de-69cd-402d-8d97-20b705fca2a3/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast

    15 min
  2. Commissioning Fundamentals for Contractors

    JAN 29

    Commissioning Fundamentals for Contractors

    How can an electrical-related or energy-saving project turn the final QA step to be completed faster, more accurately, and with better documentation? In this episode of the Project Advantage Podcast, Cory Peterson sits down with Thomas Jarloev, Founder and CEO of CX Planner, to explain how commissioning is evolving from manual checklists into structured digital QA workflows. They explore how electricians, contractors, and building owners can apply commissioning principles to improve QA processes, system verification, and project handoff across energy-saving and other electrical projects. Topics we cover: 00:00 - Thomas Jarloev & commissioning introduction 08:05 - What electrical projects include as a final QA step 10:50 - Why commissioning impacts system performance long after installation 16:13 - How poor documentation creates issues for owners and facilities teams 19:31 - When spreadsheets stop working for commissioning and QA workflows 23:18 - How digital tools and AI support modern commissioning processes 29:25 - The future of commissioning in lighting, electrical systems, and facility operations Links from the show:  💡CX Plannerhttps://cxplanner.com Connect with Thomas Jarloev on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastoftgaardjarloev/  📩 Get Your Custom Lighting Plan with Product Recommendations https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan  🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers Quality Control Quality Assurance Commissioning Electrical Commissioning Testing and Commissioning Electrical What is Testing & Commissioning in Electrical installation commissioning and maintenance of electrical equipment Electrical Facility Management Operation and Maintenance

    31 min
  3. AI for Contractors: How LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude are Changing Search, SEO, and Visibility

    12/18/2025

    AI for Contractors: How LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude are Changing Search, SEO, and Visibility

    How should contractors think about SEO in the era of AI? In this episode, Cory Peterson sits down with SEO and growth advisor, Kevin Indig to break down how LLM tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing search, customer discovery, and decision-making for contractors and facility managers.  The conversation explores how showing up in Google and AI results now depends on context, content, and trust. Topics we cover: 0:00 – Meet Kevin Indig 02:45 – Why should contractors and facility managers care about SEO? 10:14 – How do Google, ChatGPT, and Claude influence buying decisions today? 13:02 – Is SEO really worth it for local and regional contractors? 22:17 – How do AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude decide which contractors to recommend? 33:42 – Is it too late to start SEO and AI-driven search strategies? 36:31 – Should contractors hire an agency, a freelancer, or build SEO in-house? 46:39 – Can SEO experimentation actually work for growing and enterprise companies? Links from the show:  🔗 Growth Memo Newsletter https://www.growth-memo.com 🔗 Connect with Kevin Indig on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinindig/  🎥 WATCH - The Power of AI on the Construction Industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wFd_RiYSps&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=2

    43 min
  4. 3 Things ELEVENO Got Right with Their Pickleball Court Lighting | LED Lighting Supply

    11/24/2025

    3 Things ELEVENO Got Right with Their Pickleball Court Lighting | LED Lighting Supply

    What does it take to transform a blank space into a premier indoor pickleball facility? In this #podcast episode, Cory Peterson sits down with Bob Saraf of ELEVENO Pickleball to share how his team turned a former retail space at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts, into a nine-court indoor destination.  They dive into ELEVENO’s entertainment-first vision, the community-driven approach behind the club, and the essential pickleball court lighting decisions, including black ceilings, fixture placement, glare control, lighting controls, and glow-in-the-dark play that helped light up pickleball the right way.  Bob also highlights the behind-the-scenes challenges, from tight timelines and vendor selection to meeting project timelines. Topics we cover: 0:00 – ELEVENO Pickleball Intro 2:01 – The vision behind the entertainment-driven pickleball facility at Patriot Place 6:14 – Designing the ideal pickleball lighting layout and selecting the right fixtures 11:49 – Premium design elements: lighting, fencing, turf walls, glass entry, and aesthetics 17:31 – Programming for all skill levels and building a community-first club 22:38 – Grand opening details, hours, and what players can expect Links from the show:  🔗 ELEVENO Pickleballhttps://www.eleveno.com/  Follow Bob Saraf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-saraf-2a96848a/ 💡 Pickleball Court Lighting by LED Lighting Supply: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/led-sports-lighting/led-pickleball-court-lights 📩 Request a Free Pickleball Court Lighting Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan/sports-lighting-design 🔧 Learn More About Indoor LED Sports Lighting: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/led-sports-lighting 🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

    23 min
  5. Digitizing Procurement, The Power of AI on the Construction Industry, & Data Integrity

    11/11/2025

    Digitizing Procurement, The Power of AI on the Construction Industry, & Data Integrity

    In this #podcast episode of The Project Advantage Podcast, Cory Peterson, VP of Marketing & Sales Ops at LED Lighting Supply, sits down with Melissa Dixon, Senior Product Manager at Trimble®, to discuss how construction companies are modernizing through technology. Melissa and Cory explain how moving to a digitized workflow with digital platforms help contractors, distributors, and manufacturers work together more efficiently. By providing clearer visibility and real-time product specifications, the data integrity of digital procurement helps to reduce manual errors, improve communication, and help teams stay ahead with the ability spot trends quickly. They also dive into the growing role of AI for contractors, showing how automation and real-time data make day-to-day operations faster and more accurate.  Topics we cover: 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Trimble 01:40 When it makes sense for contractors to digitize 03:59 How manual workflows increase cost and risk 05:42 How Trimble’s digital platform solves data gaps 08:05 Managing material pricing and tariff surcharges 13:18 Using digital tools to control tariffs and construction costs 20:49 The evolving role of AI for contractors 26:27 Modular tools for sustainable contractor business growth 33:44 The measurable ROI from digital transformation 36:19 Where to learn more about Trimble’s construction solutions Links from the show:  🌐 Trimble®: https://www.trimble.com/en 🎥 WATCH - How Distributors SAVE Time & WIN More Bids With AI-Powered Software | LED Lighting Supply: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qc71gcr2VI&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=2  📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/photometric-plan  🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

    38 min
  6. What is the Future of Worker Safety in the Construction Industry? | LED Lighting Supply

    10/17/2025

    What is the Future of Worker Safety in the Construction Industry? | LED Lighting Supply

    Construction safety isn’t just a regulation; it’s the foundation of every successful project. In this #podcast episode, we sit down with Mike Maloney of ABC® Massachusetts and Gould Construction Institute to explore the critical role of construction safety, training, and the current state of trades careers. From apprenticeship programs to the latest OSHA requirements, Mike shares how today’s commercial construction contractors can protect workers, fill the labor shortage, and grow their businesses responsibly. Topics we cover: 00:13 – Introduction: Mike Maloney 02:51 – Apprenticeship programs and worker training 10:18 – How to become an instructor and maximize worker construction safety 13:25 – Workforce shortages in construction 27:42 – Improve worker safety on job sites through proper training 37:16 – Scholarships and opportunities for commercial construction contractors and apprentices Links from the show:  💡 Learn more about ABC® Massachusetts: https://www.abcma.org 🎓 Explore Gould Construction Institute: https://www.gwgci.org  🎧 Listen to The Build Zone Podcast: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast  Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-maloney-7294811a2/  🎥 WATCH - Explore a Career in the Trades: Skilled Trades Shortage: What Students & Instructors Need To Know | The Project Advantage Podcast 📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/ceiling-fan-layout  🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

    46 min
  7. How Distributors Save Time & Win More Bids With AI-Powered Software | LED Lighting Supply

    09/30/2025

    How Distributors Save Time & Win More Bids With AI-Powered Software | LED Lighting Supply

    Are long quoting and submittal hours draining your margins? In this #episode of The Project Advantage, Cory Peterson, VP of Marketing & Sales Ops at LED Lighting Supply, talks with Forest Flager, CEO of Parspec, about how AI-powered software is helping distributors maximize productivity and boost profitability. Topics we cover: 00:00 – From architecture & engineering to AI-powered product selection, quoting, and submittals 02:30 – Why quotes cost 30+ hours (and how to cut it in half) 07:15 – Product recommendations & margins that boost profitability 12:00 – Project management benefits: order status, lead times, visibility 18:20 – Tariffs: pricing pressure & sourcing “U.S.-made” alternatives 24:00 – The future of software for distributors & AI-native tools Links from the show:  Parspec: https://www.parspec.io/ Forest Flager | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forestflager/  💡 Browse Commercial LED Lights: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/commercial-lighting  🎥 Watch How to Avoid Project Cost Surges: youtube.com/watch?v=Yv_N6P-x4nI&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=5&t=111s  📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/ceiling-fan-layout 📱 Use our FREE Done-For-You Commercial LED Savings Calculator: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/resources/calculators/commercial-led-savings-calculator  🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers

    41 min
  8. Tariff Impact on the Construction Industry: How Contractors Can SAVE

    09/15/2025

    Tariff Impact on the Construction Industry: How Contractors Can SAVE

    How can contractors maximize savings and stay prepared amidst the uncertainty around tariffs? In this #podcast episode of The Project Advantage, Cory and Neil explain questions you should be asking your supplier, how energy-efficient products still save on energy costs despite price increases, staying ahead with utility projects, and how steel and aluminum tariffs are impacting contractors.  They share practical ways customers can lower their energy costs, improve energy efficiency, and further enhance savings from available rebates.  Topics we cover: 00:00 – Fall 2025 Tariff Update 02:15 – Federal Rulings and the Ripple Effect for Contractors 05:40 – Aluminum & Steel 2025 Tariffs: The Impact on Construction Projects 09:00 – How to Stay Ahead with Utility Tariffs 13:27 – How LEDs & Fans Offset Tariff Price Increases 20:15 – Questions to Ask Your Supplier 26:45 – Looking Ahead: 2026 Tariffs 💡 Browse Commercial LED Lights: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/commercial-lighting  🎥 Watch How to Avoid Project Cost Surges: youtube.com/watch?v=Yv_N6P-x4nI&list=PL6UXdr3IVMfTXnQm0f2jgZrrpfYDWHgCn&index=5&t=111s  📩 Request a FREE Lighting or Fan Plan: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/ 📱 Use our FREE Done-For-You Commercial LED Savings Calculator: https://www.ledlightingsupply.com/resources/calculators/commercial-led-savings-calculator  🔔 Subscribe for unboxings, insights, & bloopers! Listen on your favorite platform: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/led-lighting-supply-the-project-advantage-podcast/id1813159666  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DQy60dzWboGcdGqQdKYdH  Amazon:https://www.amazon.it/LED-Lighting-Supply-Project-Advantage/dp/B0F8JB3X13?utm_campaign=15042583-LLS%20TPA%20Podcast&utm_content=340269332&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UCYYSOQ9MYzy3d4aTBmdkF-w

    15 min
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About

How do facility managers, contractors, and engineers gain a competitive edge in their projects? They stay ahead with expert insights—and that’s exactly what The Project Advantage delivers. Hosted by Neil and Cory of LED Lighting Supply, this podcast brings you straight to the source with in-depth industry discussions on energy efficiency, facility operations, and scalable business opportunities.  Each episode features industry experts sharing the latest trends, strategies, and technology shaping the future of commercial, industrial, and sports-related projects. No sales pitch - just real expertise from real professionals.  Tune in, stay informed, and gain The Project Advantage.

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