What 2025 Taught Us About Lighting and Leadership

The Book That Features the World’s Best - And Why We’re In It

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/] and Michelle Schwindler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/] reflect on the journey behind Sandy Beach Lighting & Design Co. [https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/], 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/]Michelle’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/]Sandy Beach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design]Sandy Beach Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/ [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 [https://inspired.uberflip.com/i/1543281-sandy-beach-lighting-design-co/0]?

The Moment You Realize You’re Already a Leader

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/] and Michelle Schwindler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/] revisit their conversation with Kitty Campbell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/] and reflect on the lessons they learned through Leadership Lafayette [https://leadershiplafayette.org/]. They share how these insights are shaping their approach to leadership at Sandy Beach Lighting & Design [https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/], 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/]Leadership Lafayette Website: https://leadershiplafayette.org/ [https://leadershiplafayette.org/]Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/]Michelle’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/]Sandy Beach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design]Sandy Beach Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/ [https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/]

How Leadership Lafayette is Building Real Leaders in the Community

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/] sits down with Kitty Campbell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/], Executive Director of Leadership Lafayette [https://leadershiplafayette.org/], 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kitty-campbell/]Leadership Lafayette Website: https://leadershiplafayette.org/ [https://leadershiplafayette.org/]Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwindler-963b5763/]Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schwindler-a7a84a23a/]Sandy Beach’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sandy-beach-lighting-and-design/]Sandy Beach’s Website: https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/ [https://sandybeachoutdoor.com/]

The Trick To Designing Comfortable Spaces That Feel Like Home

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

What 2025 Taught Us About Lighting and Leadership

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