The Lighting Coach

Ep 7: Building a Career in the Outdoor Industry with Dave Helpard of DH Custom Scapes

In this episode of The Lighting Coach, Patrick Harders, LC, sits down with longtime friend and respected landscape professional Dave Helpard, founder and owner of DH Custom Scapes. With over 30 years of experience building one of Northern Virginia’s premier landscape companies, Dave shares how he got his start, the lessons he’s learned, and the principles that have kept his business thriving while so many competitors have come and gone. From borrowing $1,200 to start his company, to developing a loyal team and earning thousands of clients across the region, Dave’s story is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to get into the outdoor industry. He and Patrick also dive into the importance of quality materials, treating employees well, building trust with nurseries and trade partners, and why cutting corners is never the path to long-term success. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How to break into landscaping and outdoor design with limited resources. * The importance of consistency, quality, and customer trust. * Why investing in people is more valuable than chasing cheap labor. * How lighting enhances landscaping and elevates client satisfaction. If you’re a landscaper, lighting professional, or entrepreneur in the green industry, this episode will give you insight into what it takes to build a business that lasts.

Ep. 6: Capturing the Art of Nighttime Lighting with Photographer Dave Battle

In this episode, Patrick Harders sits down with professional photographer Dave Battle, whose portfolio includes some of Dayloom’s most stunning nighttime reveals. Dave shares his process for capturing landscape lighting at its best. From dialing in the perfect light balance, to understanding the role of shadows, to using the natural transition from dusk to darkness for dramatic effect, Dave highlights some of his best insights. With decades of experience, Dave reveals why real-world projects have been his greatest teachers and how his lens helps lighting designers showcase their work with impact and precision. Whether you’re a lighting professional wanting to elevate your portfolio or simply curious about the artistry behind nighttime photography, this conversation offers valuable insights into pairing design and documentation for lasting impressions. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to bring your lighting projects to life, day or night. #TheLightingCoach #LandscapeLighting #LightingDesign #NightPhotography #SterlingLighting #Dayloom #LightingProfessionals #OutdoorLighting

Ep. 5: Transforming Wedding Nights with Light: Jon Tigges of Zion Springs

In this episode of The Lighting Coach, Patrick Harders, LC, sits down with Jon Tigges, owner of Zion Springs, a breathtaking wedding venue and bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Hamilton, Virginia.  Jon shares how landscape lighting transformed the guest experience at his venue, elevating both safety and ambiance for evening events. From first impressions to lasting memories, lighting has played a crucial role in enhancing the charm of Zion Springs. He also dives into why Sterling Lighting's luminaires have exceeded his expectations in both reliability and durability. If you're in the event or lighting industry, or just love hearing how light brings places to life, this episode is for you. #TheLightingCoach #PatrickHarders #SterlingLighting #LightingThatLasts #BuiltByProsForPros #OutdoorLighting #LightingBusiness #ProLighting #LightingDesigner #LandscapeLighting

Ep. 4: From the Field to the Spotlight: Andy Shumate’s Rise in Landscape Lighting

In this episode, Patrick Harders, LC, sits down with his longtime protégé and now award-winning designer, Andy Shumate. From humble beginnings as an installer to becoming one of the most respected lighting designers in the industry, Andy shares the real story of his journey—mistakes made, lessons learned, and the mindset shift that changed everything. If you're just getting started or wondering what it takes to grow in this field, this conversation delivers real insight, honest reflection, and a look at what’s possible when you combine grit, curiosity, and the right mentorship. * A must-listen for outdoor professionals looking to level up. Get in the game with Sterling at: www.sterling-lighting.com #TheLightingCoach #PatrickHarders #SterlingLighting #LightingThatLasts #BuiltByProsForPros #OutdoorLighting #LightingBusiness #ProLighting #LightingDesigner #LandscapeLighting

Ep. 03: From the Fire Line to the Front Lines of the Outdoor Lighting Industry: The story of Damien Sanchez, COO, Sterling Lighting

When Patrick Harders and Damien Sanchez started Sterling Lighting, they weren’t following a blueprint — they were building one from scratch. In this episode, Patrick sits down with Damien to share the story behind the man who helped shape Sterling into the trusted name it is today. Damien talks about his path from wildland firefighter to firefighter-EMT to entrepreneur, and how a few bold decisions — and a lot of lessons learned the hard way — led to the creation of a lighting company built by professionals, for professionals. They dive into what it really took to risk everything, why Sterling took a different path from the start, and how the right systems and processes made the difference between just surviving and truly building something that lasts. This conversation isn’t just about business — it’s about betting on yourself, pushing through the unknown, and creating a company that stands for something real. Listen in and get an inside look at the journey, the grit, and the mindset that built Sterling Lighting. Get in the game with Sterling at: http://www.sterling-lighting.com/www.sterling-lighting.com [http://www.sterling-lighting.com] #TheLightingCoach #PatrickHarders #SystemsAndProcesses #SterlingLighting #LightingThatLasts #BuiltByProsForPros #OutdoorLighting #LightingBusiness #ProLighting