The Lighting Coach
Helping lighting professionals design better, sell smarter, and grow stronger. Hosted by Patrick Harders, CEO of Sterling Lighting and owner of Dayloom, The Lighting Coach Podcast is the ultimate resource for landscape lighting professionals looking to elevate their craft and stay ahead of industry trends. Featuring expert insights, real-world success stories, and game-changing strategies, this podcast is built by pros, for pros—because great lighting isn’t just about fixtures, it’s about mastering the business behind them. Tune in for: Expert interviews with top designers & installers Business growth strategies & high-profit insights Lighting design tips that set your projects apart The latest innovations shaping the industry As a certified Lighting Designer, Patrick is here to help and to become the coach many have needed to reach the next level. Stay tuned for each episode to enrich your knowledge and grow your landscape lighting business.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
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
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
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: www.sterling-lighting.com
#TheLightingCoach #PatrickHarders #SystemsAndProcesses #SterlingLighting #LightingThatLasts #BuiltByProsForPros #OutdoorLighting #LightingBusiness #ProLighting
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Lighting Coach Podcast, host Patrick Harders takes the guest seat, interviewed by Victor Rogers, Director of Marketing Operations at Sterling Lighting.
Patrick shares his humble beginnings, how he found his way into the landscape lighting industry, the start-up and growth of Dayloom, and what ultimately inspired him to build Sterling Lighting—a brand designed to serve professionals who demand more from their fixtures.
You’ll hear about the real frustrations that fueled the company’s creation, how his passion for quality and design shaped the brand, and why Sterling remains committed to empowering lighting professionals with tools they can trust.
🔊 Listen in and get to know the leader behind one of the industry's most respected names.
➡ Learn more at: www.sterling-lighting.com
#TheLightingCoach #PatrickHarders #DayLoom #SterlingLighting #LightingThatLasts #BuiltByProsForPros #OutdoorLighting #LightingBusiness #ProLighting
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Game-changing designs. Award-winning projects.
The power of professional-grade landscape lighting. In this exclusive interview from AOLP’s Illuminate 2025 Conference, Patrick Harders (CEO, Sterling Lighting and Owner of Dayloom) sits down with Chris Apfelstadt (President, Light Up Columbus) to talk about his Best in Show-winning project—and why Sterling Lighting luminaires are his go-to for high-impact, high-performance outdoor lighting.
In this episode:
✅ Chris breaks down his award-winning project and what made it stand out.
✅ Why Sterling Lighting fixtures are a game-changer for durability, design, and professional installs.
If you’re serious about outdoor lighting and ready to take your projects (and business) to the next level, this is a must-watch conversation.
Don’t miss an episode of The Lighting Coach Podcast! Subscribe for pro-level insights, interviews, and strategies from the best in the industry.
Explore Sterling Lighting & See What Pros Trust:
👉 www.sterling-lighting.com