Katia joins us from Athens Greece, but it was in a London museum where she spotted some terrible lighting. You’d think that good lighting would be a top priority in a museum. That’s when she came up with “The Lighting Police.” There are “police” contributing from all over the world. Check it out. Maybe you can become an officer. Katia is an award-winning lighting designer, communication strategist, and advocate of the Lighting Design Profession. She is the founder of Archifos and her international work combines architectural lighting with Immersive lighting experiences and engaging marketing communications, collaborating with the best designers and brands to share their stories in an innovative and impactful way. She is involved in various community-based and educational projects in the lighting industry like the Women in Lighting, the Silhouette Awards, and the VLD Community and the Lighting Police Project. Katia loves sharing ideas and has been invited by various worldwide organizations and universities to talk about light, communication, light art, mentorship, and inspiration amongst others. 

Katia joins us from Athens Greece, but it was in a London museum where she spotted some terrible lighting. You’d think that good lighting would be a top priority in a museum. That’s when she came up with “The Lighting Police.” There are “police” contributing from all over the world. Check it out. Maybe you can become an officer. Katia is an award-winning lighting designer, communication strategist, and advocate of the Lighting Design Profession. She is the founder of Archifos and her international work combines architectural lighting with Immersive lighting experiences and engaging marketing communications, collaborating with the best designers and brands to share their stories in an innovative and impactful way. She is involved in various community-based and educational projects in the lighting industry like the Women in Lighting, the Silhouette Awards, and the VLD Community and the Lighting Police Project. Katia loves sharing ideas and has been invited by various worldwide organizations and universities to talk about light, communication, light art, mentorship, and inspiration amongst others.

Episode 413: #319 - The Lighting Police

When Robert White started in the business, he had a mullet, earrings, and a jacket with a diagonal zipper that started at the shoulder. In other words, he’s been around a while. So he brings a lot of knowledge from the world of lighting design. He even knows enough to offer some insight to us lighting distributors. Wait till you hear his fantastic idea for lighting a building to avoid uplight. Robert has been practicing lighting Design for over 30 years and is Principal at Illuminart based in Troy Michigan. He has a BFA from College for Creative Studies and has received over 40 lighting design awards including several Guth Awards of Distinction. His wide-ranging design experience includes projects throughout the US as well as the Middle East. He also enjoys teaching and is adjunct faculty for LTU, and CCS. 

When Robert White started in the business, he had a mullet, earrings, and a jacket with a diagonal zipper that started at the shoulder. In other words, he’s been around a while. So he brings a lot of knowledge from the world of lighting design. He even knows enough to offer some insight to us lighting distributors. Wait till you hear his fantastic idea for lighting a building to avoid uplight. Robert has been practicing lighting Design for over 30 years and is Principal at Illuminart based in Troy Michigan. He has a BFA from College for Creative Studies and has received over 40 lighting design awards including several Guth Awards of Distinction. His wide-ranging design experience includes projects throughout the US as well as the Middle East. He also enjoys teaching and is adjunct faculty for LTU, and CCS.

Episode 412: #318 - Lighting Designers Should Not Sell Light Fixtures

Neil Peterson is CEO of LED Lighting Supply where they sell - you guessed it - LED lighting. But they don’t sell to just anyone. LED Lighting Supply excel’s at commercial, industrial and sports lighting. And the market is booming. Neil prefers to stay in that lane and remain really good at it. Neil has over a decade of lighting experience spanning lighting and pole product strategy, layout design, controls, and a wide range of product applications. As CEO of LED Lighting Supply, Neil leads a team supporting the commercial, industrial, and sports markets, with a focus on solutions for Industrial, sports, and harsh environments, including oil refineries, factories, and power plants. In his role, Neil has a particular interest in product planning, supply chain strategy, and sales management providing a bird's-eye view into the ebbs and flows of the lighting industry.

Neil Peterson is CEO of LED Lighting Supply where they sell - you guessed it - LED lighting. But they don’t sell to just anyone. LED Lighting Supply excel’s at commercial, industrial and sports lighting. And the market is booming. Neil prefers to stay in that lane and remain really good at it.  Neil has over a decade of lighting experience spanning lighting and pole product strategy, layout design, controls, and a wide range of product applications. As CEO of LED Lighting Supply, Neil leads a team supporting the commercial, industrial, and sports markets, with a focus on solutions for Industrial, sports, and harsh environments, including oil refineries, factories, and power plants. In his role, Neil has a particular interest in product planning, supply chain strategy, and sales management providing a bird's-eye view into the ebbs and flows of the lighting industry.

Episode 411: #317 - Bird's-Eye View

Obtaining government contracts can be a challenging endeavor as the competition is fierce. However, a business partnership that includes a disabled veteran can provide your company with a valuable advantage. By doing so, this fulfills a requirement that government contracts often seek, while also offering a disabled veteran the opportunity to be a business owner. This arrangement creates a win-win situation. Nevertheless, it is important to note that being awarded government contracts still requires you to be a competitive and excellent service provider. As Chris rightly points out, success in this field is never guaranteed and requires dedication, effort and some old school tactics. Chris is VP of Sales &amp; National Accounts and a partner at American Veteran Lighting. In 2004, he launched RAY-LITE Industries, Inc. and in 2017 formed a Partnership with Ray Marchan and launched American Veteran Lighting, Inc. Ray, a distinguished Army Veteran and accomplished professional, is the Chairman of American Veteran Lighting and plays a pivotal role in driving the company's marketing efforts. Drawing from a wealth of experience and leadership skills gained during his military service, Ray brings a unique perspective to the lighting industry. Passionate about delivering exceptional lighting solutions, he strives to enhance the lives of customers through innovative products and outstanding service. 

Obtaining government contracts can be a challenging endeavor as the competition is fierce. However, a business partnership that includes a disabled veteran can provide your company with a valuable advantage. By doing so, this fulfills a requirement that government contracts often seek, while also offering a disabled veteran the opportunity to be a business owner. This arrangement creates a win-win situation. Nevertheless, it is important to note that being awarded government contracts still requires you to be a competitive and excellent service provider. As Chris rightly points out, success in this field is never guaranteed and requires dedication, effort and some old school tactics. Chris is VP of Sales &amp; National Accounts and a partner at American Veteran Lighting. In 2004, he launched RAY-LITE Industries, Inc. and in 2017 formed a Partnership with Ray Marchan and launched American Veteran Lighting, Inc. Ray, a distinguished Army Veteran and accomplished professional, is the Chairman of American Veteran Lighting and plays a pivotal role in driving the company's marketing efforts. Drawing from a wealth of experience and leadership skills gained during his military service, Ray brings a unique perspective to the lighting industry. Passionate about delivering exceptional lighting solutions, he strives to enhance the lives of customers through innovative products and outstanding service.

Episode 410: #316 - Old School Tactics

You run a city. You need to know where all your street lights are. You want to know where the car, bike and pedestrian collisions areas are, what time of night they happen. And you need it tomorrow. Call Nick and Evari GIS will take that data and improve your safety record, reduce light pollution and enhance your energy savings. Nick Mesler, PE is the Director of Operations with Evari GIS Consulting, a data technology company specializing in street lighting, ADA infrastructure, and active transportation. Nick is based in Portland, Oregon. Nick specializes in transportation safety, with a background in mobility planning and transportation operations. Nick manages and oversees the delivery of infrastructure and safety projects all over the United States. 

You run a city. You need to know where all your street lights are. You want to know where the car, bike and pedestrian collisions areas are, what time of night they happen. And you need it tomorrow. Call Nick and Evari GIS will take that data and improve your safety record, reduce light pollution and enhance your energy savings. Nick Mesler, PE is the Director of Operations with Evari GIS Consulting, a data technology company specializing in street lighting, ADA infrastructure, and active transportation. Nick is based in Portland, Oregon. Nick specializes in transportation safety, with a background in mobility planning and transportation operations. Nick manages and oversees the delivery of infrastructure and safety projects all over the United States.

Episode 409: #315 - The Master of Street Light Plans

Brad does not work for a designer or manufacturer, so he considers himself “off the leash,” so buckle up: He thinks we’re in a race to the bottom in cost and quality. With the move to manufacturing in China, all the R &amp; D money is gone. Sustainability is nearly non-existent. The industry is in a dark place. But despair not! Brad has some ideas to get us back on track. Brad Koerner has held a 20-year career in architectural lighting design and innovation in lighting technologies. He was at Philips Lighting in the innovation and corporate venture groups. He was the Lighting Market Manager for Color Kinetics, and a lighting designer in the Boston area at Lam Partners, Light This!, and Ripman Lighting Consultants. For the past several years Brad has been helping companies drive product innovation via his firm Koerner Design. Brad received his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University, where he received the IALD Education Trust Fund Grant and the IESNA Richard Kelly Grant. 

Brad does not work for a designer or manufacturer, so he considers himself “off the leash,” so buckle up: He thinks we’re in a race to the bottom in cost and quality. With the move to manufacturing in China, all the R &amp; D money is gone. Sustainability is nearly non-existent. The industry is in a dark place. But despair not! Brad has some ideas to get us back on track. Brad Koerner has held a 20-year career in architectural lighting design and innovation in lighting technologies. He was at Philips Lighting in the innovation and corporate venture groups. He was the Lighting Market Manager for Color Kinetics, and a lighting designer in the Boston area at Lam Partners, Light This!, and Ripman Lighting Consultants. For the past several years Brad has been helping companies drive product innovation via his firm Koerner Design. Brad received his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University, where he received the IALD Education Trust Fund Grant and the IESNA Richard Kelly Grant.

Episode 408: #314 - Back To Square One

David, a lawyer, might know more about gallium nitride and LED light bulbs than you do. He survived - and thrived - through the LED “patent wars” of the early 2000’s. David tells Michael and Greg about patent suits involving the Nobel Prize Winner Shuji Nakamura, Cree Inc., and Nichia Corporation. Listen to this episode to find out who won. If you’re involved in a patent dispute, you DO NOT want David on the other side. Similarly, if you anticipate getting involved with one, feel free to reach out to him before the other side does.Prior to getting his law degree from Columbia University, he got a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Cornell where he focused on the semiconductors that eventually became the backbone of the LED lighting industry. Over his 30 plus year career, David has litigated more than 75 LED patent cases involving over 150 LED patents. That is more than any other attorney in the US by probably an order of magnitude. His client list and experience with the LED lighting industry goes back over 30 years.

David, a lawyer, might know more about gallium nitride and LED light bulbs than you do. He survived - and thrived - through the LED “patent wars” of the early 2000’s. David tells Michael and Greg about patent suits involving the Nobel Prize Winner Shuji Nakamura, Cree Inc., and Nichia Corporation. Listen to this episode to find out who won. If you’re involved in a patent dispute, you DO NOT want David on the other side. Similarly, if you anticipate getting involved with one, feel free to reach out to him before the other side does. Prior to getting his law degree from Columbia University, he got a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Cornell where he focused on the semiconductors that eventually became the backbone of the LED lighting industry. Over his 30 plus year career, David has litigated more than 75 LED patent cases involving over 150 LED patents. That is more than any other attorney in the US by probably an order of magnitude. His client list and experience with the LED lighting industry goes back over 30 years.

Episode 407: #313 - Getting a Grip on Patents

ALERT! ALERT! If you’re a middle class salaried or hourly wage earner, you’re going to keep earning less and less when you factor in cost of living inflation. But despair not! Michael and Greg have the answers. Maybe.  You’ll have to listen to find out.

ALERT! ALERT! If you’re a middle class salaried or hourly wage earner, you’re going to keep earning less and less when you factor in cost of living inflation. But despair not! Michael and Greg have the answers. Maybe.  You’ll have to listen to find out.

Episode 406: #312 - Hedging Inflation

After studying Renaissance Design in Italy, Architecture in Buffalo, and Communication Design in New York, Adam landed a job in… wait for it… cancer research! Eventually, via a series of career changes, he ended up at UL and finally, on the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast. Adam schools us on the latest research in circadian lighting. Are Michael and Greg finally convinced about the merits of circadian lighting? You’ll have to check out this episode to find out. As UL Subject Matter Expert in Circadian-Effective Lighting, Adam served on the Industry Task Force investigating current circadian practices. In 2019 UL published UL Design Guideline 24480 Promoting Circadian Entrainment with Light. He has spoken at conferences, led webinars, published papers and authored several circadian service patents for UL Solutions. Those services are now launched. 

After studying Renaissance Design in Italy, Architecture in Buffalo, and Communication Design in New York, Adam landed a job in… wait for it… cancer research! Eventually, via a series of career changes, he ended up at UL and finally, on the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast. Adam schools us on the latest research in circadian lighting. Are Michael and Greg finally convinced about the merits of circadian lighting? You’ll have to check out this episode to find out. As UL Subject Matter Expert in Circadian-Effective Lighting, Adam served on the Industry Task Force investigating current circadian practices. In 2019 UL published UL Design Guideline 24480 Promoting Circadian Entrainment with Light. He has spoken at conferences, led webinars, published papers and authored several circadian service patents for UL Solutions. Those services are now launched.

Episode 405: #311 - Scoring Circadian Lighting

With the kinds of customers Tim serves, good lighting can be a matter of life and death. Mines, factories, steel mills - all require lighting that isn’t going to melt, start a fire or blow up! Tim and his company, Dialight, keep sustainability at the forefront of their mission while helping customers achieve their environmental and safety goals. Tim does have one frequent customer complaint though: people can’t believe how dirty their facilities are once they’re properly lit! Tim Cillessen is Dialight’s VP of Sales, overseeing global sales as well as marketing and customer service operations to drive revenue growth and develop strategies to expand Dialight's market share. Tim began his career as a Product Development Engineer, where he gained valuable experience in developing and testing instrumentation products for various industrial markets, eventually moving to work at Siemens as a Product Manager for Instrumentation and quickly rising the ranks to become their Head of Sales and Marketing for the Process Safety division – leading sales and marketing teams and developing solutions to increase safety in some of the toughest markets. 

With the kinds of customers Tim serves, good lighting can be a matter of life and death. Mines, factories, steel mills - all require lighting that isn’t going to melt, start a fire or blow up! Tim and his company, Dialight, keep sustainability at the forefront of their mission while helping customers achieve their environmental and safety goals. Tim does have one frequent customer complaint though: people can’t believe how dirty their facilities are once they’re properly lit! Tim Cillessen is Dialight’s VP of Sales, overseeing global sales as well as marketing and customer service operations to drive revenue growth and develop strategies to expand Dialight's market share. Tim began his career as a Product Development Engineer, where he gained valuable experience in developing and testing instrumentation products for various industrial markets, eventually moving to work at Siemens as a Product Manager for Instrumentation and quickly rising the ranks to become their Head of Sales and Marketing for the Process Safety division – leading sales and marketing teams and developing solutions to increase safety in some of the toughest markets.

Episode 404: #310 - Customers Don't Know Good Lighting Until They Have It

Recognizing a need in the lighting industry to forum together and discuss subjects &amp; issues in our industry, the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast was born. Get A Grip brings on industry experts to talk about real issues and focused on that subject matter. If there’s something to be said on the subject, Get A Grip will go there.Get A Grip On Lighting Podcasts are hosted by Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich, who have over 30 years of combined experience in the lighting industry. Michael Colligan is an entrepreneur and inventor. He’s a subject matter expert in commercial and industrial lighting supply, lighting retrofits, and finding recycling streams for hard-to-recycle waste. Greg Ehrich, LC is the former President of the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD) and owner of a progressive lighting distributorship.

“Leave the earth better than how we found it.” That’s Melissa’s definition of sustainable. Of course she agrees that it is more complicated than that when it comes to the lighting industry. Luckily Brian Huff the chairman of NAILD's Distributor Committee for Sustainable Lighting joins us to add some flavor. Listen to this episode as we solve all the problems. Almost. Melissa divides her time between architectural lighting design and sustainable manufacturing consulting. As the leader of Sladen Feinstein’s sustainability efforts, Melissa is continually curious about the relationship between architecture, the human experience and what it means to embody space. Brian Huff is President of Adventure Lighting in Des Moines, IA. He’s been in the lighting industry for 13ish years, and owned the company for 5 years. He spends a lot of time with his two kids going to kid's sports, coaching kid's sports, playing golf, and volunteering on a few local boards/non-profits. 

“Leave the earth better than how we found it.” That’s Melissa’s definition of sustainable. Of course she agrees that it is more complicated than that when it comes to the lighting industry. Luckily Brian Huff the chairman of NAILD's Distributor Committee for Sustainable Lighting joins us to add some flavor. Listen to this episode as we solve all the problems. Almost. Melissa divides her time between architectural lighting design and sustainable manufacturing consulting. As the leader of Sladen Feinstein’s sustainability efforts, Melissa is continually curious about the relationship between architecture, the human experience and what it means to embody space. Brian Huff is President of Adventure Lighting in Des Moines, IA. He’s been in the lighting industry for 13ish years, and owned the company for 5 years. He spends a lot of time with his two kids going to kid's sports, coaching kid's sports, playing golf, and volunteering on a few local boards/non-profits.

Episode 403: #309 - Conversation Mode On Sustainability

Michael has noticed, over the years, that vendor members who have quit NAILD, have experienced “the kiss of death.” In this short-form Get A Grip, Michael and Greg riff on private equity take-overs, change of ownership, ROI, education, and giving back. If you want to have a better chance at success and staying in business, join NAILD!

Michael has noticed, over the years, that vendor members who have quit NAILD, have experienced “the kiss of death.” In this short-form Get A Grip, Michael and Greg riff on private equity take-overs, change of ownership, ROI, education, and giving back. If you want to have a better chance at success and staying in business, join NAILD!

Episode 402: #308 - You Can't Buy Goodwill

You must check out some videos of Michal’s LED Tron Dance Suits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVt2OwMKiM8. You’ll be mesmerized. Michal explains to Michael and Greg how his company continues to address the challenges of controlling the lights, maintenance of the LED diodes and trying to keep the dancers from beating up the suits! As Michael points out, if Michal and his company can figure out controls for dancing suits, why can’t our industry get it together?Michal Pokluda has a background in mathematics, software development and computer graphics. He started as a laser show designer for small parties and discos. Later he found interest in developing laser show software and hardware. He is an author of Fiesta and Moncha laser show software produced by Showtacle Ltd. company.He is also one of the developers of LED Strip Studio pixel mapping software used for a variety of LED installations for TV, clubs, museums, or LED dance performances.He is now CEO of LED Strip Studio company, which produces pixel LED controllers and LED Strip Studio software.

You must check out some videos of Michal’s LED Tron Dance Suits. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVt2OwMKiM8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVt2OwMKiM8</a>. You’ll be mesmerized. Michal explains to Michael and Greg how his company continues to address the challenges of controlling the lights, maintenance of the LED diodes and trying to keep the dancers from beating up the suits! As Michael points out, if Michal and his company can figure out controls for dancing suits, why can’t our industry get it together?Michal Pokluda has a background in mathematics, software development and computer graphics. He started as a laser show designer for small parties and discos. Later he found interest in developing laser show software and hardware. He is an author of Fiesta and Moncha laser show software produced by Showtacle Ltd. company. He is also one of the developers of LED Strip Studio pixel mapping software used for a variety of LED installations for TV, clubs, museums, or LED dance performances. He is now CEO of LED Strip Studio company, which produces pixel LED controllers and LED Strip Studio software.

Episode 401: #307 - Dancing with LED

If you don’t know Sid Phillips, you should. His experience and longevity in the business makes him a go-to for information and advice. Lucky for us, he gives some here on the Get A Grip On Lighting podcast. As Sid likes to say, he “kick’s the cans” and tries to fix what’s wrong. So listen up manufacturers call Sid and he’ll look at your latest product. Mostly, you’ll want to listen to this one to hear Sid tell Michael he’s wrong! Sid Phillips started Professional Lighting in 1985 with his wife Becky. With Becky as President, Sid focuses on sales in his role as Vice President. Sid’s a big believer in doing the right thing. 

If you don’t know Sid Phillips, you should. His experience and longevity in the business makes him a go-to for information and advice. Lucky for us, he gives some here on the Get A Grip On Lighting podcast. As Sid likes to say, he “kick’s the cans” and tries to fix what’s wrong. So listen up manufacturers call Sid and he’ll look at your latest product. Mostly, you’ll want to listen to this one to hear Sid tell Michael he’s wrong! Sid Phillips started Professional Lighting in 1985 with his wife Becky. With Becky as President, Sid focuses on sales in his role as Vice President. Sid’s a big believer in doing the right thing.

Episode 400: #306 - Thinking It All The Way Through

“The human centric workplace.” That subject will always spark debate, especially the lighting part of it. Simone explained to Michael and Greg how she goes about it in her profession. She avoids the fluff and the trendiness of the subject and… Just. Makes. Sense. If she wasn’t across the pond in England, we’d have her over to shake up our workplaces. You could say Simone is a workplace thought-leader who’s passionate about creating human-centric workplaces, but at its most basic, what she does is focus on people. She hones in on the employee experience, workplace culture, and organizational performance and uses data insights to deliver change and business improvement in regard to culture, space, process, and technology. 

“The human centric workplace.” That subject will always spark debate, especially the lighting part of it. Simone explained to Michael and Greg how she goes about it in her profession. She avoids the fluff and the trendiness of the subject and… Just. Makes. Sense. If she wasn’t across the pond in England, we’d have her over to shake up our workplaces. You could say Simone is a workplace thought-leader who’s passionate about creating human-centric workplaces, but at its most basic, what she does is focus on people. She hones in on the employee experience, workplace culture, and organizational performance and uses data insights to deliver change and business improvement in regard to culture, space, process, and technology.

Episode 399: #305 - Removing The Acrimony

In this special edition of Get A Grip On Lighting, super-fan Peter Ma drops in the studio to chat with Michael. Peter, a long time listener, came by to meet Michael and to see the studio. But Peter is in the business, so he and Michael talk about how his parents went from manufacturing flash drives to manufacturing LED’s in Taiwan, starting Vyvyd Lighting in Toronto, and how he learned lighting design from Nelca Roco on Youtube. You can even learn a couple things about Taiwan's history. Vyvyd Lighting's founder, Peter Ma, got his start in the lighting industry in his family LED manufacturing business in Taiwan since 2006 when LED light bulbs were just introduced to the market. After moving to Toronto in 2008, Peter has worked as an electrical apprentice, lighting specifier, and graphic designer. He noticed the Greater Toronto Area has many unique requirements in lighting due to its geographic position and multi-cultural society. He founded Vyvyd Lighting in 2014 to offer customized lighting design and supply services. 

In this special edition of Get A Grip On Lighting, super-fan Peter Ma drops in the studio to chat with Michael. Peter, a long time listener, came by to meet Michael and to see the studio. But Peter is in the business, so he and Michael talk about how his parents went from manufacturing flash drives to manufacturing LED’s in Taiwan, starting Vyvyd Lighting in Toronto, and how he learned lighting design from Nelca Roco on Youtube. You can even learn a couple things about Taiwan's history. Vyvyd Lighting's founder, Peter Ma, got his start in the lighting industry in his family LED manufacturing business in Taiwan since 2006 when LED light bulbs were just introduced to the market. After moving to Toronto in 2008, Peter has worked as an electrical apprentice, lighting specifier, and graphic designer. He noticed the Greater Toronto Area has many unique requirements in lighting due to its geographic position and multi-cultural society. He founded Vyvyd Lighting in 2014 to offer customized lighting design and supply services.

Episode 398: #304 - Fans Can Be Colleagues

Who knew that chemists would be working on light bulbs. Well, Jakoah and Shruti explain their research into different phosphors to find the most efficient ways to create colors - other than blue. Fifteen years in the business and we learned something new about LED’s: They don’t fade, the phosphor decomposes. Prof. Jakoah Brgoch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and a Principal Investigator in the Texas Center of Superconductivity. Shruti Hariyani completed her Bachelor’s of Science and is in the process of her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Houston under the supervision of Professor Jakoah Brgoch. 

Who knew that chemists would be working on light bulbs. Well, Jakoah and Shruti explain their research into different phosphors to find the most efficient ways to create colors - other than blue. Fifteen years in the business and we learned something new about LED’s: They don’t fade, the phosphor decomposes. Prof. Jakoah Brgoch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and a Principal Investigator in the Texas Center of Superconductivity. Shruti Hariyani completed her Bachelor’s of Science and is in the process of her Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Houston under the supervision of Professor Jakoah Brgoch.

Episode 397: #303 - LED’s Don’t Burn Out, They Decompose

Light is a spectrum and our eyes see a thin slice of it. But that doesn’t mean the light outside of our visual perception doesn’t affect us. Dr. Krames and Dr. Berends talk with Michael and Greg about the research they have conducted and the conclusion they have reached on the effects of near-infrared light on human health. To put it bluntly, it’s good stuff, when used in the right dosages. You’re probably going to “see” this technology added to computer screens, webcams, cell phones, TV’s… You’ll be working at your laptop and you’re going to feel healthier and happier!Dr. Mike Krames has more than 25 years of materials, device, and applications experience, with emphasis on solid-state lighting devices and products, including advancing the performance and color quality of LEDs for general illumination. He is currently president of Arkesso, LLC, a consulting firm in Silicon Valley, and Sr Advisor to Seaborough Research BV in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.Dr. Anne Berends has a background in chemistry and a PhD in nanomaterials science. She likes to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary team and that is exactly what she found in the Life Science program at Seaborough. Translating fundamental scientific insights to products that improve human wellbeing and health, require skills and insights from so many viewing angles that true teamwork is a must.

Light is a spectrum and our eyes see a thin slice of it. But that doesn’t mean the light outside of our visual perception doesn’t affect us. Dr. Krames and Dr. Berends talk with Michael and Greg about the research they have conducted and the conclusion they have reached on the effects of near-infrared light on human health. To put it bluntly, it’s good stuff, when used in the right dosages. You’re probably going to “see” this technology added to computer screens, webcams, cell phones, TV’s… You’ll be working at your laptop and you’re going to feel healthier and happier! Dr. Mike Krames has more than 25 years of materials, device, and applications experience, with emphasis on solid-state lighting devices and products, including advancing the performance and color quality of LEDs for general illumination. He is currently president of Arkesso, LLC, a consulting firm in Silicon Valley, and Sr Advisor to Seaborough Research BV in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Dr. Anne Berends has a background in chemistry and a PhD in nanomaterials science. She likes to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary team and that is exactly what she found in the Life Science program at Seaborough. Translating fundamental scientific insights to products that improve human wellbeing and health, require skills and insights from so many viewing angles that true teamwork is a must.

Episode 396: #302 - The Invisible Light

Come celebrate 300 with us! Okay, it didn’t quite fall on the actual 300th episode, but it doesn’t take away from the achievement. This group of misfits got together with Michael and Greg to talk about how the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast got started. But they also talk about sustainability and mercury and drivers and… well, it seems there’ll be enough to talk about to make at least another 300 episodes. You already know all these guys - Josh Brown, EVP of Distributor Sales &amp; Marketing at Keystone; Brian Huff, President of Adventure Lighting; Cory Schneider, President of Lighting Unlimited; and Spencer Miles, President of Pacific Lamp. Start thinking about episode 600, guys! 

Come celebrate 300 with us! Okay, it didn’t quite fall on the actual 300th episode, but it doesn’t take away from the achievement. This group of misfits got together with Michael and Greg to talk about how the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast got started. But they also talk about sustainability and mercury and drivers and… well, it seems there’ll be enough to talk about to make at least another 300 episodes. You already know all these guys - Josh Brown, EVP of Distributor Sales &amp; Marketing at Keystone; Brian Huff, President of Adventure Lighting; Cory Schneider, President of Lighting Unlimited; and Spencer Miles, President of Pacific Lamp. Start thinking about episode 600, guys!

Episode 395: #301 - The 300th Episode

Nothing can beat real sunlight for an indoor environment. But sometimes, getting daylight into an interior space is difficult or impossible. Benjamin says he’s got the next best thing. Michael and Greg do their best to be skeptical, but Benjamin might have won them over with LIGHTGLASS Simulated Windows &amp; Skylights. Let Get A Grip On Lighting shed some light on the subject for you. Benjamin is a Co-founder of LIGHTGLASS and lightly, a student of biophilic design, and a researcher of light’s impact on human biology and psychology. He works to further understand how we can apply light to improve people’s quality of life, and to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry. As a lifelong musician, Benjamin greatly appreciates the converging creativity and design of architectural products and spaces, and is passionate about improving the human relationship with the built environment. 

Nothing can beat real sunlight for an indoor environment. But sometimes, getting daylight into an interior space is difficult or impossible. Benjamin says he’s got the next best thing. Michael and Greg do their best to be skeptical, but Benjamin might have won them over with LIGHTGLASS Simulated Windows &amp; Skylights. Let Get A Grip On Lighting shed some light on the subject for you. Benjamin is a Co-founder of LIGHTGLASS and lightly, a student of biophilic design, and a researcher of light’s impact on human biology and psychology. He works to further understand how we can apply light to improve people’s quality of life, and to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry. As a lifelong musician, Benjamin greatly appreciates the converging creativity and design of architectural products and spaces, and is passionate about improving the human relationship with the built environment.

Episode 394: #300 - Virtual Reality Lighting

Very topical and relevant to the everyday lighting seller!

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Recognizing a need in the lighting industry to forum together and discuss subjects &amp; issues in our industry, the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast was born. Get A Grip brings on industry experts to talk about real issues and focused on that subject matter. If there’s something to be said on the subject, Get A Grip will go there. Get A Grip On Lighting Podcasts are hosted by Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich, who have over 30 years of combined experience in the lighting industry. Michael Colligan is an entrepreneur and inventor. He’s a subject matter expert in commercial and industrial lighting supply, lighting retrofits, and finding recycling streams for hard-to-recycle waste. Greg Ehrich, LC is the former President of the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD) and owner of a progressive lighting distributorship.

Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

Christopher Preston is an environmental philosopher and author, we found him when an excerpt from his book The Synthetic Age about how animals are evolving to use the growing levels of electric light present at night, we had to get him on the show.We get into human scale versus geological scale problem, the case of interference in natural selection, the varying weights of obligation to do better to the planet across humanity, and failure of awareness-building.We also talk about getting involved in dark sky and efficiency regulation, banning the wallpack, and the question of who and how to judge what’s best in lighting for all of us.

Christopher Preston is an environmental philosopher and author, we found him when an excerpt from his book The Synthetic Age about how animals are evolving to use the growing levels of electric light present at night, we had to get him on the show. We get into human scale versus geological scale problem, the case of interference in natural selection, the varying weights of obligation to do better to the planet across humanity, and failure of awareness-building. We also talk about getting involved in dark sky and efficiency regulation, banning the wallpack, and the question of who and how to judge what’s best in lighting for all of us.

#117 - Lighting the Anthropocene

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