The Lighting Geek

06/17/2026

Our weekly maintenance visit on a 20 acre estate, over 1200 fixtures, 38 transformers. Always something to do here.

06/15/2026

About 20 years ago, I went to get my trailer, which was at that time parked in a self storage parking area. We opened the door and every tool that we owned had been stolen. I mean, we had almost every tool Dewalt made, all of our wire tools, every shovel. It was at a time when I was struggling to get customers to pay us timely.

I was devastated to say the least. I was broke. I had a lot of people that owed me money.

Fortunately, all the material for our next job was in the trailer and that was not taken. I rolled up to the job and explain to the customer that I may not be able to start their job today because of what happened. She quietly went into the house came out with a check for the whole job before we started, and told me to go buy some tools. She said, You are a good person Tommy Herren, get the things you need to get on your feet and take care of my Lighting when you can.

I sat in my truck and cried.

 I lost track overtime of who the person was or where they lived. Today I rolled up on a job that we have not seen since we installed it 20 years ago and instantly knew this was the woman. At that time, she had more faith in me than I had in myself. She gave me a big hug and asked me how I’d been. We caught up on all the stuff life throws at you.

Sometimes we have to lean on the FAITH others have in us, especially when the light at the end of the tunnel seems to dim. Keep the faith. Never quit. Remember those who helped you along the way. Be grateful. Be thankful. Most of all, be kind.

06/14/2026

On Amazon later this week in paperback, hard cover, and digital formats. Many years in the making.

It is the culmination of over 500 speaking engagements at home shows, podcasts, and events, educating homeowners and new contractors on the basics of lighting design in simple terms. The Q&A’s afterwords, one on one conversations with clients, etc.

And no pictures, just facts as I see them.

06/05/2026

We’ve been servicing Fritz’s lighting system for over 25 years. When he said he wanted a hat and a picture, YOU BET!

05/31/2026

Fit and finish, it is the most important part of our business.

The grade was off before I started by what I guessed was 12”. I eyeballed the grading as I went and checked it with a laser level. All four corners and the center were within 1/10th of a foot. (A little more than 1 inch) i’m definitely rusty because it took me too long to get this done. A little raking and compaction, this be perfect for what my needs are and within 1/4” variance.

On to the next task…

05/31/2026

It’s been a minute but I used to grade my landscape jobs. Yes, I am a landscape contractor but only focus on the electrical contracting side these days. I started as a laborer in landscaping in 1980 and worked my way up to General Superintendent in the landscape industry, while simultaneously do landscape lighting. I did it the hard way.

We are growing and we need more space, so I needed to grade out an area for more stuff. So I jumped on our skid steer and got it done.

05/26/2026

Checking in on one of the installation crews in Galt, Ca.

05/25/2026

For all of you business owners out there, this is a great book to get your head straight and a must read! I’ve read it several times and I get something different out of it every time.
If you are not willing to do everything necessary to grow your business and develop mental toughness, don’t read this book.

05/23/2026

As a business owner trying to do what is right, and all the frustrations that come with a growing business, this song speaks to me.

Song · 2018 · Duration 3:44

05/21/2026

taking apart a large fountain for lighting. Lighting needs to be in the water to be correct, no glare, and balanced. Photos of the process are coming soon, and the reveal too!