Summer is finally here, and now is the time to tidy up our yards and prepare for drinks and dinner on the patio. Along with flowers, plants, and garden embellishments, outdoor and landscape lighting are the finest ways to achieve the perfect summer hangout. Midlothian Lifestyle conversed with Richard Popio, the owner of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in Richmond, to learn about his story and get an inside look at some of this summer's most desired outdoor lighting.
JOANNA: PLEASE TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
RICHARD: I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and attended Youngstown State University, where I graduated with a degree in Business Management. In 1993, I started working in the wireless industry and dedicated 20 years to the telecom enterprise.
JOANNA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURCHASE OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES?
RICHARD: After I retired, I started searching for my next endeavor. With no desire to return to the corporate grind, I searched for a small business to pursue. Ironically, I was a client of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives when I heard that the previous owner was selling. We talked, and before I knew it, I became the new owner of the Richmond franchise.
JOANNA: WHAT ARE SOME OUTDOOR LIGHTING TRENDS THIS SUMMER?
RICHARD: The most significant summer trend is backyard lighting. From up-lighting trees to show the width and depth of the property to bistro strings lights and tiki torches around a pool deck, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives helps extend the time folks can spend outdoors with friends and family. Wall washers, under-cap lighting, and color-changing lights are also summer favorites.
JOANNA: DOES OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES HAVE ANY UNIQUE OUTDOOR LIGHTING?
RICHARD: Yes! The Bonsai color series is an exclusive product line by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. It allows our clients the flexibility to change their lighting based on the holiday, season, or special events.
JOANNA: WHAT MAKES OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES DIFFERENT THAN SIMILAR BUSINESSES?
RICHARD: We differ from competitors because our lighting systems are designed to last a lifetime. We have our own manufacturer, which allows us to control quality and durability and create custom lighting for all of our clients. We have superb attention to detail and always strive for client satisfaction.
JOANNA: DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF HELPING CUSTOMERS SELECT THE RIGHT OUTDOOR LIGHTING.
RICHARD: Our process is simple, yet we pay attention to what our clients want. We meet our clients on-site, face to face, ask them questions, and then provide a lighting design based on their needs. Once the plan is approved and accepted, we install the lighting within two weeks, generally in one day.
JOANNA: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
RICHARD: At OLP, all our technicians are certified Low Voltage Technicians and have been with us for quite some time; we are all committed to providing an outstanding client experience and creating the perfect outdoor living space for our clients.
JOANNA: DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING DEALS OR EVENTS FOR THE SUMMER?
RICHARD: Our summer special includes a complimentary light with a minimum purchase.
To schedule a free consultation with an expert landscape lighting designer, go to outdoorlights.com