Since starting his company in 2000, the Ohio-based professional said business has grown steadily. His list of clients has included high-end residential customers as well as many commercial clients.

“Outdoor lighting has been the fastest growing portion of the lighting industry for the last 10 years,” said Johanning.

Because of the boom, many landscapers and other outdoor improvement contractors have entered the market, he added. But, he cautioned, many do not understand the basic principles involved in safe lighting installation.

“I got started in this business because I saw landscapers putting in lighting, irrigation people putting in lighting, everyone but lighting people putting in lighting,” he said. “Improperly installed outdoor lighting presents a fire hazard. So it’s important to know what you’re doing.”

Johanning said his experience and knowledge has helped him to win customers who are looking for a high level of expertise on their projects. Although he would not disclose sales figures, he said his company usually takes on about 60 contracts per year.

Clients such as landscape architects and commercial contractors are quick to use his services, he said, which he admitted can be slightly higher in cost than a contractor who installs outdoor lighting as a sideline. Residential projects range between $6,500 and $8,000.

Landscape architect Tom Craven of Craven Landscape Architecture in Evendale, said his experience with Johanning has shown him to be very thorough and professional.

“His work has exceeded my expectations,” said Craven. “He’s very knowledgeable. It’s great to have a true professional working on a project.”

Craven said he has hired Johanning and his company to work on several large residential projects with him, many of them in Indian Hill. Customers have been very pleased with the results, he said.

“In the last five to 10 years the demand for outdoor lighting has increased dramatically,” said Craven. “Homeowners like it for the look and also for security reasons.”

Johanning said he expects the trend in outdoor lighting to continue to grow, especially since improvements in lamp construction have lowered the wattages without sacrificing light output and have made the electrical bills manageable for homeowners.

“The lower wattage lights we use now are much more efficient and use less electricity than before,” he said. “It makes outdoor lighting more cost effective.”

As consumers become more aware of the value of outdoor lighting, Johanning said it will help his business to grow even more.

“Outdoor lighting gives a home more curb appeal,” he said. “It’s great for creating atmosphere and for enhancing architecture and landscaping.

“The market is becoming more sophisticated as (consumers) become more educated, and as it does our business will grow.”

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer