What is the AOLP and what can you expect from an AOLP member?
The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals is the only national, not for profit, trade association dedicated to the outdoor lighting industry. It is a gathering of men and women whose life work centers primarily on landscape lighting, or supports this industry. This organization brings together contractors, designers, manufacturers and distributors to discuss and learn about that which they share. Membership creates the opportunity for each to contribute to the common goal of elevating their industry, making it better for their individual businesses and for the consumer. The AOLP provides strict standards for installation and maintenance of outdoor lighting systems which its members must agree to abide by when they join the association. The training arm of the AOLP provides the Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) program with ongoing requirements for renewal; and the three-year program for designers, the Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD). These are the only certifications nation-wide specific to the outdoor lighting profession.
How does the AOLP benefit the homeowner?
The AOLP works to educate the public on the importance of well-made products, safety standards and possible hazards of poorly installed outdoor lighting systems. The biggest benefit for the home or property owner is in the quality of work, materials and expertise they can expect by hiring an AOLP member to address their outdoor lighting needs and desires; from the first meeting to discuss design and then through the long-term maintenance of their projects. All too often we run into clients who have already paid good money for a poorly designed sub-standard lighting system, made up of very cheap products and installed in a manner which guaranteed it would fail in a short time. Sadly, it then becomes the responsibility of the AOLP member to break the news that the existing system needs to be replaced because we can’t fix the many problems they are experiencing. So, the client ends up finally paying for a quality system, but only AFTER they have paid for a cheap system. Calling that AOLP member first would have saved money, and the aggravation and time lost in completing the lighting project properly the first time.
What does the AOLP do for the contractor?
The primary purpose of the AOLP is to educate its members, and set standards in the outdoor lighting industry. This education puts the member contractor way ahead of the pack in knowing the safest, most efficient methods of installation. The association has at its fingertips the most current news and reviews of products and technology, codes and regulations, as well as experts and reports on every facet of light and its uses. If the contractor is willing to truly invest in his career as an outdoor lighting specialist, taking the time to study, making the effort to become certified, then this contractor will be invested in the future of his/her chosen profession. The continuing education required to maintain this important certification insures that the contractor will always be well -informed and knowledgeable. Additionally, the AOLP realizes that contractors are also business people needing advice and information designed to help them conduct and manage their companies well.
Over the years I have even encouraged my competitors to join the AOLP and become certified. Not that I want the additional competition, but I do want to raise the bar in my area, and to compete on even ground with contractors that will also be installing a quality system. Personally, I can’t compete on price with a contractor who doesn’t really care about the products he uses, safety codes, or future maintenance of the outdoor lighting they install. Unfortunately, there may always be a market for that cheap and potentially disreputable contractor – which I really want no part of. If I’m competing against another AOLP certified contractor, installing a quality product the right way, it will be our design skills, knowledge, and business practices (including service to the consumer) that become the elements setting us apart from competitors in our area. I am very happy to do that. This is an all-around win for the homeowner and our industry.
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