Wes O'Leary is the owner of North Pro Home and Cottage Services, a thriving home service business located in central Ontario, about an hour north of Toronto. Offering an array of services, from house washing to window cleaning, Wes sought innovative ways to keep his business profitable during the slower months of October to December.
“We asked ourselves, what do we do in October, November, and December?” Wes recalls. “That’s when we moved into Christmas lights, and it’s been incredible. I love it more than house washing—it works a different part of the mind, the crews love it more, and it’s cleaner and more exciting.”
Embracing the Joy of Holiday Lighting
For Wes, the most rewarding aspect of offering Christmas light installations is the joy it brings to his clients.
“Almost all the clients we work for are ecstatic about the lights. Being able to bring that festive spirit to them is what I love most,” he shares.
Overcoming Challenges with Big Star Lights
Before partnering with Big Star Lights, Wes encountered significant challenges:
-
Inconsistent Stock Availability: “Our first supplier ran out of warm white lights at the end of November. We needed more, and they couldn’t deliver.”
-
Quality Issues: “Mixing and matching different hues of warm white wasn’t ideal. The build quality wasn’t up to par.”
-
Limited Product Range: “They didn’t offer the variety we needed to meet our clients’ unique requests.”
Discovering Big Star Lights transformed Wes’s operations:
-
Reliable Stock: “When I checked with Big Star Lights, they had plenty in stock. That was a game-changer.”
-
Superior Warm White Hue: “I personally like the warm white from Big Star Lights more. It matches that traditional candlelight glow clients love.”
-
Extensive Product Selection: “They had unique colors like fuchsia and yellow, allowing us to fulfill specific client requests.”
Innovative Products and Solutions
Big Star Lights’ innovative products have significantly enhanced Wes’s service offerings:
-
Gutter Clips: “The gutter clips designed for homes with gutter guards are a game-changer. They’re the first of their kind and solve a major installation challenge.”
-
High-Quality Mini Lights: “The mini lights with watertight seals are fantastic. Unlike the old two-prong plugs we used before, these are secure and professional.”
-
Twinkly Pro and Specialty Lights: “There’s so much on their site I haven’t even ventured into yet, like Twinkly Pro and floodlights. These products could open up a whole new realm of lighting options for our clients.”
Exceptional Customer Service
Big Star Lights’ customer service has also made a lasting impression. Wes recalls an instance when a shipping issue was promptly resolved:
“A spool of electrical wire arrived with the end broken off, making it a jumble in the box. I gave them a call, and they immediately sent out a new reel free of charge. Their support has been phenomenal—that’s a big difference compared to others I’ve dealt with.”
Boosting Efficiency and Profits
Partnering with Big Star Lights has positively impacted Wes’s business efficiency and bottom line:
-
Bulk Pricing Benefits: “Being able to buy in bulk has been a game-changer. As we get more clients, the savings add up and improve our profits.”
-
Streamlined Offerings: “We simplified our offerings, focusing on products we know Big Star Lights always has in stock. It made us more prepared and efficient.”
Advice for Fellow Installers
Wes shares practical advice for other installers looking to succeed in the holiday lighting business:
“Make sure you’re organized, especially with takedowns—it’s confusing going back for year two if you didn’t organize anything,” Wes advises. “Simplify your offerings and work with a supplier like Big Star Lights who keeps products in stock. Their customer service and product quality make all the difference.”