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.”
Table of Contents
- Embracing the Joy of Holiday Lighting
- Overcoming Challenges with Big Star Lights
- Innovative Products and Solutions
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Boosting Efficiency and Profits
- Advice for Fellow Installers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
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.
Pro Tip: Always order extra warm whites before November.
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.”
Pro Tip: Track product locations during takedowns. Year two gets messy fast if you don’t label or photograph installs—keep your future self in mind.
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.”
Pro Tip: Simplify your product range to what you know your supplier can ship quickly. You’ll look more confident to clients and reduce delays mid-season.
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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the biggest issue Wes faced before switching to Big Star Lights?
A: Stockouts of warm white lights in late November. His previous supplier couldn't restock quickly enough, disrupting installations at the height of the season.
Q: Why did Wes prefer Big Star Lights' warm white color?
A: The hue closely mimics the nostalgic glow of incandescent lights. It was more consistent and visually appealing than alternatives, giving clients the traditional holiday ambiance they expect.
Q: How did Big Star Lights’ gutter clips solve a common installer problem?
A: The clips are specifically designed to work with homes that have gutter guards—something that previously required workarounds or riskier installations.
Summary
- Wes O’Leary expanded into holiday lighting to boost revenue during the off-season—and found a more enjoyable, cleaner, and creative business model.
- Initial challenges with a local supplier included stockouts, poor product quality, and a limited selection that stifled client customization.
- Excellent customer service set Big Star Lights apart—fast, no-hassle resolutions and a true sense of partnership.
- Buying in bulk and simplifying the product catalog streamlined Wes’s workflow and improved profitability.