Raising The Grade
Welcome to a podcast that celebrates the visionaries and trailblazers of the hardscape and landscaping industry in the vibrant Phoenix Metro Valley. Each episode delves into the stories of industry leaders who are redefining landscapes and elevating the standard of excellence in their craft. But we don’t stop there—we also spotlight dynamic businesses and inspiring personalities from diverse fields who are “raising the grade,” offering fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply someone with a passion for transformation, this podcast promises to inspire, inform, and elevate your vision.
Raising The Grade
Wired for Success: The Journey from Employee to Lighting Supply Leader
In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Michael Borgeson, founder of Sonoran Lighting Supply, to explore the business of lighting, the value of relationships, and what it takes to build trust in a tight-knit industry. From growing up in a small California town to launching one of Arizona’s most respected lighting supply companies, Mike shares how his work ethic, industry experience, and commitment to doing things the right way have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
We dive deep into how Sonoran Lighting Supply became more than just a distributor—offering hands-on support, custom lighting designs, and full specification services to contractors across Arizona. Mike opens up about what it’s like to break into the wholesale space without massive funding, how he builds meaningful relationships with his customers, and the challenges of scaling without sacrificing quality. Plus, we explore his side venture in excavation, his vision for S3 Design Services, and the balance of family, faith, and business. This is a must-listen for anyone in the trades looking to grow with integrity.
Key Moments:
0:00 – Meet Mike and the origins of Sonoran Lighting Supply
1:16 – Early influences, family values, and learning from his father
3:04 – Why Mike left corporate to bet on himself
6:11 – Lessons from working in the lighting industry
9:32 – Starting Sonoran Lighting Supply and launching during uncertainty
11:05 – Challenges of wholesaling and breaking into tight-knit contractor networks
14:31 – Why design support makes the difference
17:01 – Outdoor audio, strip lighting, and tech innovations
21:48 – Common lighting mistakes and how to educate homeowners
26:01 – Managing expectations and working within budget
29:15 – The value of brass fixtures vs aluminum
32:06 – What makes Sonoran Lighting different
35:02 – Scaling, hiring, and preserving company culture
39:00 – Supporting local and serving with integrity
40:01 – The story behind S3: Specification Support Services
44:12 – Lighting design, wiring schematics, and real-time engineering
47:03 – Future plans, e-commerce goals, and staying personal
50:01 – Balancing business with family and buying back your time
52:06 – Launching Paydirt Services and starting a second business
54:00 – Mike’s unexpected path and future aspirations
57:00 – Final thoughts on leadership, legacy, and living intentionally
If you're in the trades or building something that matters, Mike’s story will resonate. His approach to business—rooted in service, transparency, and craftsmanship—offers a blueprint for building something meaningful. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!
Connect with Michael Borgeson:
Instagram: @lightingwholesaler
Website: lightingwholesaler.com
LinkedIn: Michael Borgeson & Sonoran Lighting Supply
Promo: Mention this podcast to receive personalized support, custom design services, and exclusive lighting system solutions for your next project.
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