The Economics of Everyday Things 119. Christmas Lights
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Dec 22, 2025 
Dean Lyons, the CEO of Bright Nights, shares how a simple favor turned into a nationwide holiday lighting business, with installations ranging from $2,500 to over $400,000. He discusses marketing strategies focused on affluent neighborhoods and the importance of operational efficiency. Chuck Smith, the founder of Planet Christmas and a lighting enthusiast, reveals how the shift to LED technology revolutionized holiday displays. Together, they explore the economics behind seasonal lighting and the artistry involved in creating stunning displays.
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Humble Start Turned Into A Lighting Empire
- Dean Lyons discovered Christmas light installation after earning $20 in ten minutes pulling lights from a neighbor's roof.
- He turned that moment into Bright Nights and made $17,000 in two months during his first year.
Neighborhood Targeting Drives Growth
- Bright Nights targets wealthy suburbs because residents have disposable income but limited time.
- Successful installs in a neighborhood produce word-of-mouth that captures entire neighborhoods.
Estimate By Strings, Not Footage
- Use measured estimating rather than footage pricing because installers vary spacing and style.
- Bright Nights is developing a camera+AI tool to count required strings precisely.