LIGHTBULB IDEA

THERE IS A LIGHTBULB ABOVE THIS GUY'S HEAD

DUSTY DIGEST | SEPTEMBER 2013

This new business could revolutionize the way we see the light.

Bob Sullivan had the bright idea to start providing his community with a service that had gone unfilled since the dark ages - changing lightbulbs. With an average of thirty two lightbulbs per household lasting between two to five years a piece, there are a lot of lights that need to be changed. As with most things in modern society we are outsourcing, finding a pro to do our dirty work. And, that is where Bob comes in. He's found a niche where he can fulfill his passion and make people's lives just a little bit brighter at the same time.
I sat down with Bob to chat, let him shine a little light on this complicated subject.


What made you think changing a few lightbulbs could turn into a business?
Well, Dusty, I had one of those life changing experiences a couple years back. Walked into my elderly Grandmother's home to find her sitting, alone, in the dark. Turns out her lightbulbs had blown and she couldn't reach up to replace them. That got me thinking, how many other elderly folk are out there sitting in the dark? For that matter, how many other people are out there who lack the knowledge and expertise to change a lightbulb? How about those that just don't have the time to go out and get a new bulb, take the old one out, and screw the new one in. I'm thinking busy business  people or single mothers with a gaggle of kids to look after. There are lots of people out there that need my help.
You know those jokes that start out, how many whatever does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Well, in some cases nobody can screw in the lightbulb. And, I personally find that sad. Made me want to help.

What kind of services do you provide?
I offer a variety of plans, as I call them. Your basic plan, the bread and butter of my business, I'll come through your house on a monthly basis, check every lightbulb and replace the ones that need replacing. The Deluxe plan is where I come more often, every day or two, and again, go through the house checking for burnt out bulbs. Oh, and the Deluxe plan includes those specialty bulbs. What I mean by that is the bulbs in your oven, in the dryer, any outside lighting. I also do a Christmas special, where I'll come in and check your tree and your outdoor string of lights, that type of thing.
With every plan I do an initial consult with the client, going over the different options of bulbs. I have to point out here, the feedback I've gotten on this is amazing. If you've ever gone and looked down the lightbulb aisle at the Home Depot you'll know the massive variety of bulbs out there is, for some, overwhelming. You have the choice of incandescent, CFLs, flourescent, big, medium, small, dim, blue light, sun ray, soft. You can see by my examples that modern lightbulbs are not as simple as they used to be. In many cases you do need a pro, like me, to help guide you through all of the choices.

I read you offer a 24 hour emergency service. What exactly does that entail?
You can call me anytime, I mean anytime, and I'll rush over and change a bulb. This happens a lot at night. You'll be sitting there reading and all the sudden the light goes out. Well, what do you do? Call me. I'll bring over my van, full of every type of bulb you'd ever need, and I bring the lights back on.

Do you get many emergency calls?
You'd be surprised Dusty. Seems that if a light is going to go, it'll go when you need it - at night! I've had a few sleepless nights, I can tell ya. But, it's worth it. When you save someone's night like that, see the look on their face, it's worthwhile.

Future Plans?
I'm planning on hiring an employee in the near future. It's tough though, it takes a certain person to be able to really shine. You need to have a bright personality, extensive knowledge of lightbulbs, and it doesn't hurt if you are tall.
I'm also putting together a back to school package aimed at the parents of College and University kids. I know if my child were away, living on their own for the first time, it would be nice to have the piece of mind that someone is looking out for their lighting needs. Especially, if you have one of those kids that sleep the daylight hours away.

As the lightbulb industry becomes ever more complicated we will be in need of people like Bob.

For more info see Bob's website