Chicago Lightworks Leads with Creative and Unrivaled Service Julie Blankenheim and Mike Nykaza

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

Chicago Lightworks Leads with Creative and Unrivaled Service Julie Blankenheim and Mike Nykaza

E43 • Dec 27, 2022 • 50 mins

Discover the story of Julie Blankenheim and Mike Nykaza, who since 2017 have spearheaded Chicago Lightworks, a leading lighting sales agency in Chicago. They share insights on their 15% annual growth, rooted in a strong internal culture of trust, respect, and empathy. Learn how their expertise in lighting design, marketing, and robust education contributed to building a dynamic and successful team, representing over 100 manufacturers including Signify and Legrand. A must-listen for insights on leadership and innovative growth strategies in the industry.

Key Points

Successful AEC companies like Chicago Lightworks prioritize internal culture, emphasizing trust, respect, and empathy to foster a collaborative and high-growth environment.
Chicago Lightworks credits its rapid growth to a focus on hiring good people, often through referrals, and investing heavily in their development, fostering a strong understanding of the business and client needs.
The company's approach to sales is relationship-based, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer pain points and delivering solutions rather than just products.

Speakers

Will Foret

Host • 8%

Justin Neagle

Host • 18%

Julie Blankenheim

Guest • 33%

Mike Nykaza

Guest • 40%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and background of guests - Julie Blankenheim and Mike Nykaza
6:37	The unique beginnings and growth strategy of Chicago Lightworks
13:15	Importance of company culture and training in business success
20:03	Changing the perception of sales through customer-focused selling
26:14	The role of a lighting agency in balancing the design and construction goals
29:08	Transition from startup to a larger business and the role of leadership
32:35	Navigating big decisions in technology implementation for business growth
39:19	Addressing invisible issues in the business and prioritizing employee wellbeing
43:45	Reflections: The true culture of the company, advice to their younger selves, and the power of teamwork
48:08	Contact information for Chicago Light Works and closing remarks

Transcript

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Key Points

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Speakers

Chapters

Transcript