Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Franchise Costs, Fees & Profit

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Outdoor Lighting Perspectives specializes in designing, installing and maintaining custom lighting systems.

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 120+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $179,000 - $222,200

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $727,238 (average gross revenue for FY 2024)

Company overview

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) is the premier brand in the outdoor lighting industry, specializing in designing, installing and maintaining custom outdoor lighting systems.

Founded in 1995, OLP pioneered the outdoor lighting industry and has completed over 150,000 installations nationwide. The brand was created to enhance outdoor living experiences by transforming landscapes, pools, pathways and more with inspired lighting solutions. OLP is a part of the Empower Brands family, which includes sister brands like Archadeck, Conserva Irrigation and Superior Fence & Rail.

Mission: OLP's mission is to help clients celebrate and enjoy outdoor living by extending their leisure time outdoors while enhancing the beauty, safety and security of their homes.

Vision: The vision of OLP is to be the world leader in outdoor lighting solutions, delivering unparalleled products and exceptional client service while enriching the lives of franchisees and clients alike.

• Pioneers in the Industry: OLP was the first brand to specialize in outdoor lighting, setting industry standards since 1995.

• Largest Player in the Industry: With over 150,000 installations, OLP is the most experienced and largest outdoor lighting franchise in the U.S.

• Comprehensive Maintenance Program: OLP offers the most extensive maintenance program, including a limited lifetime warranty with annual quality checks.

• Three Lucrative Revenue Streams: Franchisees can capitalize on residential landscape lighting, holiday lighting and hospitality lighting.

• Proven Business Model and Support: OLP provides robust training, marketing support and advanced technology tools to help franchisees succeed.

• Award-Winning Franchise: OLP has been recognized as a World-Class Franchise every year since 2011 and was featured in Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies in America.

Franchise model

Franchising with OLP offers a unique opportunity to partner with the leading brand in the outdoor lighting industry. With over 150,000 installations completed and more than $300 million in business generated, OLP has a proven business model that consistently delivers success. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and support, starting with an intensive 7-day training program that covers everything from marketing strategies to advanced lighting design techniques. Ongoing education and mentorship ensure franchisees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

OLP provides robust marketing and lead generation support, giving franchisees access to effective tools such as direct mail, print ads, home-and-garden shows and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. The brand’s powerful technology platform streamlines operations, offering a suite of tools for client relationship management, accounting and field operations. This technology integration allows franchisees to operate more efficiently and focus on growing their business.

Additionally, OLP’s established brand recognition and high-profile projects provide a significant competitive advantage, making it easier to attract clients and secure business. The franchise model is designed for long-term success, with three lucrative revenue streams that are bolstered by recurring income from annual maintenance plans and long-term client relationships.

OLP is actively seeking franchisees in key markets across the United States. Hot markets include:

• Cherry Hill, New Jersey

• Detroit, Michigan

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Winston Salem, North Carolina

• Fort Worth, Texas

• Tuscon, Arizona,

• Spokane, Washington

• Gainesville, Florida

• Omaha, Nebraska

• California

• North New Jersey

A map of available markets can be found here.

Initial costs and fees

Initial Costs: The total investment ranges from $179,000 - $222,200. These costs are broken down as follows:

Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee is $59,500, which is payable upon signing the franchise agreement.

Ongoing Fees: OLP franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:

ROI Potential: OLP reported the following average gross revenue for businesses in operation for the entirety of FY 2024:

• Comprehensive Initial Training: A 7-day intensive training program includes marketing strategies, lighting design techniques, product applications and operational logistics.

• Advanced Design and Installation Techniques: Franchisees learn advanced design methods, nighttime demonstrations and COLT (Certified Outdoor Lighting Technician) training.

• Ongoing Education and Development: Franchisees receive continuous learning opportunities, including field visits, mentorship, online resources and unique classes like holiday lighting design.

• Marketing Support: Access to national marketing funds, digital marketing strategies, lead-gen tools and personalized marketing plan development.

• Field Operations and Business Development: Support from a dedicated onboarding coordinator, structured field visits and guidance from OLP mentors.

• Vendor and Technology Partnerships: OLP partners with top vendors for premium products and provides a powerful technology platform for CRM, field operations and accounting.

• Comprehensive Tech Platform: Franchisees use a suite of tools for client relationship management, accounting, marketing and field operations.

• The Lighting Boss Design Software: A specialized tool to help franchisees design aesthetically appealing and functional lighting systems.

• Lead-Gen Tools and Digital Marketing Integration: State-of-the-art digital marketing integration to maintain a strong online presence and generate leads.

• Financial Qualifications: Prospective franchisees should have adequate financial resources to invest in the franchise and sustain initial operating costs.

• Background and Experience: While industry experience is not required, a background in sales, marketing or management is beneficial. OLP values franchisees with strong leadership and customer service skills.

• Full-Time or Semi-Absentee Ownership: Franchisees can choose between full-time management or semi-absentee ownership. OLP provides comprehensive support to accommodate both models.

• Time and Resource Commitment: Franchisees are expected to be involved in day-to-day operations, including client relations, sales, and management of installation teams.

OLP partners with third-party financing institutions to provide funding assistance to qualified franchisees. Details are provided during the franchise discovery process.

“I never actually ran a full business with marketing, or doing P&Ls or business planning, and having the support team to help guide that side of the business was a huge help …The excellent support staff on the franchisee level really assisted us with our startup. Honestly, the other franchisees that we leaned on heavily during our startup phase helped us to meet all of our revenue goals.”

• Travis Hogue, OLP of Winter Park & Daytona, Florida

“I was fortunate enough to take over an existing OLP franchise. Talking to other franchisees, I was able to see the opportunities that existed, to help take that franchise to the next level. We were able to increase revenue over 100% in the first year. We should be close to a 50% growth rate in year two as well.”

• Jason Mannon, OLP of Austin, Texas

Market and competition

The global outdoor lighting market was valued at $17.06 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and the demand for energy-efficient solutions.

OLP stands out for its industry leadership and innovative design techniques. Its premium products and high franchisee satisfaction set it apart from other outdoor lighting companies.

The primary competitors in the outdoor lighting franchise industry include NiteLites, Light Up Nashville and Illuminations Lighting Design. However, OLP’s proven business model and award-winning franchise support give it a distinct competitive advantage.

For those interested in joining the OLP family, the brand offers a structured 12-step application process designed to thoroughly familiarize prospective franchisees with the brand and its operations. The entire discovery and qualification period typically takes 30-45 days to complete, after which successful candidates are ready to begin their journey with OLP.

1. Initial Interview: An initial qualification interview is conducted to determine if there is a mutual fit and to outline the discovery and qualification process.

2. Business Model Overview: An overview of the OLP business model is provided, along with the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the brand.

3. Franchise Application: Prospective franchisees are asked to complete an application for an OLP franchise.

4. Resources & Support: OLP presents its lead-generation system, training programs, support services and technology assets to showcase the resources available to franchisees.

5. FDD Review: A detailed review of the OLP Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is conducted to ensure transparency and understanding of financials and obligations.

6. Territory Selection: Available territories and demographic data are reviewed to help candidates select the best market for their franchise.

7. Franchisee Validation: Candidates participate in interviews with existing franchise owners to validate the business model and learn about real-world experiences within the OLP network.

8. Leadership Interview: An interview is conducted with members of the OLP leadership team to evaluate alignment with company culture and values.

9. Success Planning: A success planning session is held with a leadership team member to assess the candidate's business goals and strategic plan.

10. Confirmation Day: Candidates attend Confirmation Day at OLP’s headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, where they meet the full support team and gain comprehensive insights into the brand.

11. Award Notification: Within 24 hours of Confirmation Day, candidates are notified if they have been awarded an OLP franchise.

12. Franchise Agreement: Successful candidates sign the OLP franchise agreement and schedule their initial franchisee training to begin their journey as a part of the OLP family.

To begin the application process, prospective franchisees can fill out the online contact form on OLP’s website.

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