From the Desk of Bob Carr, TLC Incorporated
Most people think that once the lights come down in January, the Christmas lighting world goes dark until the next holiday season. They imagine our crews hibernating through spring and summer, just waiting for that first chill in the air to kick back into gear.
But the truth is, our busiest months often happen when it’s 90 degrees outside and the smell of barbecue fills the air. While everyone else is mowing lawns and heading to the beach, TLC is deep in preparation mode — cleaning, testing, repairing, training, and planning for the next season’s sparkle.
Because at TLC, the glow of December starts in the heat of July.
This behind-the-scenes work is what ensures that, when your home lights up next holiday season, every bulb is perfect, every timer clicks on at the right moment, and every strand glows like new.
Let’s pull back the curtain and show you what really happens — the summer work you never see that makes TLC the region’s most trusted holiday lighting company.
1️⃣ Spring Cleaning: The Rebirth of the Lighting Season
Once the last lights are down and safely stored, our spring season begins with what we call The Great Refresh — a deep dive into maintenance, organization, and evaluation.
Every clip, socket, timer, and strand that came back from a client home goes through our shop for testing and refurbishment. It’s not glamorous work — miles of wiring and hundreds of plugs laid out across benches — but it’s what keeps everything running beautifully.
Our team checks every strand for brightness, color consistency, and waterproof integrity. If even one bulb in a 100-foot section shows weakness or corrosion, we replace it immediately.
Why does this matter? Because one small flaw in a lighting strand can cause problems months later — and by catching it in spring, we prevent failures before they ever happen.
It’s this kind of attention to detail that allows TLC lighting displays to last for years without losing brilliance or reliability.
Bob’s Tip: “Good lighting doesn’t just happen — it’s maintained. The more love you give your lights in spring, the longer they’ll shine come December.”
2️⃣ Organization and Labeling: The Summer Sorting System
Walk into TLC’s warehouse in June, and you’ll find what looks like Santa’s workshop in flip-flops. Rows of labeled bins, shelves of timers, and walls covered in photos of homes from the previous season.
This is our Summer Sorting System, and it’s where the magic of organization happens.
Each member’s lighting setup has its own labeled storage bin, complete with diagrams and notes from the previous season. We record outlet positions, connection points, roofline footage, and even landscaping details like tree growth or new shrubs that might affect placement.
That way, when it’s time for reinstallation in the fall, our crews already have a roadmap — down to the exact clip.
It’s not guesswork. It’s science and process combined.
Bob’s Tip: “When you see a TLC crew install your lights like clockwork, it’s not luck — it’s preparation. We know your home like the back of our hand.”
3️⃣ The Science of Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Here’s a fact most homeowners don’t realize: How you store your lights matters just as much as how you hang them.
That’s why we use climate-controlled, moisture-free storage for every member’s setup.
Maryland’s weather can swing from freezing to humid in a heartbeat. Those constant changes can crack insulation, corrode sockets, and fade colors. So at TLC, we keep everything sealed, organized, and protected in an environment where temperature and humidity stay consistent.
We even catalog every bin in our digital database — so when a client calls, we know exactly where their materials are and what condition they’re in.
Each piece of equipment is logged, photographed, and tagged by address. That’s how we keep everything perfectly matched and ready for quick deployment next season.
Bob’s Tip: “If you’re storing lights yourself, never toss them in an attic or shed. Heat, cold, and humidity are their worst enemies. Treat them like fine tools — store them with care.”
4️⃣ Product Testing and Technology Upgrades
While most people are thinking about fireworks, TLC is testing Christmas lights.
Every summer, manufacturers introduce new LED lines, control systems, and wireless timers. And every year, our technicians put those products through real-world trials — heat tests, water tests, voltage monitoring, and color stability checks.
We want to know: Do they hold up in freezing rain? Do they maintain color accuracy after hundreds of hours? Are the seals tight enough for Mid-Atlantic humidity?
Only the best products make it into our clients’ homes.
This testing process means that when your lights go up, you’re getting technology that’s already been vetted by professionals who know what Maryland winters can dish out.
Bob’s Tip: “We test in July so your lights don’t fail in December.”
5️⃣ Crew Training: Sharpening the Experts
TLC isn’t just about lights — it’s about people. Our technicians are craftsmen, and summer is when we invest in their skills.
We hold refresher workshops for returning crew members and hands-on boot camps for new team members. Training covers ladder safety, power load calculations, design layout, and troubleshooting.
We even run simulation installs right in our warehouse — complete with mock rooflines, trees, and outlets — so every installer is confident and consistent before they ever set foot on your property.
Supervisors like Drew and Greg Linderman lead these sessions, sharing decades of experience. It’s part training, part mentorship — and 100% commitment to doing things the TLC way.
Bob’s Tip: “When our trucks roll out in November, those crews aren’t learning on your home — they’re perfecting their craft.”
6️⃣ Design Innovation and Client Updates
Summer isn’t just about maintenance — it’s also about imagination.
While your lights rest in storage, TLC’s design team is dreaming up new looks for the upcoming season. Some homeowners love to keep their classic warm-white display, while others want a change — maybe elegant two-tone, or a subtle blend of warm white with gold accents.
We use this time to meet with members who want updates or upgrades. Some want to add new rooflines, driveway lighting, or illuminated wreaths. Others ask for energy-efficient upgrades or smart controls they can manage from their phones.
We design, plan, and quote these projects in the off-season — long before the rush hits.
That’s how TLC ensures your holiday lighting looks effortless — because the details were handled months in advance.
7️⃣ Scheduling and Logistics: Building the Master Calendar
By late July, the TLC office looks like a command center. Whiteboards, charts, and calendars line the walls, filled with color-coded routes and project timelines.
This is when we create our Master Schedule, prioritizing our Membership clients first.
Each member gets a preferred installation window before Thanksgiving — guaranteed. Then we begin filling new requests and overflow slots.
Our logistics team carefully maps each route to minimize travel and maximize efficiency. That’s how we manage to decorate hundreds of homes every fall without rushing or compromising quality.
Bob’s Tip: “If you want your lights up before Thanksgiving dinner, don’t wait until the turkey hits the oven — call us by August. The best spots go fast.”
8️⃣ Communication and Early Outreach
Summer is also when we reconnect with our customers. You’ll see postcards, emails, and reminders from TLC starting as early as July, inviting you to renew your membership or schedule early installation.
We even include QR codes on our mailers — linking directly to your personal estimate or the TLC membership renewal page.
Our goal is to make it easy. With one scan or call, you can confirm your plan and reserve your spot — before the season even starts.
That’s the power of preparation: you get peace of mind long before the first frost hits.
9️⃣ Sustainability and Recycling: The Responsible Side of TLC
Every year, we retire older lighting products and materials. But we don’t toss them in a landfill.
Instead, TLC participates in a recycling and repurposing program for LEDs, wiring, and hardware. Components that still work are donated to local community centers, charity events, or public installations. Anything beyond repair is responsibly recycled.
This practice keeps tons of waste out of landfills — and it’s part of our larger mission to build a more sustainable future for holiday lighting.
Bob’s Tip: “We don’t just take down lights — we take responsibility for what happens to them.”
🔟 The Payoff: Why Preparation Makes the Difference
When you see a TLC display light up in November — every bulb aligned, every timer perfect, every wreath glowing in harmony — that moment is the result of months of planning and behind-the-scenes effort.
It’s not magic. It’s professionalism.
Other companies scramble to order supplies in October. TLC already has everything tested, labeled, and ready by midsummer. That’s the difference between seasonal labor and year-round excellence.
And it’s why so many homeowners trust us not just for one year — but for a decade or more.
🎁 The TLC Membership Advantage
The best part? All of this behind-the-scenes work is included when you’re a TLC Holiday Lighting Member.
Membership gives you:
- Priority scheduling before Thanksgiving.
- Professional installation and removal.
- Climate-controlled storage of all your lights and décor.
- Free testing, repairs, and updates every off-season.
Exclusive design consultations for new ideas and upgrades.
You don’t just get a display — you get a full-service lighting partnership, built around care, safety, and reliability.
When you drive home in December and see your house glowing beautifully, you can smile knowing: “That glow started months ago, in a TLC warehouse, with people who care as much about your home as you do.”
🎄 Final Word from Bob
I often tell homeowners that the difference between good lighting and great lighting isn’t in the bulb — it’s in the planning.
We work through the heat, the storms, and the off-season because we know what it takes to deliver perfection when the holidays arrive.
So while most folks are grilling burgers, we’re testing circuits. While the kids are at camp, we’re organizing roofline diagrams. Because when that first cold night of November rolls in, TLC will be ready — and so will your home.
That’s the summer work you never see. That’s the science behind the sparkle. And that’s the heart of what we do, year after year.
Bob Carr
President, TLC Incorporated