The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) recently honored Kevin Smith, national technical support and trainer at Brilliance LED, with its 2025 Industry Achievement Award at the association’s Illuminate 2025 Annual Conference and Expo in Clearwater Beach, Fla. The prestigious award was presented to Smith in recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication and contributions to the outdoor lighting industry, according to the association.
AOLP’s Industry Achievement Award is presented annually to an industry leader, professional and pioneer who has made significant strides in the advancement of outdoor lighting. Smith’s career exemplifies the qualities this award celebrates: innovation, mentorship and a commitment to the continued growth of the outdoor lighting field.
Smith’s career in the lighting industry began in 1984 when he entered the turf and irrigation sector. He steadily worked his way up at Simpson Norton Corporation in Phoenix, Ariz., and his interest in outdoor lighting was ignited in 1998 when he attended a lighting university led by Bill Locklin at Loran Nightscaping. Locklin is regarded as the father of low-voltage outdoor lighting, according to the association, and this life-changing experience set Smith on his own path in the outdoor lighting industry.
Smith joined Loran in 2001 and worked closely with Bill Locklin on many projects until Locklin’s passing in 2007. During this time, Smith was instrumental in creating numerous fixtures and helped countless contractors learn the craft of landscape lighting by assisting with repairs, installations and teaching in-field lighting classes.
After Locklin’s death, Smith played a key role in growing the outdoor lighting markets in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. His influence helped shape the landscape lighting industry in these regions, according to the association. In 2015, he joined Brilliance LED. Notably, he played an important role in the development of the Sector Selector, which won the Gold Award for Best New Product at the 2022 Irrigation Association Show.
“Kevin Smith is one of the hardest working stewards of the landscape lighting industry,” said Nick Schriver, president of AOLP. “His passion and dedication over the years has helped mold, mentor and support professionals to achieve amazing things. The industry is grateful for all he has done.”
Ryan Jaso, who nominated Smith for the award, said, “I’ve known Kevin for almost a decade now. In that time, I honestly can’t remember an instance when he hasn’t answered the phone when I’m in need of advice. I’m not sure if he even has voicemail. What I am sure of is that he makes his expertise available to anyone, anytime. That’s extremely rare nowadays, but it is one of the reasons Kevin has become such an invaluable resource to our industry.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Smith is a passionate family man, t-shirt designer, Tiki pendant carver, and lyricist and vocalist for the punk rock band Original Anger.
“I never expected something like this; it truly caught me by surprise,” Smith said. “I’ve always believed in doing the right thing for others and for the industry without expecting recognition. This award is a humble reminder that when you genuinely care about your work and treat people with respect, it doesn’t go unnoticed. It means a lot to know that those efforts have made an impact.”
AOLP’s Illuminate 2025 Conference was an opportunity to honor Smith’s contributions and provided a space for industry professionals to come together to explore the latest trends, innovations and best practices in outdoor lighting.
