July 19, 2023
5 Big Questions: Flipping the Switch
We catch up with the co-authors of 'Flipping the Switch' and learn how they founded, grew and sold Green Creative during the LED Revolution
Cole Zucker is an Entrepreneur and Co-Author of "Flipping the Switch: How We Started and Scaled a Global Lighting Brand", and the Co-founder of Green Creative.
Guillaume Vidal is an Entrepreneur and Co-Author of "Flipping the Switch: How We Started and Scaled a Global Lighting Brand", and the Co-founder of Green Creative.
Topics we explore:
-
A “Lesson Learned” from the book is "Half the Battle is Being Seen" in the context of distributors. Tell us more about that. (0:57)
-
The book describes Green Creative going from $2 million in sales in 2013 to $8 million the next year and then $24 million in 2015. How did Green Creative grow so fast and how were you able to scale your operations so quickly without making overpromised commitments to customers? (4:25)
-
We ask Cole about living on $4 burritos, while sleeping in a $600/month former crack house in San Francisco 10-12 years ago. (7:57)
-
What was the process that led to Green Creative being sold to private equity in 2017? (11:39)
-
We ask Cole about his most recent social media experiment in which he posted on LinkedIn every day for a year. (14:57)
-
BONUS QUESTION: After founding a company together and then writing a book together will we see any more big projects from the team of Cole & Guillaume? (17:28)
MORE INFO: "Flipping the Switch..." »
NOTE: Inside.lighting does NOT receive any fees or commissions from Amazon, the publisher or the authors.
5 Big Questions and other Lighting Interviews |
5 Big Questions: Inside ETC's Architectural Business
5 Big Questions: Inside ETC's Architectural Business
Insights on the company’s architectural control strategy, evolving lighting protocols and DMX in architecture
Insights on the company’s architectural control strategy, evolving lighting protocols and DMX in architecture
5 Big Questions: LEDVANCE at LightFair 2025
5 Big Questions: LEDVANCE at LightFair 2025
LEDVANCE CEO Jonathan Lubeck and COO Ming Li share insights on tariffs, markets and technology
LEDVANCE CEO Jonathan Lubeck and COO Ming Li share insights on tariffs, markets and technology
5 Big Questions: Wall Street Analyst, Tim Wojs
5 Big Questions: Wall Street Analyst, Tim Wojs
Tim Wojs, Senior Research Analyst at Baird, shares insights into Acuity and broader building materials markets
Tim Wojs, Senior Research Analyst at Baird, shares insights into Acuity and broader building materials markets
5 Big Questions: LEDucation 2025 Preview
5 Big Questions: LEDucation 2025 Preview
The Co-Chairs of LEDucation, discuss the growth, changes and expectations for the 2025 event
The Co-Chairs of LEDucation, discuss the growth, changes and expectations for the 2025 event
5 Big Questions: Scott Costa of tED Magazine
5 Big Questions: Scott Costa of tED Magazine
The publisher of tED Magazine, shares insights into the electrical distribution channel, tariffs and market trends
The publisher of tED Magazine, shares insights into the electrical distribution channel, tariffs and market trends
5 Big Questions: Dana Mouritzen of Sonepar USA
5 Big Questions: Dana Mouritzen of Sonepar USA
COO Dana Mouritzen shares insights into market strategies, digital transformation and acquisitions
COO Dana Mouritzen shares insights into market strategies, digital transformation and acquisitions
Get a Grip on 2025: Lighting Predictions In the Spotlight
Get a Grip on 2025: Lighting Predictions In the Spotlight
Al, Michael, and Greg visit the future of the lighting industry during a spirited discussion
Al, Michael, and Greg visit the future of the lighting industry during a spirited discussion
5 Big Questions: NEMRA Lighting Division
5 Big Questions: NEMRA Lighting Division
Jim Johnson, Billy Hodges, and Jeff Bristol discuss the formation of the NEMRA Lighting Division and its impact on the industry
Jim Johnson, Billy Hodges, and Jeff Bristol discuss the formation of the NEMRA Lighting Division and its impact on the industry
5 Big Questions: F.X. Souvay of LMPG
5 Big Questions: F.X. Souvay of LMPG
F.X. Souvay provides insights into the company's strategy, LightFair decision and future industry direction
F.X. Souvay provides insights into the company's strategy, LightFair decision and future industry direction