Turning Plans into Performance
The last step in our Proven Process is where the planning, coordination, and preparation come to life. Step 5, On-Site Solutions, is where our team is supporting our clients in the field, ensuring every detail aligns with the project’s goals and that the final result performs exactly as intended.
For Ardd + Winter, this is the most hands-on stage. Our service does not stop when the product arrives on site. We’re there as boots on the ground – providing guidance, troubleshooting in real time, and making sure the lighting and controls meet the design intent.
We sat down with two members of our Project Support Technician team, Bob Gibbs and Dave Brewer, to share what this stage really looks like in action.
Hands-On Expertise in the Field
Dave Brewer works in our Controls Division, managing start-ups and repairs for lighting control systems. His focus is making sure the system works the way the client needs it to – whether that’s an automated schedule, manual overrides, or unique programming for a specialized venue.
“In many cases, the drawings leave room for interpretation on how the control system should operate,” Dave explains. “That’s where our experience comes in. We look at the space – whether it’s a school, a church, or a factory floor – and fine-tune the setup to match the end user’s needs.” His expertise means the systems meet technical requirements while at the same time, feel seamless to the people using them.
Bob Gibbs calls his role “the fixer.” With years of experience in both electrical contracting and distribution, he knows how to bridge the gap between a project’s design and its real-world installation. “When a project involves higher complexity, a significant investment, or innovative new products, that’s when I step in,” Bob explains. “Sometimes I’m involved from day one, other times I’m brought in to address an unforeseen challenge, but in every case, my focus is the same: delivering the right solution and a flawless outcome.”
Proactive Support Prevents Delays
While our team is ready to solve problems at any stage, the best outcomes happen when we’re brought in early. Pre-wire meetings, control system markups, and on-site walk-throughs allow us to identify potential issues before they impact timelines or budgets.
“Contractors who involve us early see fewer problems and less frustration down the line,” Dave notes. “It’s like putting together a bike without instructions. You might get it built, but something’s going to be off.”
Bob agrees. “When we review submittals, drawings, and wiring plans alongside the project manager and foreman, we catch issues before they become costly. The contractors who make that a standard practice have the most successful projects.”
Adapting to the Unexpected
In the field, even the best-laid plans can change. Our On-Site Solutions team is ready to respond whether that means unpacking fixtures for a quick “show and tell,” troubleshooting a complex network of relay panels, or reprogramming controls on the spot.
We take a step-by-step approach: get one part working before moving to the next. That method works for installations and for troubleshooting. We narrow it down, find the issue, resolve it, and move forward.
The Human Side of the Process
For Ardd + Winter, On-Site Solutions is as much about people as it is about products. Our approach is built on consistent follow-through – being there when we’re needed, whether that’s the first installation or years down the road. Many projects bring us back to the same clients long after completion because they know the people behind their lighting system and trust the work will be done right. That continuity means fewer surprises, faster resolutions, and systems that keep performing the way they should.
The Final Step – Built for Long-Term Performance
While On-Site Solutions is the last stage in our Proven Process, it’s designed to ensure lasting results. Once the lights are on, our work leaves you with a system that’s ready to perform for years to come…efficiently, reliably, and as intended. For our clients, success means knowing the installation was done right the first time and having confidence that the same trusted team is ready to guide the next project when the time comes.
Bringing the Proven Process Full Circle
On-Site Solutions is the final stage in a process designed to bring clarity, efficiency, and confidence to every lighting project. From Assess, where we uncover goals and requirements, to Design, where we align aesthetics and function, to Preconstruction, where budgets and timelines are defined, and Project Management, where details are tracked and communication stays clear as each step builds toward this moment.
By the time we’re on site, every decision and detail has been made with the end result in mind: lighting and controls that perform as intended from day one, supported by a team that’s invested in your success.
About the Authors
Bob Gibbs and Dave Brewer are Project Support Technicians at Ardd + Winter. With decades of combined experience in electrical contracting, distribution, and lighting controls, they bring unmatched expertise and a customer-first approach to every jobsite they visit.
