Success Story
Solar Lights & More
The SBDC has always responded with an answer when we had a question. I have Phil’s cell number on my speed dial, and he is my first ‘go-to’ resource for business assistance.
In 1996, shortly after starting Solar Lights, Inc., Kathryn and Kevin McMonigle met Phil Geist from the Florida SBDC at UNF’s Ocala office at a FastTrac class the SBDC was presenting. They began a relationship with the SBDC that grew from startup assistance, through developing growth strategies, hiring employees, moving to new offices and warehouses as the company grew, choosing new suppliers for additional products, and now preparing for the future as Kevin begins his retirement and Kathy develops plans for the organization in the future.
Solar Lights began as an installer of tubular skylights. Over the years has expanded to offer solar attic and garage fans, solar domestic hot water, solar pool heating, solar electric, and solar battery backup. Beginning with serving residential customers, they now serve both residential and commercial customers throughout Central Florida.
Through the years, the SBDC has assisted Solar Lights with applications for disaster loans following storms, Covid-19 relief programs, contractual opportunities, strategic plans, and more.
Phil, now Dr. Phil Geist, reflects that by asking questions and being willing to consider advice and recommendations, the McMonigle’s have established themselves as exceptionally successful entrepreneurs.
Solar Lights & MoreKathryn and Kevin McMonigle
