Meet the Team!

Bob Gray, Co-Founder, Lead Sequencer and Creative Director

Bob’s pixel journey started in 2018 with a roll of 12-volt pixel strip and a desire to explore the world of LED pixel technology.  This desire took him into the world of creativity by developing world-class xLights sequences that captivate audiences worldwide.  Bob and the team of VLS sequencers create work that tell stories that feel bigger than their resolution should allow.

“Visionary Light Shows sequences don’t just animate—they narrate. Even without words, they carry a rhythm and intention that lets people feel the story unfolding one frame at a time.

Each sequence we build has its own arc. A flicker becomes anticipation. A shift in color becomes emotion. A looping pattern becomes a heartbeat or a memory. At Visionary Light Shows, we’ve learned how to use timings and effects the way a writer uses punctuation—pauses, accelerations, and repeats that guide the viewer’s attention. “

 Mark Tarkowski, Co-Founder, Product Manager, Designer and Sourcer

Mark has been running The Tarkowski Family Light Show for 15 years at his house in Antioch, IL.  He runs the 3d printing part of the business, manage all manufacture relationships, pick / pack / ship product from IL and helps with commercial installs.

One of the things that makes VLS different from any other vendor is what we have on our website for sale, we physically have our hands on.  We don't do pre-sales as there are too many variables with manufacturing and shipping times.  Even though we don't do pre-sales, our prices are usually at pre-sale prices that ship the same day.  We do custom strings and orders for customers.  It takes about 30 business days for manufacturing and 45-60 business days for shipping.  All custom orders need to be paid before manufactured.  Our 3d printed items all have lifetime warranty and all our other product has a 2 year warranty.  

Quality and customer service is #1!

James Hendricks, Sequencer

So I started my light journey with my grandson. He is non verbal autistic, and loves flashy lights. He would get super excited for Christmas and every year tried to get bigger. 4 years ago I decided to bring something extra, so I read every forum and watched every xlights video I could find. My first xlights Christmas was 4 snowflakes and arches. My second year I did Halloween and Christmas with about 5k lights. 3rd year I did 4th of July with a DMX fireworks show, Halloween, and Christmas with about 15k lights in each show. And this past year I've doubled all shows and have had everything from birthdays to marriage proposals at the house. I absolutely love everything xlights, building the display is my hobby, but sequences are my escape.

Joel Dorman, Sequencer / Voice-Over Specialist

Joel got into sequencing when all he had were a few strands of multicolored LED lights.  In 2018, he leaped to pixels, and it grew into a passion.  His light show, the Dorman Christmas Lights in Merced, California, has entertained since then and has become a family tradition for his audience.  His light show features nearly 75 songs that he has sequenced (and counting!), which involve over 15,000 pixels (and counting!).  Joel enjoys pushing the limits of what can be done with lighting displays and is always on the lookout for what's next.  "It's the creative side of it I enjoy the most," Joel says, "Feeling what the music is doing and conveying that in lights.  It's about making people smile."

Matt Gallagher, Sequencer

I began this hobby in 2023 after being inspired by a local display and realizing it was something I wanted to learn. Since then, I have fully embraced the process and have not looked back. From building custom controllers to creating and sequencing my own music, I have gained extensive hands-on experience and continue to expand my knowledge each year. Giving back to my local community and contributing to family traditions is a core part of why I do this. Now in my third year, I am focused on elevating my work and continuing to give back to the community that has been so supportive.

Rob Coulter, 3D Product Designer

Rob is a master at creating items in 3D for 3D printing.  After concepts are thought of, we work together to created mockups and test them out.  He created the famous VLS seed insert that are in hundreds of displays around the world and printed hundreds of. thousands of them.

Andrew Plett, 3D Product Designer and Prop Printer

Andrew created new designs and props that no one has ever saw before.  He helps create designs and helps print props that VLS sells.