In commercial landscape construction, sustainability is often discussed in terms of materials or environmental standards. Those issues matter. But from an operational standpoint, the most immediate threat to sustainable performance is workforce instability. When crews turn over, projects do not just slow down; they lose rhythm. The job still gets completed, but not with the
There are plenty of books, webinars, and training sessions that cover how to be a great account manager. Many focus on proposals, gross margins, KPIs, renewal rates, and customer satisfaction scores. Don’t get me wrong, these are important parts of performing the AM role well. However, if you want to train an account manager who
In February, landscaping leaders learn how strong their culture actually is. Not the culture they describe in meetings or post on the wall. The real one. The one that shows up when people are tired, the weather is unpredictable, patience is thin and leadership decisions actually matter. For companies deep in snow season, this is
If a headline reads: “New home sales down 3%,” it sounds definitive. It isn’t. Dig even a little deeper, and a different picture emerges. In many markets, starter and lower-priced homes are indeed struggling. Interest-sensitive, price-sensitive buyers are on the sidelines. Some builders are laying off staff and slashing budgets, including landscape allowances. But in
One of the defining moments in our industry’s history came in 1998, during an unprecedented wave of consolidations. I was among several executives whose companies were entertaining options and was interviewed by this magazine for an exclusive report. When I coach business leaders, we talk about moments that define us — the ones that change
In the green industry, growth typically means new clients, bigger contracts, and additional service lines. But growth alone doesn’t guarantee success. Profit starts with process. The difference between companies that thrive and those that scramble is operational efficiency — the discipline of managing labor, job costs, pricing, and information with precision. Efficiency doesn’t just happen.
In endurance racing, success doesn’t go to the one who sprints hardest at the start. It goes to the one who prepares with the discipline to handle every twist in the course. You train for terrain changes, gear failure, weather shifts or anything else that might take you out of the race. Business is no
By the fifth year, research suggests that nearly half of new businesses fail. By Year 10, only about 30% remain. While these numbers shift with changing market conditions, the lesson is clear: Understanding why businesses stumble is the first step to ensuring yours doesn’t. Usually, the problem seasonal companies in the landscaping industry struggle with
Most landscape business owners think scaling means hiring more salespeople, spending more on marketing or chasing ever-bigger jobs. But in my work with companies across the U.S., including many in the Top 100 landscape companies, I’ve found that real, sustainable growth stems from doing a few things better. There’s more untapped revenue and margin in
As a landscaping consultant, I’ve worked with many companies that charge into the spring rush with high hopes, packed schedules, and team members eager to put winter behind them. The first six months of the year can feel overwhelming. Winter sometimes overstays its welcome, and then the team navigates the 100 days of hell like
