The Commercial Landscaper Podcast: Recent Episodes
Robert Clinkenbeard, David Anderson
Believing in what you are doing, overcoming putting yourself out there, and being consistent when times get tough, can be overwhelming for any entrepreneur. The Commercial Landscaper Podcast by Dave Anderson and Robert Clinkenbeard will help you take your business mindset to the next level. Dave and Robert make you think in a whole new way, so you don’t feel as though you are on an island and you switch to genuinely believing that you are capable and deserving of success. They offer short weekly experience share interviews, with experts around the world, to keep the full-360 aspects of your life balanced. They are exceptionally relatable and empowers their listeners to take massive action as up-and-coming business leaders.
Rich is a transformative leader and pioneering environmentalist on a mission to Scale Conservation. Armed with a PhD in data science, Rich combines relentless commitment with visionary thinking to redefine our relationship with the natural world. He founded Oxygen Conservation in 2021 and has rapidly built it into one of the world’s most impactful natural capital portfolios, valued at £150 million and actively transforming almost 45,000 acres into thriving ecosystems for people and wildlife. Rich is determined to make natural capital as a mainstream asset class, with the ambitious target of managing over £1 billion in assets by 2030, reshaping how the world values nature and creating positive impact at an incredible scale.
Get in touch with Rich!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richstockdale/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxygen-conservation/
https://www.oxygenconservation.com/
Darrell Turman is a leading outdoor cooking expert and consultant based in Colorado, specializing in the design and installation of custom outdoor kitchens. With decades of hands-on experience and a deep passion for fire and gas-based cooking, Darrell helps homeowners transform their backyards into high-performance culinary spaces.
Whether it’s designing the perfect grill island, curating premium appliances, or managing full-scale outdoor kitchen builds, Darrell brings a rare blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and real-world experience to every project. His work seamlessly combines function, aesthetics, and a love for outdoor living—turning exterior spaces into true extensions of the home.
Respected for his approachable style and deep industry knowledge, Darrell is a trusted resource for anyone serious about elevating their outdoor cooking setup. From built-in gas grills, pizza ovens, and smokers to pergolas, refrigeration, and custom cabinetry, he’s here to talk design, technique, and the appliances that make it all possible.
Get ready to fire things up—because when Darrell’s involved, outdoor living meets serious flavor.
Andrew Martin, founder of Urban Landcare, has worked in the landscape industry for 25 years, including 20 years in San Diego. After obtaining degrees in Business and Horticulture, Andrew was recruited by the largest landscape maintenance company in the country, Valleycrest. His primary experience includes managing large-scale, high-demand landscapes, such as military bases and master-planned communities. His career has spanned landscape management for commercial and industrial properties, residential estates, HOAs, hotels, and apartment buildings.
After gaining valuable experience in large-scale firms, Andrew followed his passion and pursued his entrepreneurial dream. In 2018, he launched Urban Landcare, a commercial landscape maintenance firm based in Encinitas, CA. The company strives to be the best commercial landscaper in San Diego County.
Urban Landcare operates two key divisions: Enhancements/Irrigation and Maintenance. With a strong focus on water management, the company is at the forefront of addressing the unique challenges presented by California’s changing environment. In just six years, Urban Landcare has grown from a start-up to serving over 60 maintenance properties and employing 30 people. As Urban continues to grow organically, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and fostering a culture of care for its clients and employees.
Jerry Schill founded Schill Grounds Management in 1993, and as CEO he sets the strategic vision for the company and makes executive and financial decisions that drive profitable growth and scale.
Beginning in 2020, Jerry partnered with Argonne Capital to proactively drive consolidation in the highly fragmented commercial grounds management and snow and ice removal industry by acquiring independent privately held businesses that add contiguous geographic expansion for Schill.
Jerry has three decades of leadership experience, and he believes in running the business with family values, integrity, respect and honesty. He also holds leadership positions with industry professional organizations including serving as an active member of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association’s Government Affairs Committee and the Ohio Landscape Association’s Snow and Ice Committee.
Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Glenville State College. He is also the founder of Holiday Feast, an annual event that provides free meals for thousands of people in the Cleveland area. Jerry’s contributions to the industry were recognized when he was chosen for the National Leadership Award by SNOW Magazine and Lawn & Landscape Magazine.
Connect with Jerry!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-schill-2b010b1a/
https://www.schilllandscaping.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/schill-grounds-management/
Account Executive at TOP Green, a company revolutionizing the commercial landscaping industry. A veteran of the US Marine Corps, Sean brings that same discipline and strategic focus to the world of SaaS, empowering businesses to embrace cutting-edge technology and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency. With a passion for driving impactful change, he's helping hardworking businesses across the country optimize their operations, reduce inefficiencies, and unlock their full potential.
Connect with Sean!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-eddy/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-turing-company/
https://theturingcompany.com/products/topgreen/landscaping/
Evan Shufflebarger
Evan is a native of Topeka, KS and a University of Kansas alumni with a diverse background in consulting, investing, and M&A. After starting his career in internal consulting at a Fortune 150 financial services firm, he transitioned to buyside credit investing, where he advanced from data analytics for structured products to managing private equity investments and commercial real estate lending. Evan's next role, his first in M&A, was with a large family-owned logistics company, focusing on acquisitions, joint ventures, and capital projects.
Since joining HeartLand in 2020, he has led or supported over 20 acquisitions, driving sourcing, diligence, and integration while shaping the company’s Business Intelligence strategy. Evan is a former Kansas City 20 Under 30 honoree and ACG Corporate Development Professional to Watch.
Tanner Spross
Tanner started in the landscaping industry at a young age, growing up in his father’s business and working in the summers and weekends on installation crews. In 2012, the family business merged with Santa Rita Landscaping, and upon graduating from the University of Arizona, Tanner became the full time estimator for its Commercial and Public Works Division. Over time Tanner served as the companies Director of Sales and Operations, before ultimately becoming the President and CEO in 2018.
In his time as the President and CEO of Santa Rita Landscaping, Tanner was able grow the business over 300%, greenfield operations into the Phoenix Market, lead M&A activity for the business, and lead the sale side of the business twice, most recently in 2023 when the business partnered with HeartLand.
Since joining the HeartLand team, Tanner has since become Operating Partner for the Southwest Region, providing leadership for the HeartLand companies throughout the Southwest United States.
Colin grew up in southern England in the countryside spending most of his childhood on a farm with a love of wild flower meadows and nature. His passion led him to employment within conservation organisations but in the late 1990’s when his best friend lost his wife in tragic circumstances he switched jobs to help support him with his woodland consultancy business and out of the blue they landed a fascinating contract advising on and managing wildlife habitat restoration projects for a philanthropic family on a large country estate, many of these projects involved grassland areas which had lost their floral content. This serendipitous event was the start of his wild flower meadow journey. The owner of the estate gave him great support and freedom, allowing him to experiment with different methods for creating and restoring wild flower meadows on her land. At that time there was a lot of different advice being given from various organisations regarding how one should go about creating or restoring these special habitats. Colin trialled various methods, some did not work at all, he sowed the seeds but just grass came up and other methods produced a few wild flowers after a long period of time and others produced a profusion of weeds very quickly! He was convinced that there had to be better ways and quicker ways to create very floristic and diverse meadows.
It took time and experimentation but eventually he was able to reliably create colourful and diverse native wild flower grasslands in most situations and had learnt how to deal with the weed issues that dogged some of the earlier attempts. Colin began creating wild flower areas for other people and set up the current ‘Wild Flower Lawns and Meadows’ website originally as a hobby, expanding it with blogs sharing experience and knowledge gained in the field (literally) and the interest it created not only within the UK but internationally took him by surprise and now it is a multi-faceted company selling unique wild flower products and involved with more native wild flower projects than he could ever have imagined when he started.
Rob Murray is the Co-founder and CEO of Intrigue Media, a digital marketing company that has been empowering and growing businesses in the home improvement space for the last 15 years. Intrigue has been on Canada's Growth 500 list for four years, is a Google Premier Partner and is Meta Certified. Rob directs the organizational vision, works with clients to grow their businesses, and ensures that Intrigue has the right people and the right tools to get results. He is the past President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization in Southwest Ontario and past digital marketing chair for his local hospital board.
Brad started his first landscape business at age 8 with his older brother. They started in residential landscape maintenance with a route of 10 homes. After 4 years of building the business, they landed their first commercial accounts maintaining 2 hospital campuses in Denver, CO. He ran his company for a total of 10 years and sold the company at the age of 18. To broaden his life experience and serve people in a foreign country, Brad took two years off from college and work to serve as a missionary for his church in Brazil. During this time, he learned Portuguese and developed his leadership skills overseeing 200 missionaries while managing the mission operations throughout the state of Sao Paulo. He returned to college to pursue a degree in Horticulture with a focus in irrigation and water management where he competed in and won numerous events at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
Coming out of college, Brad had offers from most of the major landscape players in the country but was looking for a company where he could pursue his interest in smart irrigation and water management. Par 3, located in Las Vegas, was the perfect fit as they were the clear leader in a market that was conserving more water than any place in the country.
Par 3 was years ahead of the competition in water management, but Brad saw a need to develop and grow irrigation management alongside their water conservation programs. Brad convinced the owners that he could build a stand-alone irrigation division that would create uniformity and professionalism amongst the scattered group of irrigation techs that already worked for the company.
Brad's success in building a new division from the ground up as a recent college graduate put him on an accelerated career path and less than 3 years after joining Par 3 he became the Director of Operations where he oversees nearly 600 employees and over $50 million in annual revenue.
Jennifer Lemcke brings over 30 years of experience to her leadership role at Weed Man, where she first began her career as a manager trainee in Ottawa in 1993. Over the years, Jennifer has worked in every department within the company, gaining hands-on knowledge and a deep understanding of the lawn care industry. Her journey with Weed Man saw her rise from General Manager of Weed Man Ottawa, where she helped grow the franchise revenue from $200,000 to $2 million in five years, to a key player in the company’s expansion across North America. Her leadership played a crucial role in launching the Weed Man brand in the United States, and she later acquired global rights to the brand in 2018.
As the driving force behind Weed Man’s success, Jennifer oversees operations in over 853 territories across the United States and Canada, with franchise system sales surpassing $390 million. Her passion for supporting franchisees and creating growth opportunities has led to the launch of Mosquito Hero, a new sub-brand aimed at providing additional revenue streams. Outside of work, Jennifer values her family life and takes pride in fostering a sense of community within the Weed Man family. An avid traveler and golf enthusiast, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and contributing to the future growth of the company.
Register for the Weathermatic x Wilson360 Webinar: https://bit.ly/WeathermaticW360
Rick Grimes is a 30-year technology professional, with deep experience in Marketing, Operations, and Data Analysis. He has held leadership positions at companies of all sizes, ranging from some of the biggest companies in the world, such as Microsoft and Yahoo, to small startups that were still figuring out what to call themselves.
Rick caught the AI bug about two years ago and has been using, teaching, and evangelizing AI ever since. He has taught hundreds of people how to incorporate AI into both their professional and personal workflows to create efficiencies and enable new capabilities. He uses AI to supercharge many aspects of his day, from engaging it as a strategic thought partner to helping him create copy to building a Spanish tutor for his son so Rick could watch his Steelers play while his son worked on his Spanish vocabulary. Rick is currently Director of Marketing at Ai Layer Labs, a Web3 startup at the intersection of AI and blockchain.
This is Brant Wichman who has run a successful high-end landscape construction company in Lincoln Nebraska for the past 14 years. As a contractor he interacted with customers each and every day and kept thinking that there has to be a way to help contractors know their client better before they step foot on their property. A reverse Angie, a reverse BBB.... something.
One day he took a leap of faith and took the blue collar mentality to tech country and started to develop this app for contractors. A few years later Customer Insight NOW was born. A fast and easy-to-use software that allows a contractor to look up critical information on their client before they even step foot out of their trucks!! Ability to pay, Credit Score, disposable income, and more is what you will get with this!! All for less than 10 bucks.
If you are in sales, you know that there are many ways to pitch or sell a client.... but if you knew who your client was before you got out of your truck.... Game Over!
Check out their website at https://www.customerinsightnow.com/?aff=diGs0zKL78zS
An experienced operational leader with a proven track record in the horticulture and arboriculture industries, I am passionate about plants, trees, and fostering growth—both for nature and the people I work with. Over the years, I have developed expertise in team building, negotiation, budgeting, plant identification, and operations management, all of which have contributed to my success in leading diverse teams. My leadership is centered around creating collaborative, high-performing environments that drive results and adapt seamlessly to change. I find great satisfaction in helping others grow professionally, mentoring team members to achieve their career aspirations and build a sense of purpose in their work.
Throughout my career, I have led large teams through significant transitions, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining morale during challenging periods. My focus on team development has been key to empowering individuals, promoting a culture of support, and achieving collective success. With a deep passion for horticulture, I am dedicated to creating environments where both people and plants thrive, cultivating a sense of fulfillment and achievement in all that I do.
Michael Ding, a Stanford-trained computer science and AI researcher, founded Bobyard to tackle critical challenges in the landscape construction industry. During his time in school, Michael identified a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and one of the most essential yet overlooked sectors in construction. Driven by his vision, he decided to drop out of Stanford to found Bobyard, bringing together a world-class team of AI engineers and industry veterans. Together, they’re building solutions to help contractors work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.
James Lawrence, at just 25 years old, has successfully grown his business from the ground up, achieving remarkable growth over the past four years. His approach to leadership emphasizes building strong systems and processes, but above all, fostering a culture where people come first. For James, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is witnessing his team members grow within the company, accomplishing goals they once considered out of reach — both personally and for their families. With a clear vision, James is dedicated to creating a company known for its exceptional quality and as a workplace where people are proud to belong.
Norman Ripper is a dedicated entrepreneur and former military professional with a background in Chinese Mandarin. After serving six years in the military, Norman returned to Florida and founded Helping Hand Lawn Care in 2003. Over the past two decades, he has grown the company from a door-to-door residential mowing service into a thriving business with 83 employees, achieving significant growth in the last six years. In 2024, Norman marked a major milestone with the acquisition of Protex, a local Fertilization & Pest Control business, further expanding Helping Hand Lawn Care’s offerings.
Brian Hamilton is one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs and a leading expert on entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Sageworks, America’s first fintech company, which helped millions of business owners translate complex financial information. The company was sold in 2018 to a leading private equity firm and now operates as "Abrigo." In 2021, Brian invested in LiveSwitch and expanded its operations in the United States.
Brian is also founder of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, an international program dedicated to teaching people with criminal records how to start their own businesses. He stars in the television series Free Enterprise on ABC, based on the Inmates to Entrepreneurs program.
Hamilton has been widely featured in the press including USA Today, Newsweek, and CNBC and is the recipient of many awards, including the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award.
LiveSwitch is a leading communications platform that uses instant video to transform how people work and scale their businesses. LiveSwitch makes it easier for business owners to connect with customers and document their work in real-time. LiveSwitch clients include entrepreneurs, small businesses and global Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries.
https://www.liveswitch.com/
Chris Ryon
Chris Ryon has been dedicated to the service industry since the age of 15. Growing up around Publix Supermarkets alongside his father, he developed a deep love for serving people. He graduated from USC Upstate with a degree in Accounting and has been a "numbers guy" ever since. Chris joined The Budd Group in 2019 as a Regional Field Accountant in the janitorial division for the South Carolina region. In 2021, with The Budd Group’s increased investment in the landscape division to support growth, he transitioned to the role of Landscape Accounting Manager. This year, he was promoted to Controller of the landscape division.
Chris’s journey in the landscape industry has been incredibly rewarding. He feels privileged to be part of an industry that is relationally close, operationally dynamic, and seasonally intriguing. Over the years, Chris has attended three NALP leadership conference events (Elevate), connected with numerous industry leaders, and played a key role in implementing The Budd Group’s first operational software, Aspire, within the landscaping division. Looking forward, he anticipates many more exciting firsts with The Budd Group and within the landscape industry.
Michael Bingham
Michael Bingham, a seasoned professional with over 28 years in the service industry, boasts a Magna Cum Laude distinction from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His impressive 21-year tenure at The Budd Group has seen him excel in various management roles, including Branch Manager, Regional Manager, Regional Director, Area Vice President, and Vice President. Michael's leadership has garnered numerous accolades for the company, such as Branch of the Year, Safety Branch of the Year, Account of the Year, and the prestigious President's Award. However, he finds the greatest reward in witnessing the career advancement of his team members and the satisfaction of his clients.
Currently spearheading The Budd Group's landscape division, Michael is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and sustainable growth, paving the way for further career development opportunities as the company expands its footprint across the southeastern United States.
Jenny Girard is currently an Implementation Specialist with BOSS Software at The Integra Group, a business solutions company dedicated to serving the green and snow industries. In this role, Jenny leverages her extensive industry expertise to onboard new clients, optimizing their operations and improving their efficiency through BOSS's innovative software solutions. Her commitment to driving growth and operational excellence is complemented by her pursuit of an MBA to enhance her business skills and strategic insights.
Before joining The Integra Group, Jenny held key roles across the green industry and snow industries. She graduated with an Honors Bachelor's degree in Plant Science from SUNY Cobleskill and has over 15 years of experience. Those roles included Production at Longwood Gardens, Specialty Landscape Designer at Busch Gardens/SeaWorld Parks, and Area Manager for RM Landscape. While she was at RM Landscape, she oversaw accounts and operations in Buffalo, NY, for both green and snow as well as served as the strategic coordinator for corporate initiatives. Jenny's dedication to the green and snow industries is reflected in her active contributions to several committees with NALP, SIMA, and the Patch Project. In recognition of her leadership, she was named NALP’s Young Professional of the Year in 2023.
Matt Bradbury is the founder and managing principal of Business Acquisition & Merger Associates (BAMA), a boutique M&A advisory firm he established 20 years ago after a successful 15-year career in multi-unit start-ups, turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, and operations. Under his leadership, BAMA has grown into a respected firm, facilitating the sale of 10-12 companies annually, each generating $1M to $15M in EBITDA.
With a track record spanning more than 215 transactions and $1.8 billion in transaction volume, Matt has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional results. His expertise extends deeply into the landscaping and facility services industries, where BAMA has closed over $200 million in transactions. These include companies specializing in installation, maintenance, chemical application, tree services, growing operations, and other facility services.
In addition to advisory services, Matt's entrepreneurial spirit led to an investment alongside a client four years ago. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, this venture has become one of the largest players in the Carolinas' landscaping sector. Matt's unique combination of hands-on operational experience and M&A acumen continues to drive success for BAMA and its clients.
Brett Stoehr is a Vice President at Unity Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm that is focused on people-based services.
Brett focuses on investing in and scaling residential, commercial, and industrial services businesses. Prior to Unity, Brett served on the investment team at CenterOak Partners. He began his career in investment banking at Piper Sandler, where he worked with business owners and private equity firms on mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. He's completed over 50 transactions worth an aggregate ~$6 billion in deal value. Brett received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his BBA from Texas A&M University.
Brett grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and is passionate about helping owners scale their businesses to provide more life opportunities to the teammates within each business.
David Koehn
David Koehn is the founder and president of Koehn Outdoor, formerly DM Koehn Landscaping, Inc. David learned the construction and green industry at an early age by working with his father Douglas W. Koehn at his Class A Contracting business in Franklin, VA. After receiving a 2-year degree in industrial technology from a local community college, David moved from Franklin, VA to Jacksonville, FL in 2001 and started DM Koehn Landscaping in 2004, when he was only 24 years old.
In its humble beginnings, David’s business was a one-man residential mowing operation. With the company’s success, David added more employees, equipment, and trucks and began focusing growing the business commercially. Early in life, David was taught that, “when you do something, you do it right and with integrity” — a life lesson that has become one of the Koehn Outdoor’s core values.
Over time, Koehn Outdoor has developed into a market-leading commercial landscape management company with over 120 full-time employees. The company has developed award-winning hardscapes and beautiful amenity centers throughout the state of Florida.
Having adapted a culture of continuous learning, training, and strategic planning, David and the Koehn Outdoor leadership team hold many green industry certifications and licenses and are involved in many industry professional associations. In 2018, Koehn Outdoor engaged with green industry specialist Envisor Consulting. The Envisor team holds leadership accountable for achieving goals and maintaining a level of customer service that is unmatched in Northeast Florida — which coincides with David’s personal promise to his clients that Koehn Outdoor provides the most customer value for the most competitive price possible.
When not working, David enjoys spending time with his two younger children Leah and Lucas. They enjoy traveling, going to the beach, church services at Eleven 22 church, and being involved in the local Jacksonville Beach community events.
Kurt Bland
Kurt Bland grew up in Apex, NC as an avid outdoorsman, working a variety of jobs in his family’s landscaping business. He attended North Carolina State University and earned bachelor’s degrees in Agri-Business Management and Horticulture Science. He began his management career with Del Conte Landscaping in Northern California.
Since returning to Bland Landscaping Company (BLC) 23 years ago, Kurt has led BLC’s southeastern expansion in partnership with his brother Matt Bland and their executive team. The two brothers recapitalized their 49-year-old family-owned business with Prospect Partners in 2017 and have built one of the country’s most well respected commercial exterior service platforms, focused on landscape grounds management and aquatic services. As a platform, BLC has acquired and successfully integrated 6 landscape add-on acquisitions along with 2 aquatic add-on acquisitions under the DBA Foster Lake and Pond Management. These investments have provided liquidity to fund the retirement of ten previous owners who were ready to retire. In 2024, Prospect Partners exited their investment in BLC, allowing Kurt and his team to join the private equity portfolio of Comvest Partners. With more than $13B of assets under management, Comvest Partners will enable BLC to fulfill its vision of building the most successful landscape and aquatic services platform in the Southeastern United States.
An engaged and forward-thinking industry leader, Kurt speaks on a variety of business-related topics at universities and industry events. He is respected as an authority in leading a multi-generation family business, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and entrepreneurial business strategy. Kurt volunteers as Vice Chair of the North Carolina Irrigation Contractors Licensing Board and is a major supporter of The Frankie Lemmon School. In his down time, you will find Kurt and his wife Meredith on, under, or near the water, traveling abroad, going to a concert, or sharing laughs around a table with their friends and 3 black labrador retrievers.
Jeff Domenick is a well-respected and experienced leader in the landscape industry, with a career spanning over 25 years. Jeff’s leadership and industry experience have been instrumental in the acquisition, integration, and assimilation of six market-leading companies to establish KeyServ’s platform.
Before founding KeyServ Company, Jeff led the Mountain West Division of SiteOne Landscape Supply, where he transformed the region with the acquisition and integration of eleven family-owned companies and achieved strong year-over-year organic growth. Jeff has also held leadership positions with leading design/build and maintenance firms, and industry manufacturing companies.
In addition to his professional achievements, Jeff is also committed to giving back to his community. He volunteers as a mentor with Florida’s Take Stock In Children program, which provides either a four-year scholarship to a school within the Florida University System or a qualified technical/trade school when the student successfully completes the program.
When he’s not busy leading KeyServ Company or volunteering, Jeff enjoys captaining his boat and spending time with his wife and two kids in Northern Florida.
Dana is a Managing Partner at Verde Equity Partners, a lower middle market private equity group that is focused on the landscape industry.
Dana is experienced owner or operator in property adjacent businesses, including General Manager (2020-2022) for Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing (acquired by Cortec in 2021), prior owner of Cricket Lawn Care, which maintained sites for the City of Orange, churches and schools, commercial and residential accounts throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties (1990-1994), and prior owner of Promised Land Nursery in Las Vegas, which sold to Southwest Rock (2003). Dana operated, grew and exited multiple property management companies (2006 Mission Sands; 2022 Total Property Management).
Dana has been an angel investor and co-founder of numerous ventures, including an audiobook business, which sold in a private equity rollup in that industry.
Dana’s legal career included a role as Managing Partner of two law firms. Dana serves as an adjunct professor of law at San Diego’s law schools, and he sits on three company boards as a neutral director.
Steve Steele, Steele Dynamic Services, LLC., joined the Wilson team in July 2020. Formerly Vice President of Business Systems for Heartland, LLC, a private equity financed holding company that acquired Keesen Landscape Management in November 2016, Steve has deep expertise in corporate finance and administration, including mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, business process redesign, technology implementation, and change management.
Steve brings a personalized approach and collaborative spirit to the Wilson team, ensuring that clients benefit over the long term. As financial practice leader, Steve will help clients identify and capture efficiency and effectiveness opportunities in their core operations, pursue and address unique challenges facing landscape services leaders, and evaluate opportunities to capitalize on emerging industry trends.
Steele earned an MBA, with honors, in Finance and Accounting from Regis University, Denver, Colorado. He is a graduate of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he received a BBA in Business Management.
Steve has served in leadership roles on GreenCo.’s legislative committee, was a member of the board of directors and an officer of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, and served as a board member and president of the Rocky Mountain Classic. In addition, Steve has been an active voice for the green industry’s H2B problem and led an advocacy delegation to Washington D.C., to speak on its behalf to the U.S. Congress.
A virtual native of Colorado, Steve is a lifelong travel adventurer, a passionate travel photographer and can be found on Instagram @WalksYourWay.
Mark Tipton
Mark Tipton, founder, and CEO of Aspire, has led the company to its position as a true, end-to-end business partner that uniquely leverages software, services, and education to transform the way field service businesses operate, empowering greater performance and profitability. Mark’s relentless drive to create innovative solutions that address customer needs, promote industry best practices, and resolve persistent challenges has guided Aspire’s strategic initiatives. As a service-oriented and open leader, Mark has focused on driving rapid growth while cultivating a positive, engaged company culture that allows high-performing teams to develop key capabilities, execute value-driven solutions, and deliver exceptional user experiences that improve Aspire clients' lives.
Whitney Griffin
Whitney Griffin, senior product owner at Aspire with a doctorate in plant sciences, brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the team, while always advocating for the "boots on the ground." Prior to joining Aspire three years ago, Whitney ran the maintenance division for a green roof contractor in D.C.; taught landscape design, construction, and maintenance at Texas A&M University; and served as lead designer for a landscape construction firm in Austin, Texas. When she isn't dissecting user workflows, you can find her on her bike, in her flower garden, or playing with her latest foster dog.
Jonathan Mond, an accomplished international speaker and coach has invested countless hours addressing audiences and collaborating with teams. His focus is sparking strategic discussions about the profound impact of small improvements, whether it's just 1% or a single day's enhancement. This approach acts as a catalyst, unlocking profitability and propelling businesses toward their full potential.
Drawing from over five years of experience as a Scaling Up Certified Coach, Jonathan brings an infectious energy and unbridled passion to his presentations. His speaking style is both magnetic and absorbing, captivating audiences with real-life case studies. Jonathan excels at demystifying intricate financial concepts, transforming them into easily digestible insights. This ensures that attendees leave armed with actionable takeaways that can make a tangible impact.
Ryan Malone is a second-generation landscape professional and the General Manager of Malone's Landscape Management. Growing up immersed in the green industry, Ryan gained hands-on experience in all aspects of the business, from working on crews to managing nursery operations. After playing collegiate baseball, Ryan returned to lead the maintenance company, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to the team. Under his leadership, Malone's Landscape Management has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list in both 2020 and 2022.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ryan is an accomplished ultra-athlete. He has summited Mt. Rainier multiple times, completed a full Ironman Triathlon in 2023, and finished a 100-mile Ultramarathon in 2024. Ryan continues to grow Malone's Landscape alongside his parents, Jim and Debbie, and his brother Jake.
James founded Terry’s Landscape in 2011 after working for various commercial landscaping companies and selling lawn maintenance services as a kid. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in soil science and a minor in horticulture. In his role as CEO of Terry’s, James primarily focuses on business strategy, organizational structure, team member development, and client relations. He is truly a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for a strong team culture, well-defined processes, and continual learning.
For the past 26 years, Josh has worked in the landscape industry. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he relocated to southern California and began his career in the wholesale nursery industry where he served as Director of Operations for a 250 acre growing facility. In 2002, he transitioned into Landscape Management as an Account Manager and Sports Turf Manager at TruGreen LandCare. In 2005, he went to work for Brickman in San Diego where he held positions from Enhancement Manager to Vice President and General Manager for both the LA and San Diego Markets. In 2017 and after the transition to BrightView, Josh was promoted to Senior Vice President of the Southwest and later to Group Senior Vice President of the Southwest and Texas where he oversaw teams of up to 3,000 employees and $400M in revenue.
Josh now serves as CEO of the newly formed Osprey Landscape Group based out of San Diego. Osprey was formed as a holding company in late 2023 and currently operates Pacific Landscape Management in Portland, OR and Pacific Landscape Maintenance in Seattle, WA. Building on Pacific’s strong reputation for quality and culture in the Pacific Northwest, Osprey is continuing it’s expansion across the western United States through organic growth and a strong M&A strategy.
Kevin McHale, along with his brother Steve, founded McHale Landscape Design in 1981 upon graduation from West Virginia University. Kevin is President of McHale Landscape Design and has served on the University of Maryland Landscape Advisory Board, The Penn St Landscape Advisory Board and as LCA President in 1996 and again in 2006. Kevin was recognized by the LCA last year with the Landscape Leadership Award which is presented to landscape professionals who have shown exceptional leadership and have positively impacted the landscape industry.
McHale Landscape Design is a “Residential Design Build/Estate Gardening Firm” serving the Washington DC market including Northern Virginia, Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The company operates 6 locations throughout the region and also maintains a 50 Acre Nursery which caters only to the McHale client base. The firm has won over 400 local and national Landscape Awards. The McHale business model focuses on the “Single Source” philosophy and the company employs “In House” carpentry and masonry crews to assure the clients experience is exceptionally seamless.
Brett Gordon is the COO and a Partner of Focal Pointe, a $50M commercial landscaping company serving the Midwestern United States. After founding and leading Signature Landscapes of Oklahoma, Brett and the Signature team chose to bring their operational excellence to Focal Pointe’s platform of industry leading customer service and retention.
Brett is a Landscape Architect graduate from Oklahoma State University, and his passion for creating beautiful spaces has only grown. As COO, Brett is responsible for leading the company’s seven Branch Managers throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. In his free time, Brett enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and streaking the OSU campus during home football games.
Connect with Brett on LinkedIn!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-gordon-9b28b52b/
Jenny Girard is currently an Implementation Specialist with BOSS Software at The Integra Group, a business solutions company dedicated to serving the green and snow industries. In this role, Jenny leverages her extensive industry expertise to onboard new clients, optimizing their operations and improving their efficiency through BOSS's innovative software solutions. Her commitment to driving growth and operational excellence is complemented by her pursuit of an MBA to enhance her business skills and strategic insights.
Before joining The Integra Group, Jenny held key roles across the green industry and snow industries. She graduated with an Honors Bachelor's degree in Plant Science from SUNY Cobleskill and has over 15 years of experience. Those roles included Production at Longwood Gardens, Specialty Landscape Designer at Busch Gardens/SeaWorld Parks, and Area Manager for RM Landscape. While she was at RM Landscape, she oversaw accounts and operations in Buffalo, NY, for both green and snow as well as served as the strategic coordinator for corporate initiatives. Jenny's dedication to the green and snow industries is reflected in her active contributions to several committees with NALP, SIMA, and the Patch Project. In recognition of her leadership, she was named NALP’s Young Professional of the Year in 2023.
Christianna holds the title of Chief Financial Officer for Landscape Workshop. Landscape Workshop is a commercial landscaping company headquartered in Birmingham, AL and was listed as number 27 on Lawn and Landscape's most recent Top 100 list, with projected revenue of over $145M for 2024. Christianna has been with Landscape Workshop since 2015. She has also worked for M&T bank in Buffalo, New York.
Christianna received a BS in Economics and Business Administration from Birmingham-Southern College. Christianna Chairs the Rotaract Club of Birmingham's Foundation Board and enjoys running, watching sports (Roll Tide and Go Bills), and most of all spending time with her husband, Cole and two children Harlow (3) and Jack (1).
Matt Hunter is the owner and President of New Garden Landscaping and Nursery, Nature’s Select Piedmont and Landscape Irrigation Systems (LIS) in Greensboro, NC. While New Garden has been in business for 47 years, Matt joined the team in 2015 as The Director of Business Development. Matt purchased New Garden from Morris Newlin in 2020 and now serves as President and CEO.
In the spring of 2024 he purchased Nature’s Select Piedmont which is a biologically enhanced lawn care company and Landscape Irrigation Systems (LIS) which is a leader in irrigation service and installation. Prior to his work at New Garden, he worked for TruGreen and John Deere Landscapes in various roles including sales and management. Matt received an associate degree in horticulture from North Carolina State University and a bachelors of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Matt has served as the legislative chair for the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association for the last 4 years.
Outside of work Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Christie of 23 years and his two daughters Katelyn who is a Sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill and Alexis who is a Junior at East Forsyth High School. Matt also enjoys working on his golf game and fly fishing.
Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy, is owner and CEO of Aquascape, Inc., which he founded in 1991. He has been dabbling in water gardens since the age of 12 and has a love of everything water and turtles. After experimenting with ponds for over eight years, Greg had a “light bulb” moment during a drive home from the boring summer job he took during college in 1990. He decided that he wanted to do something he loved for a living – he wanted to build ponds. Just 30 seconds later, he had a company name, Aquascape. The next year, Greg began building ponds during his breaks in the school year. From there, he developed the Aquascape business model, which includes a mix of distribution, retail, and contractor services. Aquascape Inc. is now the leading manufacturer of water feature products in North America, serving and educating thousands of customers world-wide.
Greg authored The Pond Guy on Marketing, has appeared on the cover of Inc. Magazine, and was a cast member of Nat Geo Wild’s Pond Stars series. Follow Greg’s current adventures on his YouTube channel as he meets incredible people, views beautiful water features, and shares what it means to truly love and be Living the Aquascape Lifestyle®. https://www.youtube.com/gregwittstockthepondguy
Shelia Matthews has joined the Wilson360 team as culture practice leader and first-ever chief people officer. She leads people and organizational performance consulting for Wilson360 clients.
Shelia Matthews’ approach to scaling businesses is simple. Get the people part right and everything else falls into place. Shelia has worked with businesses from many different industries like manufacturing, services, and private equity to name a few. She’s worked for large Fortune companies like UPS and MetLife, and most recently, a small startup known as Acquisition.com, where she oversaw the People Operations function and scaled the company from a handful of employees to an army of amazing talent. While working in the private equity space, she helped hundreds of founders and business owners identify constraints in their business and offered practical solutions to help them scale.
Although Shelia loves the work she does, she is most passionate about helping business owners level up their companies. She strongly believes that you must have an understanding of the business in order to build a strong and healthy culture to support it. “Knowing HR and understanding people isn’t enough. You must be able to translate culture into profitability,” she says, right along with, “It’s more affordable to do the right thing for your people than you realize.”
Shelia is the founder of Culture Pro, LLC, where she offers fractional People Operations leadership to small services-based businesses. Culture Pro’s mission is to create environments where people thrive and the business flourishes.
Though originally from Florida, Shelia currently lives in the Atlanta suburbs with her husband and two children, who are five and ten years old. Her son is a competitive swimmer, and her daughter believes she is a princess. When Shelia isn’t being her kids' personal Uber driver, she spends her free time at the gym, traveling, or hiking with Ranger, the family’s Boxer dog. Shelia received an MBA from Colorado State University and prior to that, graduated with highest honors from the University of North Florida, where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
The habitat of Zech Strauser’s childhood were the farms and free-ranging open spaces of eastern Pennsylvania. During a time when most children’s lives move indoors, Zech was homeschooled by parents who inspired his curiosity in the natural world, giving him a powerful connection with nature that defines him to this day.
Zech’s journey, from playing outdoors to making a living outdoors, was the road trip of a lifetime. He pursued the life of a ski instructor and mogul coach In Vermont, became interested in outdoor performance apparel, and in 1998, he launched one of eastern Pennsylvania’s most recognized regional landscape companies, a firm – Strauser Nature’s Helpers that was acquired by Schill Grounds Management in 2023.
Zech remains a senior advisor and investor in Schill Grounds Management and is an ongoing advisor and investor in Strauser Nature’s Helpers. He’s an investor in robotic mowing technology and owns and manages a commercial real estate portfolio. He’s shaped nature-focused non-profits and sat on the board of Come Alive Outside.
Recently, built a sustainable farm retreat in southern Vermont and launched Urture, a green collar workwear and outfitter specializing in gear for careers outside. “Urture brings me full-circle,” said Zech. “Growing up and being outdoors my entire life, I had a dream to have an outdoor clothing brand with the ability to make an impact. The rapid growth of green collar jobs gives me an opportunity to make sure that the people doing next generation green jobs have the right protective gear and apparel to do their jobs well.”
Part of Urture’s platform is its Patch Project passion project, a program that gives back to vocational schools that advance green collar careers. “We know that children need to play outside more. But it’s also true that everyone needs to be outside more. It’s on us to make nature a daily, ordinary part of everyone’s life and do what we can to make green jobs and the green economy a great career choice, supported by opportunities for training and growth.”
“Public school was a challenge and a vocational horticulture class in the 9th grade was an inspiration. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the teachers and the opportunity they gave me, gratitude I can repay through the Patch Project products we sell and the performance apparel we make, and our continued commitment to make sure that everyone who works in nature has what they need to succeed.
Meet Shawn Prince, President of Field Services at Attentive.ai. With over 17 years of experience in the field services industry, Shawn began his journey at Brickman/BrightView and has since played a pivotal role in driving revenue and exceeding sales targets for multiple landscaping businesses.
Now, at Attentive.ai, Shawn is leading the charge in transforming the field services industry by helping companies seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows. His expertise and vision are changing the way businesses operate, making them more efficient and competitive than ever before.
Kasey's horticultural experience started at a young age on her family's citrus farm in southwestern Arizona. This family influence helped her discover her passion for flora and fauna and their interactions in our unique desert environment.
Her early understanding of growing crops guided Kasey to pursue a degree in Plant Biology at Arizona State University (ASU) with an emphasis in Urban Horticulture studies. After graduation, Kasey gained experience working in various parts of the landscaping industry, expanding her horticultural and landscaping knowledge. Her desire to share her passion for plants and to help improve the overall quality of landscaping delivered to property owners led her to found Harmony Horticultural Consulting in 2008, where she has become a trusted industry leader in providing solutions for plant health problems. Over the last 15 years, Kasey has helped landscapers and homeowners enhance their landscapes' beauty and vitality and has educated them on improved cultural practices such as water management, fertility strategies, and pruning techniques. Kasey's extensive knowledge and practical experience are invaluable tools to help clients manage their plant health and pest issues and keep their properties attractive and productive. Harmony Horticultural now has three consultants who service the Phoenix metro area.
Mario Hernandez is the President of Royal Landscaping LLC, where he leads with expertise and passion for the industry. A proud graduate of Grand Canyon University, Mario has honed his skills over the years to become a Certified Arborist. His commitment to excellence and deep knowledge of landscaping has been instrumental in the growth and success of Royal Landscaping.
Diego Hernandez serves as the Vice President of Royal Landscaping LLC, working alongside his brother to drive the company's vision forward. Also a graduate of Grand Canyon University, Diego combines his academic background with hands-on experience in the field, ensuring that Royal Landscaping continues to deliver top-notch services to its clients.
A strategist and storyteller, Billy Otteman leads brand communications at Scythe Robotics – the manufacturer building fully autonomous, all-electric commercial mowers in Boulder County, CO. After an agency-side career leading new product development and creative marketing initiatives for a range of consumer brands and B2B clients, he is now a leading voice in the green industry on the topics of innovation, technology, and robotics.
Founder of the COO Alliance & Invest In Your Leaders Course
Author of Vivid Vision & The Second In Command
Meet Cameron Herold, the mastermind behind the exponential growth of hundreds of companies. As the founder of the COO Alliance and the Invest In Your Leaders course, Cameron is a dynamic consultant who has coached some of the biggest names in business, including Sprint Telecom and a monarchy in the Middle East. Known as the "CEO Whisperer", Cameron has a reputation for guiding his clients to double their profits and revenue in just three years or less.
Cameron's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and by 35, he had helped build his first two $100 million dollar companies. But his greatest achievement came as the COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he engineered the company's spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue and from 14 to 3,100 employees - all in just six years.
Cameron is not just a successful business leader, but also a captivating speaker. The current publisher of Forbes magazine, Rich Karlgaard, stated "Cameron Herold is the best speaker I've ever heard...he hits grand slams”. When he's not on stage, Cameron continues to teach through his Second In Command podcast and his bestselling books, including Vivid Vision, Meetings Suck, Free PR, Double Double, and The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs.
Cameron is a top-rated international speaker and has been paid to speak in 26 countries and on all 7 continents, including Antarctica in early 2022. He is also the top-rated lecturer at EO/MIT's Entrepreneurial Masters Program and a powerful and effective speaker at CEO and COO leadership events worldwide.
Bryan Gyllen, Vice President of Operations, brings over two decades of experience in the landscape industry, specializing in Landscape and Civil Construction, Commercial Maintenance, and Nursery Production. Bryan oversees logistical and operational effort for DeSantis Landscapes, leveraging data analytics and sustainability principles.
Ed Wright, the forward-thinking CEO of Wright Manufacturing, has been a leading innovator in the commercial landscaping equipment industry. Growing up in the business, Ed has harnessed his hands-on experience to propel the company to the cutting edge of technology and design. His leadership has led to the creation of some of the most productive and reliable products that meet the evolving needs of landscape professionals. Ed's relentless focus on quality and innovation continues to set Wright Manufacturing apart as a leader in the industry.
Warren Gorowitz, currently serves as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hunter Industries. He is responsible for providing global leadership and strategic guidance in the organization’s sustainability and social impact initiatives. Warren oversees the company’s Climate Action Plan, the annual sustainability impact report, and their employee volunteer and giving programs which includes Hunter’s Community Grants committee.
Warren has worked in the irrigation industry for over 30 years and is passionate about the environment and proper water management. He is currently a board member for the National Association of Landscape Professionals and the Sports Field Management Association. As a past President of the Irrigation Association, Warren believes in serving our industry and has held positions on industry association boards such as the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the California Landscape Contractors Association, and the Professional Grounds Management Society. Previously he spent 25 years at Ewing Outdoor Supply holding various roles, including Vice President of Sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and received an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. He has been an instructor in the UCLA Extension Sustainability Certificate Program and a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University in the School of Sustainability.
Jay Niblick is the CSO and Co-founder of Wizehire, a leading hiring platform helping small businesses grow with a better way to hire.
Jay is a notable keynote speaker, best-selling author, and well-respected expert in leveraging consultative tactics and psychometric technology to execute successful business strategies.
Prior to WizeHire, Jay founded the software and personality profile company, Innermetrix (IMX). Over the past 23 years, 24,000 corporations have used IMX profiles with more than 10,000,000 employees.
Jay is a decorated veteran who served in the special operations community of the US Navy. He holds a BS in organizational behavior from Tusculum University and an MS in human capital data analytics from Columbia University. When not creating growth strategies for Wizehire or doing aerial stunts, he relaxes by painting and building things.
Frank Annino's career in the landscaping industry is a testament to his dedication and passion for the field. Growing up in the construction industry, Frank always knew that being in the field was where he wanted to be. He pursued a college degree in business management with an emphasis on organizational behavior, which laid the foundation for his professional journey. After college, Frank ran a landscape nursery in Thousand Oaks for three years, where he honed his leadership skills and gained invaluable knowledge in selling, managing P&L, and understanding plant materials, chemicals, and fertilizers.
In 1992, he joined Environmental Care, working in the field for the first two years to deeply understand the day-to-day operations of field workers. Over the years, he took on various leadership roles within the company, learning and managing different functions such as the shop, tree care, and irrigation. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to run a business for what became ValleyCrest Landscape in Ventura, California, where he successfully grew the business significantly and was promoted to Regional Manager.
In his next career move, Frank helped ValleyCrest through its transition to BrightView, where his role expanded to managing a larger territory as Senior Vice President, covering the Inland Empire, all of Los Angeles, and the Pacific Northwest. In 2021, Frank joined Sperber Landscape Companies as President of the maintenance division, overseeing 16 subsidiary companies nationwide. In this role, Frank leads the strategy and execution of various departmental functions, including training, sales, and operations, with a focus on developing and expanding greenfield projects, irrigation, and tree care services. His favorite part of the job is teaching, training, and coaching. That moment when the lightbulb turns on in others is priceless.
Outside of work, Frank loves spending time with his wife Kim and their two children, Maey and Josie. The family enjoys traveling, attending concerts and music festivals, and as a true Southern California native, Frank is a die-hard Los Angeles sports fan.
Brandt has 25+ years of green industry experience with a focus on commercial landscape maintenance, irrigation, enhancements and installations in the HOA, multi-family and commercial markets. A highly motivated and accomplished professional possessing both strong technical knowledge and business acumen. Brandt co-founded and led Texscape Services to and through a successful acquisition.
Melissa Mitchell-Blitch helps families navigate decisions, conflict, and change related to business and wealth.
She is a former CPA and financial advisor -- who left her career in finance to earn a Master's in Psychology and focus on the "people side" of family business and wealth.
Her approach is solution-focused. She helps clients develop skills and mindsets necessary to navigate the challenges they face. She has an empathetic yet direct style, which allows her to work well with a wide variety of people.
Melissa is also the author of In the Company of Family: How to Thrive When Business Is Personal and Purposeful Planning Institute's Dean of Individual Development.
She lives in Charleston, SC and serves clients across North America.
Get in touch with her!
melissa@melissamitchellblitch.com
melissamitchellblitch.com
I am an Honors Graduate from UC Davis in Environmental Horticulture.
Started my career on the end of a water hose in a retail nursery in 1968.
After graduating I joined the UC Cooperative Extension Service as Farm Advisor for San Francisco and San Mateo Counties where I specialized in weed control in turf and landscapes and high use athletic turf.
In 1980 I joined ChemLawn Corporation as Technical Services Manager for the western United States. We opened a number of branches over the next seven years growing revenues from just over one million dollars to twenty three million. Saw the real opportunity for growth in landscape maintenance services.
Joined Industrial Landscape Services in 1986 as an Account Manager and led the enhancement team as well.
On March first 1989 I joined Environmental Care in Calabasas as Technical Services Manager. In 1992 was promoted to Regional Manager for NorCal and SVP in 1997 taking over the western US maintenance operations.
Grew from 24 branches to 55 over the next 17 years until the merger with The Brickman Group in 2014.
Held various SVP roles with BrightView managing maintenance operations until 2021 when I joined Sperber Landscape Companies. Just completed two and a half year assignment managing maintenance operations on the Hawaiian Islands. Now working on special projects for the Sperber organization.
Jhana Li started as a COO for multiple startups (while simultaneously traveling full-time in a converted van through N & S America). After seeing countless founders stall out & trap themselves without the proper Operations, 3 years ago Jhana decided to start her own company, Spyglass Ops. Since then she has helped 100+ businesses scale past 7 & 8-figures. Through Operations consulting, recruitment, and training, Spyglass Ops empowers founders to simultaneously scale their businesses while regaining their personal freedom.
Tim Johnson II
Meet Tim Johnson II, President of Tim Johnson Landscaping (TJL), from Statesville, North Carolina. Tim's entrepreneurial journey started at just 12 years old when he learned the importance of hard work. Wanting to drive at 16, he began mowing lawns, laying the foundation for TJL.
Tim's academic and athletic pursuits led him to NC A&T, where he found a love for turf and horticulture. Armed with a degree in Environmental Horticulture and a certificate in Entrepreneurship, Tim returned from a brief stint in the Colorado Rockies organization in 2009 to join forces with his father. Together, they transformed TJL from a small, part-time venture into a thriving landscaping and horticulture business.
Outside of the office, Tim is a devoted family man, with a loving wife, Jenni, and two adorable children, Eleanor and Tim III (TJ). His passions extend beyond the business realm, encompassing family, church, baseball, landscaping, gardening, classic cars, travel, and business.
A typical day at TJL for Tim is dynamic, with tasks ranging from overseeing site visits, checking on crews, and visiting customers to collaborating with the operations and admin team.
His favorite aspect of Tim Johnson Landscaping? The people—team members, clients, and partners.
Tim Johnson Sr.
Tim Johnson Sr, Chairman at Tim Johnson Landscaping (TJL), brings over two decades of experience to the company. Raised in the fertilizer business, Tim developed a strong work ethic early on, spending countless hours maintaining his mother's yard. With a successful 19-year career in Corporate America, where he achieved the remarkable feat of being the #1 salesperson among 8,000 employees, Tim transitioned to his true passion over 24 years ago—landscaping.
A typical day for Tim involves three distinct phases: a morning kick-off, mid-day focus on sales and business, and a careful close to ensure everyone returns safely. His favorite aspect of TJL is witnessing the growth of the employees. Outside of work, Tim enjoys collecting and spending quality time with his family—his wife Joyce, daughters Angela and Vanessa, and son Tim II, whom he's immensely proud of. His weekends are often dedicated to leisurely rides and the exploration of different types of Bourbon.
Tim holds a 2-year college degree and is a licensed landscape contractor, reflecting his commitment to professionalism and expertise in the field. The best advice he ever received was to wait 24 hours before addressing a concern, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication. Tim Johnson Sr is not just a leader at TJL but a dedicated family man with a deep appreciation for the simple joys in life.
Weston is the Co-Founder and CEO of SynkedUP, an award-winning landscaping business management software that helps contractors know their numbers, systematize their pricing, and cut estimating time by up to 90%, resulting in predictable profits.
They have 2K+ active users who use their platform to handle all the moving parts and demands of running their business, including budgeting, estimating, scheduling, time tracking, getting info to field crews, job costing, etc.
Weston has 15+ years experience in the landscaping industry and possesses an intimate knowledge of the landscape project lifecycle, including the opportunities and pitfalls that contractors face in today's market.
When he was landscaping, he received the coveted Aquascape's Artist of the Year award for his talent in creating water features, and constructed stunning waterfalls and koi ponds in backyards throughout the U.S., including for some well-known personalities like Shaq O'Neill and Logan Paul.
David’s professional background includes over 30 years in mid-market business ownership and management. As owner, CEO or second-in-command his teams consistently scaled new business and operations in several industries.
In 2012 David founded strategy firm Growth Factor Group, Inc. focused on assisting lower mid-market CEO/Owners providing services for impact and scale. In 2019 he also joined the Bruce Wilson & Company team as Talent Acquisition Practice Leader to their green industry clients looking to expand strategically with top-tier talent within their landscape contracting businesses.
In recruiting and talent acquisition David has recruited and placed over 200 professionals ranging from C-level to management to specialty skilled roles in entrepreneurial mid-market companies throughout the U.S. in varied industries. With a focus on “Making A Difference” with Growth Factor Group, he has facilitated over 200 CEO monthly peer group and strategic planning meetings. In over 1,000 one-on-one coaching and senior leadership team sessions has helped CEO/Owners navigate growth initiatives, employee issues, owner transitions and work/life balance.
David has a BS in Industrial Design from Arizona State University, and resides in Greenville, SC with his wife. He’s active in his church, local education fundraising and has completed the IRONMAN Florida competition while maintaining a passion through fitness, cycling and running.
Bruce Moore Jr. is a leader for a new era of sustainable growth and purpose. Named President in 2017, Bruce heads up Eastern Land Management, a commercial landscape services firm in the Northeast with a clear focus: to enable his organization to work and learn together to build a continually evolving system for creating value.
Since taking the reins of the business his father built in 1976, and which will soon hit its half-century mark as an impact partner, Bruce is rethinking the future of work, how he could lead differently, and how by taking on the role of coach, he could help the company and its multi-branch team evolve into a highly innovative learning organization.
Bruce grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, received a B.S. Degree in Business from Curry College in Milton, Mass., and serves on the Boards of Directors for BOMA Southern Connecticut, Fairfield County House, and Stamford Little League.
Douglas York is the President and CEO of Ewing Irrigation Products, Inc., the nation's largest family-owned landscape and irrigation supplier. Since joining the company in 1976 and taking leadership in 2001, Doug has guided Ewing through significant expansion and innovation, emphasizing customer service and sustainable practices. Under his direction, the company has grown to over 230 branches across 28 states. Doug embodies the family philosophy of "treating your customers right," a legacy established by his great-grandfather, King Ewing. He also enhances Ewing's commitment to the green industry through extensive educational programs for professionals.
Avi Kumar is the founder and CEO of KUWARE Inc., a marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Austin, TX, USA, and a subsidiary in NCR, India. Kuware focuses on growing Local Service Businesses through organic and paid media. In addition, Kuware offers white-label Google and Meta Ads services to other marketing agencies through its brand InvisiblePPC.
Avi prides himself on being an #irreverentmarketer, believing in looking past the star power of marketing “gurus” and shattering marketing myths. He places objective data and the science of marketing before subjective criteria and helps his clients stand out and succeed in a crowded marketplace.
Not only has Avi been a guest on numerous talk shows and podcasts, but Avi has also spoken at the prestigious Traffic & Conversions Summit alongside such speakers as Martha Stewart, Marie Forleo, Chip Wilson, and Magic Johnson! His diverse educational and business background gives him a truly unique insight into the finer nuances of both the business and technological aspects of marketing. As a guest expert, Avi talks about his Irreverent Marketing strategy and the benefits it has not only for large established companies but for local service providers as well. His no-nonsense, result-driven approach to business has contributed to the long-standing relationships between his agency and clients for over 15 years.
Utkarsh is the co-founder and CEO of SiteRecon. SiteRecon is an off-the-shelf property mapping solution for landscapers that simplifies sales, client relations and operations. Realising the critical importance of high resolution mapping solutions for an industry that works outdoors, Utkarsh built SiteRecon, believing that rapid access to the truth about our physical world will bring much-needed efficiency in the way businesses operate. In his free time, Utkarsh transforms into an armchair philosopher, film critic, MMA expert and a loving son, brother, husband and friend.
Leslie Herndon brings over 30 years of diverse experience in the horticulture industry, having served in pivotal roles such as Floriculturist, Client Relations Manager, and Vice President at Greenscape. Currently, as President of Greenscape Inc., she leads a team of over 200 professionals across four branches, catering to the landscape and outdoor service needs of NC commercial real estate market. In this capacity, Leslie oversees all aspects of the company, including operations, finance, sales, and human resources. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from NC State University, complementing her extensive practical knowledge. Notably, Leslie's leadership extends beyond her corporate duties, as evidenced by her past presidency at the NC Nursery and Landscape Association. Outside of work, she is an avid enthusiast of rock music, travel, and wake surfing, with her partner Mark, while also actively contributing to her community by teaching aerobics. Leslie Herndon's remarkable blend of professional expertise, industry leadership, and personal passions underscores her as a dynamic figure in both the horticulture sector and her broader community.
Erich Schneider, the innovative founder and CEO of Schneider Tree Care, is a masterful entrepreneur with a noteworthy background in the Air Force. As a devoted father of three and a proud grandfather of two, he is renowned for his exceptional business acumen and strong social connections. His military experience, serving as a valuable foundation, informed his leadership style and commitment to discipline and precision. Erich's transformation of a modest startup into a thriving business spanning multiple markets is a testament to his skill. He has been a key figure in the development of the CTSP (Certified Tree Care Safety Professional) program, emphasizing safety and education. With a tenure on the TCIA board and a deep passion for the industry, Erich's influence and dedication have been pivotal in the exponential growth and enviable reputation of Schneider Tree Care.
As Vice President of Sales and Marketing for RC Mowers, Tim Kubista specializes in revenue growth, acquisition, sales training and building dealer networks for the company. He has led three companies to inclusion on the Inc. 5000 list, including RC Mowers, and came to the company with vast knowledge of the commercial mowing and allied equipment industry. Tim is a former South Dakota Small Businessperson of the Year. For more information about RC Mowers, visit www.rcmowersusa.com.
Paul T. Imbarrato is the CEO and Founder of Let It Grow, Inc. and a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the landscape construction industry, specializing in civil site and landscape construction. Paul has built a reputation for driving innovation and excellence in every project he leads. His unique ability lies in building strong team leaders to plan, execute and deliver.
Outside of his professional commitments, Paul is a dedicated family man, cherishing the time he spends with his wife and three children. His weekends are often spent exploring the outdoors, where he enjoys skiing, golfing and pickleball, believing in the importance of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being and family time. Additionally, Paul is dedicated to exercise and keeping fit while eating sensibly. This blend of professional dedication, family commitment, and personal interests underscores Paul's holistic approach to life, making him a respected figure both in and out of the workplace.
Curtis Atkinson, Founder and CEO of Sunline Landscape, has more than 25 years of experience in the green industry. He founded Sunline Landscapes in 2002 with the vision to create luxury landscapes like no other.
Curtis found his passion for entrepreneurship and for the green industry while mowing lawns for the neighborhood at a young age. He realized quickly that he had a talent for creating designs for beautiful outdoor spaces. With a driven mindset and hard work, he has grown that talent into a thriving business that focuses on building relationships and caring for his clients and his team alike.
He is grateful and humble to have built lasting friendships with top home builders, designers, and clients, but most importantly with his team. His greatest job lies in providing and developing opportunities for his team and seeing them succeed.
Outside of Sunline, Curtis is all things family. He has been married to his wife Taria for coming on 18 years and spends his time mountain biking, skiing, boating and cheering his kids on from the sidelines at cheerleading and soccer competitions.
Willard is a distinguished AI expert and has held significant roles as an engagement strategist and product engineer at renowned organizations such as Netflix, HorizonPWR, and TruHearing. His expertise spans across gamification, development, and production on all major platforms, establishing him as a leader in the field. Willard believes that technology has evolved beyond being merely a crucial tool; it represents a mindset, a behavior, and, increasingly, a lifestyle that transcends generations. His insights into how AI can bridge the gap between business operations, people, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs) highlight his strategic approach to leveraging technology for competitive advantage.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Willard's upbringing in a U.S. Marine Corps family instilled in him a flexible understanding of home, enriched by diverse cultures and backgrounds experienced through living in various parts of the world. He currently calls Snowflake, Arizona, his home. Among his numerous accomplishments, Willard takes particular pride in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and his service in Paraguay as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His fluency in Spanish is a testament to his commitment to engaging with and understanding diverse communities.
With over a decade of military service followed by 16 years in Corporate America, I recently channeled my expertise into founding a Private Equity firm. This initiative leverages my rich experience in the healthcare industry, where I excelled in sales, business development, and strategic planning, particularly in areas like Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology. My educational background, with a BS in Pre-Med/Social Science and an MBA, coupled with specialized training in venture capital and private equity from Columbia Business School, has been pivotal in shaping my approach to business leadership.
The firm, Syndicate Venture Group, founded two years ago, is committed not only to generating investor returns but also to a philanthropic mission focused on supporting veterans and underrepresented entrepreneurs through community mentorship and economic development. This venture embodies my dedication to integrity, excellence, and a passion for fostering inclusive growth in both the business and social sectors.
Born and raised on Maui, Kaimalu Stanich is a proud holder of a Masters in Landscape Architecture as well as a bachelors in Environmental Design. Kaimalu is a founding member and was president (2021) of the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. With a passion for indigenous flora and sustainable practices, Kaimalu can be found experimenting with new landscaping techniques and cutting-edge organic solutions.
Raised in Honolulu, Christian is a graduate of Punahou School, the Richardson School of Law, and the Shidler College of Business where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate and a Masters in Business Administration. Christian has brought his knowledge of the electrical movement from his time working at Tesla Motors to help advance Lē’ahi Landscaping in the areas of automation and electrification. Christian is an avid waterman and can be found surfing poorly all around the island of Oahu.
Megan Wright, masLabor’s Senior Director of Industry Relations, ensures each client is comfortable and confident with the H-2 program prior to enrolling. She stays up on all of the regulatory and compliance requirements, which is an ever-moving target. While Megan focuses on the company’s business development, communications, and public affairs functions, she enjoys staying on the road educating folks on how the H-2 visa can save their businesses. She most recently served in a government consulting role for Booz Allen Hamilton at the U.S. Department of labor. She received her dual B.A. in International Politics and French from Virginia Tech and is both a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and a licensed Project Management Professional (PMP).
I'm Rob Peppin, immersed in the pool industry since my youth in Northern California. Introduced by my father, I've worked in various facets, eventually co-owning multiple pool-related companies and a few other startups. Now living in Charleston, South Carolina. Beyond pool construction, I've developed a passion for the business side. Now overseeing nearly a hundred employees, I dedicate my time to expanding our teams, integrating technology, and creating opportunities. Our companies have won business awards year over year in growth and customer satisfaction. Constant learning and growth drive me, and I enjoy sharing knowledge. I find solace in hiking, reaching both metaphorical and physical peaks. My motto: "There's always room for improvement, internally and externally, in everything you do.”
My name is Brian Peppin, and I am an entrepreneur. I co-own six corporations that are all based around swimming pools. I enjoy working on the expansion of these core businesses into new markets and developing new tools for our team members to be more efficient in their day-to-day work. We have been voted the best swimming pool company in multiple markets and one of the top 50 fastest-growing businesses in South Carolina for numerous years. I currently reside in Charleston, SC, and enjoy spending time with friends and family and traveling as much as possible.
Tom Heaviland is an accomplished professional in the landscape management industry, holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bemidji State University. He is certified by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) as a Landscape Industry Certified Manager (LICM) and Technician (LICT), and has participated in the Trailblazer Program as a Green Industry Consultant.
He founded Heaviland Landscape Management in 1985, leading it as Owner and President until its acquisition by BrightView Landscapes in 2019. Under his leadership, the company reached $15 million in annual sales and earned recognition for ethics and industry excellence, including the BBB Torch Award and being named an NALP Landscape Industry Accredited Company.
Post-acquisition, Tom worked in Mergers & Acquisitions and New Market Development at BrightView Landscapes from 2021 to 2023. He currently serves as CEO of Verde Property Services, Inc.
Dedicated to community service, Tom is a current member of the Board of Directors for Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation and has held various leadership roles in industry-related associations, including the California Landscape Contractors Association San Diego Chapter and NALP.
TEAMWORK, EXCELLENCE & PURPOSE are a few of the key ingredients that has fueled the incredible growth at LOVING, according to founder and CEO, Mike Haynes. Mike’s simple and humble start as a middle schooler with a dream and a push-mower in the early 2000’s has led to what has become one of the fastest growing and largest landscaping and sod farming organizations in the US. Mike credits his gifted and hardworking TEAM and their extremely loyal CLIENTS as the two key groups of people that have enabled LOVING to achieve such rapid growth. Mike is a strong believer that anyone, can accomplish anything, with the right attitude and work ethic. In his free time Mike loves spending quality time with friends and family!
As the company’s founder, Allen has been instrumental in developing and incorporating the mission, vision, and values of APHIX. Today Allen focuses his time and energy on the development of the team, strategic planning, and acquisition growth to ensure that all are aligned with APHIX mission. Allen is passionate about building a brand that makes a difference in the lives of the employees, clients, and community.
Chris Stone is Founder and MD of Bushy Business Ltd, a UK-based company offering design, hard and soft landscaping, and horticultural services to the domestic market, since 1996. He runs the company with his wife Jo and his brother David, both have shared the many ups and downs of building the business.
Now in its 28th year and built on a strong positive culture of always doing the right thing and looking after its people, the company and its 30-plus staff look forward to continuing growth. With plans to move into irrigation services and to understand more about the possibilities of the autonomous mowing market the business is keen to look abroad to see what different parts of the world can teach us.
Jarrett Herold is co-founder and COO of VC-backed startup Electric Sheep, the first large-scale outdoor maintenance company powered by artificial intelligence and robotics.
Jarrett’s career began in the landscaping industry, working in the Brickman world until heading to the Bay Area where he started his entrepreneurial journey into the tech industry. Prior to that, Jarrett was at KKR consolidated Brightview, within their Operations Excellence team (OpX) where he recognized the unique opportunity available to combine these two worlds.
https://sheeprobotics.ai/
If there’s one thing that sets Chris apart from the crowd, it’s the way that he makes it clear that he’s rooting for you.
For the TRT team, that means giving everyone access to training, opportunities to learn and grow, and coaching.
For our clients, it means getting the IT, cybersecurity, and compliance tools in place to scale up, answering tickets speedily, being available to consult on IT strategy, and making sure to support clients through tough times. Whatever it is that you are trying to do, Chris will do whatever he can to help make it happen.
He enjoys helping clients understand how to fill the gaps in their technology stack and the most efficient way to use IT, compliance, and cybersecurity to protect businesses and help teams meet their goals. He particularly enjoys working with small IT teams who need project assistance or a backup team.
He’s been featured in MSP Success magazine and X4 Tech Talks podcast.
Chris lives in Colorado and enjoys boating, surfing, lounging lakeside, and scuba diving with his wife and daughters.
Mike Mason, CEO and chairman of TELSCO Industries, dba Weathermatic, and its subsidiaries, led Weathermatic to become the world leader in water conservation technology and labor automation. Telsco Industries’ portfolio of companies includes Weathermatic, Unlimited Labor Solutions, SmartLink, and Water Engineering Services. Twenty-nine years ago, Mason took over a beleaguered Weathermatic and grew it into the industry icon it is today, setting new industry standards and becoming the undisputed leader in innovation technology and automated labor processes. Mason’s background is replete in accomplishments in investment banking and high-stakes corporate turnarounds. His exceptionalism led him to work closely with The Hunt family of Dallas, TX, and the Cox and Rollins families of Atlanta, GA. He is accredited with successful turnarounds, mergers, capital raises and acquisitions including Anchor Crane and Hoist, Blockbuster Video, Alert - alarm monitoring, Blockbuster Video, Hartland Cable Television, and the introduction of Cox Cable into the fiberoptics world via PSO Metrolink of Dallas and Oklahoma. Today, Weathermatic large network of professional landscape contractors, comprised of well over half the Top 150 contractors in the country, many of which have reported a doubling of their profits by focusing on irrigation repair revenue through Weathermatic SmartLink Network.
According to Malcolm Morris, former Chairman of Weathermatic “Weathermatic is poised to become one of the most valuable companies in the landscape industry in the next four years due to its innovative technology, rapid market growth, and state-of-the-art technology automating water management and labor for landscape contractors.” Most recently, Mason founded Unlimited Labor Solutions, a thriving immigration consulting company paving the way for legal immigration into the United States by converting H2B seasonal workers into permanent labor. Mason made it his mission, via Unlimited Labor, to utilize his extensive connections, resources, and business acumen to take the lead in addressing the labor crisis through coupling proven SmartLink automation with Unlimited Labor’s immigration resources. Mason is currently the Chairman of Save Water Give Life Foundation and on the Board of Directors of Living Water International and served over two decades on the Board of Directors of Freedom Alliance. As an inspirational speaker, he frequently promotes servant leadership, conservative values, mentorship, and entrepreneurialism.
After graduating from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Mike began his career in the design/build division of Davis Landscape Contractors. He moved to The Brickman Group a short time later, where he helped pioneer their branch model. During his 23 years with Brickman, he saw annual revenue increase from $40 million to $850 million, creating a network of branches across the United States. He was active in developing new markets, engaged in all aspects of mergers and acquisitions, led corporate functions for marketing and employee development, and served Brickman as their Executive Vice President during his last seven years.
Today he is the CEO of LandCare, one of the industry’s largest national landscape maintenance companies. At the helm of LandCare, Mike sets the tone for growing the next generation of leaders who will innovate the future of the landscape industry. He believes a strong culture based on core values is integral to building strong successful teams. Mike’s leadership style focuses on people. “People who believe deeply that they are part of a great team and engaged in a meaningful mission will commit courageously to the business’ success.”
Tim Spihlman brings 20+ years of senior leadership experience across a variety of industries. Starting his career in accounting and finance in St. Louis, Tim has worked for companies in the service, technology, manufacturing and chemical sectors ranging from startup mode to a global business with over $6B in revenue. After many years as an operator of businesses, he recently switched career paths to be an investor in businesses, focusing on working with founders and leaders of businesses under $100 million in revenue. He is currently the Managing Director of Lewis and Clark Capital and Lewis and Clark Ventures, managing over $300 million in investments across over twenty companies. Tim serves on nine different boards, including a family owned business in the green industry. He is also on the Board of a not for profit organization improving the lives of children in Haiti and on the Board of an alumni association at his alma mater, Bradley University.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is a CPA. He and his wife Jenny enjoy spending time with their four children and traveling.
Timothy Trimmer is the President of Professional Grounds, Inc., a prominent commercial landscape company located in Fairfax, Virginia, just outside of the bustling Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a lifelong dedication to the field of landscaping and over two decades of experience, Timothy's journey from a humble crew member at the age of 16 to the helm of the company is a testament to his remarkable commitment and expertise. Having assumed the role of President in 2017, Timothy Trimmer has steered Professional Grounds, Inc. towards unparalleled growth. Under his leadership, the company has nearly tripled in size within a short span, a testament to his strategic acumen and dedication to excellence. Timothy is an alumnus of Elon University, where he graduated in 2003. His education laid the foundation for a career characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and growth. Beyond his impressive professional journey, Timothy Trimmer is known for his unwavering passion for the well-being and development of his employees. He places a premium on their career growth, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. This commitment extends to his relentless pursuit of creating efficient systems that empower his employees to work more effectively, ensuring that Professional Grounds, Inc. remains at the forefront of the competitive landscape industry. Timothy's leadership at Professional Grounds, Inc. exemplifies a harmonious blend of business acumen, compassion for his team, and a dedication to creating a thriving and sustainable work environment. His journey from the ground up is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for his craft.
Chad Diller is a 25+ year green industry veteran who served in various roles from operations to sales, and marketing. Currently, he's the Vice President of Landscape Leadership, a marketing and sales agency that exclusively specializes in landscaping, lawn care, and tree service companies. Along with his team of green industry marketing specialists, they have partnered with dozens of the industry's most innovative and successful companies. Through website design, digital marketing, professional photography, and video production, they help green industry companies become true leaders in their market, both to prospective clients and team members. Learn more about their work at LandscapeLeadership.com
Thomas L. Oyler, founder and senior partner of Oyler Consulting Services, LLC, is a successful entrepreneur, real estate developer, franchise executive, business development specialist, and service contractor. These credentials are among the many qualifying him as a business innovator and thinker.
Today, Mr. Oyler is actively involved in a number of highly successful organizations he either founded or co-founded.
Present business involvements:
- Oyler Consulting Services specializes in business assessment strategies and solutions for sustained growth and profitability.
- Energy One America, a South Carolina-based spray foam insulation, mold prevention, cool roof systems, and crawl space system installer that ranks as the largest privately owned and operated in the South East/ Mid West United States, America
- Protective Coating Group, advanced coatings manufacturing company
- Treasure Coast Marina & The Old Fish House, a full-service old Florida marina, bar and restaurant on the east coast of Florida
- Oyler Development, develops retail, industrial, and flexible-use properties in Florida
- Treasure Coast Getaways, owns and operates unique vacation and long-term waterfront rental properties on Central Florida’s East Coast
- The Draft Academy ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE + REHABILITATION, specializing in enhancing the physical and mental performance of competitive, high-level athletes
Early in his career, Tom realized a passion for service industries and founded and presided over Oyler Bros. Company, a Florida-based service and specialty construction company providing landscape construction and maintenance, interior and exterior pest management, and recreational & sports facility construction & maintenance.
Past accomplishments:
- Founded Sunshine States Cypress, sold to St. Joe Company, Florida's largest specialty lumber manufacturer focusing on Cypress Lumber production.
- Founded and sold (Rentokil Corporation) – United Hospitality Group specializing in interior pest management to the hospitality trade.
- Founded and sold Oyler Bros. Company and two other organizations to Valley Crest Landscapes (Bright View), including the industry’s first landscape maintenance Franchise Company, U.S. Lawns.
- Three-time International Franchisee of the Year Award Nominee
- 1987 Business Excellence Award Winner – Orlando, Florida Chamber of Commerce
From the early days of founding Oyler Bros. Company, a recognized leader in the Southeast U.S. market, to the inception of first franchise maintenance company, which grew to encompass a franchise network reaching from coast-to-coast, and finally today as a respected business owner and mentor, Oyler’s blend of vision, entrepreneurial experience and ability to forecast and communicate market demand gives him a unique perspective to understand the issues facing today’s business owners and the challenges of operating and growing a successful business. His passion for building value innovative companies created the exceptional framework of coherent principles and practical concepts that are the foundation of his blueprint for best business practices.
Tom’s journey is not just a testament to his business acumen but also reflects his deep commitment to community and philanthropy, symbolizing the synergy of success and benevolence.
John Munie is a highly accomplished and experienced leader who has been the President of Focal Pointe since its founding over 25 years ago. He has a unique ability to create lasting relationships with clients, employees, and vendors, and his commitment to building trust and loyalty has earned him a reputation as a highly respected and admired leader in the landscape industry.
Established in 1998, Focal Pointe is a distinguished landscape design, installation, and maintenance company that caters to commercial properties in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Springfield/Branson regions. The company's clientele comprises prominent entities in the entertainment, healthcare, retail, education, corporate office, and industrial sectors. In 2022, Focal Pointe was recognized as the 116th largest landscape company in the United States by Landscape Management magazine. The company has also received multiple Top Workplace awards by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and is often on the list of Fastest Growing Companies by the St. Louis Business Journal.
Before founding Focal Pointe, John spent years working in family businesses and was fascinated by how brands connect and identify with their customers. He believed an emotional connection with customers, which can be especially powerful when supported by beautiful landscaping, was largely overlooked throughout the industry. As a result, he built the company’s foundation on a “people first” culture, creating a uniquely warm client experience and lasting relationships.
John's leadership skills extend beyond relationships, as he possesses a deep understanding of all facets of business operations. In addition to his role at Focal Pointe, John has served on the boards of multiple startup companies and nonprofit organizations, including as a charter Board Member of Aspire Software, a Service Titan Company. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Illinois State University and is an avid reader, believing in lifelong learning.
In addition to raising their four children, John and his wife Molly founded the Focal Pointe Family Foundation, which is committed to bringing hope to families navigating a traumatic life event. In his free time, John enjoys spending time outdoors, writing, and making memories with family and friends.
Frank Mariani – Founder and Executive Chairman, Mariani Premier Group
In 1973 Frank Mariani became President of Mariani Landscape at 19 years old following the tragic passing of his father, Vito Mariani, Sr. who had founded the company in 1958. Under Frank’s leadership, what began as a small residential landscape firm working primarily in Lake Forest and Highland Park has grown into an 800+ employee company that specializes in high-end residential landscape design, construction, and maintenance across the area of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond. Under Frank’s leadership, the company has received numerous awards for excellence in all aspects of landscaping. Now, Frank is leading the creation of the country’s first national, premium residential landscaping platform. Over the past 3 years, Frank has built the Mariani Premier Group into a family of well over a dozen of the nation’s finest landscaping firms with operations across the country.
Frank has served on the Board of Directors for NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals). He is also a past President of the NALP Foundation board. Frank serves on the board of several local businesses and charities. He is a Past President of the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association and was honored as Man of the Year in 1994. He has also served as President and Board Member of the Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show for over 10 years. Frank was a member of the Chicago Chapter of Young Presidents Organization and is currently a member of the World President Organization. In 2009 he was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
Matt Lavin is the CEO of BomData. He started as a Software Engineer, and his interests quickly turned toward developing whole products to solve interesting problems. Over the last couple of years, he's been working closely with Daniel at Greenscape to help landscape companies analyze their labor data. By bringing his engineering mind and his outsider view to the landscape industry, he has been able to build BomData into an innovative solution. His vision for BomData's future goes way beyond simply visualizing data and aims to dramatically improve the efficiency of landscape businesses.
Daniel Currin is a successful entrepreneur, business leader, and prominent member of the Raleigh, NC community. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics from James Madison University in 2002, and has since dedicated his career to building successful businesses and contributing to the growth and development of the local community.
Currin is the CEO of Greenscape Inc., a leading commercial landscaping services company founded in 1979. Under his leadership, Greenscape has grown into a regional business with over 200 team members offering a wide range of landscape and property services to all segments of the commercial real estate industry. Currin's dedication to sustainability and exceptional work has led Greenscape to win numerous awards.
In addition to his role as CEO of Greenscape, Currin has served as the past president of the Raleigh Durham chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and the North Carolina Green Industry Council. Through these positions, he has been a vocal advocate for entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices, working to build strong networks and foster collaboration between businesses in the local community.
Currin is highly regarded for his vision, passion, and commitment to excellence in his work. He leads Greenscape with a focus on providing exceptional service and quality to his clients, while also ensuring a commitment to sustainability. He has built a strong team that shares his values and dedication to customer service. With his leadership and contributions to the community, Currin has established himself as a respected business leader and a driving force for positive change in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Jeff and his team have been praised by The New York Times, Forbes, and the Huffington Post for their work in landscaping at Ole Miss as well as Jeff’s book, Growing Weeders into Leaders, that reveals the secret sauce in the recipe for their success. The PGMS, Newsweek, the Princeton Review, and USA Today all designated the Ole Miss Landscape team worthy of national distinction, naming the Ole Miss campus as the nation’s most beautiful. As noted by Dan Cathy, Chairman of Board for Chick-fil-A, “Jeff reminds us that all leaders can be cultivated with the right pruning and nurturing.”
As the Director of Landscape, Airport and Golf Services at the University of Mississippi by day, a member of the National Speakers Association by night, Jeff has worked with hundreds of leaders and organizations to find the hidden leader within themselves and others. His easy-tofollow Leadership programs motivate participants to lead by example, problem solve and to engage in continuous learning and growing.
Jeff graduated from Auburn University in Horticulture, he is a Professional Certified Grounds Manager, and a Certified Arborist. Jeff knows that great leaders grow great leaders, and as a professional speaker and a member of the National Speaker Association, his message focuses on enriching, entertaining, and inspiring industry leaders looking to grow their team’s performance.
Brothers Kurt and Matt Bland grew up in an entrepreneurial household as the children of Tom and Nancy Bland in Apex, North Carolina. As founders of Bland Landscaping Company (ca. 1976), at an early age Tom and Nancy exposed Kurt and Matt to the successes and the challenges of running a family business. As young men, the boys worked in every aspect of the homegrown business from field work to estimating and financial planning. Through the late 1980’s, 1990’s and early 2000’s industry icons like Frank Ross, Kevin Kehoe, and Bruce Wilson were regular consultants for the Bland family. Exposure to these industry influencers afforded both Kurt and Matt the opportunity to explore new and forward-thinking ideas about the landscaping industry, at a time when industry maturity and consolidation was still spoken about in a future tense.
The Bland family had an agreement that both siblings needed to gain managerial experience following college before returning to the family business, affording them the chance to learn and make a conscious decision to join the company if they chose to. Following his studies in Horticulture and Ag Business Management at North Carolina State University, Kurt moved to Fremont California and worked in management for Del Conte’s Landscaping. Meanwhile, Matt studied Economics, Finance, and Accounting at North Carolina State University before going to work for IBM as a Financial Analyst. The two brothers worked briefly with their parents before Nancy became terminally ill and Tom retired in 2005.
In 2012, the brothers set out on an intentional course they’d plotted as college roommates, with a goal of growing the family’s legacy company into the leading provider of commercial landscaping services in The Carolinas. Their professional journey has taken countless unexpected twists and turns that provide a multitude of stories of their experiences leading this nearly 48-year-old business. What started as a part time endeavor from their parents’ kitchen table is now the country’s 52nd largest landscaping firm. As partners, the two successfully lead the executive team that is responsible for leading a team of more than 600 commercial landscaping professionals from nine locations around North Carolina. Since recapitalizing with Prospect Partners in 2017, they’ve gained significant experience in Mergers & Acquisitions, including successfully integrating four of North Carolina’s leading commercial landscaping companies into the platform they have built.
Kurt lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife and their Labrador Retrievers. Matt lives in Cary, NC with his wife, their two daughters, a cat, and an Australian Labradoodle. Both brothers have a passion for the outdoors and a lifelong love of boating and water related activities.
Douglass Delano is the Managing Partner at Level Green Landscape, a DC based Commercial Landscape Management Company. Doug graduated from college with a degree in Philosophy and taught High School Math and coached football for several years prior to becoming a landscaper. He has been involved in the landscape industry for 37 years, starting as a crewman doing installation and working his way up the ladder to run a Branch for Ruppert Landscape and then TruGreen when Ruppert sold. He left TruGreen and started Level Green Landscape in 2003. He is a MNLA Certified Professional Horticulturalist and a NALP Certified Manager and Technician.
Bill Hardy is a Partner at Level Green Landscaping, A DC based Commerical Landscape Management Company. He started his Landscaping career in 1983 with Ruppert landscape after attending University of MD majoring in Engineering. Bill quickly moved up the ranks from crewman to area manager in his first year with Ruppert. He continued his advancement to Branch manager with Ruppert then another 5 years with TruGreen when Ruppert sold in 1998
In 2003 he partnered with Doug Delano and together they grew the company to its present size in the greater Maryland /Virgina/Dc area. He is a NALP Certifed Manager
Bryan is a motivated, personable business professional with a forty-year track record of successful business operations and ownership. Highly educated, recognized member of Beta Gamma Sigma! Talent for quickly mastering technology, exceptional focus on innovation and growth strategies, ability to focus and develop corporate goals to achieve company Vision. Bryan has spent over 45 years in the Landscape Industry with a focus in the last 20 years on Technology and the Integration of Business process with that technology.
Paige Tisdale is the Business Developer for Dennis' 7 Dees. With a passion for Biophilic Design, Paige brings creativity and expertise to her role. She combines her deep knowledge of plants with a commitment to sustainability, creating visually stunning and environmentally responsible Interiorscapes. She works closely with Architects and Designers to create spaces the enhance wellness and function. Paige's designs have earned recognition and praise, and she continues to elevate the standard of design through her innovative work. She is also a Registered Trainer with Green Plants for Green Buildings and aims to educate others on the benefits of greenery in our built environment.
Timothy Wingate Jr. is the founder and president of G+F Business & Financial Consulting. He is a licensed Enrolled Agent and construction accountant. In May 2016, he founded G+F, recognizing the need for specialized accounting and tax services for construction companies.
Many construction businesses struggle to bridge the communication gap between their work in the field and their back office. With first-hand knowledge of the construction industry and a deep understanding of taxes and finances, Timothy provides tools, advice and financial guidance to his clients so they better understand their finances and improve their cash flow.
Timothy is a QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor and was a member of the Intuit Tax Council from 2019 to 2022. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of South Florida. He is also a member of the Construction Financial Management Association.
Timothy worked for many years with his father, a licensed general contractor since 1984, giving him plenty of first-hand knowledge of the construction industry.
Timothy lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, with his wife and three sons. There he also served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for a long-standing nonprofit.
Meet Arnaldo "Tito" Caceres, a seasoned sales leader, recruiter, and the driving force behind Bloom Partners Talent Solutions. With over a decade of experience, Tito has consistently helped clients attainbusiness success by identifying and implementing effective strategies that increase customer satisfaction and revenue. His genuine relationships with clients are a testament to his commitment and dedication.
As a specialist in the Green Industry, Tito uses his operational and management background to connect the right talent with the right roles seamlessly. He stays on top of industry trends and innovations, employing his wealth of expertise to provide bespoke solutions to clients. Tito excels in executive recruiting and consulting, with a particular emphasis on enhancing customer satisfaction. He implements scalable business systems to address clients' evolving needs and is adept at facilitating custom solutions that work best for them.
Tito's unique ability to connect with people, understand their motivations, and foster enduring relationships ensures a perfect fit for all parties involved. The creation of Bloom Partners Talent Solutions came as a natural progression for Tito, driven by his deep-seated passion for the industry and an unwavering belief in the power of relationships. Tito's values, work ethic, and unrelenting drive to form meaningful connections set him and Bloom Partners Talent Solutions apart in the recruitment landscape. Join us as we continue to build something remarkable with Bloom Partners Talent Solutions.
Byron is an accomplished entrepreneur, advisor, and speaker who has made a significant impact in the world of business. With his expertise in guiding entrepreneurs on selling a business to management and maximizing the value of their enterprises, he has become a trusted source for strategic advice and practical solutions.
Throughout his career, Byron has helped entrepreneurs unlock the full potential of their businesses and navigate the intricate process of selling to management. With his invaluable insights and proven methodologies, he has enabled entrepreneurs to not only secure lucrative deals but also ensure that they get paid fairly for their hard work and dedication. Byron's ability to simplify complex concepts and provide direct, plain-spoken guidance has earned him a reputation for being a true expert in his field.
Byron's impact goes beyond individual businesses. As a member of the prestigious Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and a former board member for the Nebraska chapter, he has actively contributed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Byron's dedication to sharing his knowledge and empowering others has led him to be a sought-after speaker at conferences for business owners. Through his engaging presentations, he has inspired countless entrepreneurs to aim higher and achieve
their business goals.
Born into a small business family, Byron developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by business owners from an early age. Growing up in the environment of his parents' small construction company, he witnessed firsthand the trials and tribulations that come with running a business. This experience instilled in him a strong sense of empathy and a genuine desire to help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Byron served in the United States Marine Corps, where he honed his discipline, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence. These qualities have become integral to his approach as a business advisor, allowing him to provide steadfast support to his clients.
When he's not immersed in the world of business, you can find Byron indulging in his passions for fly fishing and motorcycle riding. Standing in cool, clear mountain streams, casting a fly to rising trout, or cruising along two-lane highways on his antique road king, Byron finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors.
As the Founder and Managing Member of The McFarland Group, a renowned business advisory firm specializing in management buyouts and equity compensation, Byron continues to make a profound impact in the entrepreneurial landscape. Having guided over a billion dollars in business value, his expertise and track record speak volumes about his ability to drive tangible results.
With his wealth of experience, dedication to simplifying complexities, and passion for empowering entrepreneurs, Byron McFarland is a true authority in the realm of selling businesses to management and leveraging business value to win the war for talent.
Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Horticulture from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. His career includes core competencies across industry segments and operations, including wholesale nursery and botanical garden management, design-build, residential and commercial landscape services, and senior management. In his new role, Brian will support Wilson clients as a productivity advisor and training consultant, specializing in performance improvements, and work flow and value stream mapping.
Specializing in the construction industry, Frank Ross is one of the country's most highly regarded consultants. His in-depth work on several national industry financial studies along with years of hands-on experience with hundreds of the most successful companies in the country gives him unparalleled knowledge of what construction industry firms do to become profitable and what steps they must take to make money.
Actively serving on several Boards of Directors in the construction and financial communities, he is widely respected as an astute construction economist and financial consultant ,and is nationally known for his innovative techniques in the areas of strategic planning, job pricing and cash flow management.
An engineering graduate of North Carolina State University, Frank has performed postgraduate study in the fields of tax law, psychology and applied mathematics. Certified by the Institute of Management Consultants, chosen for membership in the ANLA Hall of Fame, and recognized for his many contributions in WHO's WHO IN AMENCA, he began his consulting work in the mid-sixties and, in the early seventies, was named President of the Chicago-based firm of Ross-Payne & Associates, Inc. Frank's considerable knowledge of how to adapt proven management techniques to the peculiarities of the construction industry coupled with his energized delivery make him higHy sought after as a speaker. In addition to his consulting and speaking engagements, Frank is frequently featured in industry publications concerning pertinent topics dealing with the management of construction companies in today's competitive marketplace.
Frank, his wife, Barb and family split their time between Chicago and Sarasota, Florida. He enjoys golf, skeet shooting international travel, fine wines and great food.
Mark heads up our Landscape sector at Rainbow Ecoscience. He has over 39 years of green industry experience. He’s worked with Chapel Valley as the Process Improvement Manager. He also worked with Brickman/Brightview for over 30 years in various roles including National Account Manager, Branch Manager, and Tree Manager. Mark is dedicated to providing training, technical support, client service, and education to Landscape professionals across the country. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Environmental Conservation. Mark serves on our ESOP Board of Directors.
Though he grew up around the industry—his father and uncle started R.M. Landscape, a western New York landscape company—Brett Lemcke says he was never pushed into it. But he loved it. After earning a horticulture degree at the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill—and completing an internship at Gachina Landscape Management in California—Lemcke returned to the family business, of which he is now CEO.
Lemcke and his wife, Denise, have three kids: 5-year-old Anna and 2-year-old twins Brooks and Tessa.
Joel is President of Fine Earth Landscape located in Poolesville MD. Fine Earth performs high end design build work and maintenance in the residential market in the Washington DC metro area. He is a landscape industry certified technician and manager and is a certified professional horticulturalist. Joel is a veteran serving in the Army Honor Guard, has served as President of the Landscape Contractor’s Association of MD/VA/DC and chaired the International Certification Council for NALP. He and his wife, Irene, have 4 children: JC, Jacob, Brandon, and Lauren.
Mark Bradley co-founded LMN in 2009 based on his company’s need for landscape software that didn’t exist. Now the industry’s best business management software, he credits LMN as a catalyst for helping him scale TBG Landscape from backyard business into one of the Top 100 landscape contractors in North America. Since his first lawn care customer in 1999, Mark has been passionate about educating the industry on best practices for building better businesses.
Now a sought-after speaker and business coach, he regularly shares his insight at events including GIE+Expo, Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA), the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association, to name a few. Having recently completed the transition from landscape business owner to tech entrepreneur, Mark is committed to transforming talented landscape professionals into better business owners through industry-leading software and learning opportunities.
Lex Mason, President of Weathermatic, led Weathermatic to become the world leader in Landscape Irrigation connected devices. Ten years ago, Mason came into the family business primarily focused at the time on plastic injection molding and transitioned the company into the Connected Devices and Software space. SmartLink and its suite of professional services was built to automate manual irrigation tasks, so landscape companies can grow billable hours. Mason is married to his High School sweetheart Cassie, #GirlDad to 3 amazing daughters, a car enthusiast, and obsessive entrepreneur.
Connect with Lex Mason on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexmason
Chase Mullin leads Mullin’s executive team, focusing on strategy, vision, and alignment, as the CEO. After founding the company in 2007, Chase has experience in most every position in the company.
Learning the business from the “ground up” has proven to be invaluable to Chase, and he often utilizes his experience in the field and middle management roles to empathize with Mullin’s team members and to truly serve the team. Chase’s vision for growth, not just for the company but also for the people within it, has proven to be one of the keys to Mullin’s continued success.
Brad Cox serves as the Senior Vice President of LMC Landscape Partners, in addition to his role as the CEO of Lawn Management Company (LMC)/Embark Services, an LMC Landscape Partners company. He partners with commercial landscape company acquisition founders and owners to ensure smooth transitions.
For almost two decades, Brad has led LMC/Embark Services by pursuing excellence and hiring commercial landscaping professionals who are rooted in the company’s values. The company serves more than 1,100 businesses and organizations from its six Greater Houston, Texas area locations. Prior to becoming CEO, Brad served as President for six years, after being promoted from the General Manager position that he held for almost nine years.
During his tenure, LMC has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2021 Gold Award for “MD Anderson Stormwater Mitigation Project,” two 2019 Silver Awards and two 2020 Bronze Awards given by the National Association of Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence. And most recently, the 2022 Gold Award for “Rice Village Arcade”
As founder and CEO of Aspire Software, Mark Tipton leads one of the top business management SaaS platforms. Aspire Software has earned consistent recognition as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America with inclusion on the Inc. 5000, Deloitte Technology’s Fast 500, and the St. Louis Business Journal Fast 50 lists. Since co-founding Aspire Software in 2013, Mark has assembled a best-in-class team of experts to develop, build, and scale the Aspire platform into a truly end-to-end enterprise system that leverages software, services, and education to transform the way lawn care and landscape companies manage their businesses. In January 2021, Mark led the acquisition of scheduling software application Crew Control, which extends the company's reach to green-industry businesses of all sizes. Mark is a service-oriented and open leader focused on driving rapid growth while cultivating a positive, engaged company culture that enables high-performing teams to develop key capabilities, execute value-driven solutions, and deliver exceptional user experiences
Mike Mason, CEO and chairman of TELSCO Industries, dba Weathermatic, and its subsidiaries, led Weathermatic to become the world leader in water conservation technology and labor automation. Telsco Industries’ portfolio of companies includes Weathermatic, Unlimited Labor Solutions, SmartLink, and Water Engineering Services. Twenty-nine years ago, Mason took over a beleaguered Weathermatic and grew it into the industry icon it is today, setting new industry standards and becoming the undisputed leader in innovation technology and automated labor processes. Mason’s background is replete in accomplishments in investment banking and high-stakes corporate turnarounds. His exceptionalism led him to work closely with The Hunt family of Dallas, TX, and the Cox and Rollins families of Atlanta, GA. He is accredited with successful turnarounds, mergers, capital raises and acquisitions including Anchor Crane and Hoist, Blockbuster Video, Alert - alarm monitoring, Blockbuster Video, Hartland Cable Television, and the introduction of Cox Cable into the fiberoptics world via PSO Metrolink of Dallas and Oklahoma. Today, Weathermatic large network of professional landscape contractors, comprised of well over half the Top 150 contractors in the country, many of which have reported a doubling of their profits by focusing on irrigation repair revenue through Weathermatic SmartLink Network.
According to Malcolm Morris, former Chairman of Weathermatic “Weathermatic is poised to become one of the most valuable companies in the landscape industry in the next four years due to its innovative technology, rapid market growth, and state-of-the-art technology automating water management and labor for landscape contractors.” Most recently, Mason founded Unlimited Labor Solutions, a thriving immigration consulting company paving the way for legal immigration into the United States by converting H2B seasonal workers into permanent labor. Mason made it his mission, via Unlimited Labor, to utilize his extensive connections, resources, and business acumen to take the lead in addressing the labor crisis through coupling proven SmartLink automation with Unlimited Labor’s immigration resources. Mason is currently the Chairman of Save Water Give Life Foundation and on the Board of Directors of Living Water International and served over two decades on the Board of Directors of Freedom Alliance. As an inspirational speaker, he frequently promotes servant leadership, conservative values, mentorship, and entrepreneurialism.
Zack is the CEO of Stratton and Bratt, a full-service landscaping company based in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Stratton and Bratt offers a wide range of services, including landscape maintenance, snow removal, commercial bid/build, and general contracting services. Zack started Stratton and Bratt while studying at Brigham Young University. Since that time the company has grown into one of the largest firms in the region with over 250 employees with offices throughout Utah. He is incredibly proud to work alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Zack lives in Utah with his wife and four children and loves being a dad.
Bryan is the CEO of Winterberry, a full service landscaping company based in Southington, CT. Winterberry offers a wide range of services, including landscape maintenance, fertilization, irrigation service, golf course irrigation install, commercial bid/build, residential design/build and retail. Bryan started with Winterberry in 2007 when he graduated with an undergraduate business degree from Uconn and decided he didn’t want to work behind a desk. He started as a junior landscape designer and has managed marketing, technology, and the design department at various times at Winterberry.
After completing his MBA in 2015, Bryan moved into Executive leadership at Winterberry. He has since held on for dear life as the Winterberry team has grown from roughly $10 million in revenue in 2015 to a projected $32 million in 2023. He is incredibly proud to work alongside some very talented people in a culture that allows them to grow and thrive. Bryan lives in Connecticut with his wife and two young children.
Specializing in Growth and Exit strategy planning, Jeff Harkness has spent over 20 years working exclusively with the owners of contracting and service firms.
Jeff has been the leading advisor guiding over 30 companies to exit via private equity groups or industry buyers. He has worked closely with owners on business valuation, strategic growth, profit planning, pricing strategies, capital funding, or buy-side transactions. Jeff advises clients with succession planning involving family, employees, or other related parties. He also creates strategies for owners that tie key people to the company through compensation models, phantom stock and/or bonus programs.
Jeff has been a featured speaker for many national and state trade associations, industry software companies, and executive leadership conferences. Topics have included: Business Valuations; Raising Capital for Growth; Selling Your Business; and Maximizing Your Profit. Jeff has also been a frequent contributor of articles in Landscape Management Magazine and Lawn and Landscape Magazine.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York. In addition, Jeff has obtained the Certified Financial Planner (“CFP”) designation.
Jeff, his wife Tracy and their sons Benton and Landon live in Alpharetta, GA. Jeff is a big sports fan, enjoys traveling, lake life, good wine, and spending time with family and friends.
Charlie Johnson is a dedicated and experienced landscape professional with a passion for nature. He founded Outdoor Systems Management in 2008 and he has been in the green industry for over 20 years and has built a reputation as an expert in his field, and is a member of several professional associations. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and advancements in the industry.
Charlie is a family man and is married with four children. He is dedicated to his family and enjoys spending time with them. He is an active father and enjoys traveling with his family , and also enjoys playing sports and staying fit. He is an avid golfer and can often be found on the greens of Arizona’s golf courses.
In his free time, Charlie is an active volunteer in his church and the greater community. He is involved in various community programs and initiatives and is known for his philanthropy. He believes in giving back to the community and is committed to making a positive impact.
Tom Fochtman has been involved in the green industry his entire career, spanning 41 years. He co-founded a commercial landscape contracting company that grew to $33M in revenue, selling the company in 2011. Tom has served in multiple capacities with the National Association of Landscape Professional (NALP), including 3 terms on the Board, President of the NALP Foundation and working on many task forces and committees.
For the past 12 years he has been leading Ceibass Venture Partners, an exit strategy firm. Ceibass is focused on assisting landscape company owners with the successful transition of their company, and ultimately their goal of retirement. The goal of Ceibass is to achieve the most profitable exit for their clients
Brett Gordon graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture. Over the years, Brett has found a passion for landscape maintenance and creating scalable systems and business tactics that have created a highly efficient company. Scalability, scorekeeping, accountability, and unspoken communication are the foundation for all the systems at Signature Landscape. His passion for integrity and excellence at every level of the business is allowing Signature to become the premier landscape maintenance contractor in the Oklahoma City market. Brett has a passion for being a positive influence on the families of those that work at Signature. Above all else, creating an environment of excellence and success while keeping a healthy work life balance for all is top priority.
Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator and deal-maker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience as a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author and professional speaker. He is the founder and principal of Kupfer & Associates, PLLC, a leading corporate and deal law firm; the founder and CEO of DealQuest, a speaking, training and consulting company providing negotiating and deal-driven growth programs and services; the author of the Amazon best-selling book, Authentic Negotiating, and the creator and host of the top 1.5% rated podcast the DealQuest Podcast.
“When you’re choosing a qualified partner for this type of commitment, I strongly feel it’s important to make your decision based on the leader. At the end of the day this is a trust thing and the success of our relationship falls on my shoulders.”
A natural Leader & Entrepreneur, Aiden loves to hustle, and has a strong work ethic. “It’s all I do 24/7, because I am passionate about helping businesses reach their goals. It’s in my DNA, even as a kid I was always doing entrepreneurial things like selling lemonade.”.
Aiden is driven by Adversity. Severely physically disabled with a neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). His muscles deteriorate overtime which has brought him to his current state. He has 24/7 Caregivers that help him with almost everything besides operating the business. With a life jam packed of Adversity, he claims his disability is less than 20% of that. “The toughest adversities are the ones most can’t see at face value”.
Aiden has built Green Marketing to roughly $500k annual revenue from his bed. He’s determined to take it “To a place of abundance in value for everyone involved with us”.
One of his first loves in life is STRATEGY. “I’ll forever be addicted to strategy and problem solving.”. Which is how he created most blueprints that our team executes on. “I’ve been in the industry long enough to identify the pain points and create systems that consistently fix them, over and over again.”.
With massive ambitions in life, his 1st priority is to make Green Marketing dominate as the #1 marketing partner in the industry. Onwards he looks to duplicate his systems and dominate other niches as Adversity Media. Followed by a huge leap into the world as a Public Figure. “My north star is redefining the definition of Adversity through Speaking Engagements, Authorship, and creating a humongous community of perseverance. In order to achieve these huge ambitions, I need an army of advocates. Therefore my Key Performance Indicator is building reputation. While most chase money, I chase legacy.”
Fun Facts:
– I am a huge fan of Anime and Japanese Culture.
– I have a girlfriend in the Philippines, and we’ve been together over 2yrs, while she’s worked for us over 4yrs. It’s a big goal of mine to bring her to the USA.
– I was taken out of school in the 4th grade because my family didn’t believe in schooling. That’s some more of that Adversity I talked about. I’m COMPLETELY self educated, and have developed my knowledge through pure drive and will power.
At the age of 37, the University of Mississippi hired Jeff McManus as the Director of the newly formed Landscape Services Department. As one of the most junior directors on campus, the immediate challenges that faced him were staggering - exceptionally low morale with an unacceptable lack of productivity. In many ways, the Ole Miss landscape services was actually an extreme example of the same problems facing many organizations then and today.
Jeff believed the challenges could be overcome with focused team effort. So, he established a four-step process he calls “The GROW System.” Jeff works from the position that everybody wants to be successful and they can be - by recognizing their personal potential. Great teams, Raising results, Offense scores and Winning Attitudes, these four things, formed Jeff’s GROW System.
Jeff has been praised by Forbes and the Huffington Post for his book, Growing Weeders into Leaders, where he shares how his team went from last place to being on the national stage. It wasn’t long before PGMS, Newsweek, Princeton Review, and USA Today all recognized Jeff’s teamwork and awarded their efforts with the nation’s most beautiful campus designation.
Dan Cathy, chairman of board of Chick fil A, had this to say about Jeff’s book, “…[it] serves as a guide for all current and future leaders. As a member of the leadership team at Chick-fil-A, part of my job is to help define the future of our business. One thing we have learned throughout my tenure at Chick-fil-A is that there’s a big difference between locating leaders and cultivating them. Jeff reminds us that all leaders can be cultivated with the right pruning and nurturing.”
Jeff holds a bachelor's degree in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture from Auburn University and is a Certified Arborist and Grounds Manager.
As one of the business development representatives at CompanyCam, Nicole spends her time building and nurturing partner relationships, enhancing partner network experiences through content creation, and traveling around the country to attend trade shows.
Outside of work, Nicole can be found with a book in hand or with an audiobook playing, doing some DIY project around her house (some more intense than others), or elbow-deep in dough for a new baking experiment.
Stephen Gault is founder of EcoMow Lawn & Landscape Solutions based in Dallas, TX. Founded in 2019, EcoMow is focused on providing innovative battery operated lawn and landscape services for commercial & residential customers. Stephen is also founder of Lawn Pro Digital Marketing and host of The Electric Lawn Talk Podcast. Stephen is married to his lovely wife Melissa and they have 3 wonderful children. Stephen comes to the lawn and landscape industry with a strong passion for networking with fellow landscape professionals. His humble desire to learn from his peers has helped him build a fast growing landscape business and provide customers with an experience second to none.
As one of the business development representatives at CompanyCam, Nicole spends her time building and nurturing partner relationships, enhancing partner network experiences through content creation, and traveling around the country to attend trade shows.
Outside of work, Nicole can be found with a book in hand or with an audiobook playing, doing some DIY project around her house (some more intense than others), or elbow-deep in dough for a new baking experiment.
Roger Braswell is a self-described “serial entrepreneur.” Having launched over a dozen successful operating companies in his 54-year career, the title is well deserved. More importantly, Roger and his daughter, Angela Quinn, co-founded Give Hope Global, which provides education for over 1,000 students and operates community health programs in Haiti and Ghana. He is passionate about succeeding in business to provide resources for helping people in difficult circumstances become all their ambition and talent will allow them to be.
The companies he has founded or co-founded include Braswell’s Landscape Co., The Village Nursery, Southern Tree and Landscape Co., LandCare USA, PowerHouse Equipment, SiteWork Systems, Compact Power Equipment, Compact Power Services, Turf Today, HuntWell Homes, and others. Companies he has acquired include The Southern Shade Tree Co., Mertz Manufacturing, DOC Services, and Bentwood Farms. He has served on the boards of numerous industry trade groups, many non-profits, and corporate boards of mid-market private equity–owned companies.
A committed Christian and family man, Roger is active in his church and his community. Writing this book has been a longtime dream and a major item on his bucket list. Prodded by his friends and co-workers to tell his story, he decided to “step into the moment” and write a book about it!
Clean Scapes was founded in 2005 and quickly became the fastest-growing company in Central Texas. We have since opened additional locations in San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth.
Our founders were driven by a lifetime working in, and passion for the commercial landscape industry. With a unique understanding of the value of quality labor, we recognize that our employees are critical to the continued success of our clients’ projects, and therefore Clean Scapes. As such, in 2021, we transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Today, we are the largest commercial landscape company based in Texas with nearly $100M in revenue expected in 2022. We are Texas’ most trusted commercial landscape partner, working on some of the most high-profile and complex projects in the region.
Described as a mentor, advisor and true friend, Bruce Wilson stands as one of the visionaries in the landscape business, with insights and expertise developed over forty years. He’s quietly played a major role in leading the transformation of the industry from small, family-run operations to larger, dynamic companies driven to the highest performance standards.
Never the center of attention, Bruce listens intently, asks probing questions and facilitates the most effective paths to success. According to an industry colleague, “his ability to get to the heart of the matter and to offer constructive, experiential advice is truly standard setting.”
As founder of Bruce Wilson & Company, Bruce has brought together many of the industry’s most accomplished business owners, as well as the next generation of energized thought leaders.
Bruce served for three decades as president of ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance and vice president of its parent corporation, ValleyCrest Companies (BrightView). Prior to rebranding as Bruce Wilson & Company in 2015, he was co-owner and partner Wilson-Oyler Group. He was also co-owner of the Palm Desert, Calif.-based prestigious commercial landscape services company, Conserve LandCare.
Bruce Wilson & Company has been the official facilitating partner for NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) peer groups since 2013.
During his career, Bruce has held numerous industry leadership positions, including serving on the Board of Directors for the NALP’s Foundation and chairing the association’s landscape management committee.
Bruce holds a degree from Cornell University in Ornamental Horticulture. A resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, Bruce is a nationally recognized author, a frequent guest speaker and panelist at green industry events, and a monthly columnist for Lawn & Landscape magazine.
Chris Lee is the president of EarthWorks and has over 24 years of green industry experience. He has worked for EarthWorks since 1998 and is a certified apartment supplier, licensed irrigator (LI 18300), and licensed pesticide applicator (#078546).
Chris studied business at the University of Arkansas, and horticulture and landscape design at Tarrant County College. In 2000 Chris completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University. He also is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Institute. He is also pursuing ongoing education through the Texas A&M Agrilife System.
Jerry Schill founded Schill Grounds Management in 1993, and as CEO he sets the strategic vision for the company and makes executive and financial decisions that drive profitable growth and scale.
Beginning in 2020, Jerry partnered with Argonne Capital to proactively drive consolidation in the highly fragmented commercial grounds management and snow and ice removal industry by acquiring independent privately held businesses that add contiguous geographic expansion for Schill.
Jerry has three decades of leadership experience, and he believes in running the business with family values, integrity, respect and honesty. He also holds leadership positions with industry professional organizations including serving as an active member of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association’s Government Affairs Committee and the Ohio Landscape Association’s Snow and Ice Committee.
Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Glenville State College. He is also the founder of Holiday Feast, an annual event that provides free meals for thousands of people in the Cleveland area. Jerry’s contributions to the industry were recognized when he was chosen for the National Leadership Award by SNOW Magazine and Lawn & Landscape Magazine.
Neville Stein, 61 trades as ‘Neville Stein Horticultural Business Consultant’. Primarily working in the ‘land based’ sector Neville has become recognized as an expert business consultant amongst SMEs and family enterprises and has worked with a wide range of organizations both in the UK and internationally including Ireland, Israel, Eastern Europe and China.
Beginning his career in the UK nursery industry in 1977 Neville completed a Diploma in Nursery practices at Pershore College of Horticulture, UK. After leaving college he had a variety of positions in the nursery stock industry before becoming a sales manager for Notcutts Nurseries who were, at the time of Neville’s employment, the UK’s largest plant production nursery.
Neville left employment in 1995 to establish a unique and specialist business consultancy practice working with nurseries, garden centers and landscapers. Whilst establishing this business he also graduated with an MBA.
Today, Neville is still operating full time in the sector but principally spends his time educating the horticultural managers of the future and his educational portfolio includes assessing on the prestigious master of Horticulture for the Royal Horticultural Society, The Kew Diploma and the Institute of Leadership and Management. When not involved in education he still provides consultancy to selected clients in addition to writing for many of the UK’s leading trade publications
Drew grew up in San Diego, California and chased his childhood dream of becoming a Major League Baseball Player up through his late twenties. In October of 2015 he shifted careers, joining his father at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, a 16 time National Best Practices Independent Insurance Agency with a focus on the Green Industry.
Drew and his team are relentless in their effort to bring process, foresight, and strategy into the insurance services space for landscape businesses.
In his personal time, Drew enjoys spending time outside with his Wife Lauren, Children Avery and Henry, Staffy Amiga, and 12 chickens.
Jim is a passionate and innovative leader. His primary focus for over 30 years has been to help his team, clients, and company achieve their respective goals. He has experience in all facets of building and operating a high-performance landscape company.
Jim received his Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and began his career with Post Properties as a Landscape Designer. In 2001, Jim bought the company from Post and created HighGrove Partners, one of the largest landscape companies in the southeast with over 200 employees.
Jim has been an active member of the landscape industry. He has served on the Board of Directors for NALP, where he also served as president from 2014 to 2015. In addition, he is a past president of the NALP Foundation. Jim loves to help people grow in this industry and is a frequent speaker at various events throughout the country.
Andrew Bray is a driven Government Relations professional and a tireless advocate with over 15 years of legislative, regulatory, campaign and legal experience. Andrew is currently the Vice President of Government Relations at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). In this role Andrew leads all legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level. Andrew routinely engages Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, Regulatory Agencies and industry coalitions to craft policy initiatives that protected the interests and needs of the landscape industry. Prior to joining NALP Andrew also worked in a government relations capacity for the National Pest Management Association, North American Meat Institute and the Grocer Manufacturers Association.
In addition to working in trade associations Andrew honed his policy, advocacy and political skills while working on Capitol Hill in a Congressional Office and while working on multiple Federal, State and local campaigns. Andrew earned his law degree in 2013 and maintains an active license to practice law in Virginia.
Verne Harnish is founder of the world-renowned Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), with over 16,000 members worldwide, and chaired for fifteen years EO’s premiere CEO program held at MIT, a program in which he still teaches today.
Founder and CEO of Scaling Up, a global executive education and coaching company with over 200 partners on six continents, Verne has spent the past four decades helping companies scaleup. He’s the author of the bestseller Mastering the Rockefeller Habits; authored The Greatest Business Decisions of All Times," for which Jim Collins wrote the foreword; and wrote Scaling Up (Rockefeller Habits 2.0) which has been translated into 22 languages and has won eight major international book awards including the prestigious International Book Award for Best General Business book. His latest book, Scaling Up Compensation, rocketed to the #1 HR book on Amazon.
Verne also chairs the annual ScaleUp Summits and serves on several boards including vice chair of The Riordan Clinic; co-founder and chair of Geoversity; and board member of the social venture Million Dollar Women. A private investor in many scaleups, Verne enjoys piano, tennis, and magic as a card-carrying member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Contact Donna Whitwell, donna@scalingup.com or Verne Harnish vharnish@scalingup.com
Ron and his wife Sally were operating a small garden center when in 1966, a chance encounter landed them a lifechanging contract doing landscape restoration work for a local utility. Over the next 53 years they grew Kujawa Enterprises, Inc. (KEI) into a nationally recognized, four-season, full-service commercial landscape management company serving Southeastern Wisconsin.
Ron was an early member and active leader in ALCA (now NALP), serving in several capacities, including president. Even at 90 years old, he still regularly attends industry events. Within ALCA, Ron is most proud of uniting three major trade groups (ALCA, PLCAA and PGMS) in 1989 to create the Green Industry Conference and being recognized by his industry peers as the third recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ron is an avid big game hunter, fisherman, international traveler, and devout basketball fan of his alma mater Marquette University.
Bob graduated from Oregon State University in 1983. After 17 years working for working in the industry, Bob started Pacific Landscape Management in 2001. In 22 years, Pacific, based in Portland Oregon has grown to manage over 1,000 commercial and HOA properties with a staff of 350 working out of 4 branch offices. In 2022, they expanded to Seattle, acquiring 2 companies adding 3 new branch locations150 employees. Combined 2022 revenue is estimated at $50 million.
Bob is Landscape Industry Certified and a firm believer in the value of community and industry association membership and involvement. He is past president of the Oregon Landscape Contractors Association and former chair of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, and is the outgoing president of NALP.
Pacific’s growth has been facilitated by developing and honoring an educated, motivated team. Their philosophy has always been people first, supporting, developing, and honoring their great so they can serve their customers with inspired and motivated service. They firmly believe that it takes great team to produces great results, serve and please clients, grow their business, and maintain profitability.
Joy started her career with Citigroup Capital Market in New York, she then joined the venture capital industry with a focus on early-stage investing after graduating from London Business School with an MBA. Joy is an investment professional with 10+ years of experience in public and private markets, with cross-sector expertise in consumer Internet, Fintech, and Blockchain. In 2020, Joy left VC to work on her own entrepreneurial projects. Joy joined CC Token at the very beginning of the journey as COO. She is also an advisor to several technology startups.
Before John founded Focal Pointe in 1998, he spent years working in family businesses and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University. Even at a young age, John was fascinated by how brands connect and identify with their customers – a concept he felt was largely overlooked in the landscape industry. Since our beginning, John has been committed to building a humble service organization that is built around the client experience. Under this philosophy and John’s ongoing leadership, Focal Pointe has grown into an industry leader and cares for many of the most prestigious properties in the Midwest. In addition to raising their four children, John and his wife Molly, Co-Chair the annual Focal Pointe Charity Golf Tournament, which raises money for local families in need.
Alan Miltz has dedicated his life to helping business leaders and everyone in their team love the numbers. Revenue is vanity, Profit is sanity and Cash is king (or queen) are usually his opening words.
Alan is a co-author of the global best-selling book by Verne Harnish, Scaling Up (having written the financial component of the book).
Alan believes that running a business is like managing a sports team, everyone needs to know the score. Every business wants to scale up their profit, cash and value. The Power of One developed by Alan and the team at Cash Flow Story is the code of your company. How many 1% or 1-day changes do you need to make to achieve your desired financial results.
Everything Alan has developed has had one common theme – to make the complex simple. As a founder of Inmatrix (known as Optimist software) in 1998, which is now the global standard for over 500 banks in more than 50 countries. And more recently co-founding Cash Flow Story which allows non-financial individuals to easily analyse and improve business Profit, Cash & Value. This has helped 1000’s of businesses to scale 2xProfit, 3xCash and 10xBusiness Value.
Alan has been voted best speaker in Australia for TEC (the world’s largest CEO forum) and continues to speak at many CEO conferences globally including: CEO syndicate in Australia, Entrepreneurs Organisation and YPO. He also sits on the boards of 15 well-recognised companies globally.
To engage with Alan please visit www.alanmiltz.com
Eric started the company in 1983 while still a sophomore at Delaware Valley College. After graduating in 1985 with a BS in Ornamental Horticulture and Minor in Business, he steadily grew Duke’s Landscape Management into an industry star in New Jersey and the United States.
Eric has always played a major role in trade associations both state and national. Eric is one of the few individuals in New Jersey to hold the Certified Landscape Professional Certification, which is only attained after passing an extensive exam on insurance, risks, and business law. In 2011, Eric earned his LEED Green Associate Designation from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Eric’s goal with Dukes has always been to build and maintain a professional company where its clients and staff feel respected and appreciated. In addition to running a successful company, Eric also finds time to the volunteer in the community. He served on the Hackettstown Regional Medical Center (HRMC) Board of Director’s and held a term as President of the Foundation. In his spare time, Eric enjoys salt water fishing, coaching youth teams, skydiving and white-water rafting.
David’s professional background includes over 30 years in mid-market business ownership and management. As owner, CEO or second-in-command his teams consistently scaled new business and operations in several industries.
In 2012 David founded strategy firm Growth Factor Group, Inc. focused on assisting lower mid-market CEO/Owners providing services for impact and scale. In 2019 he also joined the Bruce Wilson & Company team as Talent Acquisition Practice Leader to their green industry clients looking to expand strategically with top-tier talent within their landscape contracting businesses.
In recruiting and talent acquisition David has recruited and placed over 200 professionals ranging from C-level to management to specialty skilled roles in entrepreneurial mid-market companies throughout the U.S. in varied industries. With a focus on “Making A Difference” with Growth Factor Group, he has facilitated over 200 CEO monthly peer group and strategic planning meetings. In over 1,000 one-on-one coaching and senior leadership team sessions has helped CEO/Owners navigate growth initiatives, employee issues, owner transitions and work/life balance.
David has a BS in Industrial Design from Arizona State University, and resides in Greenville, SC with his wife. He’s active in his church, local education fundraising and has completed the IRONMAN Florida competition while maintaining a passion through fitness, cycling and running.
ONE HIT WONDER: The Real-Life Adventures Of An Average Guy And Lessons He Learned Along The Way
By Kevin Kehoe
Publisher: Izzard Ink Publishing
Publication date: November 2021
Price: $22.95 / trade paper
ISBN: 978-1-642-28072-2
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS PAVED WITH MANY ADVENTURES
Entrepreneur Shares Lessons Learned In Business, Life, Love, And Travel
Kevin Kehoe is a self-described average guy who has achieved the extraordinary through discipline, diligence, effort, and courage. In his autobiography, ONE HIT WONDER: The Real-Life Adventures Of An Average Guy And Lessons He Learned Along The Way, Kehoe tells of his successes and failures in a life that has spanned growing up in a large Irish Catholic household on Long Island, his aspirations to play pro football, his career as a successful entrepreneur and consultant, and his battle with cancer.
Kehoe’s adventures are written in thirty-seven chapters, each a separate event with some small insight about life, people, and business. Readers will laugh and cry; some might even see themselves. Kehoe believes that everybody shares many of the same experiences over the course of a lifetime. Despite inhabiting a planet crowded with more than seven billion people, there’s a fairly narrow range of human behavior that makes what happens in day-to-day life somewhat predictable.
“Without taking the time to examine who and what they are, and what they believe, people may shortchange themselves and miss out on the many opportunities life presents that can make one feel worthwhile and, ultimately, happy with themselves. The unexamined life is a recipe for the alternative,” says Kehoe.
Kehoe has a love for all things business. When his daughter was seven, she defiantly pronounced, “You’re not the boss of me!” He used an organizational flip chart from his consulting business to teach her, that yes indeed, he was the boss. And he teaches readers that everybody works for somebody.
In 2013, Kehoe co-founded Aspire Software based on the belief that the landscape industry needed a completely cloud-based mobile platform. Prior to co-founding Aspire Software, he was a nationally recognized consultant for more than 35 years, including 26 years in the landscape industry at Three Point Group. During that time Kehoe, who was widely known for his sales system and benchmarking expertise, provided practical advice to more than 250 landscape contractors in the areas of sales and financial management, budgeting, and pricing as well as merger and acquisition.
His friends describe him as a man who is humble and grounded with a clear sense of self, and who has used this ability and clarity to positively impact others and help them in their lives. With humor and irreverence Kehoe shares glimpses into his personal life including daring escapades, marriage, divorce, parenting, friendships, regrets, and dreams. He doesn’t hold much back. Kehoe thinks deeply and takes people to places where they cannot go on their own. When things are important, he goes all in. He perseveres. He is living proof that an ordinary guy can accomplish the extraordinary.
Told with humor and candor, ONE HIT WONDER is an uplifting read, drawing from a myriad of stories and anecdotes, that proves people have the power to determine their own fates by playing to their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
# # #
About the Author
Kevin Kehoe has worked in the hotel, restaurant, business consulting, and software industries. He co-founded Aspire Software based on the belief that the landscape industry needed a completely cloud-based mobile platform offering true, end-to-end functionality that was supported by a comprehensive customer success program. Prior to co-founding Aspire Software, he was a nationally recognized consultant for more than 35 years. Kehoe is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, Southern Methodist University, and ASU Thunderbird School. He is a husband, father, and cancer survivor who loves motorcycles, playing golf, and surfing.
For more information please visit onehitwonder.site
Contact: Lori Ames
lori@theprfreelancer.com
631-539-4558
or
Christina Czachor
christina@theprfreelancer.com
631-539-4558
Thom Singer is a keynote speaker who combines a robust mix of actionable content with a high-energy delivery style. He is the author of twelve books on the power of business relationships, networking, presentations skills, legal marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the host of the popular “Making Waves at C-Level” (and is also the paid host for three association and company podcasts). Thom inspires audiences to move beyond the superficial connections of “likes”, “links”, “shares “ and “follows”. In our social media crazed world we can never forget that people will still do business with those they know, like, and trust.
With more than thirty years of experience in marketing, starting new businesses, business development, product innovation and scaling businesses, Stuart Ross is an experienced director, strategist, business coach, author and non-executive director.
Stuart started his career as a fashion buyer with Arcadia, before joining UK health and beauty brand, Boots. Here he won numerous marketing industry and product innovation awards around the world following a range of retail innovations, including the launch and management of the brand in Japan, the development of the hugely popular lunchtime meal deal, as well as the launch of the Boots website.
After a successful corporate career Stuart founded High Growth in 2012. Working with a network of coaches in the UK and America, he built High Growth into one of the leading UK business coaching practices achieving consistently outstanding results, with more than 2,500 businesses.
Today, Stuart is continuing his work as a non-executive director, best-selling international author, investor, lecturer and a coach to ambitious companies - as well as being featured in the BBC, Guardian and Telegraph as the go-to expert for scale up businesses
Results oriented senior sales executive with a proven track record for successful sales leadership and goal achievement. Led the nation in corporate sales production for three consecutive years. Earned numerous national and regional sales leadership awards. Most Valuable Team Player Award recipient. Sold business to State & Local Governments, mid – large size corporations, nationally recognized legal and consulting firms, hospitals, and other small and medium size companies in various industries.
John C. Morley is the Founder, CEO of The JMOR Connection, Inc now a 28+ year company in Franklin Lakes, NJ. When I was in college not too long ago; I realized that many were frustrated with technology but also being given bad advice. No matter whether you have never touched technology or use it daily my team and I will help you as we Make IT Easy. During 7th Grade, I started one of NJ’s largest BBS Systems to build community before there was internet with fancy formatted pages and graphics usual forms. I am also the President of The Franklin Lakes Chamber of Commerce and help to Make Our Community Better One Day at a Time™
https://linktr.ee/johncmorleyserialentrepreneur
https://youtu.be/hNaNhsr9BSk
Michael DeLon creates credibility for his clients. As America’s Foremost Authority on Credibility Marketing, he helps business owners publish a book that positions them as the expert in their field. Business owners seek out Michael to clarify their brand strategy, make them bestselling authors, and set up their profitable podcast. They use his Credibility Marketing strategies to gain more clients, get more referrals, and grow their revenue.
Michael is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of On Marketing. Since 2013, he has worked with business owners across the United States and internationally to establish and market their credibility. Michael is the husband of one and father of four. He’s a committed follower of Jesus Christ who is deeply involved in his church. You can normally find Michael investing time with his family, reading a great book, or facilitating growth in the lives of those around him.
Entrepreneur Jeff Davis went from working every night and every weekend with 80+ hour work weeks to traveling for 2 years with his family, seeing 29 countries - all while growing his business. He attributes making that life-changing leap from being stuck in the day-to-day weeds to being able to travel and focus on the vision to doing 7 particular things.
When any other entrepreneurs go through these same 7 steps, they also build dramatically more scalable businesses, they start growing their companies with more freedom to focus on the bigger impact things and they're also able to pursue other passions in their lives.
Your podcast listeners will get the opportunity to hear the founder and Chairman of a national community of entrepreneurs and CEOs pull back the curtain on 7 steps to getting out of the day to weeds of any business - so your audience can focus on the parts of their business that they love, that they are best at and that would make a much bigger impact.
Kelly has over 15 years of experience working at a residential landscape maintenance company in St. Louis, Missouri. Starting young plowing snow with her dad and mailing invoices with her mom - she was quite literally born into the green industry.
Since those early days, she’s trail-blazed nearly every position, experiencing all angles of what it takes to run a successful business. As an extrovert, she naturally gravitates to sales and marketing, but became passionate about understanding how to establish systems, then hire and train others to multiply the rewards.
In 2017, Kelly won Lawn and Landscape’s Emerging Leader Award which encouraged her to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams of creating Keldo Digital, a marketing and consulting agency specifically for the green industry. Now, she wakes up excited to help companies use technology to develop sales, marketing, and recruiting solutions that fit their individual needs.
Kelly holds a degree in Business Administration from Lindenwood University along with several certifications from N.A.L.P., Hubspot, Facebook, & Google. She has served as a mentor with the “Big Brothers Big Sisters Program” for over 9 years and volunteers regularly with The Junior League.
On a personal level, Kelly loves being outdoors and trying new things. She recently moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where she is training for a 100-mile bike ride, learning to play beach volleyball, and pursuing her Skydiving License.
Genesis Amaris Kemp is a Visionary Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Author.
A Firecracker and “Mindset Hacker” a force to be reckoned with.
Genesis is a woman that empower others to speak up for themselves. Yes, it may be challenging; yes, it may hurt. But in the long run, she desires to encourage others to help those who may not have a voice. She is a trailblazer who wants others to live out their dreams, goals, and visions. We all have been given an excellent purpose in life. It is up to us to walk it out and live victoriously!
She is multifaceted and multidimensional that cannot be contained in a box or compartmentalized.
To be a guest on her podcast go to her website, click on the GEMS Podcast tab and complete the guest form in its entirety
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Kamber moved to Greenville, South Carolina after attending Furman University. In addition to her full-time work in the nonprofit sector as a Development Director, she started her company The YoPro Know in 2018, a platform designed to be the bridge between ambitious young professionals and the companies that wish to hire them and most importantly, retain them. Kamber is the author of the Ebook "The Young Professional Guide: 7 Smart Career Decisions To Make Now To Maximize Your Young Professional Years" and offers consulting services for companies looking to increase young professional retention and engagement. In her free time, she volunteers for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Board, Meals on Wheels, and is involved in the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals group. You can find her at The Commons, on the Swamp Rabbit Trail running, or Soul Yoga
Brian D. Corbett is the Founder and Managing Partner of CCG Advisors, an Atlanta-based investment banking firm founded in 1997. He has over 25 years of experience representing the owners of successful, privately-held companies in the maximization and monetization of their companies via strategic sales, private equity recapitalizations, and ESOPS.
Mr. Corbett and his team at CCG have closed hundreds of transactions with purchase price totaling billions dollars. They have successfully represented clients in a wide range of industries covering the broad sectors of manufacturing, service, and distribution. Examples of specific transaction experience would include healthcare and professional services, consumer products, commercial and residential services, food manufacturing and distribution, building products and services, construction, facility services, telecommunications, utility services, architecture and engineering, and automotive among others.
In addition to serving clients in a wide range of industries, Brian is recognized for his national practice in the commercial landscape industry. Over the last 20 years, he and his firm have closed more transactions in the commercial landscape industry than any other firm. Through expertise and unique relationships, CCG has transitioned the industry from old-guard buyers to new, as evidenced by five market entrants acquiring their initial platform from CCG.
Brian’s intimate understanding of the issues facing family owned companies allows him to guide his clients through the complex, and oftentimes, emotional process of selling their business. By focusing on helping CCG’s clients achieve their personal and financial goals, he is known for maximizing the value of his client’s companies and establishing real and enduring client relationships.
Katie Elzer-Peters is the founder and CEO of The Garden of Words, LLC, a digital marketing firm that specializes in green industry clients. For 14 years she has helped brick and mortar and e-commerces businesses of every size (from small, family-owned to large corporations) grow and thrive in the digital age. The Garden of Words takes a broad approach to marketing plan development and implementation, blending tried and true traditional marketing techniques with new and emerging solutions. Katie and her team specialize in making digital marketing tools and tips accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.
Elzer-Peters has a B.S. in horticulture from Purdue University and a M.S. in Public Garden Management from the University of Delaware and the Longwood Graduate Program and is a member of the Society of Fellows of Longwood Gardens. Prior to opening her marketing firm, Elzer-Peters served as the Assistant Director at Airlie Gardens, Curator of Landscape at Fort Ticonderoga, and managed educational programs, marketing programs, and horticultural staff at public gardens around the United States. Katie is a frequent contributor to Green Profit Magazine, has written 12 gardening books and is a frequent speaker at green industry conferences. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking, and urban sketching.
Katie’s social media links:
instagram: @thegardenofwordsagency
Personal/self: @katie_gardenofwords
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-garden-of-words
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieelzerpeters/
Graduate of Plymouth State College (NH)
Started Swazy Alexander Landscaping in 2004 part time and went full time in 2005.
Rebranded our Fertilization division as Green Sphere, Turf, Trees, Ticks in 2016 with an organic focus. Our Tick and Mosquito control has been 100% organic for 8 years. We have an exclusive deal with Bee Safe to offer their organic lawn care products on the North Shore. Our traditional fertilization program has eliminated all synthetic fertilizers, uses fully organic products for most of the steps while providing the control products for insects and weeds.
We offer:
- Property Care
- Fertilization
- Enhancements
- Snow Removal
We are an Open Book Management company and run the Traction (EOS) model to manage the business.
We have 24 employees
Our 10 year goal is To have a culture of empowerment allowing us to be the best in our local market with 20% Net profits. We are on year 3 of this goal and on track to achieve it.
Green Sphere Training was founded (officially) in early 2022. Our goal is to bring an app to market to simplify training fertilization technicians and increase upsell.
I have been married 15 years and we have 2 boys, 14/13. We spend a lot of time mountain biking, hiking, and skiing as a family and are currently renovating a house in Vermont to do more of these!
Brian Brueggemann, former director of landscape operations at Focal Pointe Outdoor Solutions in Caseyville, Illinois, has joined the Bruce Wilson & Co. team as a productivity improvement consultant and trainer.
“In today’s competitive environment, improving workflow is key,” said Brian. “By looking at the activities landscape teams repeat all the time, we can eliminate bottlenecks and distractions, and improve factors that increase capacity and ensure consistent performance.”
“Brian is a great asset to our team,” says Robert Clinkenbeard, BW&Co managing partner, “and his work optimizing process-level improvements is a powerful tool for CEOs looking to manage profitability and speed up delivery.”
Brian says that increasing productivity and reducing costs improves the overall quality of landscape services and can help everyone from the front lines to the C-suite solve problems together. Brian is a trained horticulturist with a career that grew from the field to the corner office, so his deep understanding of how high performing businesses work, and his ability to come up with a better and more streamlined way of doing things is a plus.
Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Horticulture from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. His career includes core competencies across industry segments and operations, including wholesale nursery and botanical garden management, design-build, residential and commercial landscape services, and senior management.
In his new role, Brian will support Wilson clients as a productivity advisor and training consultant, specializing in performance improvements, and workflow and value stream mapping.
Please join us in welcoming Brian to the team.
Brian can be reached at brian.brueggemann@brucewilsoncompany.com
Carlos del Pozo is a co-founder of Team Engine HR Automation Platform for Blue-Collar Companies | Team Engine , a text-first software platform which helps companies in industries like landscaping, construction and manufacturing grow and retain their workforces. Team Engine's customer base expanded over 300% in 2021 by helping companies outcompete in a uniquely challenging labor market.
Prior to founding Team Engine, Carlos served as an Infantry Officer in the US Army and grew up in a small business family in San Diego. He lives in Boulder, Colorado.
I'm an entrepreneur and finance expert at theimpactinvestor.com. After working 10+ years in sustainable private equity and impact investing, I realized there is a significant lack of awareness regarding how to invest and where to invest your money sustainably.
Ryan is an entrepreneur and strategist with over 25 years of experience in building profitable businesses from conception within both Fortune-500 organizations as well as newly launched startups. He operates on a few key principles: “Be nice to everyone, always return phone calls, and stay in communication with everyone.
Born in Chicago, Ryan moved to Los Angeles at a young age. He took a strong interest in the film industry and made his way onto several studio lots. At age 13, a chance encounter with Ted Danson on the set of the hit TV show ‘Cheers’ developed into a friendship. At the urging of Danson, Ryan wrote and directed his short film entitled “The Question.” The film was shot on the Paramount lot and starred Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, and George Wendt. This solidified his passion for the entertainment industry.
Since 1998, Ryan has launched several companies. These include; Plan B, which helps manufacturers liquidate excess inventory, A5 Events, which organizes corporate events for large corporations and Nonprofits organizations to help raise funds with charity events, and Ideal Content which works with Fortune 500 companies producing new (and unique) high-end marketing products.
As a public face for the entertainment industry, Ryan has landed coverage both on broadcast outlets and in print. TV appearances include; the CBS Early Show, ABC7 News, and KTLA Prime Time News. He has also been featured in the Entrepreneur Magazine, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Business Journal, Moviemaker Magazine, and the New York Times.
When Ryan is not building businesses, he uses his vast experience and knowledge to speak at entertainment-industry conferences and seminars. He provides real-world advice to filmmakers and producers. He spoke about film distribution at the Burbank International Film Festival.
Ryan is highly involved in the community. He is the Executive director of the Say No To Drugs Charity Race. He also serves on the boards of Burbank YMCA and Great Toluca Neighborhood Council.
In October 2019, Ryan and his A5 Events team were recognized by the Clean Water Cause for their unending efforts to fund and raise clean water awareness. Clean Water Cause provides safe, clean drinking water to people in Africa and South America.
ONE HIT WONDER: The Real-Life Adventures Of An Average Guy And Lessons He Learned Along The Way
By Kevin Kehoe
Publisher: Izzard Ink Publishing
Publication date: November 2021
Price: $22.95 / trade paper
ISBN: 978-1-642-28072-2
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS IS PAVED WITH MANY ADVENTURES
Entrepreneur Shares Lessons Learned In Business, Life, Love, And Travel
Kevin Kehoe is a self-described average guy who has achieved the extraordinary through discipline, diligence, effort, and courage. In his autobiography, ONE HIT WONDER: The Real-Life Adventures Of An Average Guy And Lessons He Learned Along The Way, Kehoe tells of his successes and failures in a life that has spanned growing up in a large Irish Catholic household on Long Island, his aspirations to play pro football, his career as a successful entrepreneur and consultant, and his battle with cancer.
Kehoe’s adventures are written in thirty-seven chapters, each a separate event with some small insight about life, people, and business. Readers will laugh and cry; some might even see themselves. Kehoe believes that everybody shares many of the same experiences over the course of a lifetime. Despite inhabiting a planet crowded with more than seven billion people, there’s a fairly narrow range of human behavior that makes what happens in day-to-day life somewhat predictable.
“Without taking the time to examine who and what they are, and what they believe, people may shortchange themselves and miss out on the many opportunities life presents that can make one feel worthwhile and, ultimately, happy with themselves. The unexamined life is a recipe for the alternative,” says Kehoe.
Kehoe has a love for all things business. When his daughter was seven, she defiantly pronounced, “You’re not the boss of me!” He used an organizational flip chart from his consulting business to teach her, that yes indeed, he was the boss. And he teaches readers that everybody works for somebody.
In 2013, Kehoe co-founded Aspire Software based on the belief that the landscape industry needed a completely cloud-based mobile platform. Prior to co-founding Aspire Software, he was a nationally recognized consultant for more than 35 years, including 26 years in the landscape industry at Three Point Group. During that time Kehoe, who was widely known for his sales system and benchmarking expertise, provided practical advice to more than 250 landscape contractors in the areas of sales and financial management, budgeting, and pricing as well as merger and acquisition.
His friends describe him as a man who is humble and grounded with a clear sense of self, and who has used this ability and clarity to positively impact others and help them in their lives. With humor and irreverence Kehoe shares glimpses into his personal life including daring escapades, marriage, divorce, parenting, friendships, regrets, and dreams. He doesn’t hold much back. Kehoe thinks deeply and takes people to places where they cannot go on their own. When things are important, he goes all in. He perseveres. He is living proof that an ordinary guy can accomplish the extraordinary.
Told with humor and candor, ONE HIT WONDER is an uplifting read, drawing from a myriad of stories and anecdotes, that proves people have the power to determine their own fates by playing to their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
# # #
About the Author
Kevin Kehoe has worked in the hotel, restaurant, business consulting, and software industries. He co-founded Aspire Software based on the belief that the landscape industry needed a completely cloud-based mobile platform offering true, end-to-end functionality that was supported by a comprehensive customer success program. Prior to co-founding Aspire Software, he was a nationally recognized consultant for more than 35 years. Kehoe is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, Southern Methodist University, and ASU Thunderbird School. He is a husband, father, and cancer survivor who loves motorcycles, playing golf, and surfing.
For more information please visit onehitwonder.site
Contact: Lori Ames
lori@theprfreelancer.com
631-539-4558
or
Christina Czachor
christina@theprfreelancer.com
631-539-4558
Adam Hommey, Founder and Creator of The Business Creators’ Institute™, helps entrepreneurs and business creators, like you, Emancipate the POWER of INFORMATION™ and WIN at the Game of Business and Marketing™ so you can thrive from the intersection of your brilliance and passion!
For years, Adam has been the “secret weapon” in the arsenal of dozens of entrepreneurial business creators, executive marketing solution providers, and professional service providers. He hosts the wildly popular Business Creators’ Radio Show and speaks at seminars and conferences around the country.
Adam is the author of the international Amazon bestselling book Groundhog Day is an Event, Not a
Business Strategy. He is also a featured contributor in the international Amazon best-seller, Journeys to Success, The Millennial Edition.
Adam Hommey Introduces:
Groundhog Day is an Event, Not a Business Strategy: Use the S.P.R.I.N.G Formula to Unearth the Opportunities Burrowed Within Your Business (and Life)
Mike is a business leader, serial entrepreneur, and champion for the construction trades. A strategist, forming highly effective teams, creating new processes, and building winning relationships with employees, colleagues, customers, and partners. A visionary that looks to the future, embracing technology and pushing to invent and adopt new thinking in an industry that allows our modern world to live the way we do.
He has assembled a leadership team that operates his businesses in a highly professional manner. Mike's philosophy is to "...get out of the way..." and empower his leaders to create the outcomes they are all aligned around. Together they have built the largest plumbing company in Arizona, having not only survived the Great Recession but actually growing through the downturn.
Focusing on the culture of the business is critical, and one of the founding principles - "...do what you say you're going to do..." is essential to being a part of his team.
One of Mike's ambitions is to give back, and he makes himself available to those serious about their futures. He is a 10+ year member of the Entrepreneurs Organization of Arizona (EOAZ) and part of several forums, bringing something different to each group, getting something different from each in return.
He is a husband and proud father of six adult children, four of whom are employed in his businesses. They all have earned their positions and understand; business is about producing value, not an entitlement to be expected.
Jorge started out as a groundsman and literally started from the bottom up, and has experienced every aspect of the field which has given him the advantage over others in the industry. From groundsman, to driver, he went to climber, crew leader, supervisor, account manager, operations manager, finally to co-owner. Because of this, Jorge has the experience and the practical knowledge to be able to know what the job will take given any circumstances.
Patrick Lange with Business Modification Group specializes in the sale and acquisition of heating and air companies. Patrick has been an entrepreneur his entire life buying, growing, and selling businesses in multiple industries, including owning a residential heating and air company.
Patrick is considered an expert in the field of business brokerage having earned multiple awards for transactions and dollar volume of businesses sold.
Patrick decided several years ago to focus exclusively on heating and air companies after seeing a need for someone with specific knowledge of the industry as well as the ability to market these businesses in an effective manner to help his clients achieve predictable results. Since he made that transition, he has sold more heating and air companies than any other broker.
In addition to facilitating the sale of heating and air companies, Patrick also provides valuations for those who are interested in learning the current value of their business in the market as well as strategies to increase the potential selling price.
If you are looking to partner with someone to help you buy or sell a heating and air business, or looking to see what your company may be worth, reach out to Patrick on his website at www.businessmodificationgroup.com, by phone at 352-440-4604, or by email at patrick@businessmodificationgroup.com. All conversations are completely confidential.
David Anderson has been a founder and CEO of numerous companies over the last 25 years. These companies range from a marketing agency to a SaaS-based software company, a publishing company and several real estate ventures. In these roles, David has had many successes and also his fair share of failures. David has led his organizations through several mergers and acquisitions, growing businesses during excellent economic times, but also making the tough decisions that come during the not-so-excellent economic seasons. He’s done this all while trying to balance being present with a growing family and dealing with the many other curveballs life throws us.
David saw leadership at the highest levels while traveling the world working for two United States Presidents, served as a senior staffer on two presidential-appointed commissions and working and for a United States Congressman. He’s served on numerous community-based boards of directors and is currently on the global board of directors of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). David has been married to his wife Debbie for 23 years and has two sons.
In his first book, Leadership is Not a Title, David breaks down leadership, which is sometimes presented as complicated, into simple concepts all can relate to
Tom Farinacci II is the leader you can rely on to help your company get to where it needs to be. He brings over 30 years of business leadership experience, helping business owners in need of a “rock solid foundation” who want to operate their business to their maximum potential. Whether it is a large service business who seeks growing revenue forecast or a smaller successful business ready to sell Tom utilizes his service business experience to the maximum potential to help those clients. He works with Business Owners to look at their current operations and helps troubleshoot any potential areas that can be optimized, streamlined and organized to result in an efficient performance needed to maximize the company’s bottom line profit.
Prior to his consulting practice, Mr. Farinacci was President of a large Commercial Maintenance and Construction Landscaping Firm for over 30 years. With this job description came a multitude of complex issues with being a service industry driven market. Employee moral and turnover, equipment service and maintenance issues, marketing strategies, field service quality, and competitive pricing in low profit margin industry were only a few of his challenges. But with a lot of hard work and perseverance all of these issues were overcome and streamlined to the optimum performance levels. As his company grew through the years he also did two acquisitions in 2012 and 2017 to grow the company to where it needed to be for an exit plan to be accomplished. With these two acquisitions did come a new set of challenges to be managed. Merging two companies with different concepts, dozens of employees with cultural differences, and service methods had its own original innovative ways to accomplish. The ultimate goal was to grow the business so large that it had such a market share that a nationwide company would like to acquire the business and have an instant presence in the region. In February 2020 that goal became a reality with the sale of his corporation to a nationwide landscape company.
With all of the experience and lessons that were acquired through the years, Mr. Farinacci wants to continue to help successful business owners with directing or consulting to optimize their potential business operations. Weather it is to maximize profits for years to come or help create an achievable advantageous exit strategy as a business consultant or coach he works with you every step of the way.
Mr. Farinacci holds a BS in Industrial Technology Design and Development with a minor in Horticulture from Sam Houston State University. While attending college in 1995-1997 was voted in as the President of the prestigious Agriculture Honor Society Delta Tau Alpha. He has acquired multiple certifications from the Green Industry through the years. Tom enjoys boating and time with his wife of 20 years and 3 children with all of their sporting and extra circular activities.
Some of Tom Farinacci II highlights:
30 years of small business experience
Experience in acquiring and selling a service industry business
Specializes in streamlining business operations to maximize profit and growth potential
Green Industry expert and consultant
A certified Landscape Professional and past member of the NALP Board of Directors, Joe Kujawa serves as senior facilitator and dedicated practice leader. He was most recently an owner and executive vice president of Kujawa Enterprises, Inc. (KEI), a legacy landscaping and winter services firm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
Joe provides executive leadership in implementing a vision for peer group education events and industry relations. In particular, he consults with snow market leaders on winter services strategies, as well as companies facing the unique challenges of a family-owned business.
Joe joined Bruce Wilson & Co. with considerable experience in the operation of high-performing CEO peer groups, and over the years has formed valuable relationships within the landscape industry. His unique perspectives and depth of expertise have been critical in positioning our company for the challenges of an ever-changing market.
Kujawa graduated from Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art and Planning, and received an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. He served as manager of business development for HOK architectural and engineering design firm in Washington D.C. While at Chicago-based Keane Consulting Group, he oversaw operational consulting for Fortune 500 clients. He also helped run the family-owned Kujawa Enterprises until it sold to Sperber Landscape Companies in April 2019.
Joe presently serves as Planning Commissioner for the Village of Elm Grove, Wisconsin, and is a former member of the Board of Directors for the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, Wisconsin. He served as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors for Cornell Alpha Delta Phi, Inc., and was a national director for the American Institute of Architecture Students.
A strategist and storyteller, Billy Otteman leads marketing at Scythe Robotics–the shop developing self-driving, commercial-grade mowers in Boulder County, CO. After an agency-side career leading innovation and marketing projects for a range of consumer brands and B2B clients, it was the vision of Scythe that compelled him to join the company. Now he's one of the 30 or so team members pioneering technology that can help us better care for the planet, starting with the industry at the forefront of green space management: commercial landscaping. As a lawn game fanatic and amature endurance athlete, Billy spends a great deal of time in outdoor spaces himself and is thrilled to help reinvent how we maintain them.
Monique Allen, Founder & Creative Director of The Garden Continuum, is a master creator, interactive employer, published author, and fierce industry advocate.
In over three decades, she has witnessed the landscape trade become extremely popular and commercialized, which has eroded the sustainability of our landscapes while undermining our ability to feel satisfaction from them.
As the founder of the Life-Scape Method, a lifelong gardener, business developer and educator, Monique has dedicated her career to creating an alternative approach and sharing actionable information on how to spread a positive message about how can all improve our land, our lives, and our professional satisfaction through Life-Scaping and compassionate business building.
In addition to running her own 7-figure business and publishing her first book, “STOP Landscaping, START Life-Scaping”, Monique is also an active business coach, specializing in branding, team building, curating a positive company culture, and succeeding as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
When Monique isn’t Life Scaping, she can be found spending time with family, cooking up new creations in the kitchen, practicing yoga, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Joshua Gillow
Joshua Gillow is the founder of YES Express—a company teaching outdoor living contractors the systems that grant the ability to successfully sell on the worst day of your life!
He's also the co-host of Outerspaces, a podcast dedicated to empowering contractors in the outdoor living space.
Joshua's passion is outdoor living, having operated his own outdoor living & landscaping design/build company for 24 years.
Duane Draughon
Duane Draughon is the owner and lead designer of VizX Design Studios, an outdoor living design firm that adds a "modern design style" to all projects.
With over 20 years of experience, Duane is certainly not new to this industry. His resume boasts a multitude of exposure in numerous publications and media outlets, including CNN, Inc. Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and other local newspapers and magazines.
Duane is the co-host of Outerspaces, a podcast dedicated to empowering contractors in the outdoor living space.
Will Fidler is the CEO and President of RGA Enterprises, Inc, a Charlotte based Contract Manufacturer of household cleaning products. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, where he was a Quarterback on the Kentucky Wildcats Football Team, Will launched his career and went to work for Brenntag, the world’s largest Chemical distribution company. After excelling in multiple roles within Brenntag Will decided to pursue a more entrepreneurial career path, and in 2016 in partnership with his mother and father acquired RGA Enterprises, Inc. Driven by a competitive nature and passion for leadership, Will and his team continue to find new and exciting ways to expand RGA’s business.
Joshua began his career in commercial real estate in 2004, and it wasn’t long before his headstrong attitude allowed him to forge ahead and start SimonCRE in 2010, during some of the toughest of economic times. As Founder and CEO, Joshua leads the company’s growth strategy while directing the daily operations. He carries the torch for a team committed to developing projects that benefit clients and the communities they serve.
SimonCRE develops properties all across the country. To date, the company has completed over 230 projects across 22 states, equaling a total value of more than $500 million.
When Joshua isn’t in the office (which is rare), you’ll likely find him advocating for the CRE community. He applies his boundless energy toward supporting and giving back to the industry he loves. He’s served on a number of boards and routinely presents as an industry expert at conferences like ULI Deep Dive and ICSC Next Generation, as well as forums for AZRE and Bisnow, among others.
Justin White is the CEO of K&D Landscaping, a full-service construction and maintenance landscape company located in Santa Cruz, California.
Taking over the family company in 2015, Justin has focused on sustainable growth with increased profitability. Expanding upon a solid foundation his parents built over 30 years ago, Justin took K&D from a small, mom-and-pop operation to a humming $10MM, culture-driven company just four years later.
Justin and K&D are highly involved with their community. Justin sits on multiple non-profit boards and is the chapter president of the local California Landscape Contractors Association. In 2019 he debuted on the cover of Lawn & Landscape magazine where they showcased the rapid growth of K&D’s residential design build department. K&D won the “Be the Difference Award” in Santa Cruz county for their volunteer efforts and in January was awarded 2020 “Business of the year” by his local chamber. His most recent accomplishments were being awarded the San Francisco Bay Area Vistage Impact Award in September of 2020 and making the Family Business Magazine’s 2021 top 30 Next-Gens to watch list. With momentum on their side, K&D and Justin are poised to continue their aggressive growth trajectory aiming for $30M in revenue by 2030.
Kent Gregoire is a serial entrepreneur. He launched his first manufacturing company at age 14. Since then, he has founded and led more than a dozen organizations. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Kent has also provided advisory, training, and coaching services to executive-level management under the Symphony Advantage brand. Finally, he is an angel investor in purpose-driven companies as well as a sought-after speaker in the U.S. and beyond. Part of what makes Kent unique is his ‘why’, which consists of unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit for good. In fact, he’s one of the first certified conscious capitalism consultants in the world. Kent is also a husband, a part-time farmer in Vermont and, as of late, a the van-life enthusiast!
Marcia came from a family of business owners and she has run 3 successful businesses. She has been guiding small business owners to grow their wealth since 1997. She noticed a common thread that branched across every one of them, including her own.
Many small business owners create and grow their businesses with no exit plan. They hope that their business is worth selling someday, but they often realize too late that it is not worth much, if anything at all. Sadly, closing their dream and legacy down only to lose the years of investment. Marcia has a heartbreaking experience of watching her parents close both of their businesses without selling them. She couldn't save her parent's businesses but she could help others to create strong, profitable, and attractive companies. Today, she consults and coaches’ business owners to turn their greatest asset into one worth selling whenever they decide it is time to stop.
She’s the author of Big Profit Secrets and hosts Profit With A Plan Podcast.
Marcia resides is SoCal. For fun she plays ice hockey & rides her Harley when she's not babysitting her adorable grandson Liam.
Greg Crabtree, speaker, author, entrepreneur and financial expert. Greg founded his own firm Crabtree, Rowe and Berger to focus on helping entrepreneurs build their economic engine.
After being named to the INC 5000 list for 2019, Greg's firm merged with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA's and Advisors, a top 25 U.S. Accounting firm to help broaden their impact on the entrepreneur community.
In 2011, Greg's first book "Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits" shares his core principles of how to turn your business into a wealth building engine. In 2014, Greg contributed a chapter to Verne Harnish's book, "Scaling Up" on how to improve profits though labor efficiency. In 2020, Greg released his newest book, "Simple Numbers 2.0: Rules for Smart Scaling". Greg is a frequent speaker to groups like EO, Scaling Up (Gazelles), Vistage and ACETECH and has presented in over 15 countries.
Greg also chairs the EO@Wharton Executive Education program for the last 5 years and will be launching a new Executive Education program for EO in 2022 called Functional Finance for Entrepreneurs that will teach any entrepreneur the basics to understand their financials and use the data to drive exceptional business performance and value.
James Jordon’s entrepreneurial spirit and diligence in business led him to establish Jordon Development Company (JDC) which focuses on real estate development and JCC General Contractors. JDC has completed several residential projects in Greenville and made them available for affordable rentals. The company has worked with several community partners to ensure success of its mission. JCC is a certified, minority-owned business that specializes in commercial construction, and facilities support services. JCC works with government agencies such as the Department of Defense and also with private large companies such as Coca-Cola.
JCC has recently completed projects such as:
- A bottling plant for Coca-Cola, right outside of Atlanta, GA.
- A 108,000-square foot renovation project in Downtown Greenville’s ONE Building.
- Several construction projects for Prisma Health
- Camperdown development in downtown Greenville
JCC is currently working on projects for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Piedmont Healthcare, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, and the General Services Administration, to name a few.
Mr. Jordon is a respected leader in the community. He currently serves on several boards including:
- The Greenville Chamber of Commerce
- Greenville Tech Foundation
- City of Greenville Construction and Maintenance Board of Adjustments and Appeals
- Better Business Bureau of the Upstate (Past Board Member)
Mr. Jordon also works closely with the following groups:
- Urban League of the Upstate
- Greenville Housing Fund
- Habitat for Humanity
- Legacy Charter school mentor
- The Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative
- Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator program graduate
JCC has been selected as the Small Business Administration’s Small Business of the Year; the Small Business Development Centers service provider of the year; the Greenville Chamber's small business of the Month; the Greenville Chambers Minority Business of the Year; and the Better Business Bureau Business of Integrity Award. Following his passion for developing affordable housing in the community, JDC has purchased and renovated 9 residential properties and worked with the Greenville Housing Authority to make them available for affordable rentals to large families. JDC currently owns and manages these properties. JDC also worked with Community Works as a funding partner on a couple of the properties to secure the necessary funds for renovation and has since paid back those funds. In addition, a local work force was used in the renovation of all of the properties.
Mr. Jordon understands the heartbeat of business, knows the importance of developing mutually beneficial partnerships, and is committed to serving the Greenville community. He believes in not only hard work and commitment for business success but also hard work for the benefit of uplifting those around him and those that could use a helping hand. He enjoys mentoring youth and speaking to young people about their potential and taking action steps to achieve their goals. He enjoys watching sports, reading, traveling and spending time with his family.
Richard Medcalf describes himself as "what you get if you were to put a McKinsey consultant, a slightly unorthodox pastor and an entrepreneur into a blender".
Richard is an executive coach & leadership consultant to exceptional founders & CEOs and their leadership teams.
His clients are elite performers who've already achieved incredible things, and still have the ambition to 10x their impact and influence and achieve something that seems impossible right now. That can involve 1:1 coaching, taking the leadership team to its next level, or scaling high-performance culture throughout the business.
After a Masters Degree at Oxford University, where he came top in his year, Richard started his career in a premier strategy consultancy where he rose to become the youngest-ever Partner. He then spent 11 years at tech giant Cisco, firstly elevating Cisco’s relevance in the C-suite of its Fortune 100 customers before being selected for an elite team set up by Cisco’s President and CEO, John Chambers and Chuck Robbins, to catalyse strategic partnerships & new business models.
Richard has advised Founders and C-level execs for 20 years, from Fortune 100 companies (Comcast, Mastercard, Sanofi, Sky, Orange, Bosch…) to high-growth tech firms (in AI, networking, robotics, fintech, …). He has overseen >$2B of deals.
Keen to marry the disciplines of strategy and leadership in service of his clients, he qualified as a senior leadership consultant and executive coach before founding Xquadrant in 2017.
Richard is bi-national English/French, lives near Paris, and is happily married and the proud father of two. He's also a licensed lay minister in the Anglican Church, and has an insatiable love for spicy food and the electric guitar.
https://xquadrant.com/
https://xquadrant.com/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardmedcalf/
A bullet point list of facts:
- British-born, living in France since 1999
- Top of my year at Oxford University
- Youngest-ever Partner at global tech-sector strategy consultancy
- 11 years in exec roles at tech giant Cisco, including being recruited to an elite team set up by the CEO to catalyse strategic initiatives at board level
- Non-exec advisor to a $3B global tech company
- Overseen $2B of transactions
- Grown partner revenues 18x in 18 months
- Created a $100M revenue pipeline
- Turned around a declining business by adding $30M to revenues
- Secured contracts as large as $40M
- Released over $1B of customer benefits
- Worked at senior level at global brands like Vodafone, Sanofi, Mastercard, Comcast, Tesco, Air Liquide, Orange, Cisco … as well as with a host of smaller companies and high-growth scale-ups
- Happily married with two wonderful kids
- Slightly too enthusiastic about rock music and spicy food
1:1 coaching clients include:
- The CEO of a $3 billion worldwide IT services corporation
- The founder and chairman of a global fibre-optic telecoms company
- The UK chief executive and chairman of a global pharmaceuticals firm
- A Founder named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young for "growth & profitability that most can only dream of"
- The CEO of a scale-up tech 'unicorn' that recently raised record-levels of financing for their innovative B2B platform
- The COO of a leading Artificial Intelligence firm
- The CTO of a leading autonomous vehicle brand
- The CHRO of a 3500-employee global systems integrator
- The CFO of a B2B tech services company
Kaihan Krippendorff has made a commitment to helping organizations and individuals thrive in today’s era of fast-paced disruptive technological change.
He began his career with McKinsey & Company before founding the growth strategy and innovation consulting firm Outthinker. His growth strategies and innovations have generated over $2.5B in revenue for many of the world’s most recognizable companies including BNY Mellon, Citibank, L’Oréal, Microsoft, and Viacom.A best-selling author of five books, most recently the Edison Award nominated, Driving Innovation From Within: A Guide for Internal Entrepreneurs.
He is a member of the prestigious Thinkers50 radar group – A global selection of the top 30 management thinkers in the world to look out for. Thinkers50 also recognized Kaihan as one of the 8 most influential innovation thought leaders in the world considering him for a Distinguished Achievement Award in Innovation – given to the person in the world that has contributed the most to the world’s understanding of innovation in the past two years. Kaihan is currently ranked the Thinkers360 #1 Global Innovation Thought Leader and the Thinkers360 #1 Global Business Strategy Thought Leader in 2019.
Kaihan also founded The Outthinker Strategy Network, a community comprised of strategy executives from the world’s top Fortune 500 and private companies that keeps him ahead of the pace of disruption and up to date on trends, threats, and opportunities across industries.
Amidst his dizzying schedule of keynote speeches, consulting projects, ongoing research and writing, Kaihan still finds time to teach at business schools throughout the US and internationally (including NYU, FIU, and Universidad Americana). Regularly featured in major business media outlets Kaihan is an advisory board member for a blockchain-powered transportation platform, an international food processing/exporting company, and a B-corporation focused on sustainable products and lifestyle.
He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering, Wharton, Columbia, and London Business Schools and a doctorate in strategy. With a mother from Bangladesh and a father from Germany, Kaihan brings a holistic, diverse, and global perspective to everything he does. His work has brought him to 58 countries all over the world. He speaks three languages and has lived or spent significant periods of time in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Pacific. He lives in Greenwich, Conn., with his wife and three children.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus has said, "Kaihan shows that with a compelling idea anyone can change the world" and that message has made Kaihan one of the most sought-after speakers on the topics of business strategy, growth and innovation.
Natalya Berdikyan is the founder and CEO of Life By Design Academy and Frontline Consulting, a consulting and coaching firms that help individuals and organizations grow to their full potential beyond existing borders and boundaries.
Natalya is originally from Moscow. She has lived in the USA, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Germany. She has over 20 years of experience in building businesses in various sectors and geographies.
'Her strength is always challenging the status quo, embracing and managing change.'
Natalya started her career in Business Development and Sales. She then moved from a NASDAQ listed HR corporate to becoming a business partner and General Manager at a Belgian chocolate factory. Being an entrepreneur at heart, she also sits on various boards including at Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO).
Natalya consults with businesses and coaches leaders, delivers keynote speeches and trains around the world. Natalya applies her vast experience with handling change, deep exposure to different industries, while finding creative solutions to complex situations. She applies cross-cultural business skills to her coaching and business consultancy practice.
Natalya holds an MBA with a focus in Human Resources, and a BA in International Business Management specializing in Marketing. She is an iPEC Certified Professional Coach, a master practitioner of Energy Leadership Index, a COR.E Leadership Dynamics Specialist, and an Associate Certified Coach by ICF (International Coaching Federation), along with being an EO/YPO Forum Moderator.
With her team, Natalya helps to grow individuals and organizations grow beyond mental or geographical boundaries, to achieve lasting change, and to eliminate obstacles that stand in the way to reaching full potential and success.
Fun facts: At the age of 16, she went as an 'exchange' student from Russia to California. There she lived in 4 families and attended 2 schools in 1 year. Today, in her private life, she is a yoga practitioner, painter, and active traveler, experiencing life to its full potential.
Languages: Russian, English, Spanish, and French
Check out my New Podcast - The Role of Energy in Customer Service on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCetLUu9KGiAhQ5EEzXEEfrg
Jim Dew, Advisor To The Entrepreneur®, is the CEO and Founder of Dew Wealth Management. Jim has twenty-six years of experience building virtual family offices for entrepreneurs. He earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State University. Jim is a Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor®. He has been a guest on big podcasts like Entrepreneurs On Fire, Business Lunch, The Vacation Effect, The Respect, and The Ultimate Advisor. Jim has presented on many stages such as War Room, Genius Network Annual Event, Legendary Life, Consumer Health Summit, and Pathfinder to name a few. Jim has been featured in Inc, Entrepreneur, and Huffington Post magazines and is the author of “Beyond a Million: The Entrepreneur’s Playbook for Expanding Wealth, Freedom, and Time.”
Steve Steele, MBA, is Financial Practices Leader for The Bruce Wilson Company and president at Steele Dynamic Services LLC, a green industry consulting firm based in Arvada, CO which focuses on internal business and administrative operations. He has over 20 years’ senior and executive level management experience in a variety of industries, and has served the landscape industry through ALCC on the board of directors and legislative committees. Learn more at SteeleDynamicServices.com
https://www.yourgreenpal.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214
https://twitter.com/bryanmclayton
https://instagram.com/bryanmclayton
https://app.box.com/s/78xhkbustiwpd7cqnkyza0jknmpocq7k
Bryan Clayton is CEO and co-founder of GreenPal an online marketplace that connects homeowners with Local lawn care professionals. GreenPal has been called the “Uber for lawn care” by Entrepreneur magazine and has over 200,000 active users completing thousands of transactions per day.
Before starting GreenPal Bryan Clayton founded Peachtree Inc. one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee growing it to over $10 million a year in annual revenue before it was acquired by Lusa holdings in 2013.
Bryan‘s interest and expertise are related to entrepreneurialism, small business growth, marketing, and bootstrapping businesses from zero revenue to profitability and exit.
If ever there was someone who wasn’t interested in talking about himself, it’s me. But, I know that you are wondering what makes me the expert I say that I am. Well, here it is. When I turned 43 (now 48), I made a career out of being myself. I am an executive advisor, business coach, and founder/Chief Executive Officer of The Jon Dwoskin Experience. I grow businesses big. Very Big!
When I was 18, my dad gave me Brian Tracy’s audiotape series called The Psychology of Success. My dad said, “I know you’ll do well in college, but I think you will get more out of these tapes than you will school.” At that moment, my car became a university on wheels, and my Walkman a mobile classroom. I became obsessed with self-learning. I have spent every day since then studying business, life and how to grow.
When I was 21, I attended a Billy Joel-Elton John concert. I remember one moment when both artists came onstage and the entire audience erupted. I had a voice inside me saying, one day you will fill this arena with your words and you will inspire others. I always knew this was my calling, my purpose, my passion.
Something remarkable and life-altering happened to me when I was 31. I realized that the way I was learning and recalling was
unusual. I was tested and learned that I was dyslexic. It was second nature for me to figure out different ways to learn and problem solve outside the box. Upon hearing the diagnosis, I set out on a mission to fully understand how I learn, thus providing a deep insight into how other people learn. I began to master this strategy in order to become more effective in business and in my personal life. It gave me mental clarity and the ability to understand not only how I learn but how to morph my creative thinking with my business thinking and to apply it in my success with growing businesses, companies and, most importantly, myself. I had no choice but to figure out the right and wrong ways of learning and growing for myself. And this now helps me grow others. I have made a career out of my passion. I understand how the businessperson functions, and the tools each one needs to grow not only their art, but the business of their organization. I’ve turned this passion into a career as a specialist in growing business big. Very Big!
My goals were not achieved without some challenges. When I was 30 and unsure of my next steps, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I remember thinking that from this point forward in my life, I was always going to follow my heart. Life is just too short and I vowed to not only live it, but to do my part to make it a better place for as many people as possible. Having been recently married and with thoughts of starting a family, this diagnosis was
nothing short of terrifying. I underwent 17 radiation treatments and regular checkups for the first five years, plus yearly checkups for an additional five years. At my 10-year checkup, the doctor told me the cancer had returned and was riddled throughout my entire body. He said he had NO good news for me. He also said that he had never seen a case this bad in the history of his career. Around the corner, I would be facing chemo and, most likely, death. I begged him to retake my blood. I needed both of us to be absolutely certain. He agreed to a new blood sample, but emergency CAT scans, ultrasounds and follow-up appointments
were arranged. For 48 hours, I was certain that I was dying. My wife and I were at Starbucks when my doctor called with the results. He said, “Jon, you were right. They messed up the test. All your tests came back fine. You are fine. Go live your life.” My wife and I broke down crying. At this very moment, my fear of death was wiped away and a new perspective was made clear to me. I embarked on an aggressive search to get in alignment with my soul.
In Gary Zukav’s book, The Seat of the Soul, he discusses the idea that the ideal human being cannot tell where their personality ends and their soul begins. I remember at this moment feeling just how out of alignment I was. I refreshed my quest for learning and personal growth to get back into alignment and make a career out of bringing the best out of people and helping them achieve their goals and live a better, more balanced, fun life. I had a taste of what it was like to face the end of life and I had a second chance. It was my rebirth. It was my time to be authentic. And this is the path I chose. I will be the first to tell you what I am not good at. But, I am good at many things. This one thing is very true and comes intuitively to me: I have the ability to see what is not being seen, hear what is not being heard and ask questions that are not being asked. In short, I provide critical guidance needed for making the next pivotal business decision. I am a go-to solution expert that businesspeople turn to for advice, high-level strategy and accountability, to grow their companies and achieve their own personal growth. I’m not a “corporate” guy, but I learned a lot and played the game to win at a high degree … and loved it all. Every day in corporate life came with valuable lessons, and for that I am grateful. I’m also grateful for this chance to return to my entrepreneurial roots. It really seemed like it was never going to happen. But, with courage, the proper advisors
around me, a lot of faith, and a great wife supporting me, I made the leap. Go big, or go home! (Easier said than done.)
And, yes, I have had a successful professional career. I was recently the Chief Operating Officer of The Hayman Company and partnered with the firm in its restructuring. Previously, I was a Vice-President of Investments with Marcus & Millichap, specializing in negotiating the sales of multi-family investment properties. After selling nearly 5,000 units valued at nearly $250 million, I was named the Regional Manager of the Detroit Marcus & Millichap office. I took over the office in August, 2008, and the recession that followed nearly obliterated us all the following month. Despite the toll that the recession took, I successfully oversaw more than $4 billion in investment commercial transactions, building the Detroit office into one of the most profitable offices of 76 offices nationwide. I expanded the office to 45 agents by actively working with them to grow their agent teams and increase their bottom lines. I strategized, trained and improved their skill-sets and held them accountable to their business plans. I was a regional and national trainer, assisted in turning around other branch offices, and was part of the CEO Advisory Committee. At that point, six years had passed and I knew it was time to move on.
That chapter was complete for me. Before my successful career in real estate, I created one of the first online marketing companies in the United States. This was one of the first times I remember tuning in to my instincts. The Internet didn’t exist, yet I knew it was going to be huge. Many people thought we were crazy, but I knew we were onto something new, uncharted and very big. It was 1995. I was 23 years old and leading the sales team. I sold the
company in 1997 to USWeb, the largest Internet professional service firm in the world. My brother and I, along with a friend, started this in our parents’ basement, working 100-hour weeks for years.
Being part of the Silicon Valley boom was phenomenal, but looking back, I wish I took more time to breathe it all in. Everything was moving so fast; I was so young. And I loved every
second of it. I’m honored to have been awarded the prestigious Crain’s “40 Under 40” aware and to have received the Eastern Michigan University Alumnus of the Year Award, having graduated from there with a double major in Economics and Journalism.
Through it all, I have always had business coaches – as an agent, as a manager, always. Even before I knew about “coaching,” I had advisors to whom I could turn for advice and inspiration to support and fuel the drive I had within me. At times, I have had two coaches. It’s true! In fact, I currently have two coaches and use co-coaching with other coaches in the industry. It is through coaching that I found my voice, especially when I took over at Marcus & Millichap. I learned how to more effectively communicate with all the different agents, both locally and nationally, and how to work with and communicate more effectively with the C-level people of the company. I continue to use coaches because they hold me accountable and facilitate my own growth. After all, even us coaches have dreams and aspirations!
I have a big heart and a long history of giving back. I have sat on the board of directors of nearly a dozen organizations in the past 20 years, served as a mentor to many, and continue to do so as my way of giving back and paying it forward. I want to share one more important thought with you. As a cancer survivor, I am a mentor with Imerman Angels (imermanangels.org). I am a 16-year cancer survivor (and counting!) with every intention of staying that way. I mentor men who are, unfortunately, going through a very scary experience. If you or someone you know are in need of support, please email me and know that I will be there for you in a heartbeat. When I was going through my own diagnosis and treatment, my mentor was Jonny Imerman. His support was
life-changing for me.
Last, I want to tell you that I have a personal life. I live in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan with my wife, Joanna, who makes true the old
saying that behind every strong man is a stronger woman. She is a nurse and Reiki energy healer when she is not driving carpools,
supervising homework, making meals, and raising our kids – all of which she does selflessly. Our son, Jacob, is an awesome basketball and tennis player with a kind heart. Our daughter, Aria, is an amazing singer, dancer, and pianist with a heart every bit as kind as her brother’s. When I’m not busy growing businesses or guiding people through their next endeavours, I am playing tennis or basketball with friends or the kids, skiing, golfing, reading or listening to books, writing, or focussing on self-development.
Jonathan Crandall, CSP is the Chief Visionary of JC Grounds Management, a commercial landscaping and snow removal management company in Danvers MA. Jonathan entered into the world of entrepreneurship 25 years ago starting the company in high school mowing neighborhood lawns. As the years went on the company evolved as commercial only and snow service focused. Jonathan is motivated to continue to grow and learn which has been exhibited through his involvement in organizations such as Entrepreneur’s Organization, serving as the Boston chapter president in 2011/12. Jon is currently serving as Vice Chair for The Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA). He is also an active member of Strategic Coach, and multiple industry mastermind Groups. He has dedicated his time to furthering his knowledge in the snow industry, and constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, incorporate new technology, and better serve his customers. Jon spends much of his free time with his wife Heather, twin girls Ava and Julia and son Jackson. He has a strong passion for health and enjoys hiking in the white mountains of New Hampshire with his dog Bessie. Together they bi-weekly all seasons and have completed several goal focused hiking lists including the 48 4000 footers, 52 with a view, Terrifying 25 and the Winter 48 4000 footers.
Jim Turner is currently a Partner and Head of Business Development for TIP Excise, LLC, a leading specialty tax consulting firm dedicated to recovering Fuel Excise Tax overpayments for its clients, on a success fee basis. TIP has been a leader in this niche for nearly 20 years.
Prior to joining TIP Excise in 2018 as an investor, Jim was Managing Partner of Buffalo Capital Partners, LP, a boutique private equity firm focused on investing in and managing lower middle market companies. Prior to Buffalo Capital, Jim was a Principal at Ardshiel Inc. a middle market private equity firm based in New York, with $300 million under management. Jim began his career at Chemical Bank (now JP Morgan in NYC). In addition, he has been on the Board of Directors of over 12 companies, has held the post of CEO or CFO in 3 different companies, and has started 6 companies in a variety of industries.
Jim graduated from Amherst College, and lives in Houston with his wife and 2 children. He is actively involved in several charitable organizations, especially those supporting special needs children.
Luke Hansen is the Founder and CEO of the construction industry software, CompanyCam. CompanyCam started in 2015 and now serves tens of thousands of contractors across the globe and has been used to document information in the field for over 5 million projects to date.
Having been in the roofing business for over 15 years, Luke has been a contractor at his family’s roofing company far longer than he’s been a tech founder. Luke has worn nearly every hat at White Castle Roofing--a Top 100 Roofing Company--from installer to marketing director, and he’s no stranger to the hard work up on a roof. If it happens in roofing, he has seen it all.
Luke has always had a passion for technology, especially when it intersects with roofing. As a fan of cryptocurrency before it was popularized in the major media, he made headlines when he established White Castle Roofing as the first roofing company in the country to accept BitCoin in 2013. A year later, he was also one of the first in the industry to use drones to streamline White Castle’s operations and improve safety for its employees.
In 2015, he built the first CompanyCam prototype as yet another solution to solve a problem White Castle was facing with streamlining their job site photo documentation as each project moved from bid to install to quality inspection. After the raving initial reviews of CompanyCam were in from White Castle employees, Luke saw a much larger opportunity to serve contracting companies across the country and pursued CompanyCam full time.
Today CompanyCam employs over 35 full time team members in Lincoln, NE, holds over 97 million job site photos taken at over 5 million projects, and has quickly become the go-to tool for contractors everywhere.
When Luke isn’t at the office he’s golfing, spending time with his kids, or offering unsolicited political opinions.
Ed has served in many different capacities over the past 35 years with various industry leaders, including ten years with the Davey Company from 1996 to 2006. During that time, Ed served as the project lead on the Red Roof Inn renovation project, National Project Developer and Midwest Operations Manager for our Commercial Grounds Management division. He was instrumental in the development of Davey Golf and the Davey Institute of Grounds Management, Water and Sustainable Initiatives. Ed was Manager of the year in 2001 for our Commercial Landscape Management Team and a member of the Presidents Council from 2001-2004.
Ed brings extensive experience within the green industry in the areas of sales, operational efficiency, client relations, national account management, project management and personnel development.
Ed is involved with a wide variety of industry organizations, including the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Sales Management Association (SMA) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). He also is co-founder of Hope Markers a NGO whose mission is to serve in Kenya’s worst slums
The Davey Tree Expert Company’s more than 10,600 employees provide tree care, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial and government markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Davey has provided Proven Solutions for a Growing World since 1880 and has been employee-owned since 1979. For more information, visit www.davey.com
John Spence is recognized as one of the top business thought leaders and leadership development experts in the world and was named by the American Management Association as one of America’s Top 50 Leaders to Watch along with Sergey Brin and Larry Page of Google and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
John was the owner or CEO of six companies and currently serves as a board member or adviser to several organizations and executives. He is a guest lecturer at more than 90 colleges and universities including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Wharton School of Business, University of Auckland, Canterbury University, University of Krakow, and Kozminski University.
Caitlin Clineff has worked in the Green Industry for 7 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Horticultural Science from NC State, and has worked in famous public gardens such as Duke Gardens and Dumbarton Oaks, as well as being a landscape designer, project manager, and consultant. She now works at Myatt Landscaping & Construction, where she handles recruitment, retention, employee engagement, public outreach, the website, and social media. Her goal is to help drive the industry workforce toward a more diverse, sustainable future.
Mike Rorie has been an active participant and leader in the green industry for four decades. Mike founded GroundMasters in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1979 and grew the company to a multi-city regional operation before selling to a national provider in 2006. He is now a partner of GroundSystems, and the CEO of GIS Dynamics, parent company of Go iLawn and Go iPave property measuring and estimating software.
Katrina brings over 20 years of human resources and business management experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, large and small businesses across a variety of industry sectors. Her passion is assisting business owners and executives by making available to small and mid-size businesses the integration of strategic HR management practices and process improvements which are customized to fit the size, goals, culture and nature of business operations which are unique to every organization.
Katrina brings excellent knowledge of organizational development and human resources generalist experience with accomplishments in employee relations, leadership coaching, performance feedback, HRIS implementation and systems integration, recruitment and retention, compensation and benefit strategy, HR policy, regulatory compliance, and scalable strategic HR management practices and process improvements.
Some of Katrina’s work experience includes:
- Director of People & Culture at The Marine Mammal Center overseeing and revamping the entire HR department, processes and systems while facilitating organization-wide improvements in structure, communications and culture.
- Director of Human Resources for Nuprecon where she launched its first HR department and successfully positioned the organization for its future growth.
- Managed a team of multi-state HR business partners, employment specialists and support staff in providing creative, objective consultative services at Washington Mutual Bank.
- She currently serves as the Marin Regional Leader for HR.com/NCHRA and is the former President of the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management.
- At the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership she served as the interim Director of Volunteer Services and the Executive Search and Transition Services in addition to a plethora of philanthropic endeavors including numerous community and volunteer board leadership positions.
Born in Central California and raised in Washington State, Katrina attended the University of Washington in Seattle studying Organizational Sociology and Human Resource Management. She earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources Management designation (SPHR) and is a trained Mediator. She moved to the Bay Area in 2003, initially in the East Bay and then to Marin County in 2012. She enjoys outdoor activities especially getting out on the water, exploring new places and enjoying life with her husband and three children.
Marc Elliott is the CEO and Co-founder of GoMaterials, the most efficient online marketplace to source plant materials for landscaping professionals.
After owning a landscape construction business for over 10 years Marc understood that procurement in the landscape industry was a real problem. He had experienced first-hand the headaches related to poor quality materials arriving on the job site, last minute order changes, product availability shortages and late deliveries.
GoMaterials was founded to help solve these headaches. Today, GoMaterials is used to source millions of dollars in annual landscape material volume and is operational in Canada and the USA.
Website: https://www.gomaterials.com/
As a Peak Performance Expert, Eric Partaker helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders reach their full potential, become better leaders, and build better businesses. Within his approach he draws from his time advising Fortune 50 CEOs at McKinsey, his experience helping build up Skype’s multi-billion dollar success story, and his own entrepreneurial journeys – together with behavioral science from Stanford University, as well as techniques from the worlds of elite sports and the military, areas where peak performance is key.
Eric has been named “CEO of the Year” at the 2019 UK Business Excellence Awards, one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs in the UK”, 35 and under, by Startups Magazine, and among “Britain’s Most Disruptive Entrepreneurs” by The Telegraph. His work has been featured on over 7 major TV stations, in the Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. He has also appeared as a guest judge on The Apprentice with Lord Alan Sugar.
He is also the author of the new bestselling book The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever.
Links
The 3 Alarms book: https://www.amazon.com/Alarms-Simple-Transform-Relationships-Forever/dp/0990378527/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+3+alarms+eric&qid=1602856031&sr=8-1
The 3 Alarms, Free digital book and training: https://www.ericpartaker.com/the3alarms
Website: www.ericpartaker.com
Podcast: https://www.ericpartaker.com/podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRealX1sBZmvCw9VXUvWyg/featured
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericpartaker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPIericpartaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-partaker-5560b92/
Utkarsh Sharma is the Founder and CEO of SiteRecon. SiteRecon platform completely automates property measurements and requires no human intervention. This is his second venture at the interface of artificial intelligence and geospatial mapping. Having built multiple, continental-scale datasets of commercial properties in his first venture, Utkarsh realized that there is no plug and play solution that delivers ready-to-use information about exteriors of a property. Utkarsh started SiteRecon to fill that gap, believing that rapid access to the truth about our physical world is a fundamental right of every business.
Chris is a growth, sales, and strategy specialist. He’s also been an entrepreneur since the age of 10 when he picked and sold wild blackberries and apples from a stand in front of his house in Washington State.
Serving in three fast-growing tech startups over the past 17 years, he’s seen firsthand the joys and struggles of rapid growth.
Chris is the founder of ALIGN, a business growth consultancy, and CreativeSales, a sales training and coaching company. Through his courses, he helps sales pros and business owners think outside the “industry box” and develop a repeatable sales process that helps their customers win every time.
He is a passionate advocate of flourishing business - business that is good for the owners, employees, customers, and the communities they serve.
He and his family spend most of their time between Los Angeles, CA, and Greenville, SC. He loves mountains and on a good day you'll find him running up one or snowboarding down one.
Links:
ALIGN: https://www.alignforbusiness.com/
CreativeSales: https://www.creativesalesmm.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccloud/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisdcloud
Josh Flynn, CEO of Seabreeze Property Services headquartered in Portland, ME, grew up loving the outdoors and spending the majority of his time in the woods or on his grandparents 4 acre cut flower farm on the banks of the Spurwink river in his hometown of Scarborough. While being most comfortable playing in the dirt, there wasn’t a clear cut career path for where he would end up until well after he left home. A need to explore the world beyond New England, he attended the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA graduating with an Environmental Studies degree after an initial track in business didn’t have the right feel about it.
Before graduation he made the commitment to join the United States Peace Corps and fulfilled a 27 month term serving as an Environmental Education and Conservation volunteer in Pindoty, Paraguay, a small farming community an hour bus ride away from the capital of Asuncion. There he gained the practical skills along with leadership abilities only enhanced by conducting everything in an adopted language. Returning to the United States included a 4 month spell of piecing part-time jobs together before returning to his roots at Wollam Gardens, a commercial cut flower farm outside of Washington D.C. There he continued to grow his managerial skills and spent 3 years growing the business and serving as it’s General Manager.
Returning to Maine in 2016, after a short stint in retail and a small landscape company, he joined Seabreeze and through the course of 4 years went from supervisor to CEO of one the region's largest landscaping and winter maintenance companies. He hopes to continue to grow the company and provide the best opportunities for those interested in a career in landscaping as well as the highest quality service in the area. He tries to use his story as an example when explaining what’s possible in this industry as a career and through dedication, constantly learning, and hard work anyone has the chance to grow and become a leader.
He continues to serve his community by volunteering with Junior Achievement as well as the Good Shepherd food bank. He also currently serves as an executive committee member for MELNA, the Maine Landscape and Nurserymen’s Association.
A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.
Roy H. Williams
Charles Bender is a, self-described, “smart man” and serial entrepreneur who has spent the last 20 years in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization learning to be more wise.
Married to Celia, for 27 years, and father of two amazing young men, Calen and Corbin, he has dedicated his adult life to ending generational poverty in his family. Charles quickly learned that his path to financial and personal independence was to build successful businesses that add value to other human beings.
He started his first business, Renaissance for Singles, in 1997 and built it into a national franchise with 35 offices in 8 states with revenues exceeding 20 million annually. “We had amazing success early and really thought we understood business, little did we know just how lucky we were”, says Charles. In 2003 regulatory changes to telemarketing created a massive shift in the business model that he was unsuccessful overcoming, resulting in the business being shut down in 2005.
In 2003 he moved to the “country” and quickly learned that his new home did not have access to broadband internet services. In 2003 he founded Skynet Broadband (www.skynetbb.com) to address those problems for his community and other communities that lacked access. In that time Skynet Broadband has spun out another business, Biz IT Pros, a managed service provider for IT services, and made the Inc 5000 list in 2013. In 2017 Biz IT Pros merged with another MSP and together they formed Attentus Technologies (www.attentus.tech). Charles runs both entities today.
Charles believes that our values drive our choices and the better we can articulate them the more intentional our choices become. A follower of “Stoicism”, Charles believes that many of the stressors’ entrepreneurs feel can be directed to not having clearly articulated values to use as a decision-making framework and the errant belief that we can “control” more than our own perceptions and choices.
Charles is a 14-year Rotarian and volunteers extensively in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, currently serving as the incoming Regional Chair for the US West region. #EOWestisBest
Jarrett serves as Chief Operating Officer at Electric Sheep Robotics, where he heads up sales and operations for their autonomous mowing efforts. Before starting the company with his two co-founders, Jarrett led operations and expansion for several early stage startups in Silicon Valley, including Shyp, an on-demand shipping company.
Graduating from Lehigh in 2011, with an Industrial Engineering degree, Jarrett started his career in the manufacturing industry, deploying lean manufacturing concepts across manufacturing sites in China, Germany, and the US. This idea of process improvement and standard work has been an ongoing theme of his career, applying an engineering mindset to problem solving in a wide range of business settings.
Having grown up around the industry, Jarrett was exposed to the landscaping world early on, starting with Brickman during college and then ultimately joining what is now Brightview in Northern California, as a member of their operations excellence team. He’s always had a strong passion for bringing the world of technology into blue collar work and is eager to be a driving force around bringing the green industry into the 21st century, through embracing new technologies. The opportunity to do this around autonomous technologies has been accelerated recently, following the achievements of the self driving car industry, hence the opportunity he finds himself in with ESR.
Outside of his professional life, Jarrett is an avid triathlete, golfer, and skier and calls Marin county home, just north of San Francisco, where he recently bought a home with his wife, Nina and golden retriever, Gunner.
Over the past two decades, Mazeratie's innate curiosity has taken her through a variety of spaces, from tech, travel, marketing and entrepreneurship to her current position working within the multi-family flooring industry where she serves as 'Jill of all Trades' and Director of Operations for OneSource Flooring & Interiors.
That unique career trajectory and skill set have enabled her to gather a wealth of knowledge around process improvement, branding, resource optimization, and personnel management, all of which she now applies to aiding OneSource's continued growth in the crowded, Phoenix Metro B2B market while navigating the economic and emotional roadblocks brought on by global pandemic.
When she's not tweaking the details of a marketing campaign or testing new software integrations, Mazeratie spends her time working in her garden with her husband and their three pugs.
Shannon Swift is the founder and CEO of Swift HR Solutions, Inc., a provider of strategic, stage-appropriate, and culturally aligned human resources (HR) services and products for early-stage to mid-sized companies. She has spent her entire career in senior human resources, executive management, and business development roles and has achieved a lifetime certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). Her passion and expertise is in facilitating effective organizational growth by working seamlessly with executive teams and boards of directors to ensure that all HR efforts are aligned with corporate values and objectives.
She has served in volunteer leadership roles for more than 20 years, including Past President of Lake Washington Human Resources Association (LWHRA) and Past-Chair of the Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN). Currently, she is a Board member of Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) and WTIA-HRBI. Shannon is also a member of Entrepreneur Organization (EO), Past President of EO-Seattle and currently serves as an Area Director on EO’s US West Regional Council.
Outside of work, Shannon loves continuously creating her life on Lake Joy with her husband Mike, their daughter Alison, their dog, Pauli-Girl and their cat, Emmy.
Rachid Zahidi is the CEO of Sentinel Background Checks and President of Sentinel Data Retrieval, LLC. He is the author of the book: The Business Immunity System-The Pitfalls & Side Effects of Data Handling, Privacy Issues, & Background Checks. He also currently serves as Learning Chair for EO Tampa; and previously served as Finance Chair, and Integration Chair for the Central Florida Chapter of Entrepreneur Organization. Expert appearances and contributions include being featured on CLTV Chicago, Fox Baltimore, Inc.com, Florida Trend, The Background Buzz, Octane Magazine, ESPN Radio and numerous other programs and publications discussing, hiring, due diligence and information security related topics.
Miles Kuperus Jr., owner of Farmside Landscape & Design in Sussex NJ for over 30 years, grew up with a love of nature and the land. Since he was a child, he lived and worked on the property that once housed the family’s dairy farm and where Farmside’s office and shop are now located. His drive for knowledge, for learning all he could about the land and soil, led him to pursue the field of landscaping, so he attended Cook College, Rutgers University, taking courses in Landscape Architecture and Continuing Education seminars.
In 1985, while still attending classes, Miles started Kuperus Family Landscaping, which grew to become Farmside Landscape & Design a few years later. Farmside has grown from a small, owner-operated business to what it is today – a full service landscape and design firm with over 300 clients and some 25+ professional landscape employees thanks to the values of what Miles refers to as The Farmside Way: Keep Promises (personal and professional integrity); Exceed Expectations (drive for excellence); and Own the Outcome (accountability that builds trust). His focus on ongoing education and career development for his staff has resulted in a 95% employee retention rate.
A Landscape Industry Certified Manager, Miles is very active in the NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals), an organization that aligns with his commitment to professional excellence within the landscape industry. He has served on the Board of Directors for the NALP and as Board President for the NALP Foundation, which focuses its support on the education and career development of landscape industry professionals. Additionally, Miles has been a member of the NALP Safety Committee, R&R Committee, Accreditation Committee and the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI).
He is currently serving on the NALP Professional Development and Standards Advisory Council, is a Member of the Sussex County Economic Development Board, and serves on the Sussex Christian School Finance Committee.
For over twenty years, Michael Synk has been helping mid-market and small business owners and CEOs sort out the challenges of growth. He’s an expert in strategy (author of Rock & Sand: A Practical Insight to Business Growth), a business coach, and an educator (School of Rock & Sand is his Online School). He's dedicated to bringing owners and entrepreneurs insights and actions that unleash growth from within their organizations. He helps business leaders, both individually and collectively, navigate the obstacles and opportunities that arise when an organization struggles with growth.
Speeches, Webinars, Workshops, and Retreats:
- Strategy is Not What “You” Think? It’s What “Others” Think.
- It’s not about the Beer: Why do customers buy, stay, and tell others and what you can do about it.
- Cash Is King: Find more cash in your business right now, in the next 90 days, and in the next year.
- Leadership 1, 2, 3: Master the Three Giant Steps to Leading Others Successfully
- Just One Season: Leadership Lessons from my one season coaching track in Southwest Detroit.
David Anderson has been a founder and CEO of numerous companies over the last 25 years. These companies range from a marketing agency to a SaaS-based software company, a publishing company, and several real estate ventures. In these roles, David has had many successes and also his fair share of failures. David has led his organizations through several mergers and acquisitions, growing businesses during excellent economic times, but also making the tough decisions that come during the not-so-excellent economic seasons. He’s done this all while trying to balance being present with a growing family and dealing with the many other curveballs life throws us.
David saw leadership at the highest levels while traveling the world working for two United States Presidents, served as a senior staffer on two presidential-appointed commissions and working and for a United States Congressman. He’s served on numerous community-based boards of directors and is currently on the global board of directors of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). David has been married to his wife Debbie for 23 years and has two sons.
In his first book, Leadership is Not a Title, David breaks down leadership, which is sometimes presented as complicated, into simple concepts all can relate to
Jack Becker is a human performance, teamwork, and efficiency professional whose years of expertise inspired him to found Flight Level Solutions, Inc. Jack has successfully adapted the same peak human performance skills that made him successful flying combat missions in the F/A-18 Hornet, to training companies striving to perform at fighter pilot levels. He served as a carrier-based F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fighter pilot, instructor pilot, landing signal officer, quality assurance officer, budget operations officer, and crew resource management instructor. Jack has over 2,000 hours flying supersonic fighter jets, and brings the same passion and excitement to each keynote speech he delivers. He is a decorated combat veteran having flown strike missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has graduated from the U.S. Navy Crew Resource Management (CRM) School.
As one of the Navy’s most highly decorated Landing Signals Officers (LSO), Jack was instrumental in incorporating using CRM to help pilots quickly improve while landing supersonic fighter jets on aircraft carriers. He was responsible for over 21,000 mishap free carrier landings. Jack’s unique experience as both and LSO and as the Navy’s top CRM instructor, he saw an opportunity to relay the same skills of Brief-Execute-Debrief-Improve to the American workplace. From healthcare groups, to manufacturing, construction, and insurance firms, Jack’s dynamic seminars have made a lasting impression. Flying faster than the speed of sound, a zero-fail mentality is a must! Jack’s programs teach simply how to reduce human error. Within all seven regions of GE Power and Water alone, Jack’s program has reduced OSHA recordable mishaps over 60%.
Jack earned a BS in Political Science with emphasis on organizational leadership from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Currently he serves part time as an F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet instructor pilot in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Jack brings an unbridled passion for human performance to Flight Level Solutions through consulting, training seminars and keynote addresses. Let Jack’s entertaining and captivating style energize your organization today.
James Higgins is a Partner at Chenmark, a diversified holding company that works with retiring owners and current entrepreneurs to provide liquidity, preserve legacies, and position companies for long term success. To date, Chenmark has completed 21 acquisitions in the property services, pest control, manufacturing, and tourism industries. Before founding Chenmark, James worked for a few different hedge funds after starting his career at Barclays Capital. James graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in history. He lives in Cumberland, Maine with his wife, Trish (also a Chenmark Partner) and their two young children.
Founder/CEO of Wheelistic Web Design, a Business Development/Digital Marketing Agency that specializes in the Green Industry. Passionate about having a real impact on the lives of others by putting assets and tools in place to reach goals consistently.
Ami Kassar, author of The Growth Dilemma, speaks nationally to entrepreneurs and business owners who desire money to grow their companies, improve cash flow and/or restructure debt.
Ami is the founder and chief executive officer of Multifunding LLC, a Philadelphia based consulting firm that specializes in helping business owners across the United States develop creative, cost-saving alternatives for their business debt needs and structure.
Thought-provoking, interactive and timely, Ami’s presentations address real-world cash flow problems entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. For over twenty years he has challenged people to think differently about their businesses and educated them on how to responsibly use leverage to create wealth.
As the “go-to” thought leader in business financing, Ami is frequently quoted in national media and is a sought-after speaker at business and industry events across the country. He writes a weekly column for Inc. Magazine and has advised the White House, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Bank.
Since joining Weathermatic in 1995, Brodie has passionately promoted landscape water conservation worldwide through Weathermatic product innovations, training, and management programs, resulting in billions of gallons of water savings. To share the savings, Brodie co-founded the Weathermatic “Save Water | Give Life” social cause to fund water wells and teach hygiene skills in 3rd World countries with 67 communities served and counting. Under his leadership, Weathermatic has focused its 75-year legacy on sustainability and smart technology with revenues growing in over 1,000 distribution locations in 85 countries.
Brodie holds a key role in Weathermatic new product development including the award-winning SmartLink Network irrigation control system, a revolutionary cloud-based technology for remotely programming and monitoring irrigation systems. To apply the SmartLink technology in a water management services offering, Brodie was part of the team that originally developed the Sustainability Services division of Weathermatic, now responsible for managing outdoor water for leading Fortune 500 companies and major institutions. Brodie leads the Sustainability Services division comprised of U.S. and European teams of proposal, reporting, and monitoring analysts as well as field operations teams responsible for commissioning and inspections. Today, he incorporates knowledge from national accounts savings programs into the Premier Partner program designed for leading landscape service providers.
Brodie is a graduate of Baylor University where he studied Business Management and International Business. He is the author of Pathway to Profits and editor of the marketing and sales book titled, 21 Secrets. Both books are the official instruction manuals used by the International Irrigation Association. Bruner serves on the Board of Directors for Weathermatic and the Paper for Water charity.
Brodie resides just outside of Dallas, Texas near Southfork Ranch with his wife and three children, who share his passion for providing clean water to the thirsty with 6 water wells sponsored and counting in conjunction with their local school.
Before John founded Focal Pointe in 1998, he spent years working in family businesses and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University. Even at a young age, John was fascinated by how brands connect and identify with their customers – a concept he felt was largely overlooked in the landscape industry. Since our beginning, John has been committed to building a humble service organization that is built around the client experience. Under this philosophy and John’s ongoing leadership, Focal Pointe has grown into an industry leader and cares for many of the most prestigious properties in the Midwest. In addition to raising their four children, John and his wife Molly, Co-Chair the annual Focal Pointe Charity Golf Tournament, which raises money for local families in need.
Kevin Kehoe is the co-founder of Aspire Software and an industry veteran who has consulted with landscaping companies for over 30 years. Kevin has provided practical solutions, systems, and advice in the areas of sales management, financial management, budgeting, pricing and merger and acquisition – all with the goal of growth and profitability.
Utkarsh Sharma is the Founder and CEO of SiteRecon. SiteRecon platform completely automates property measurements and requires no human intervention. This is his second venture at the interface of artificial intelligence and geospatial mapping. Having built multiple, continental-scale datasets of commercial properties in his first venture, Utkarsh realized that there is no plug and play solution that delivers ready-to-use information about exteriors of a property. Utkarsh started SiteRecon to fill that gap, believing that rapid access to the truth about our physical world is a fundamental right of every business.
Dean DeSantis is the second generation owner of DeSantis Landscapes, a full service landscape contractor founded in 1974. With its headquarters in Salem, OR and two branch offices in the Portland metro area, DeSantis employs over 120 landscape professionals focusing primarily on commercial maintenance, commercial bid/build and high-end residential design/build. Known for their sustainable focus and strong community ties, Dean is most proud of the workplace culture they’ve been able to create as evidenced by their being named a Top 100 Best Green Workplace in the state of Oregon for 10 consecutive years. Before joining the company fulltime in 2001 Dean served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, spent 2 years teaching English in Japan and spent another year traveling around the world visiting more than 20 countries. He has 20 year old boy/girl twins who are both currently in college and his wife of 23 years is a 5th grade Waldorf teacher.
As Founder & CEO of Oceanhouse Media, a leading publisher of mobile apps that uplift, educate and inspire, Michel has developed apps that millions of people have downloaded. Oceanhouse Media has released over 600 apps in its first 10 years. In 2013, the company was ranked #114 on the Inc 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies list.
Michel is a “digital tinkerer” at heart and is known for developing apps that drive personal and professional performance. Some of his more notable creations are “CommitTo3”, Michel’s personal daily coaching app “Mindset for Success,” and the recently released “Marshall Goldsmith Coaching” app.
In early 2018, Michel founded his 4th company, Extality, which focuses on high-end, enterprise solutions using VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality) and MR (mixed reality). The company has delivered groundbreaking work for Magic Leap (a leading AR/MR hardware vendor) and CNN/Turner where they developed CNN’s first AR solution for network news delivery in mixed reality.
Michel found prior success with Presto Studios, a videogame development company that he co-founded and ran for 11 years. Presto Studios had numerous hits including “The Journeyman Project” series, “Myst 3: Exile” and many more. His first company, MOOV design, was founded in 1989 where he developed innovative interactive multimedia projects many years before these new technologies were mainstream. One stand-out project from the time was Verbum Interactive (the world’s first interactive, multimedia magazine).
Michel is extremely active in Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) where he currently serves as the Regional Chair for the US West Regional Council after many years of local chapter service. He has completed the 3-year EO Entrepreneurial Masters Program at MIT and EO’s Global Leadership Academy in Washington D.C.
As someone who has strived for and found success in work, personal and family life, Michel has decided that it is time to give back. He remains an active learner as his efforts are now transitioning to writing, coaching, teaching and lecturing.
mk@omapp.com | www.MichelKripalani.com
(760) 715-5790 | Twitter @MKripalani | Intragram @michelkripalani | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelkripalani/
Eli has been in the landscaping industry for over 20 years, took over the family lawn business in 99 from his Grandfather and built it to a self running operation it is today. Joined Entrepreneurs Organization in 2014 in the Accelerator program which grew his mindset with mentors and coaches that guided his values today. 6 years later and now he is giving back to the program as an EO board member and President of the local Accelerator chapter.
Andrew Key, CPA-President of Emerald Isle
- 2 Years at Emerald Isle
- BS in Business Economics, UCSB
- Certified Public Accountant - 1993
Bachelors degree from UCSB, emphasis in Business Economics, CPA since 1993. 7 years of Public Accounting for various types of clients, primarily in tax practice, setting up computerized accounting systems, and applications programming. 25 years of experience in commercial construction mainly with specialty subcontractors, including 17 years of experience in the landscape industry. Facilitated dissolution and recapitalization of a partnership, and ownership transition in two businesses before coming to Emerald Isle.
Andrew is the former President of Heads Up Landscaping, Inc. in Albuquerque, NM. Along with former owner, Gary Mallory, Andrew helped build the company to over $30 Million in revenue. The company was sold in 2017. Andrew and his family moved to Denver in 2018 where he took over leadership of Emerald Isle. Andrew has a close relationship with Emerald Isle owners, the Lamberton family. The relationship was developed through previous peer group membership.
Lauren Bailey is the CEO & co-founder of Upward Projects. Named to the Nation’s Restaurant News “Power 50” list in 2019, Lauren focuses on strategy, conceptualization and development for 15 restaurants over five brands in three states. Five additional locations are currently in development. Recently named to the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for the fourth year in a row, Upward Projects places an emphasis on preparing high-quality food and adapting and reusing historically relevant buildings that are an integral part of the neighborhoods they serve. The brands are comprised of Postino, Joyride Taco House, Windsor, Churn Ice Cream and Federal Pizza. Collectively, Lauren is responsible for growth and vision of the existing company as well as future projects.
Recently named to the Arizona State University Foundation’s Board of Directors, Lauren helps to oversee the nearly $1B endowment for this university, named the most innovative school in the U.S. for the fifth year in a row by U.S. News & World Report in its 2020 college rankings. A proud ASU graduate, Lauren is also the first alumna to study under current ASU president Michael Crow to now serve alongside him at the Foundation. Lauren also sits on the Grand Canyon University Colangelo College of Business Advisory Board, and is a proud “big sister” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Lauren previously completed a five-year term as a board member of Local First Arizona, is a former Steering Committee Member for Devour Phoenix, and a former board member of the Entrepreneurs Organization. Inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame as “Restaurateur of the Year”, Lauren has been honored as a “Food Pioneer” by the Arizona Restaurant Association, named by the Phoenix Business Journal as the “Outstanding Women in Business” and selected as a finalist for the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” award.
Lauren was raised in the state of Indiana and has inhabited a fair amount of cities up and down the East Coast, including New York City and Nantucket. She attended Arizona State University, graduating in 2002 with dual degrees in Communication and Fine Art. In her spare time, Lauren travels the world, chases her 6-year-old, hunts for vintage treasures, creates art, cooks dinner for friends, and spends time with the most important people in her life.
Jim first kicked a soccer ball at the age of 3 and started playing professionally at the age of 16 with Dundee FC where he played as a defender. He remained at Dundee for 3 years during which time they won the Reserve League Cup in 1986. He subsequently had spells with league teams below the Scottish Premier League.
Jim moved into sales following on from his soccer career and having worked for global businesses such as Xerox and Hays, Jim joined the board of Docuserve as Sales & Marketing Director and laterally Managing Director. Jim led an MBO of the company which subsequently re-branded as Elevate in 2004.
After creating and selling other small businesses, Jim launched Docs24 in 2013. Docs24 work with some of the largest blue-chip companies across the globe, within financial services, home improvements, pharmaceutical, education and retail.
Jim hasn't totally hung up his soccer boots, and apart from playing for the Hearts Legends charity team, Jim is also the current captain of the Scottish National Team (over 38’s) and played in this year’s team against Australia, USA, Thailand, England and New Zealand in the Senior World Cup in Thailand, finishing third. The countries also raised a significant amount of money for displaced children within the Country.
Jim has been married for 27 years and has a son aged 25 and a daughter aged 22
Ben Collinsworth is general manager at Yellowstone Landscape, a company of roughly 4,000, which operates in several states around the U.S. Before that, he was the CEO of Native Land Design, a landscaping company he founded in Austin, Texas. Native sold to Yellowstone after 17 years in operation, growing to a base of 250 employees across three cities. The company was included in the Inc 5,000, Aggie 100, Austin Fastest 50, LM 150 and achieved many other awards over Ben’s tenure.
A life-long lover of the outdoors, Bruce Allentuck founded Allentuck Landscaping Co. while still a student at North Carolina State University studying Landscape Design & Horticulture. Over 34 years he has grown the company into one of the premier residential landscape companies in the suburban Washington DC area. In addition to leading the company, Bruce is also Co-CEO of Rightplantz.com, a leading green industry digital marketplace, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, and has competed in over 95 endurance races.
Spencer Sheinin, CPA, CA, has a unique background with over 15 years as an entrepreneur combined with extensive financial experience as a CPA, CA and investment banker. He is the Founder and CEO of Shift Financial Insights, providing ridiculously simple accounting and financial insights for business on the rise.
Spencer has previously owned businesses in manufacturing, construction, cold storage and Real Estate. He has been recognized as winner of the Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40 awards and finalist for the Surrey Business Excellence Awards. Spencer is an instructor for the Chartered Professional Accountants of B.C. and guest speaker at the University of British Columbia. He is a hyperactive member (since 2005) of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) since service as current Finance Expert for Canada and Past President of EO Vancouver.
Spencer is passionate about endurance sport and has completed several marathons, serveral more ultra-marathons (as far as 162 km), Iron man, distance cycling events, and most recently he completed his first marathon distance swim. Not surprisingly. both endurance sports and building a business require a ton of blood, sweat and tears.
His father Michael founded the firm in 1979, so Daniel has grown up with the company, working almost every job, from crew person to branch manager. Daniel is dedicated to using environmentally responsible landscape techniques and products. He is heavily involved in industry organizations, including John Deere’s Customer Advocacy Council, and the NC Nursery & Landscape Association, among others. He was elected president of Come Alive Outside™ in 2014.
“I love that every day we get the opportunity to leave the world better than we found it.” ~Daniel Currin
Kalika Yap is a thriving serial (concurrent) entrepreneur, author of the Little Brand Book published by Harper Collins, and inventor whose businesses include award-winning Los Angeles based digital agency Citrus Studios, Luxe Link, The Waxing Co., The Tangerine Co. & Orange & Bergamot.
You can also find more on kalika.com
Greg Crabtree, speaker, author, entrepreneur and financial expert. Greg founded his own firm Crabtree, Rowe and Berger to focus on helping entrepreneurs build their economic engine. After being named to the INC 5000 list for 2019, Greg’s firm merged with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA’s and Advisors, a top 20 U.S. Accounting firm to help broaden their impact on the entrepreneur community.
In 2011, Greg’s first book “Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits” shares his core principles of how to turn your business into a wealth building engine. In 2014, Greg contributed a chapter to Verne Harnish’s book, “Scaling Up” on how to improve profits though labor efficiency. In 2020, Greg will release his newest book, “Simple Numbers 2.0: Rules for Smart Scaling”. Greg is a frequent speaker to groups like EO, Scaling Up (Gazelles), Vistage and ACETECH and has presented in over 15 countries.
Greg also chairs the EO@Wharton Executive Education program for the last 5 years and will be launching a new Executive Education program for EO in 2020 called Functional Finance for Entrepreneurs that will teach any entrepreneur the basics to understand their financials and use the data to drive exceptional business performance and value.
Dave McKeown helps individuals, teams, and organizations
achieve excellence by doing the ordinary things extraordinarily
well. He is the CEO of Outfield Leadership and author of The
Self-Evolved Leader - Elevate Your Focus and Develop Your
People in a World That Refuses to Slow Down (Greenleaf
Book Group).
He has a wealth of experience in connecting individual and
team performance to improved business results with a
particular focus on fast-growing, complex organizations.
Dave started his career as a Consultant at Accenture, quickly
moving to become the COO and then President of Predictable
Success, a boutique consultancy focussed on helping complex
businesses achieve scalability.
Whilst at Predictable Success he also ran Inc. Consulting, a joint
venture with Inc. Media which helped companies on, or aspiring
to be on, the Inc. 5000. achieve consistent, scalable growth.
As Founder and CEO of Outfield Leadership, Dave now speaks,
coaches and trains on moving from execution to excellence.
His goal is to help organizations build a culture of real,
authentic but ultimately results-driven leadership.
He has shared his leadership strategies at the Inc. 500 and
Growco conferences, Bank of America, for the British
Government, Entrepreneur's Organization, Bamboo HR and
countless others. And has worked with leaders at Spectrum
Health, Renewal by Andersen, Akamai, NYSE and many
smaller, fast-growing organizations.
Dave is the host of the podcast 'Lead Like you Give a Damn'
and writes a weekly column for Inc.Com.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Dave now lives in Southern
California with his wonderful wife, Paris and awesome Staffie,
Maggie
Dennis McIntee, a gifted keynote speaker and author, travels across the US speaking at leadership summits, management training events and healthcare conferences. So many people already know Dennis as “The Drama Free Guy.” This is because Dennis understands that if you eliminate unhealthy drama in the workplace, your teams will thrive and succeed. In addition to being a keynote speaker, he is also a leadership consultant passionate about helping leaders create high-trust, high-performance cultures.
Dennis is also the author of The 8 Qualities of Drama Free Teams, The Power of Pursuit, Drama Free Teams in Healthcare, Drama Free Productivity, Drama Free Relationships.
He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for 27 years and together they have four children. Whenever he isn’t writing, traveling, or speaking, Dennis is an avid runner and enjoys training for races and watching soccer.
As SNH’s ‘chief inspiration officer’, Zech Strauser never runs out of ideas nor passion for finding ways to do things better. Whether it’s focusing on company skills and capability development, continuous improvement in risk management, snow and ice technologies, or leadership in environmental sustainability, Zech inspires a thriving workplace that’s always looking for new
ways to learn.
Because Zech believes in inspiring from the top down but leading from the bottom up, employee engagement runs high, with an empowered organization that walks the talk on being a happy place to work, with work that is rigorously grounded in the betterment of nature through better education.
As Zech works with his team to build the SNH platform for 2020, he is focused not only on being a learning-driven executive, but also a cheerleader for SNH’s initiatives: to lead by example in all things sustainable, to inspire his region-wide team to be all they can be, to drive a vision that produces positive results, and to bring more innovation to opportunity.
Zech is a leading voice and advocate for bringing green practices to the landscape and snow management industries, and for creating value through all-season eco-friendly best practices. He sits on several community boards, is founding member and helps run a give back to nature program, and is an active member of SIMA, NALP, ASCA, Come Alive Outside, Ecological Landscape Alliance, CAI, BOMA, CBLP, and his CEO peer group.
Founded in 1998, Strauser’s Nature Helpers (SNH) serves commercial Class A and HOA properties throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York from its locations in East Stroudsburg, Lehigh Valley and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
CONTACT:
Zech Strauser
zs@strausernature.com
www.strauserature.com
570-424-9434 x 305
Ami Kassar, author of The Growth Dilemma, speaks nationally to entrepreneurs and business owners who desire money to grow their companies, improve cash flow and/or restructure debt.
Ami is the founder and chief executive officer of Multifunding LLC, a Philadelphia based consulting firm that specializes in helping business owners across the United States develop creative, cost-saving alternatives for their business debt needs and structure.
Thought-provoking, interactive and timely, Ami’s presentations address real-world cash flow problems entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. For over twenty years he has challenged people to think differently about their businesses and educated them on how to responsibly use leverage to create wealth.
As the “go-to” thought leader in business financing, Ami is frequently quoted in national media and is a sought-after speaker at business and industry events across the country. He writes a weekly column for Inc. Magazine and has advised the White House, the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Bank.
Author, screenwriter, performer, disability rights advocate, and most recently, subject of the Emmy winning documentary, The Full Nelson.
Often referred to as ‘inspirational’, Adiba Nelson wrote and self-published her first children’s book in 2013, after not being able to find a children’s book that adequately and appropriately represented her daughter (African American, with special needs). Since then she has led numerous workshops/given keynote addresses around the country for parents, educators and education professionals/paraprofessionals, focusing on disability inclusion and empowerment.
Adiba has also penned several articles for Huffington Post, The Washington Post, The Lily, Ravishly, and Everyday Feminism, focusing on issues around race, parenting, disability and womanhood. In 2017she gave her first TEDx talk (Skating Downhill: The Art of Claiming Your Life), and joined the NPR affiliate Arizona Public Media as a regular contributor on Arizona Spotlight.
Pam, who grew up as an athlete and plant lover, earned the nickname "Plants" from her teammates during her collegiate volleyball years. She began working in the green industry at the age of 15, spending summers alongside her grandfather at the local nursery/garden center. When the Olympics came to Atlanta in 1996, she helped install and provide ongoing maintenance at the athlete’s welcome center, allowing her the opportunity to meet elite athletes that she grew up watching and caring for landscapes.
Pam’s passion for the industry led her to a nursery management position in South Carolina for seven years and eventually back to Atlanta in 2003, where she went to the University of Georgia to work on her horticulture degree. She started Plants Creative in 2005, with a truck and lawn mower, and now has a growing team of 50 people who believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Pam attributes the growth of the business to working hard, learning to ask good questions, fostering relationships with smart people who share similar values and creating a strong brand. She enjoys weekends in the North Georgia mountains with her partner, spending summers on the lake and cooler seasons in front of warm fires.
Renown landscape industry executive and CEO peer group entrepreneur Bruce Wilson tells us that there isn’t a silver bullet that will fix what the pandemic broke and explains the simple difference between managing a crisis event and a crisis lifecycle.
“The truth is, it will be over. If we spend too much time dwelling on the uncertainty and not enough time planning for when the light turns green, we’ll squander our opportunity to emerge better, faster and stronger in an economy that’s going to welcome fresh thinking.”
An inspiration for generations of landscape entrepreneurs, Bruce takes listeners through his process for turning crisis into opportunity and how to implement big change. In this 20-minute podcast hosted by Robert Clinkenbeard and David Anderson, Bruce lists the rules for listening to your customer, the importance of morale, and why positivity is the name of the game.
The show was recorded in the middle of COVID-19 crisis and Robert Clinkenbeard discusses with Richard Mulholland how he managed to show true leadership and resilience as his company went from a successful, high revenue generating company to zero revenue overnight. Rich talks about how he overcame his own personal challenges to rallying his team members to re-set or reinvent his company very quickly to push for their survival.