Voice of the Green Industry

 
There’s an old saying in business: You’re only as successful as the people you surround yourself with. I believe this implicitly from my experience in the corporate world, working with other trade groups, and certainly, most recently, serving as your president. It’s been an exciting and very rewarding year for me in many ways, from [...]

Mark these dates on your calendar, Feb. 21–23. That’s when PLANET members and their families will gather in Las Vegas to attend the second annual Green Industry Great Escape (GIGE). In two short years, what used to be known as the Executive Forum has developed a dynamic all its own. Last year’s event at the [...]

As 2012 comes to a close, most green industry professionals would say, “It hasn’t been a bad year, but it hasn’t been a great one, either.” Still, the industry is picking up, albeit slowly in some markets, and 2013 promises to bring more good news. Homeowners are once again opening their wallets to enhance their [...]

Expanding membership to state groups is something other national associations have done successfully.

As we celebrate our national holiday, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some thoughts with you all – my green industry colleagues and associates.
 
Over 200 years ago a group of dedicated men and women volunteered to bring freedom for themselves, their families and a new nation that would set the tone for where [...]

I have spent 50 plus years in this profession, so it’s safe to say this is the only work I’ve ever done. As senior vice president of Government Affairs and Industry Relations for TruGreen, I’m still very involved with the industry, networking with landscape professionals and lawn care operators around the country. Indeed, throughout my [...]

As many of you already know, PLANET and PGMS have extended their contracts (and partnerships) with OPEI/GIE+EXPO through 2018. Yes, we enjoy working with both OPEI and PGMS, but that in and of itself would never be reason enough to commit to several more years in Louisville. Instead, the move happens to be a very [...]

With the addition of the Irrigation & Water Management Specialty Group, PLANET now represents five distinct segments of the green industry. The timing couldn’t be better. Water and water management impacts every member of the green industry, and issues regarding the conservation and proper use of this valuable resource have become a key concern, not [...]

As PLANET president, I am directed by by-laws and policies to facilitate and coordinate ongoing PLANET Board of Directors processes and functions. I am also charged with the responsibility to ensure a successful annual agenda for board activities and for the overall association.

 
Most incoming presidents (I’m no exception) have strong feelings about certain programs [...]

For those of you who may not know me, I am the COO of a lawn care company, ArborLawn, Inc., and an irrigation company, Spartan Irrigation, Inc., both of which operate from a base in Central Michigan. I am a graduate of Michigan State University, father of two adult children, and grandfather of three. If [...]