The Edge January/February 2026

TALKING WITH TITANS

concerned about what their local, state and federal governments are doing that impacts their business. Whether it is labor and compensation rules, safety regulations or potentially limiting the products we use, every company needs to be involved in advocating for their industry. NALP’s Advocacy Ambassador Program helps companies to do just that. “The Advocacy Ambassador Program aims to build a strong, nationwide network of advocates — providing members with valuable opportunities to connect with policymakers, engage with industry peers, and proactively represent our profession when key issues arise in state legislatures.” And it is so simple to get started. (Learn more on page 18). It is because of my involvement in asso ciations, working on committees and vol unteering to advocate for my industry that I built relationships all across the country. Those relationships were instrumental in my long-term success. Networking, learn ing about how others were building their businesses and processes, paid dividends on the investment I made in advocating for the industry. Every company should do the same. TE

I think it is a wonderful development. As companies are acquired, the sponsors are adding support and structure that, as individuals, we could not afford to do. I had wanted to add a fleet manager to our company for at least five years but just couldn’t pull the trigger on that hire due to the perceived overhead expense it would add. What was the first thing that the new leadership did? They added a fleet manager! The consolidation is good for develop ing a more professional industry and one that can have more of an impact on how we are perceived by consumers and by regulators. We can invest more into advo cacy than what smaller companies can do. WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY? I am very excited about autonomous vehicles and the potential to eliminate the most dangerous part of our work – driving. I believe it would add significantly to productivity, safety and the work or job quality. That is coming sooner than later. I would like to see every company, large and small, play a larger role in industry advocacy. Every company should be

We had an eight-year plan that the Sen ske leadership team and I had developed at the end of which I would be 80 and need to make a change. That was about a year before we as a team decided it was the right time to sell. With the private equity activity that was just starting and the multiples being offered, that eight year plan was cut to 18 months! We really hadn’t done all we needed to do to get the company right for sale, but we felt we had to strike while the iron was hot! Don’t try to do a sale or succession plan on your own. Hire experts who will be able to advise you along the journey. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT YOUR CAREER AND THE COMPANY’S JOURNEY? I am most proud of the development of the people in the Senske Lawn and Tree Care family and that together we built an organization that could have a lasting future. HOW DO YOU SEE CONSOLIDATION SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE SENSKE PLAYING IN THAT?

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS WITH INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC INSURANCE

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is dedicated to providing customized insurance solutions for the landscape industry, specializing in commercial landscape maintenance and larger fleets (25+ vehicles) . With active policies across 20+ states, our independent agency offers a variety of options, including Captive, Deductible, and Guaranteed Cost Programs . As an 18-time National Best Practices Agency , Rancho Mesa helps landscape, lawn care, and tree care companies manage risk with services like Workers’ Compensation Claims Oversight , a mobile safety training platform, and dedicated client managers.

32 The Edge // January/February 2026 Contact Drew Garcia today: drewgarcia@ranchomesa.com | 619-937-0200