The Edge January/February 2026

The

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The Stronger Together: How NALP Relentlessly Advocates for the Industry

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DEPARTMENTS 6

From the CEO: Thoughts on 2025, Thoughts on 2026, Advocating, and Something New The Agronomist: Plan Your Lawn Care Season with Care or Prepare to Fail

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10 Faces of the Industry: Marcus Jones

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BUSINESS SMARTS 14 Building Your Team: The

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Importance of Advocating for the H-2B Program 24 Protecting Your Business: Don’t Be on the Menu: How To Stop Harmful Legislation Before It Starts 33 Boosting Your Business: Turn Clients Into Advocates for Your Brand THE NALP EXPERIENCE 18 Boots on the Ground: Why You Should Join the Advocacy Ambassador Program 26 Meet Dan Papineau, the 2025 Advocate of the Year 27 Conquering Challenges: 2025

Talking with Titans: Chris Senske

Plan Your Year with NALP 12

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Changing the Game: Rooted in Relationships: Inside the Formation of Hatcher Landscape Partners

Judges Award: Transforming a Steep Shoreline Into a Lush Lakeside Retreat

35 New Members

Advertiser Index Bartlett Tree Experts................................................................................23 Caterpillar..................................................................Inside Front Cover Cetane Associates.......................................................................................5 NALP 2025 Financial Benchmark Report...................................17

NALP Bootcamp..........................................................................................3 NALP ELEVATE 2026.............................................................Back Cover NALP Sample Production Rates......................................................11 NALP Awards of Excellence..................................................................9

NALP NCLC......................................................................................................7 NALP & Rancho Mesa Insurance Services.................................32 Steel Green Manufacturing...............................................................19

4 The Edge // January/February 2026