The Edge June/July/August 2026

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DEPARTMENTS 6

From the CEO: Who’s Your Tech Champion? The Argonomist: The Importance of Practicing Stewardship from Preemergents to Irrigation

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10 Faces of the Industry: David Erdman

The From Chaos to Clarity: Why Process Is the Real Driver of Efficiency 32

BUSINESS SMARTS 18 Building Your Team: Tapping Into the Next Gen’s Ideas with Reverse Mentoring 20 Protecting Your Business: Cybersecurity in the Field: Don’t Let a Tablet Take Down Your Business 26 Boosting Your Business: The Lawn Care Routing Playbook for Tighter Routes and Bigger Returns THE NALP EXPERIENCE 11 Renewal & Remembrance Marks 30 Years of Honoring Heroes Through Horticulture 12 50 Years Strong: How NCLC Develops a Powerful Pipeline of Talent for the Industry 15 Save the Date for ELEVATE! 29 Advocacy Ambassador: Mark Kelbacher 34 New Members

Talking with Titans: Kurt Bland

Lawns’ Partnership Playbook 30

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Keeping the Roots: Inside Legacy

There’s No Place Like Home: Creating Walmart’s Welcoming Campus Headquarters

Advertiser Index Bartlett Tree Experts................................................................................25 Billy Goat...........................................................................................................9 Cetane Associates.......................................................................................5 ColorBlends................................................................................................. 14 Milwaukee Tool...................................................Insider Front Cover

NALP Bootcamp..........................................................................................3 NALP ELEVATE 2026.............................................................Back Cover NALP Leaders Forum.............................................................................28 NALP Publications...............................................Inside Back Cover NALP & Rancho Mesa Insurance Services.................................15

Nufarm...............................................................................................................7 Steel Green...................................................................................................19

4 The Edge // June/July/August 2026