The Edge March/April/May 2026

opportunity to explore topics like how their definition of success has evolved, how they measure culture and engage ment, and how they know when to invest in additional hiring and technol ogy during the hot topic roundtable discussions. Groups shared about having to make the hard decision to part ways with long-time employees, how they are nav igating implementing multiple software solutions and when it’s better to simplify. They also covered the importance of leveling up their team members as they scale and the power of surveys for gain ing employee opinions and needs. The event also featured a fundraiser for NALP-PAC where attendees raised $151,000. Leaders Forum was wrapped up with an elegant multi-course wine-pairing dinner led by a certified sommelier. Thank you to our title sponsor, Aspire; our Elite partners, Cat, Stanley Black & Decker and STIHL, as well as our additional partners, Rancho Mesa, 3PG Advisors, Bobyard, Boss by Integra, Kress, Vermeer and Wilson360. TE

on how to approach the impending Great Depression predicted in the 2030s. St. Germain explained that despite some media reports, the economy will grow over the coming years, yet inflation will impact landscape companies’ profit margins unless they are strategic about improving their overall efficiencies. Across the country, population growth is also strong, particularly in Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Idaho, and Utah. He recommended landscape compa nies target these growing regions when considering expansions. St. Germain noted that businesses that have cash on hand in the 2030s will be in a prime position to capitalize on acquir ing businesses that were not prepared for the downturn. Landscape professionals also had the

ð Save the Date Save the date for next year’s Leaders Forum at El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, on Feb. 3-6, 2027.

lead to stagnation. She suggested teams have someone to serve as their devil’s advocate in meetings just to stretch the group’s perspective. The following day, Taylor St. Germain, an economist with ITR Economics, provided an economic outlook for the coming four years as well as his advice

National Association of Landscape Professionals 11