The Edge September/October 2025

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DEPARTMENTS 6

From the CEO: Leaders Should Always Be Learning The Agronomist: How Advocacy Protects The Pesticides In Your Toolbox

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Why You Can’t Afford To Miss

10 Faces of the Industry: Javier Suarez

BUSINESS SMARTS 18 Protecting Your Business: Who’s Next in Line? The Importance of Building a Succession Pipeline 22 How I Do It: Solutions, Tools and Innovation from First Editions® Shrubs & Trees 24 Boosting Your Business: Predictable Profits: The Case for Flat Monthly Billing Rates 32 Building Your Team: Committing to a Cause: The Power of Community Service THE NALP EXPERIENCE 12 A Labor of Love: Volunteers Beautify National Green Spaces at Renewal & Remembrance 14 NALP Foundations Sparks Student Interest in Landscape Careers at SkillsUSA 16 Secure Your Spot in NALP’s Executive Leadership Program 16 Navigate the Future with Exclusive Insights and Connections at Leaders Forum 30 Conquering Challenges: Converting a Wooded Lot Into a Private Backyard Oasis 42 New Members NALP Production Rate Publication................................................39 NALP & Rancho Mesa Insurance Services.................................19 NALP R&R Thank You..............................................................................15 Proven Winners ColorChoice...............................................................5 Steel Green Manufacturing...............................................................25 STIHL ................................................................................................................ 11 University of Georgia.............................................................................37

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Meet Jennifer Jorge, the 2025 Woman Leader of the Year

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sional of the Year 40

4 The Edge // Septembe/October 2025 Advertiser Index Bartlett Tree Experts................................................................................20 Baton Market..............................................................................................21 Billy Goat...........................................................................................................7 Caterpillar..................................................................Inside Front Cover Colorblends................................................................................................. 34 Envu ..........................................................................................................9, 31 Exmark.........................................................................................Back Cover Chuy Medrano Named 2025 Lifetime Leader of the Year 36

Meet Macey Robinson, 2025’s Young Profes

First Editions.........................................................................................22-23 Greenworks Commercial.....................................................................17 Nufarm............................................................................................................ 35 NALP Bootcamp..........................................................................................3 NALP ELEVATE 2025............................................Insider Back Cover NALP Business Management Series.............................................41 NALP Leaders Forum.............................................................................41