What’s your outlook for the landscape industry in 2019?
Landscape professionals
Richard Bare
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.
Full speed ahead. As long as this president is around, we should see unparalleled prosperity; however, some headwinds may develop in his second term as the U.S. treasury debt may bring us down after the 2020 elections. The interest on the national debt may exceed defense spending by 2023, as reported by The New York Times. That can’t be good.
Industry consultants
Marty Grunder
Grow Group
Miamisburg, Ohio
“The economy is cooperating, so I think we are all going to have enough work; hopefully, we have enough workers. The H-2B program needs fixed, it’s one labor solution that works. It’s sad that we landscape pros are a pawn in the politicians’ game.”
Kevin Kehoe
3PG Consulting
Laguna, Calif.
“Labor continues to be tough, so there will be lots more subcontracting and maybe laborers from Puerto Rico. There is growth everywhere—good pricing, too. Consolidation will really change the face of the industry in many markets. Technology will start to require companies to increase their investment, lest they fall behind. It is the year to up your management game.”
Frank Ross
3PG Consulting
Alpharetta, Ga.
“Every indicator supports a very strong year. Now, let’s find a solution to the labor issue.”
Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott Consulting
Trumbull, Conn.
“There will be some corrections that are necessary to perpetuate continued market growth. We will see more and more qualified people wanting to immigrate, but wages will continue to rise until demand and supply balance. Until then, for labor based services, it’s time to raise fees.”
