What’s your prediction for the state of the landscape industry in 2020 — better or worse than 2019?
Landscape Professionals
Richard Bare
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.
“I think 2020 is going to be another blockbuster year; the economy is on fire! Our growth as a nation will only be limited by our ability to find workers to get the job done.”
Paul Fraynd
Sun Valley Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.
“The landscape industry will continue to grow behind the momentum of 2019 and be better for it! A focus on recurring services will help shield companies from any potential dip in the economy.”
Luke Henry
ProScape Lawn & Landscaping Services
Marion, Ohio
“I am optimistic for continued growth, but regardless of the economy, the companies who focus on value-based selling, efficient operations, positive culture and team member training and development will continue to win.”
Chris Joyce
Joyce Landscaping
Cape Cod, Mass.
“I think the landscape industry will be slightly better in 2020 than in 2019.”
Greg Winchel
Winchel Irrigation
Grandville, Mich.
“Landscape industry demands will continue to increase as the steady housing market continues. The one factor that may keep the landscape industry growth flat or slow will be the lack of workforce.”
Industry Consultants
Marty Grunder
The Grow Group
Dayton, Ohio
“No one really knows. It’s hard to believe that 2020 could be better for the landscape professional. We all could handle another 2019, so I don’t think there’s much value in considering that scenario. Smart owners are prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. One thing you never regret investing in is training your people. The shortage of quality people will not go away. The companies that have the best people will win no matter what the economy does.”
Phil Harwood
Grow the Bench
Grand Rapids, Mich.
“Demand will remain strong, but the labor situation will restrain growth.”
Kevin Keho
3PG Consulting
Laguna, Calif.
“Better, not as crazy as 2018 but upward still at slower rate. We’ll experience the same problems: labor and lack of good software to really drive margins. My sense is that guys are repeating the same mistakes of the past: growing revenues faster than profits. With fast growth comes inefficiencies bred from poor management that is rooted in less-than-great decisions, because they lack timely information to manage margins. They will need to do when it all inevitably slows down on construction side. So it goes. What did Santayana say… ‘Those who neglect history are doomed to repeat man’s mistakes.’”
Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott Consulting
Trumbull, Conn.
“The economy may soften in the late part of the election cycle. That’s OK because we need that to loosen unemployment. The best companies take advantage when there’s a dip by buying companies, leads and great employees.”
