Attending a fast-paced conference that brings together both professionals and industry partners can be a big benefit to lawn care companies of all sizes, says Chris Lemaster, director of procurement and technical services at Turf Masters Brands in Tulsa, Okla.
Lemaster says he enjoys going to industry events to network and learn from his peers, which is what initially drew him to Landscape Management’s Growth Summit. The 2024 version of this annual three-day event was held in Orlando, Fla., and brought together 36 lawn care professionals from across the country.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet with other professionals and leading supplier partners, learn about new equipment and products, hear valuable business insights and attend educational sessions.
Valuable networking
One of Lemaster’s favorite parts of being in the green industry is how much there is to learn, regardless of how long you’ve been a part of it. He says the LM Growth Summit was a great place to absorb more from everyone he met.
“There’s always something new to learn and so many topics out there,” Lemaster says. “I enjoy seeing how people approach lawn care and their ways of solving the same issues we face every single day.”
Lemaster talked with the other attendees about the challenges they face, what products they recommend and what best practices they use. He says these conversations help him see what might work within his own company so it can continue to improve.
“I love seeing best practices from across the country and how that can potentially fit into what we do,” he says. “Seeing how other people are doing things is so valuable. We’re in an industry that’s very competitive, but I’m a firm believer that a rising tide lifts all boats.”
He says he also learned from the other attendees he was paired with for the round-robin-style “speed dating” with the event’s industry partners.
“You’re not alone in the industry,” he says. “It’s a great reminder that no matter the size of your business, we all face the same challenges.”
Finding solutions
Being able to experience so many different facets of the industry and types of products all in one location was one of the biggest takeaways from the LM Growth Summit, Lemaster says.
He says he especially enjoyed engaging with the chemical manufacturers. Lemaster has been partnering with Greene County Fertilizer for several years and enjoyed seeing them at the event. He also learned more about the new products he saw from Nufarm and Albaugh Specialty Products.
“It’s eye-opening to see and touch base with those companies because they have a suite of products that you don’t normally get to see,” Lemaster says. “When you get in front of them and talk to them about your challenges, they can show you their solutions.”
Open discussions
One thing that surprised him about the LM Growth Summit was how open all the attendees were about discussing their struggles, successes and business advice, including an engaging panel of business owners who were open to the group’s questions.
“We have a competitive industry and environment, but no one was holding anything back. They were all honest and open with their answers,” he says. “That’s invaluable as someone who is wanting to continue learning how to elevate our services and industry.”
Lemaster says he’s told other business owners he knows about the LM Growth Summit and encouraged them to apply. For professionals who attend, he says they’ll get out of it what they put in.
“If you’re going to engage with not just the businesses that are there but also the individuals themselves, this is 100 percent for you,” Lemaster says. “It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed it.”
