In 2017, Weathermatic found itself at a corporate crossroads.
As president Lex Mason described it, “We had a phenomenal product, the beginnings of a world-class team, and all the desire, grit and ambition in the world, but we were not seeing a lot of growth. Something was missing.”
But as Mason and the team at Weathermatic put their heads down and worked on charting a way forward, they resisted the urge to lean into quick fixes and instead focused on more sustainable solutions.
“We wanted to play the long game,” Mason said. “We decided we were going to intentionally align our business around our clients, our partners and their results. We wanted to take an approach that the more success those in the industry see, the more success we’ll see.”
A key component of that long-range plan was the creation of Weathermatic’s SmartCon partner summit. The 2025 edition of the event took place in Phoenix, Ariz., in February. More than 300 customers and industry partners attended three days of professional development, technical training and presentations from some of the industry’s top thought leaders, including several regular contributors to Landscape Management.
In Mason’s welcoming comments to attendees in Phoenix, he issued a gentle challenge.
“You’re going to have some of the most talented professionals in this industry present to you this week,” he said. “We can’t force you to take action, but don’t leave here without transformation. Don’t leave here without something tangible that you’re going to do to change the way you’re doing business today, to become or to extend your lead as a forward-thinking innovator.”
Main-stage presenters included Greg Herring with The Herring Group, who explored how irrigation divisions can positively impact profitability and growth for landscape companies; Justin White with K&D Landscaping in Watsonville, Calif., who shared how embracing massive action can benefit business owners; and Jeff Harkness from 3PG Advisors, who offered advice on nurturing company culture and building a high-performing organizational chart.
Weathermatic also shared several product enhancements to its SmartLink irrigation control platform and unveiled SmartLink Connect, which allows users to manage non-Weathermatic controllers — including two-wire setups — via the SmartLink cloud-connected platform.
Among the first-time attendees at SmartCon was Aaron Wolfe, president of Wickenburg Landscape in Wickenburg, Ariz. As a relatively new user of Weathermatic’s system, he came to the event to connect and learn about best practices from other users but walked away with much more than just technical know-how.
“You meet so many like-minded people at these kinds of events, which is really my biggest takeaway,” Wolfe said. “Not everybody is looking as far ahead as the folks here are, and that’s where I think Weathermatic hit it out of the park. They’re focused on one thing, water management, and how we can do that better and more efficiently well into the future. That really resonated with me.”
Robert Olsen, president of Goldenstate Landscapes in Camarillo, Calif., was making his second visit to SmartCon after his company began working with Weathermatic in 2021. “Staying on the cutting edge of irrigation has been a priority for Goldenstate since day one, and I immediately saw this partnership as a way to keep our team engaged and up to speed,” Olsen says.
“Attending these conferences helps us refine our strategy and align it with how we run our irrigation business. At the core of it all is our commitment to what matters most — water management. Plus, there’s the added benefit of connecting with others in the industry and exchanging ideas.
Changing of the guard at Ryan Lawn & Tree
Larry Ryan, founder and president of Ryan Lawn & Tree, No. 49 on the 2024 LM150 list, is stepping down from his role after 38 years as the company enters a new chapter in its history.
Derek Osburn and Chuck Monico will join Ryan Lawn & Tree as the new vice president of revenue generation and CEO, respectively. Larry Ryan will continue to serve the company as the executive chairman of the board of directors.
Under Ryan’s leadership, Ryan Lawn & Tree grew into one of the nation’s top revenue-generating lawn, tree and landscaping companies. As president, Ryan grew the company from his garage to a company with six branches in major cities, more than 500 associates and $80 million in annual revenue.
“Because of you, working together, we have built a wonderful legacy,” Ryan said in a message to employees. “Our greatness of Ryan is in each of you. Continue to build your great legacy.”
“We have a large duty to carry on Larry’s legacy. It is a significant shift for Ryan Lawn & Tree, and we have a responsibility to our employee-owners to carry on that legacy,” said Phillip Fisher, the company’s chief operating officer who worked with Ryan for 23 years.
Monico brings over three decades of industry experience, strong business acumen and values-based leadership to his new role with Ryan Lawn & Tree. Before this promotion, Monico served as senior director of Ryan Lawn & Tree’s Omaha (Neb.) branch, formerly CM’s Outdoor Solutions Group.
In his new role, Osburn will focus on driving alignment and a shared strategic vision. He has held key roles at brands such as Milwaukee Tool and Bushnell. In his new role at Ryan, Osburn will focus on driving alignment and a shared strategic vision between marketing, sales and branch operations.
