The Landscape Contractor magazine DEC.22 Digital Edition

Winter Container Showcase

ILCA Membership Party

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Landscape Contractor, 2625 Butterfield Road, Ste 104S, Oak Brook, IL 60523. DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES: Association Publishing Partners, Inc., Ph. (630) 637-8632 Fax (630) 637-8629 email: rmgi@comcast.net CLASSIFIED ADS, CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTION: ILCA (630) 472-2851 Fax (630) 472-3150 PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL OFFICE: Rick Reuland, rmgi@comcast.net, Naperville, IL 60540 Ph. (630) 637-8632

I was recently talking to a contractor about the moment landscape businesses were having with mergers, acquisitions, private equity, and co-op groups. We marveled at how landscape businesses during the pandemic had become the belle of the ball. It seemed that every equity group was taking a long look at landscape companies as a way to diversify portfolios of service related trades.

This contractor had children in the businesses and therefore had an exit plan that fewer and fewer ILCA members have. He joked, “I want to put a sign at the entrance to my shop for all the private equity guys that reads ‘Keep Out: I Have Kids in My Business’, hopefully, that will scare them away.”

I have never seen an environment like this before. Another contractor joked with me, “If you aren’t talking about electric equipment or selling your company, you are doing 2022 wrong.” In just a few years, a brand new offramp has been provided to landscape business owners that did not exist for decades. There was now a hungry audience of investors waiting to buy companies that years ago would’ve gone bankrupt or been stripped for parts.

Bell. This was the end of his road. A business that stood proud in a community for 40 years simply vanished because he needed out seven years too soon.

As the Director of the ILCA, I am always the first and the last to know about mergers and acquisitions. I hear the very first whispers as companies ask me for legal and valuation referrals. After that, absolute silence as management operates under an NDA. Details are hammered out over weeks, months, and even years. Finally, I get a jubilant call from the owner telling me he’s selling. The last person anyone involved in a merger wants to tell is the guy who has a bullhorn for the entire industry. I respect that.

Merge Ahead

The old way to transition out a business was to give it to your kids. The problem was that many owners did not have children who were interested in a second or third generation of small business ownership. Let’s face it. Times have changed when it comes to raising kids. It is an American cultural ideal to allow our children to forge their own paths and to have them live better lives than we do. Those parameters don’t necessarily lead back to a life running a landscape business.

In lieu of that, finding an internal employee to buy the business is even more of a longshot. Management level employees, even those paid well, will rarely have the equity to buy out an owner for millions of dollars. We simply don’t pay employees that way in the landscape industry. Also, our employees aren’t our kids. These employees have their own problems and obligations. It isn’t logical or fair to a manager to expect them to behave like offspring and stand with an owner even when it doesn’t make financial or professional sense.

I remember working with a contractor who was trying to sell his business at the height of the recession. This was back when terms like “private equity” and “mergers and acquisitions” were used by rich guys with yachts. It was time for him to sell his business. He had no kids that were interested. He had “an employee in mind” that didn’t pan out after years of grooming him to take over. He was stuck. I referred him to the scant business development agents that operated in our space.

Due to his more rural location, the business was not valued at anything close to what he anticipated. He was a dead end. He called me, almost in tears that his equipment would now be sold at auction. His design-build clients were good for memories and photos, but did not posses real value. His maintenance was decent, but would be quickly soaked up by his competitors. His property would be leased and turned into a dry cleaner or a Taco

With that said, I do wish I had a few moments to speak with each owner considering a change. I have now seen dozens of these happen over the past few years. The conversations that used to happen late at night at the bar at iLandscape now can be had by picking up the phone and speaking to the right acquisition specialist. The act of considering a sale has been normalized…for the moment.

Once the owner gets past the excitement and pride of courtship, the real work begins. Frankly, there are some owners who just want to be loved. They just want to know that companies are interested in them. They are the happily married man having a harmless flirt with the waitress. It just feels good to know they still have it. They have no real plans to sell the business, but it’s fun to talk about the business with those who see the same level of value in it as the owner.

If owners are willing to take the plunge, they need to consider what an exit plan looks like. Owners have to consider if they want to be free and clear or will need to work in the business. Unless the business is very, very large, the final payout will not be “smell ya later, I’m moving to the Keys” money. This may be 3-7 years of salary + profit in normal years. That will be a big check for many owners, but not reasonable to think that money can last a 55-year old owner for the rest of his or her life. That money can be invested wisely, but it’s also likely that same owner would be faced with a choice of having to find a new job or start a new company just five years later. This decision is much easier for a 70 year old owner who can just walk away.

Some owners are totally content to stay employed by the new ownership group. Afterall, it’s the management, not the craft that usually burns out owners. The owner still wants to design and build or maintain landscapes. They want to meet with clients they like. They want to be around the crews and see the business succeed. They want to be an advocate for tradition and the old ways. They also like the steady paycheck and no more fear that the business lacks the capital to weather bad patches. Those are someone else’s problems now. An infusion of cash and resources provides the safety net that reduces stress while letting the previous owner focus on the fun parts of the business.

There needs to be a discussion on identity. It seems that each sector of the landscape industry is handling this differently. Lawn care, tree care, and suppliers like rebranding. This makes sense. There is more consistency of service and less of a boutique feel

with these types of businesses. Consumers know the basic services and the size of the market share is attractive. Consumers like knowing they are working with the biggest lawn care or tree care company in their market. They like seeing those trucks everywhere and reinforces they are using the industry leader.

Design-build is totally different. Those consumers want the art and expertise. They want the experience to be customized and personal. They want to find the right fit for a landscape project and they love being able to refer this hidden gem to a friend or neighbor. I will not be surprised if design-build landscape companies don’t rebrand and other types of service providers end up opting for a rebrand if we look at this from the lens of a consumer.

Rebrands also can upset the apple cart based on the demographics of the workforce. Americans understand how impersonal and cold business can be. We don’t bristle at the idea of coming to work one day and seeing a new work shirt with a new logo. Latinos are entirely different. The workplace is the most stable organization many Latinos interact with. It can feel like a betrayal to many field staff that the business is changing hands, especially if those hands belong to a competitor that crews had negative interactions with in the field. Great care should be taken if considering a rebrand. Speaking to the most seasoned employees first is the best play. Those employees were a lucrative part of the deal and if they bolt, the rebranded firm just lost significant value.

Owners have to understand, this is business. Even if they remain employed, they simply cannot make promises to their current employees that how it is today will match how it is tomorrow. If private equity is involved, there will be lofty performance metrics that may be well above industry standard. Additionally, ownership at the private equity level can change in a heartbeat. The business can be sold from one group to another and the business starts all over again. For an owner to stand up at a companywide meeting and say “nothing will change” is naïve at best, dishonest at worst.

In the end, let me say on record, this new interest in purchasing successful landscape businesses is good for the industry. It’s great, actually. If an owner has a business worth selling, is at an age where it makes sense, and the business will achieve new heights under new ownership than everyone wins. It is not quitting because an owner wants to enjoy his or her later years free from the stress of small business ownership. Not everyone has kids or a solid #2 or the desire to work until they are 80. Some of us signed up for a career, not a life sentence.

Our Education Committee jokes that we can never offer classes on this topic at iLandscape. It will be the most sought-after session no one attends. We would need to provide black hoods or fake mustaches. Everyone needs to better understand what to consider if selling the business becomes a reality at some point. In lieu of a class, columns, articles, and anonymous webinars will need to be the starting point. Having an exit plan is great now that there are more doors than ever marked “Exit.” If you decide to take it, just realize there is more behind that door than you think. Sincerely, Scott Grams, Executive Director

November 23, 2022

President

Jeff Kramer

Kramer Tree Specialists, Inc, (630) 293-5444 jwkramer@kramertree.com

Vice-President

Ashley Marrin

Bret-Mar Landscape Management Group, Inc. (708) 301-2225 ashley@bretmarlandscape.com

Secretary-Treasurer

Jim Cirrincione

Hinsdale Nurseries, Inc. (630) 323-1411 jcirrincione@hinsdalenurseries .com

Immediate Past President

Scott McAdam, Jr.

McAdam Landscaping, Inc. (708) 771-2299 Scottjr@mcadamlandscape.com

Directors

Eric Adams

Russo Power Equipment (847) 233-7811 eadams@russopower.com

Kim Hartmann

Rosborough Partners 847-404-7669 hartmannkim@comcast.net

Ryan Heitman

The Fisher Burton Company (847) 566-9200 ryanheitman@fisherburton.com

Tom Klitzkie

Nature’s Perspective Landscaping (847) 475-7917 tklitzkie@naturesperspective.com

Dean MacMorris

Night Light, Inc. (630) 627-1111 dean@nightlightinc.net

Kevin Manning

K & D Enterprise

Landscape Management, Inc. (815) 725-0758 kmanning@kdlandscapeinc.com

Kevin McGowan

Kaknes/SiteOne

31W245 Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563

Mark Utendorf

Emerald Lawn Care, Inc. (847) 392-7097 marku@emeraldlawncare.com

www.ilca.net

President’s Message —

Happy Holidays Everyone!

This is one of my favorite times of year. We get to sit back a little and think about how lucky we are to be in such a great industry — at least you should be thinking that! The off-season is a great time to look back over the summer we just had and reflect on how everything went with equipment, clients, costs and of course our most valuable asset, our team members. This is the time to evaluate possible improvements that can be made across the board throughout your business. Even the smallest improvements can make a big impact for years to come. It’s good to involve your team members in this process as they likely have the best ideas for improvements and are most likely to follow through with new ideas since they offered them.

It is also nice to have more time with family. They put up with our crazy hours and the stress we deal with throughout the growing season. They listen to us when we need to vent and sometimes offer solutions you can’t see. An arm’s-length perspective can really help when you are in the middle of the chaos. I know I have bent my wife’s ears many times about things I have struggled with over the years. She has been a big help, allowing me to see things in a different way.

I know I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends this winter as I do each year and slow down more and enjoy the life we have together.

I wish you all a great holiday season!

Sincerely, Jeff Kramer

¡Felices fiestas para todos!

Esta es para mí una de las épocas favoritas del año. Nos permite sentarnos y pensar en lo afortunado que somos de pertenecer a una industria tan fabulosa — ¡al menos deben pensar así! La temporada baja es una buena oportunidad para echar una mirada retrospectiva al verano recién pasado y reflexionar sobre cómo nos fue con equipos, clientes, costos y por supuesto, nuestro activo más valioso, los miembros de nuestro equipo. Este es el momento de evaluar posibles mejoras en todas las áreas de su negocio. Incluso las mejoras más pequeñas pueden tener un gran impacto en el futuro. Es buena idea involucrar a los miembros de su equipo en este proceso debido a que lo más probable es que tengan las mejores ideas sobre qué se debe mejorar, aportando luego nuevas ideas para dar seguimiento a esas mejoras que ellos mismos propusieron.

También es agradable pasar más tiempo con los miembros de nuestra familia. Ellos tienen que lidiar con nuestros horarios irregulares y el estrés que nos afecta durante la temporada de crecimiento. Nos escuchan cuando necesitamos desahogarnos y algunas veces ofrecen soluciones que no podemos ver. Una perspectiva compartida con una persona cercana puede ayudar verdaderamente cuando estamos en medio del caos. Sé que he hablado muchas veces largamente con mi esposa sobre problemas con los que he tenido que lidiar durante años. Ella ha sido una gran ayuda, permitiéndome ver las cosas de manera diferente

Espero con ansias pasar más tiempo con mi familia y amistades este invierno como lo hago cada año y desacelerarme más y disfrutar la vida que compartimos.

¡Les deseo a todos una fabulosa temporada de festividades!

Atentamente, Jeff Kramer

Jeff Kramer

Covenant Living of Northbrook, is a 60-acre retirement community. Landscape management includes hundreds of large trees, ornamentals, formal hedges, perennials and acres of turf. Four color rotations at focal points and summer annuals for the majority of campus provide vibrant energy and specifically symmetry for campus signage. A two man crew, six days a week, maintain summer annuals and new plantings; only 1/3 of campus has automated irrigation. Each residential foundation planting is

customized to reflect its occupant(s) requiring customized management programs for hundreds of plantings on campus. Large, open turf areas are maintained weekly, and receive season specific fertilizer, pest control applications, and irrigation management. A plant “orphanage” garden was crafted in the heart of campus for displaced plants. It has become a central campus amenity. Proper management techniques are regionally important as a natural waterway cuts through the property and leads to the Chicago River.

Balanced Environments, Inc. • Lombard

Covenant Living of Northbrook

EDUCATION

by Meta L. Levin

When Mike Blackwell

,iLandscape Education Chair, looks at the education lineup for iLandscape 2023, he sees opportunities. In particular, he wants to hear horticulturist and author Dr. Allan Armitage, whose afternoon presentation, Wednesday, February 1, “Plants for Solutions,” will focus on choosing the right plant for the right place.

iLandscape 2023, “Games in the Gardens,” is scheduled for the usual Wednesday through Friday, February 1 – 3, 2023, with three bonus pre-show workshops on Tuesday, January 31. Happy 10th Anniversary iLandscape.

“He’s a pretty well-known horticulturist,” Blackwell says of Armitage. Blackwell is Chalet’s Landscape Services director in his professional life. Indeed, Armitage, a retired distinguished professor of horticulture from the University of Georgia, is a well-known horticulturist, writer and speaker, who has worked with gardeners, landscape professionals, growers and retailers and has earned numerous awards for his work in horticulture.

In anticipation of interest in what he has to say, Armitage also will hold court from 11:00 to 11:20

am, Wednesday, in the exhibit hall, where people can interact with him one-on-one. There will be three others who will do the same on Wednesday and Thursday. “It will be like a show and tell,” says Hartmann. “They will have examples to show attendees.” Others will include Morton Arboretum’s Stephanie Adams, who will speak Friday morning on “Insects/Diseases in Herbaceous Plants” and will be open for questions and conversation from 11:00 to 11:20 am, Thursday.

The pre-show workshops are the biggest additions to the 2023 iLandscape. “We are excited about the Tuesday additions,” says Kim Hartmann, former Education chair and now ILCA Board Member and liaison to the Education Committee. The three offerings, which Hartmann, who is the Horticulture Purchase Manager for Rosborough Partners, refers to as “deep dives,” are in response to requests from previous years’ attendees who wanted hands-on, longer and more detailed programs on various subjects. This year the classes will cover Benchmarking, Employee Burnout and Irrigation.

A result of collaboration between the Education and Experience committees, they are patterned after pre-conference workshops that used to be a staple of the former Mid-Am show. “So many of our offerings are quick hits, 45 minutes or an hour long,” she says. “The feedback we were getting is that people wanted to go deeper.”

(continued from page 10)

The irrigation workshop, “Irrigation Contractor Essentials: 4-hour Refresher Course,” will be taught by Alex Mayfield, chair of the ILCA Irrigation Committee, from 8 am to noon on Tuesday, January 31. Approved for four hours of continuing education credits by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the course is required for all Illinois registered irrigation contractors.

From 8 am to 11 am, Bryan Mours of Mours Enterprises LLC will teach “Use Your Own Data to Improve Performance and Maximize Margins.” Designed for owners and managers to best understand how to use data to improve performance and margins. Before starting his own consulting business, Mours was Vice President of Customer Experience at Aspire.

Tuesday afternoon, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, Paula Davis JD, MAPP, will teach “Understanding Burnout and Building Resilient Teams.” The author of Beating Burnout at Work: Why Teams Hold the Secret to Well-Being & Resilience, a book focusing on burnout prevention, Davis’ presentation is intended for those dealing with professional burnout.

The Excellence in Landscape Awards program, which, in the past has been held on Thursday evening during the show, will be a part of Tuesday’s pre-show schedule.

With the unification of ILCA and IGIA in the works, the planners are hoping the 2023 iLandscape show will attract more growers, retailers and wholesalers, in addition to other IGIA, ILCA and WNLA members, says Hartmann.

From Wednesday through Friday, iLandscape attendees can choose from more than 50 varied educational offerings, focusing on design, business and human resources, plants, hardscapes and soil/pest/disease, all taught by well-known experts in their fields. “We are using every single room that we can,” says Hartmann.

The experts include Jeff Lorenz, who will speak Friday morning on “Planting a New Paradigm,” looking at ways to use native plants in eco-friendly designs. “We’ve been trying to get him for some time,” says Blackwell. Lorenz, of Refugia Design, a native landscape design-build company in Narberth, PA, focuses on climate change.

“Going forward we will be taking climate change into consideration,” says Hartmann.

According to Blackwell, you might also want to take in Scott Beuerlein’s presentation, “Bad Ass Trees for Piss Poor Places.” Beuerlein, a horticulturist at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, will talk about some of the trees that can be used for harsh urban conditions and

why we should develop a broader and more diverse list.

“All of us face the survival aspect,” says Hartmann. “We must consider trees that can tolerate changes and are more resilient. As designers, our frame is changing. Our clients want something that is going to last.”

Beuerlein also will speak on “Making Landscapes that Matter,” connecting evolution, art, genetics, natural history, food, wine and more, making the case that green spaces fulfill basic human needs. Both of his sessions will be on Wednesday.

Blackwell ticked off other speakers he is looking forward to hearing, some of whom presented during previous iLandscapes and are back by popular demand, like Judson Griggs of Harvest Landscape Business Consulting Group, who will speak on, “Time Management – Taking Control of Your Life” and Valarie Talapatra of Eco Scapes, Inc., on “Designing for Curb Appeal.”

There also will be a lot of emphasis on native plants, plant health and insecticides and pesticides, says Hartmann. “Some of it already was presented at the Impact Conference where it was well received. We wanted to bring the message about respon-

sible maintenance to iLandscape.”

Nor is the committee shying away from business sessions. In fact, there are about 13 of them planned. The business offerings will start right out during the pre-show sessions and keep on going with Hunter/FX’s Kevin Battistoni giving attendees tips on “Onboarding New Employees: Welcome to the Team, Now Grab a Shovel!” at 8 am, Wednesday.

Other topics will range from “Customer Service” with Lauren Howell from Stuber Land Design, to “Winning the Talent War” by Neal Glatt from GrowtheBench.com and “Creating Organizational Culture” with Mark O’Brien from Stantec Nursery. And that’s just Wednesday’s offerings. More topics and speakers are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

There should be something for everyone.

iLandscape Series — People Behind the Stories

Our Very Own Nina Koziol

In a special iLandscape series over WednesdayThursday-Friday, writer Nina Koziol will moderate panels of local experts who she interviewed for articles in 2022. This will be a rare insight into the people behind these compelling stories.

The Pros at Home: From the Tropics to the Woodland, featuring Bob Hursthouse, Hursthouse, Inc. and Dan Biernacki, Ted’s Greenhouse, 9:45-11:00 am, Wednesday

Gardens of the Pros: Prairie Two Ways, with Dean MacMorris, Night Light, Inc. and Jack Pizzo, The Pizzo Group, 8-9:15 am, Thursday

Why Plant Ho-Hum Trees and Shrubs, with Mike Cook, Cedar Path Nursery, Jim Matusik, The Tree Connection, Jeff Kramer, Kramer Tree Specialists and Julie Janoski, The Morton Arboretum, 9:4511:00 am, Thursday

Landscaping Main Street, featuring Dan Biernacki, Ted’s Greenhouse and Greg Stack, Ted’s Greenhouse, 8-9:15 am, Friday

“It will be a different format, more interactive, with more opportunities for questions and answers,” says Kim Hartmann, ILCA Board liaison for the Education Committee.

Art Institute Planter, LS 9864 at the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois

ILCA Hosts Foremanship Seminar — Foreman and Crew Leader Workshop

The two-day event was held October 25 and 26, 2022. Classes were conducted at the NIU Conference Center in Naperville. The Tuesday class was conducted in Spanish. The Wednesday class was given in English. The class was once again taught by long-time ILCA member, Professor Armando A. Actis. Production and maintenance landscape foremen have unique needs as they have to wear two hats: a worker and a leader. Foremen have to walk the fine line in working side by side with the employee and having to direct, motivate and critique at the same time. Managing former peers and friends can be especially difficult, dealing with problems and obstacles can take skills that only can be developed by stepping out of the work environment for a few days, learning best practices, applying it in a learning environment through role play, and then going back and applying it on the job.

In this dynamic seminar, participants learned how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins and increase customer satisfaction. Also, participants were energized when they saw the class was prepared and designed specifically to meet their unique needs and not just another cookie cutter seminar.

Key components of the program included— Landscape Foremen Learn:

• The central role of the “worker-leader”

• How to properly supervise friends, peers, and former equals

• How to effectively communicate with your boss and superiors

• To generate 100 percent accountability from your team

• How to motivate and delegate at the same time

• To require accountability for all work (both bad or good)

• How to implement and follow daily & weekly work schedules

• How your team can produce quality work that stays within the budget and is completed on time

• The effectiveness of the work team

• How to deal with challenges and personal problems that occur outside the workplace that impact productivity

• To manage problem behavior

• How to produce client focused work using a moral compass

• To understand that mannerisms and values are as important as technical abilities

Professor Armando A. Actis

The Landscape Contractor

2022

Pruning Workshop November 3, 2022

The annual ILCA Pruning Workshop was held November 3, 2022, at the NIU Conference Center in Naperville. The class was conducted in two parts; the lecture portion of the class was conducted indoors in a classroom format. The hands-on portion was held outdoors at the NIU Conference Center. As usual, groups worked in small numbers with a team trainer providing instruction.

The class was designed to teach how to prune according to professional standards or to meet a minimal pruning proficiency. The half-day class was taught in Spanish in the morning and English in the afternoon.

Special Feature — Pruning Workshop 2022

ILCA’s Annual Party and Member Meeting Rocks Joe’s Live in Rosemont

By Nina A. Koziol

Lights, Camera, Action! ILCA’s Annual Party and Member Meeting kicked off with more than 425 registered merry-makers making it the largest annual party ever. The large crowd spread out over the venue’s two floors, laughing, networking and sharing war stories from a crazy-busy year.

“This is such a great event and it’s always well attended,” said Board Member Mark Utendorf of Emerald Lawn Care. And that seemed to be the consensus all around.

As promised, the business meeting was held to 30 minutes to allow ample time for networking, a tasty BBQ buffet and plenty of drinks. “Please make sure we drink responsibly and you hold onto your belongings,” said ILCA Executive Director Scott Grams. “Last year, and this is true, we recovered a cell phone and an Epi pen. The cell phone was claimed in 30 minutes. The Epi pen was never claimed. So, please be responsible tonight. If you can’t promise me that, arrange for a designated driver and stay away from nuts and shellfish,” Grams joked.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” said Board Member Kim Hartmann of Rosborough Partners. Mike Blackwell of Chalet, agreed, saying, “I’ve been to five of these events and they’re done really well.”

Grams welcomed Kellie Schmidt, a longtime colleague and future coworker at ILCA. “Kellie is the executive director of the Illinois Green Industry Association and she will be joining our team as the Statewide Director of Development when the unification [of ILCA and IGIA] is finalized.”

Immediate Past President Scott McAdam Jr. told the crowd, “We are fortunate to work in such a unique industry of passionate and dedicated individuals. I can’t think of any other industry that so openly shares ideas and collaborates with one another, all the while being fierce competitors.”

Honoring Member Companies

An incredible number of companies have been involved with ILCA for decades, making it a strong organization that has worked successfully with state lawmakers. Ten companies were honored for their 25-year membership: Alta Equipment, BSC Landscaping, Buhrman Design Group, Dearborn Group, (continued on page 24)

Scott Grams ILCA Executive Director

Jeff Kramer ILCA President

Billy Oliver Membership Committee Chair

Scott McAdam Jr. Immediate Past President

Kellie Schmidt IGIA Executive Director

25 Year Members

Four companies were recognized for their 25-year membership: Woodlawn Landscape Company, Inc., Alta Equipment, Buhrman Design Group, Inc. and Goodmark Nurseries.

“It demonstrates a quarter of a century of dedication,” Billy Oliver Membership Committee Chair said. “These companies joined in 1997 and the list grows with each year.”

Event Highlights —

(continued from page 22)

Goodmark Nurseries, Heffernan Landscape Design, Steve’s Nursery, Straightline Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance, Wingren Landscape and Woodlawns Landscape Company.

Outgoing President Honored ILCA President Jeff Kramer of Kramer Tree Specialists spoke highly of the contributions made by ILCA’s Immediate Past President Scott McAdam Jr. “Oak Park was the first community in Illinois to declare landscape as nonessential in 2020—weeks before the State would even have this conversation. Within a few hours of Scott being tipped off to Oak Park’s efforts, he and Scott Grams worked late into the night. Scott Grams handled the talking points and policy briefs. Scott McAdam rallied local contractors into an impromptu task force. Oak Park blinked and eventually deferred to the State. When the issue of whether or not landscape services were essential arrived at the Governor’s desk, we had a 10-day head start and never looked back.”

“It has been my sincere honor to serve as President of this great association and I thank you for trusting me to lead the efforts of the board,” McAdam said. “Being born and raised in the industry, I have always had an innate connection to the landscape trade; but with an actively involved father, I also had a relatively large shadow to step out of to be recognized as an individual.” His father is a past president of ILCA.

McAdam Jr., was the first president to encourage the Board to create a financial plan. “This plan is the first of its kind and will ensure financial viability for years to come,” Kramer said. “Scott was the first President to successfully broker the unification deal that will bring the IGIA and ILCA together as one organization. This room is a reflection of Scott McAdam Jr., and what he has always believed—there is strength in numbers.”

McAdam Jr., thanked his family, the board of directors, and the ILCA staff. “Scott, Terre, AnneMarie, Alycia, Marissa, and soon-to-be Kellie Schmidt — they are the glue that holds the (continued on page 26)

2022 Committee of the Year — Women’s Networking Group

Scott Grams announces the winner with a chuckle, and the Committee goes wild.

(continued from page 24) association together and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated staff. The amount of work and effort they put in each day often goes without notice, but it is something that should be recognized.”

Committee Engagement

“ILCA is not a staff of five plus a Board of 12,” Grams told the crowd. “We are an organization of hundreds of active volunteers who sacrifice their time to deliver value to their colleagues and competitors. We are a bottom-up organization. The Board charts the strategic direction, but it’s up to our 22 committees to get us there.”

The Women’s Networking Group garnered the Committee of the Year Award for organizing two annual events, holding monthly coffee talks, meetups and walk-and-talks, and a comprehensive mentorship program for women in the green industry.

Members Only Facebook Page

Are you on Facebook? You should be if only for the sake of your business or your career. “Two years ago, we launched our Members Only Facebook group,” said Billy Oliver, associate chair of the ILCA Membership Committee. “Any employee of a member company can gain access by signing up online. It’s a great spot for ILCA members to share information privately. I promise, no arguing about politics or pictures of food.”

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/illinoislandscapecontractorsassociation/ and click on groups, ILCA Members.

Build a Professional Network for Life!

Would YOU like to be more involved with YOUR association? ILCA offers a comprehensive annual calendar of education and networking events. Visit www.ilca.net/ilca-events.

ILCA committee involvement is a great way to augment your membership. By participating on a committee, you match your special interests and talents to an ILCA program or initiative. Here’s the application: https://www.ilca.net/committee-interest-form/.

Scott looks to the ILCA gods to grant us a successful event.

Winter Showcase — Planters that Pop

’Tis the Season for Winter Interest

by Nina A. Koziol

Editor’s note: Thank you to everyone who responded to the ILCA Members Only Facebook page request for images of your winter containers. We were overwhelmed with incredible photos. Here’s a sample to inspire you.

We’re heading into that time of year when daylight dwindles and days can be overcast, even gloomy. But there’s nothing somber about winter containers that pop with color. They’re downright delightful — even long after the holidays are over. Great winter containers rely on color, texture and form from evergreen branches, twigs, and dried and artificial materials.

“When designing a winter container, we incorporate lots of different textures and use greens that will last a relatively long time,” says Malena Rogers, co-owner of JR’s Landscape Services, Inc., in Groveland, IL. “We want our containers to have dimension, depth, and height while also adding color.” Berries, red-twig dogwood stems and white birch logs are some of her favorites.

Kim Boyle, project manager at Stuber Land Design in Tremont, IL., does three-season containers for residential and commercial clients. “This winter is somewhat of a challenge since greenery —the availability, variety and price increases— are making us think out of the box. I am constantly looking at what is out in nature to see what will hold up or can be spraypainted to the color schemes we need.

Kate Nelson, design build assistant at Greenhaven Landscapes, Inc., in Lake Bluff, uses miniature lights to make some container designs really pop at night—an effective, inviting display during dark winter months. For a deluxe Chicago-style bungalow, Chad Osborn, horticulture manager and sales liaison at Greenwise in Skokie, used birch logs, winterberries, artificial fruits and dried mgnolia leaves with an assortment of evergreens in planters flanking the front door.

Design Tips

“My goal is to provide our clients with quality materials that hold their color well into the season,” says Kelly Girup of Wheaton Garden Works in Wheaton, IL. “Our aesthetic is very garden-themed, so I try to stay true to our brand. However, it’s so important to listen to your client’s requests. We have a wide range of client expectations.” She takes into (continued on page 34)

Greenhaven Landscapes

Greenhaven Landscapes Bret-Mar Landscaping

Don Fiore Co.

The Landscape Contractor

2022

Winter Showcase — Planters that Pop

(continued from page 32)

consideration the size, shape, and location of the pot. “A low, squatty container calls for a rounder, more mounded arrangement than a tall, slender container. Something with a more vertical profile usually requires height in the arrangement for a sense of balance.”

Boyle looks beyond live greens and twigs. “We do add artificial craft pieces, bows and accents that are holiday-themed, that can be easily removed for the remainder of the winter,” she says. “Some customers like a theme like blue and white, or blue and silver. The trick is to keep it simple, and not overdo the accents.”

“We love to use various greens for different colors and textures, along with red-twig dogwood and

winterberry for those who like that pop of red,” says Lisa Fiore, vice president of operations at Don Fiore Co., in Lake Bluff. “If red isn’t their thing, we also work with birch branches, curly willow, eucalyptus and yellow dogwood.”

Some designers use anti-desiccant products like Wilt-Pruf to keep evergreen branches from drying out during winter. “You can use sprays, but ultimately I think it just depends on how harsh the winter is,” Fiore says.

Girup likes using eucalyptus and blue cedar branches for soft color. “I like to keep as much of a botanical aesthetic as possible, incorporating all natural elements that mirror the winter seasonality of a garden. However, we do have a few clients that have very specific holiday color palettes, which makes it a little more challenging. Purple and gold was a tough one for us last year, but we were able to source some really nice faux

purple berries and also included purple artichokes.”

Window Boxes

Matt Dingledein of Matt Dingeldein & Co., in Naperville does seasonal containers for both commercial and residential clients. His window box designs feature sumptuous evergreen roping tied into wreaths that hang from the front panels. Branches of winterberry and upright twigs create vertical interest.

“Window boxes can be fun and different, because they are a flat creation mostly seen from one angle,” Boyle says. “I will be toying with grapevine wreaths and some lighting for one this year.”

For Fiore, a window box design starts in the center back with the tallest elements and then she fans greenery downward to create a cascade. “You can also use the same accents as you do in planters. They (continued on page 36)

Don Fiore Co.

Available from

Creekside Gardens Collinsville, IL • 618-344-7054

A Waldbart & Sons Dorsey, IL • 618-585-3414

Hart’s Nursery Bushnell, IL • 309-772-9517

Effinger’s Garden Center Belleville, IL • 618-234-4600

Schuren Nursery St. Joseph, IL • 217-469-7962

Midwest Groundcovers St. Charles, IL • 847-742-1790

Home Nursery Albers, IL • 618-248-5194

Winter Showcase — Planters that Pop

(continued from page 34) may be pruned differently to fit the height and scale needed for the box,” she says.

Girup designs and plants all containers on site. “When I’m installing any seasonal color arrangement, I take a step back mid-design and really contemplate the direction the design is heading. I feel like our time, patience and creativity really shows in our work.”

Have fun with your designs, Fiore says, but don’t overdo it. “Don’t add so much variety that there is no structure or balance to the planter,” she says. “Simplicity with a few mixed greens and just the right number of accents is the way to go. The great thing is that what you do this winter doesn’t have to be the same look next winter.”

Greenwise

Greenwise

Greenwise Greenhaven Landscapes

The Landscape Contractor

Greenhaven Landscapes Bret-Mar Landscaping

Winter Showcase — Planters that Pop

Wheaton Garden Works

Wheaton Garden Works

Wheaton Garden Works

Matt Dingeldein

Landscape Contractor

EDUCATION

Por Meta L. Levin

Cuando Mike Blackwell, Presidente de Educación de iLandscape, mira el programa de educación para iLandscape 2023, ve oportunidades. De manera especial, desea escuchar al horticultor y escritor, Dr. Allan Armitage, cuya presentación la tarde del miércoles, 1 de febrero, “Plantas para soluciones”, se centrará en cómo seleccionar la planta correcta para el lugar correcto.

iLandscape 2023, “Juegos en el jardín”, está programada para los días usuales de miércoles a viernes, del 1 al 3 de febrero de 2023, con tres talleres pre-feria adicionales el martes, 31 de enero. Feliz 10.o Aniversario iLandscape.

“Es un horticultor muy conocido”, afirma Blackwell de Armitage. En su vida profesional, Blackwell es director de

Servicios de paisajismo de Chalet. Ciertamente, Armitage, distinguido profesor de horticultura jubilado de la Universidad de Georgia, es un horticultor, escritor y conferencista de renombre, que ha trabajado con jardineros, profesionales de paisajismo, cultivadores y comerciantes minoristas y ganado muchos premios por su trabajo en horticultura.

En anticipación al interés sobre lo que dirá, Armitage será también el centro de atención el miércoles, de 11:00 a 11:20 a.m., en el salón de exposiciones, donde las personas podrán interactuar con él individualmente. Habrá otros tres que harán lo mismo el miércoles y el jueves. “Será como el método de mostrar y repetir”, afirma Hartmann. “Habrá ejemplos para mostrar a los asistentes”. Otros incluirán a Stephanie Adams del Arboreto Morton, que hablará el viernes por la mañana sobre “Insectos/ Enfermedades en plantas herbáceas”, en sesión que estará abierta a preguntas y conversación el jueves, de 11:00 a 11:20 a.m

Los talleres pre-feria son la mayor adición a iLandscape 2023. “Nos animan las adiciones del martes” afirma Kim Hartmann, ex presidente de Educación y ahora Miembro de la Junta de ILCA y enlace con el Comité de Educación. Las tres adiciones, que Hartmann, Gerente de Adquisiciones de Horticultura de Rosborough Partners, llama “inmersiones profundas,” son la respuesta a solicitudes formuladas por asistente a la feria en años anteriores que pidieron programas prácticos, más extensos y detallados sobre varios temas. Este año las clases cubrirán Evaluaciones comparativas, Agotamiento laboral e Irrigación.

Como resultado de la colaboración entre los comités de Educación y Experiencia, las clases tuvieron de modelo los talleres anteriores a la conferencia que solían ser una constante de la feria Mid-Am. “Muchas de nuestras ofertas son de poca duración, 45 minutos o una hora”, dice. “El mensaje que recibimos fue que la gente quería profundizar”.

El taller sobre irrigación, “Elementos esenciales para el contratista de irrigación: Curso de actualización de 4 horas”, lo impartirá Alex Mayfield, presidente del Comité de Irrigación de ILCA, el martes 31 de enero, de 8 a.m. al mediodía. Aprobado para cuatro horas de créditos de educación continua por el Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois, el curso es exigido para todos los contratistas de irrigación registrados en Illinois.

De 8 a.m. a 11 a.m., Bryan Mours de Mours Enterprises LLC enseñará cómo “Usar tus propios datos para mejorar el desempeño y maximizar los márgenes”. Diseñado para que propietarios y gerentes entiendan mejor cómo usar los datos para mejorar el desempeño y los márgenes. Antes de fundar su propia empresa de consultoría, Mours fue vicepresidente de Experiencia del cliente en Aspire.

El martes por la tarde, de 11:30 a.m. a 3 p.m., Paula Davis JD, MAPP, enseñará “Cómo comprender el agotamiento laboral y desarrollar equipos resistentes”. La presentación de Davis, autora de Cómo vencer el agotamiento laboral en el trabajo: Por qué equipos tienen el secreto del bienestar y la resistencia, un libro que se concentra en la prevención del desgaste,

Mejores Plantas, Mejor Servicio Y Mejor Selección.

Mariani Plants se enorgullese en su attencion al cliente. Tenemos expertos ajentes de ventas de habla hispana en nuestras dos localidades, Kenosha Wisconsin y Garden Prairie Illinois. Mariani Plants esta aquí para proveerle mejores plantas, mejor servicio y mejor selección.

Llámenos a Mariani Plants: 866-627-4264 / marianiplants.com

TODOS JUNTOS MEJOR.

está dirigida a los que lidian con el agotamiento profesional.

El programa de Premios a la Excelencia en Paisajismo, que en el pasado se ha presentado los jueves por la noche durante la feria, será parte del programa pre-feria el martes.

Con la unificación de ILCA e IGIA en progreso, los planificadores esperan que la feria iLandscape 2023 atraerá más cultivadores, comerciantes minoristas y mayoristas, además de otros miembros de IGIA, ILCA y WNLA, dice Hartmann.

De miércoles a viernes, los asistentes a iLandscape pueden seleccionar entre más de 50 opciones educativas diferentes, centradas en diseño, recursos empresariales y humanos, plantas, elementos sólidos de paisajismo y enfermedades del suelo/ plagas, todas impartidas por expertos de renombre en sus respectivos campos. “Estamos usando todos los salones que nos sea posible”, afirma Hartmann.

Los expertos incluyen a Jeff Lorenz, que hablará el viernes por la mañana sobre “Cómo plantar un nuevo paradigma”, buscando una manera de usar plantas nativas en diseños ecoamigables. “Hemos estado tratando de conseguirlo

por un tiempo”, dice Blackwell. La disertación de Lorenz, de Refugia Design, una compañía de diseño-construcción paisajista de plantas nativas en Narberth, PA, se centra en el cambio climático.

“En adelante tomaremos en cuenta el cambio climático”, asegura Hartmann.

Según Blackwell, es importante asistir a la presentación de Scott Beuerlein, “Árboles resistentes para lugares inhóspitos (Bad Ass Trees for Piss Poor Places)”. Beuerlein, horticultor en el Zoológico y Jardín Botánico de Cincinnati, hablará sobre algunos árboles que se pueden usar en condiciones urbanas extremas y por qué debemos desarrollar una lista más amplia y diversa.

“Todos enfrentamos el aspecto de la sobrevivencia”, explica Hartmann. “Debemos tener en cuenta árboles que puedan tolerar cambios y que sean más resistentes. Como diseñadores, nuestro marco referencial

está cambiando. Nuestros clientes quieren algo que vaya a durar”.

Beuerlein hablará también sobre “Cómo crear paisajes que importan”, conectando evolución, arte, genética, historia natural, alimentos, vinos y más, con el mensaje de que los espacios verdes satisfacen necesidades humanas básicas. Sus dos sesiones serán el miércoles.

Blackwell marcó otros conferencistas que espera escuchar, algunos de los cuales hicieron presentaciones en ferias iLandscape anteriores y están de regreso por demanda popular, como Judson Griggs de Harvest Landscape Business Consulting Group, que hablará sobre, “Gestión del tiempo – Asumiendo el control de su vida”, y Valarie Talapatra de Eco Scapes, Inc., sobre “Diseños para aumentar el atractivo exterior”.

También habrá mucho énfasis en plantas nativas, la salud de las plan-

tas e insecticidas y pesticidas, afirma Hartmann. “Algo de esto fue presentado en la Conferencia Impacto donde fue bien recibido. Deseamos llevar al mensaje sobre mantenimiento responsable a iLandscape.”

Tampoco se ha alejado el comité de las sesiones de negocio. De hecho, hay alrededor de 13 planificadas. Las sesiones de negocio comenzarán durante las sesiones pre-feria y continuarán con Devin Barristoni de Hunter/FX que dará consejos a los asistentes sobre “Incorporación de nuevos empleados: ¡Bienvenido al equipo, ahora agarra una pala!” el miércoles a las 8 a.m.

Otros temas abarcarán desde “Servicio al cliente” con Lauren Howell de Stuber Land Design, hasta “Cómo ganar la guerra de los talentos” por Neal Glatt de GrowtheBench.com y “Cómo crear una cultura organizacional” con Mark O’Brien de Stantec Nursery. Y eso es solo el miércoles. Hay más temas y conferencistas programados para jueves y viernes.

Habrá algo para todos.

A Visit with Dale Deppe

Nurseryman Extraordinaire in Michigan

by Nina A. Koziol

When Dale Deppe was 14 years old, he got a job at a nursery in Grand Rapids, Michigan near his home. “I had to lie about my age—you had to be 15. Before that I was making 30 cents an hour planting onion sets in a muck field. I made a dollar an hour at the nursery where a botany teacher worked.” That experience led him to Michigan State University. “I didn’t want to be a designer, I wanted to be a grower. School was easy because I already knew the plant names.”

If you don’t know Dale Deppe by name, you certainly know him by the wildly popular plants that he’s introduced. His company, Spring Meadow Nursery has at least 280 proprietary woody plants, including Limelight, Firelight and Incrediball hydrangeas, Wine & Roses weigela, Arctic Fire red-twig dogwood,

Black Lace elderberry, Bloomerang lilac, Little Henry itea, Summerwine ninebark, ‘Hummingbird’ clethra, and OSO Easy roses. And, many others that you’ve probably used in your projects.

Deppe and his wife Liz started the nursery in 1981 in Grand Haven, Michigan, and since then it’s become one of the largest and best-known producers of woody plant liners in the country. In 2004, Spring Meadow joined the Proven Winners® brand to become Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs.

Their home on the Grand River in Grand Haven spans more than 20 acres and the sweeping expansive borders are filled with trial plants. They are evaluated for a range of qualities, such as repeat bloom, disease resistance, non-invasiveness, new habits and sizes, new flower and foliage colors, and increased hardiness or heat tolerance.

Dale and Liz Deppe

The Landscape Contractor

The Pros at Home —

(continued from page 44)

“We work with 30 to 50 breeders worldwide and we also breed plants,” Deppe explained. “It can take five to 10 years to develop a shrub and many never make it to market.” The process involves identifying a plant with special potential; growing it and comparing it to similar plants, testing it for propagation, ease of production, container presentation, and, most important, how it performs in the landscape. About 85 to 95 percent of the plants in the trials are rejected.

“The first hydrangea we introduced was Limelight from the Netherlands,” Deppe said. “The excitement over panicle hydrangeas started in Belgium.” Spring Meadow’s hydrangea sales have increased every year. The company has donated more than $1 million to breast cancer research based on the sales of its Invincibelle Spirit hydrangeas Campaign for a Cure. And Spring Meadow was the first company to reach $1 million in donations to the Horticultural Research Institute.

“When I started the business, the way to get a customer was to grow and sell plants cheaper than the other guy,” he explained. He soon realized he could grow a cus-

tomer base by adding new plants. “The forces then were exclusivity for the introduction into the trade.” He made several calculated moves, including hiring plant hunter Tim Wood.

“The goal was to find new plants that could be protected (patented) and I partnered with Proven Winners. I don’t buy or sell anything and I don’t work in the business, I work on the business.” Don’t ask him about sports scores. In his rare spare time, he reads financial reports. “It’s a strategy — a decision to make money and hire the people you need.” But mostly it’s his love of unusual plants.

The

Pro

at Home Deppe built the house about 30 years ago on a wooded property facing the river. “It was a mess. Dead trees, junk. I did a lot of work.” He saved some of the large trees and the beds and borders developed gradually. The grounds look like an arboretum designed by a landscape architect, but Deppe says, “I don’t like drawings. There was a time when I free-handed a lot of the beds and used a paint gun, but then I began (continued on page 50)

The Pros at Home

(continued from page 50) using a hose.” He recently created a garden using Google satellite images of the space for layout.

Drifts of dark-leaved diervilla with chartreuse buds, gold-leaved iteas, cryptomeria, tight, columnar crabapples with extra-large fruits, Japanese maples, crape myrtles, and a new burgundy calycanthus that will be introduced in 2025 are just some of the stunners on the site.

“Most every single flowering shrub can be cut back to the ground,” Deppe explains. “It might not flower right away and it really doesn’t matter when you cut it back.” There’s not a weed to be found and only one perennial — a giant hosta. He walks the property at

least once a day, usually with his dog, Rosie.

“There are a lot of different goals in place here. I try to get all the new things from our breeding department and I usually plant three or five of each. It’s officially a trial garden to see how they perform.” The nursery has a container trial garden with one- to three-gallon pots. “Most older plants were developed for field production. The allure of a plant was based on how tall it was. The faster it grew, the more money the nursery made. Now, everything is based on container production.”

Does he have a favorite shrub? “No, never. What day is it?” he jokes. There are Midnight Express redbuds, tall thornless roses, Pugster butterfly bushes,

and countless large-leaved hydrangeas with spectacular flowers in mauves, violets and pinks. “It’s grown a lot and there are three full time people who work in the garden every day.”

Spirituality

Two large crosses made from recycled materials found on the site overlook the river where they are surrounded by flowering shrubs. “One cross was made from a greenhouse gutter. The iron cross is made from 10-foot sections of WWII army surplus used for road beds. Part of the reason they’re here is the unbelievable push back in Christianity. I’m proud to be a Christian.”

(continued on page 52)

The Pros at Home

(continued from page 50)

Deppe is never far from home or work, even when taking time off. “I do go on vacation but not like a lot of people. We went to Petoskey for our 50th anniversary,” something they’ve done for the past five decades. “I seldom come home without a painting or sculpture.” With the river at his finger tips, does he fish? “Yes and no — not often enough.”

New Member Profile Snapshot

The Bravos Landscape

2621 30th Street

Zion, IL 60099

(224) 260-6034 thebravoslandscape.com

by Meta L. Levin

The Bravos Landscape

is a family enterprise. Started by Jose G. Bravo Sr. in 2001, it has grown as his two sons, Jose and Miguel, graduated high school and joined him in the business.

It all began when the senior Bravo immigrated to the United States from Mexico in the 1990s, where his father had been a gardener, working for wealthy families. Once in the United States he began working for a landscape contractor. After a few years he started his own company, J.F. Landscaping.

In the beginning, the senior Bravo and a childhood friend did all the work, primarily mowing lawns. The friend now has his own company. To get their first customers, the two distributed flyers around the area. His father-in-law, for whom he had done some work, also gave them jobs for which he did not have the time.

When the oldest son graduated from Lyons Township High School, he already had been working for his father during vacations for several years. His father recommended that he take some landscape design classes, which he did, studying in the College of Lake County’s horticulture program. In 2019, he earned a certificate in design. From there he started the company’s landscape design department.

When his younger brother, Miguel, graduated from high school, he decided to grow the business’ hardscape offerings, something he enjoys. “I enjoy hardscapes and creating patios, designing them for people and giving them new ideas,” he says.

The youngest brother, Angel, is 15 and is working summers for the family business.

In 2017, they officially changed the name to The Bravos Landscape to reflect the family involvement.

Services have grown to include landscape maintenance, landscape design/build and hardscapes, including outdoor patios, firepits, lighting and outdoor kitchens, and snow removal. “We try to be a one stop shop for our clients,” says Jose Bravo Jr.

The company now does more jobs and larger projects,

primarily garnered through an increasing number of referrals, says Jose Bravo Jr. “We try to develop long term relationships with our clients. We view each project as if we are doing it for our own properties. Our Dad instilled that attitude to do it as if we were doing it for ourselves.”

The company now employs nine people full time and one part time, as well as the family members.

Marcos Guadarrama has been with The Bravos Landscape since 2017. A friend of the senior Bravo, he was one of the first to start working for the company after the name change. He is, says the younger Jose Bravo, “Reliable, trustworthy and adds a lot of experience to the team.” He has helped them grow the hardscape offerings.

Sergio Popoca is one of the crew leaders. With a 15-year background working in the landscape industry, Popoca also is described as reliable and trustworthy. “He is driven,” says Jose Bravo Jr. “He has a lot of knowledge and is my right-hand guy.” Popoca focuses on landscape maintenance. “I can count on him and know everything is going to come out the way it is supposed to.”

Attracted by the opportunity to be a part of an organization comprised of landscape professionals, as well as the multitude of classes and seminars, The Bravos Landscape joined ILCA in 2022. Jose Bravo Jr. had learned about ILCA while attending the College of Lake County. This past March he and his brother participated in the leadership workshop and they plan to attend iLandscape.

The Bravo family has a variety of outside interests. Jose Bravo Sr. loves soccer and, in fact, used to play on local teams. He also likes to grill out. His number one focus is the business, however.

Of the sons, Jose Jr. likes to read and write. His brother, Miguel, is into fashion – making his own clothes. He also loves music.

“We are looking forward to networking and becoming more involved in ILCA to learn everything that we can,” says Jose Bravo Jr.

Classified Ads

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Landscape Designer

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Landscape Design candidate to join our Design-Build team in a full time, year-round position. Excellent benefits will be provided; compensation based on experience level.

Position requirements:

- Confidence in planning and designing complex residential projects

- Ability to quickly pivot project direction

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The ideal candidate will have:

- 5 years experience with hard and soft scaping (required)

- Knowledge of proper plant siting (required)

- CAD skills (required)

- Hand rendering skills (preferred)

- Project management experience (preferred)

Please send resume and work samples to Michael DiCristina at mdicristina@hinsdalenurseries.com

Account Manager/Business Development for Large Landscape Company- Chicago Branch

Career Opportunity: Account Manager/ Business Development for our Chicago Location

Purpose: Maintain and expand the corporate image of excellence through sales of quality products and services, servicing the customers’ needs, and providing open lines of communication to our clients. Increase knowledge of customer service techniques and sales of quality products and services. Provide input to sales team members and mentoring of new members as required.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum five years experience in sales.

2. Two-years experience in field landscape maintenance procedures or equivalent.

3. Two-years experience in field construction procedures or equivalent.

4. Degree in the horticulture-related field or extensive horticulture training.

Major Objectives to be Accomplished:

1. Produce budgeted sales of new maintenance, enhancement, and snow contracts.

2. Provide accurate job setup and followthrough for all contracts sold.

3. Maintain and grow large profile/portfolio client relationships through monthly site visits and timely follow-up on requests.

4. Communication of client needs to maintenance, enhancements, and snow departments,

as the primary contact person with the client.

5. Maintain renewal accounts for maintenance and snow clients in your portfolio.

Responsibilities and Essential Task Activities:

1. Proactively manage clients’ satisfaction and service delivery by anticipating potential challenges and monitoring satisfaction.

2. Provide project inspection, advisement, and coordination between client and maintenance, enhancement, and snowplow crews.

3. Develop and maintain quality repeat clientele and generate yearly renewal contracts.

4. Support public relations program through print materials, ads, website, press releases, award entries, photography schedules, trade shows, networking events.

5. Involvement in snowplowing operations to include new sales, renewals, and liaison between client and snow manager.

6. Solicit new maintenance work through the approved sales process to include referrals and cold-calls, with a concentration within our existing property routes.

7. Majority of enhancement and design/build sales to be generated through current or prospective maintenance clients and through the completion of regular site analysis.

8. Support administration personnel in the collection of accounts receivable generated by your clientele.

9. Participate in all scheduled sales meetings and sales events.

Job Type: Full-time, M-F, year round Salary: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits: 401(k), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Paid time off, Vision insurance, Bonus pay, Commission pay. Chicago, IL 60608: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience: Landscape: 2 years (Required) Send resume to hrbei@balancedenvironmentsinc.com

Client Relationship Manager - Residential Maintenance

We seek an experienced Client Relationship Manager to join us at our third generation, family-owned company in North Chicago, IL (near Gurnee). In this role, you will grow and maintain relationships with your clients, sell residential landscape maintenance enhancements, and work with our Crew Supervisors to make sure our clients are completely satisfied. Experience in landscape maintenance, sales, and strong plant identification is a

HELP WANTED

must. This full-time, year-round position offers a robust benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, FSA, paid time off, holidays, and 401(k) with match. If you’re a customer-focused, pro-active team player consider joining us!

Please submit an application through our Paylocity Recruiting portal at https:// recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/ Details/1205663/Chalet/Client-RelationshipManager to be considered.

Landscape Design/Build Sales Career

Do you love the outdoors and helping people?

Grant & Power Landscaping is one of the premiere landscape contractors in Illinois. We have developed an excellent system for success for our design/build sales team. We are looking for qualified candidates to join our team and help us continue to grow. You will learn our industry from the ground up, learn construction best practices, and learn about our design processes. We will provide you the tools you need for success. Our most successful people are excellent communicators, well organized, goal oriented, high achievers, and have the ability to succeed in a high paced environment.

Benefits include medical and dental insurance, employer matched 401K, generous personal and vacation time, car allowances and gas.

Industry experience preferred but not required. We have both an entry level and a senior position available.

Visit our website at www.grantandpower. com to get to know us and see some of our 40+ years of award-winning projects.

Email resumes and interest to Shawn Pawlak - shawnpawlak@grantandpower.com

Design/Sales

The American Gardens team is looking for another team member!

We are seeking a highly motivated, friendly sales representative who is looking for the next challenge in their career. A successful candidate will have experience building relationships, developing new business, and providing exceptional customer service. An understanding of the landscape/green industry, particularly hardscapes, lighting, and ornamental planting, would be ideal. The company offers a competitive base salary plus uncapped quarterly commissions, a

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

company vehicle program, a performancebased bonus program, reimbursement of business expenses and other benefits. We invite you to submit your resume and cover letter to the following address to learn more about the position requirements and responsibilities: Recruiting Director (hr@americangardensllc. com)

with “Project Sales Position” as your email subject

President, Midwest Division. Exciting opportunity! Award-Winning, Rapidly Growing, High-End Landscaping Company (Chicagoland area) Mariani Landscape is looking for a strong leader to fill the President role. One will be responsible for and leads the Mariani Midwest residential landscaping business. The President is responsible for driving revenue and profit growth through improved customer satisfaction by delivering quality services with efficient and effective processes and systems. The President works with and leads the Operating Committee to develop and manage the strategy, operational execution, financial results, and policies related to the business. One needs experience of managing full company P&L for at least $15M company. This position is located onsite, based at the Lake Bluff, IL office.

HELP WANTED

Certified Landscaping Lead - Rose Care, Award-Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscape Company in Chicagoland Area Mariani Enterprises, LLC has an opening for a full-time Certified Landscaping Lead (Rose Care) to work in our Lake Bluff, IL location. A certified horticulturist will perform chemical applications for pest prevention or other landscaping needs. Conduct routine safety inspections of equipment, maintain proper chemical storage and mixing areas that comply with local and federal regulations, and manage inventory and usage of fertilizer and pesticides. Duties include operating sprayers and spreaders to treat specific landscape pests and nutritional deficiencies. Employ integrated pest management techniques and best practices. Applies to turf, natural areas, rose care, Native Plants, and plant health care services as described by Mariani Landscape.

ents and providing detailed customer service. Visit https://www.marianilandscape.com/ for more information or Landscape Architect/Project Manager $65,000 - $75,000/yr

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision, IMRF, Sick time, Personal time, Vacation time, Referral bonus.

The District’s Planning Department is excited to expand their team with a new Project Manager. Naperville Park District Project Managers design and implement park and recreational amenities for a system that serves the City of Naperville which is currently the 4th largest city in the State of Illinois. Please visit our website to apply:

Client Representative - Award-Winning, Rapidly Growing Landscaping CompanyChicagoland Area Mariani Landscape is actively looking for a Client Representative based at the Lake Bluff, IL location. One will manage the client relationship, from the original sale through continued weekly maintenance, serving as “One Point of Contact” for clients of the Maintenance department. This position is responsible for bringing in new clients and increasing department revenue by servicing the needs and requests of our maintenance cli-

Landscape Designer (Senior and Entry Level) - Full Time - Lake Forest Office Craig Bergmann Landscape Design is seeking experienced Landscape Designers or Landscape Architects with exceptional drafting skills to join our team in a Senior Designer or Entry-level Designer position. We offer a unique working environment in which our designers regularly interface with the owner. We are seeking highly creative, motivated, and organized individuals to assist

Call Maria for more information at (847) 876-8042 Or visit jamesmartinassociates.com/careers

jamesmartinassociates.com | (847) 634-1660

Classified

HELP WANTED

the design department with the development of high-end residential projects. Position requires proficiency with hand drafting and graphic techniques, AutoCAD, and MS Office. Preference will be given to applicants with design/construction experience, AutoCAD drafting experience, and extensive plant knowledge of Midwestern plants.

HELP WANTED

Please send resume to info@craigbergmann. com or call 847-251-8355.

Now Hiring Sales Support Specialist at Goodmark Nurseries

Provide administrative support to the sales team including entering orders and quotes, scheduling pick-ups, deliveries, tagging appts, and tours.

Communicate effectively with Outside Sales Reps on all aspects of customer orders, delivery, and quotes.

Provide availability to customers via phone and email.

Confirm customers orders and schedule pickup/delivery.

Contact sales representative when orders are ready for shipment.

Other duties as assigned. For more information or to apply only please visit goodmarknurseries.com

HELP WANTED

CLASSIFIED ADS CLOSING DATES & RATES

January 2023 issue ads: Dec 7, 2022

February 2023 issue ads: Dec 15, 2022 PLEASE NOTE:

Magazine Cost is $5 per line Minimum charge $50 Website Cost is $12 per line

Minimum charge $120 (About 6 words/line)

Submit your ads online at ilca.net or Call Alycia Nagy (630) 472-2851

Inspiration Alley

Editor’s

Learn the Ropes

By Nina A. Koziol

Artificial

Evergreens, berries and cones highlight the rope design.

Fresh evergreens, cones and berry swags by Chad Osborne, Greenwise.

Wow. Just Wow. Chad Osborne, Greenwise.

roping and holiday wreaths by JR’s Landscape Services, Inc.

Ogden Botanical Gardens

by Heather Prince

Long a community favorite, Ogden Botanical Gardens has graced Valparaiso, IN since 1958. Its four acres of ornamental flower beds and rolling lawns have welcomed generations of families, picnickers, and many small weddings. Maintained by the Valparaiso Parks Department, you’ll find gracious allées of mature artfully pruned crabapples, lush containers filled with tropicals, ornamental flower beds, native plantings, and beech trees carved with initials. The park is named for Otto Garden, Valpo parks’ first gardener. About 25 years ago the Parks Department did a comprehensive renovation, creating a garden destination. You’ll also find tucked in the back corner a delightful surprise – a lovely Japanese garden.

The Japanese garden at Ogden Botanical Gardens was installed in 2005. Take the main path under the crabapples to the wood gazebo surrounded by banks of blooming hydrangea. Turn and follow the path to the left and admire the colorful container plantings. As you circle around a mature honeylocust, you’ll catch a glimpse of a red torii gate that marks the southern entrance of the Japanese garden. Once you step through, your feet crunch on crushed gravel and a serene garden space welcomes you.

A stately weeping katsura tree greets you as you step across an arching wooden footbridge, a small stream burbling under

451 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN

Hours: dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted

Admission: free

foot. Specimen trees have been thoughtfully planted to offer layers of green textures. A rock waterfall adds musicality to the space. The path winds along banks of perennials including ferns, iris, variegated Solomon’s seal, hosta, and more for a lush, but serene feel. The path follows the small stream as it spills into a 22,000-gallon koi pond. Specimen Japanese maples are placed to catch the eye and mimic the cascades of the waterfall. The pond banks are softened by perennials, grasses, and hydrangea in between an array of maples that turn fiery shades in the fall.

Step into the handcrafted tea house and take a seat on a bench. Soon the friendly koi will come calling, hopeful that you’ve got some treats in your pockets. This is a quiet, meditative spot. In addition to the waterfall and stream, a couple of bubbler fountains add a soothing sound to the landscape. The path sweeps around a secondary pond and delivers you once again to the lively park spaces.

This small Japanese stroll garden can be a source of inspiration of how to blend hardy Midwestern plants into the Asian aesthetic. It also informs you on how to use water to create a separate sound space which in turn, builds a respite experience for the visitor. Stroll the paths and look for the subtle visual cues of the Japanese garden style that lead you through the space. Ogden Botanical Gardens is definitely a hidden gem of a park that deserves a visit if you’re in the area.

50 years of Innovation

50 years ago, our founder had a dream. When Ed Bryant introduced the UNI-Stone paver to the North American market, he essentially established the hardscaping industry here. Since then, we have continued to innovate and grow, paving the way forward for others to follow. From permeable to facemix, tumbling, coatings and textures, Unilock has led the pack. And we’re just getting started. Learn more about our industry-leading product lineup and the personalized support that our Territory Managers have to offer you by connecting with us at 1-800-UNILOCK or UNILOCK.com. We have Boots on the Ground in your area and look forward to meeting you.

~ Ed Bryant, Unilock Founder