OCS Influencers
Technology should make the project easier to understand — And easier to deliver
OCS Influencer John Kenney says the real value of technology is not replacing judgment, but giving experienced people better information and a better way to deliver the project. Technology is changing how pool and outdoor projects are designed, sold and managed. Drones, digital modeling, artificial intelligence, smart controls and connected equipment ...
Business growth starts with existing clients
OCS Influencer Cindy Code says that upselling doesn’t have to feel like selling. For landscape contractors, some of the best opportunities come from simply showing clients how additional services can make their property healthier, more attractive and more enjoyable. The key is to focus on improvements homeowners can see, experience and ...
Turning concrete into opportunity with coatings
OCS Influencer Garrett Harris says contractors are not just selling concrete but also curb appeal. When contractors think about growing their business, adding new services or increasing project value often seems like it requires major investments in equipment, labor, or new product lines. However, one of the simplest and most ...
Growth is more than adding sales
Managing growth with a long-term mindset. When contractors talk about growing an outdoor or pool business, the conversation usually starts with selling more projects: more pools, more outdoor kitchens, more hardscapes more backyard renovations. That can certainly increase revenue, but after spending decades working with construction businesses, I’ve learned that real growth ...
Summer safety starts long before the temperature rises
OCS Influencer John Kenney says that fatigue affects judgement. Every summer, contractors remind their crews to drink water, wear sunscreen and take breaks. That's good advice, but after more than four decades in construction, I've learned those reminders alone don't create safer jobsites. Heat-related incidents rarely happen because someone didn't know ...
Getting everyone home safe
OCS Influencer Taylor Dahlquist says a job might be important, but his team going home to their loved ones comes first. Safety is the most important topic for me. I tell my team, "This job might be important, but you going home to your loved ones is far more important." I'll ...
Building a workforce that stays
OCS Influencer John Kenney says contractors who invest in training, embrace cross-training opportunities and foster mentorship are building more than crews; they're building future leaders. If you talk to almost any contractor in the outdoor living, landscape or pool construction business today, you'll hear a familiar concern: Finding good people is ...
Outdoor living trends shaping 2026 projects
OCS Influencer John Kenney says that the projects that stand out most are usually the ones that balance design with practicality. Outdoor living projects have changed significantly over the last several years. What used to be considered an “extra” space has become an extension of how people live and entertain. Homeowners ...
Sustainability isn’t a trend — It’s becoming the standard for outdoor projects
OCS Influencer John Kenney says that, as more clients prioritize responsible design, the contractors who can confidently guide those conversations become more trusted. In the outdoor living and pool space, sustainability has moved well beyond a talking point. It’s showing up in how projects are designed, how systems are installed and ...
That water running down the driveway? That's money.
OCS Influencers from Heritage say smart irrigation and agronomics can help contractors prevent waste and win repeat customers. Has this happened to you? You're driving past a job you finished last season, and the sprinklers are running at 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, water streaming down the driveway, pooling at the ...
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