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OCS Influencers
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 ...
Stock your truck for spring!
OCS Influencer Rachel Mohorn says that now is the time to stock your truck before the season gets busy, and Heritage Landscape Supply Group is here to help. Spring is here, and Heritage Landscape Supply Group is the place to kick off all your customer projects. With more than 240 stores ...
Preparing outdoor spaces for spring
OCS Influencer Taylor Dahlquist says preparations for outdoor spaces is crucial for longevity and maintenance. Preparing your outdoor space or pool is a crucial part of maintaining and keeping up your space. The set up and size of the space play a heavy role in how you prepare for nice weather. ...
Spring is coming — Is your business ready for the rush?
OCS Influencer John Kenney says the businesses that handle the busy season best are the ones that prepared in advance. For contractors in the outdoor living and pool industry, spring doesn’t ease in slowly. It arrives all at once. The weather breaks, homeowners start thinking about backyard projects and suddenly the ...
What today’s outdoor contractors need in their technology toolbox
OCS Influencer John Kenney says the right tools help deliver efficiency, clarity and responsiveness in a competitive market. Tools and technology have long shaped how outdoor and pool contractors work, but the pace of change has accelerated. What used to be optional is quickly becoming expected, and contractors who adapt thoughtfully ...
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