By The Coffee Shops™. 

Even with ongoing economic and regulatory pressures, outdoor professionals continue to push forward and grow. 

When the green industry entered 2026, investors, strategic buyers and private equity firms were all moving forward and active in mergers and acquisitions, despite outside pressures. To learn how this has helped businesses thrive and reach their goals, Jeffrey Harkness of 3PG Advisors shared his thoughts with Lawn and Landscape. 

He opened the conversation by discussing the trend of investors moving “downstream” (pursuing companies that historically may have been considered too small for institutional capital). Another key thing he highlighted was the growth in both the residential and commercial sectors. In his words:  

The industry continues to demonstrate stability and growth despite pressure on compliant labor practices, public-driven comps and organic growth requirements. Demand remains strong for residential, “technician-driven” service businesses including turf care, tree care, irrigation, lighting and pest control. The commercial landscape sector has attracted significant new platform investments across broad geographies. 

Jeffery's report also pointed to several trends shaping deal activity: 

1. Investors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their analysis of potential acquisitions, placing greater emphasis on proven value-creation strategies and operational excellence.  
2. Geographic factors continue to influence acquisitions, with coastal regions, the South, the Southwest and growing urban corridors drawing significant attention, while activity remains strong across the Midwest, Northeast, West Coast and Pacific Northwest. 
3. Economic and regulatory considerations remain important. Labor compliance, immigration enforcement, energy prices and broader political uncertainty are among the factors investors are closely monitoring. 
4. Predictable revenue streams and recurring customer relationships common throughout the green industry continue to make the sector an appealing destination for investment capital. 

Based on these trends, Jeffery concluded that companies focused on leadership development, organic growth, retention and acquisition strategies will be best positioned to create long-term enterprise value as the industry moves through another active year of consolidation and growth. 

Check out Lawn & Landscape's full  2026 Top 100 list to see how companies are using Jeffery's insights to build success.

By Emma Peterson.

From surface profiles and weather to product compatibility and site logistics, Jeffrey Wells goes over the issues contractors should address before work begins.

Installing patios or pathways, whether they're made of concrete, tile or some other hardscaping material, is a deceptively challenging process. From the logistics like leveling the ground to the customer service of making sure a vision becomes a reality, there’s a lot to manage. To learn about how outdoor contractors can create high-quality surfaces, Karol Weyman spoke with Jeffrey Wells from Super-Krete during an episode of OutdoorTalk.

Jeffrey, who has over 30 years of experience in the outdoor industry, said there were five main factors that he sees contractors overlook or struggle with when it comes to their hardscaping projects.

First, surface prep. In his words, “Failures or issues are not usually because of the products. The most common compromising factor is surface prep.” He went on, “I’ve seen it all, from situations where it’s not achieving the correct surface profile to situations where contractors try to do installations when the weather’s too hot, so it doesn’t set properly.”

Second, site management. Jeffrey emphasized how important preparation is to project success. He elaborated, “I've seen people get to a place and they didn't think about what their exit strategy was and they literally, if you will, hardscape themselves into a corner.” Other site management considerations include finding electrical and water sources.

Third, he highlighted system thinking. What does this mean? Jeffrey explained:

Lots of contractors have favorite products and want to incorporate them into their projects. But not all products work together, even if they should be in theory. Best practice is to stick with the manufacturer's recommended system to avoid any of those types of surprises.

Fourth, communication is key. You have to make sure everyone is on the same page, no matter what part of the process they are working on. This is easy when the crew is installing; what’s harder is keeping that communication going after they leave the site. As Jeffrey put it, “You want to make sure that you're talking to the people on site as well as the people who are not going to be on site.” He continued, “I’ve seen that same issue happen over and over. Everyone installing the products was on the same page, but then the people that came in the evening or super early in the morning were not on the same page. Next thing you know, somebody thought it was dry and there's footprints in your project.”

Fifth and final, Jeffrey said that client expectations need to be managed. The best way he recommends doing this is through mockups and visualizations. He shared, “A lot of clients have an image in their head, a Pinterest photo of whatever and if you don’t do some type of mock-up, I'd recommend a four-by-four-foot space, they won’t really be able to visualize the end result, their expectations will be off and they won’t be happy with the end work.”

Paying attention to details like the five that Jeffrey pointed out during his and Karol’s conversation is the best way to ensure your projects are installed to the highest degree of quality and you leave your clients satisfied.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about managing successful hardscaping projects.

By Emma Peterson.

Choosing the right tile can impact maintenance, durability, safety and the overall vision for your outdoor space.

When homeowners think of pools, the first thing they probably think about is the water going into the pool. But even before water can be thought about, professional pool designers and installers are focused on a different aspect – the tile. In this episode of OudoorTalk™, Karol Weyman sits down with Logan Barker and Jamie Jaramillo from Noble Tile, along with John Zaprala from Heritage Landscape Supply Group for a conversation about the role tile plays in designing a pool.

Tile's impact on a pool is really three-fold: it is a structural necessity, an aesthetic upgrade and a performance boost. Jamie started by talking about the structural necessity of tile, sharing, “Functionally, what tile protects the pool structure. Specifically, waterline tile keeps the area that's exposed to the water, the chemicals and the buildup strong.”

As for the aesthetic role of tile, John shared some insight:

From a hardscape perspective, pool tile is chosen really early on in the process and that choice can set the tone for an entire backyard project...Every decision made between the pool and the hardscape affects what's next to it, so picking a tile is really an aesthetic choice for not just the pool, but also the whole outdoor space.

And last, but far from least, is tile’s role as a performance booster. Logan shared some insight into this one, explaining, “When you’re picking tile, you need to think about performance characteristics like durability, slip-resistance and thermal insulation.” He went on, “A lot of the stuff that is really high performance isn’t as aesthetically pleasing, so it’s really important for contractors to help homeowners straddle the line between aesthetics and performance.”

This idea of helping clients balance different factors when choosing a title is something that John and Jamie echoed. As Jamie put it, “The key really is finding the right balance between the visual appeal, the durability, the maintenance and the long-term performance.” John continued, “It's our job as professionals to really educate the customer on the why we're doing it, but still meet all their needs and create their vision.”

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Golden Ticket Promotion gives pool professionals the opportunity to see how products go from an idea to a manufactured product!  

For pool professionals, seeing a finished product on the shelf is only one part of the story. AquaStar Pool Products’ Golden Ticket Promotion is designed to reveal what happens before that product reaches distribution, bringing seven winners and their guests inside the company’s Ventura, California, facilities. 

On this episode of From the Ground Up™, AquaStar Brand Manager Michael Krause explained that the all-inclusive experience includes airfare or fuel reimbursement, hotel accommodations, meals and a full facility tour. Michael said, “You get a full facility tour, an entire day of just AquaStar. We'll walk you through how we create our products, what it takes to create the products and show you each step by step, from a napkin to a product in a box shipping out to distribution.” 

That behind-the-scenes access reflects a shift for AquaStar. Michael said the company historically kept much of its innovation process private, but now wants stronger partnerships with pool professionals, distributors and others throughout the industry. He shared, “We want to show what we do and how we do it and why. It's been a big change for the company, letting people in, but it's been really fun letting people through the facility and showing them how we do it.” 

During the visit, winners will see AquaStar’s vertically integrated process, including product design, research and development, tooling, manufacturing and shipping. Michael said keeping those capabilities in-house also allows AquaStar to respond to feedback from pool professionals and make product changes more efficiently. 

The experience also includes time with CEO Olaf Mielda, members of the sales team and engineers, creating opportunities for attendees to ask questions and better understand how products move from an idea to the market. Interest in the promotion has already been strong, with Michael reporting more than 600 entries at the time of the interview and noting that entries during the first two weeks had already surpassed totals from each of the previous two years. 

For professionals considering entering, Michael emphasized the value of seeing the operation firsthand, saying, “You don't want to miss it. It's hard to put into words how much fun it is and just how much you'll learn by doing the tour.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how the Golden Ticket Promotion gives pool professionals a behind-the-scenes look at product development, manufacturing and the people behind the process! 

By Emma Peterson. 

The 2026 Irrigation Show gives attendees the connections and insights needed to succeed! 

Each year, the Irrigation Association puts together the Irrigation Show. This show brings professionals from all parts of the industry and corners of the United States together to level up the outdoor industry and boost their businesses. One of the biggest draws of the show is the best-in-class education opportunities, which makes sense given that the show is scheduled as a part of the Irrigation Association’s Education Week.  

But just because it’s a priority, doesn’t mean education is the only thing to look forward to at the Irrigation Show! The team behind the scenes knows that classroom learning is just one part of developing businesses and professionals. Another key part is building industry connections and community. And the Irrigation Show is the premier place for outdoor professionals to build those ties as well! Here’s a peek at some of the events designed to build connections at the 2026 Irrigation Show!  

Tuesday, December 8 

• Lucky Shots and Long Drives: Hosted at the beginning of the show (Tuesday, December 8), this event gives attendees the opportunity to spend an afternoon practicing your swing with their peers at the Las Vegas Country Club.  
• Newcomer’s Roundtable: It can be intimidating to walk into a show of this size for the first time. If you’re feeling those nerves, this is an event for you! At the Newcomer’s Roundtable, not only will you be able to meet others in your shoes; you’ll also get to talk with industry and show veterans.  
• Sin City Soirée: And in the evening of December 8, the beginning of the show will be celebrated with a welcome event, complete with music, light hors d’oeuvres and a welcome drink on the house. This is a great way to mingle with all the professionals at the 2026 show.  

Wednesday, December 9 

• Women in Irrigation: Kicking off December 9 at 7:30 a.m. is the Women in Irrigation breakfast. This special event puts the spotlight on the hardworking women who are pushing the industry higher every day.  
• Certification Luncheon: Being an Irrigation Association certified professional is a great step towards raising the professionality of the outdoor industry. And at noon on December 9, there is a special luncheon to celebrate and thank those who have completed their certification!  
• Young Professional Social: Ending the night on December 9 is a social for attendees under 40! This networking happy hour is a great way to catch up with your industry friends and make new ones!  

Thursday, December 10 

• Plant for Impact: Hosted in the Central Hall Lobby, the Plant for Impact event, sponsored by Rain Bird, gives attendees a great opportunity to build community and give back at the same time! 
• IA Awards Spotlight Social: Celebrate the gamechangers in the outdoor industry on December 10 at the Irrigation Association Awards Spotlight Social. There will be refreshments and the opportunity to talk to this year’s awardees. 
• Hoover Dam Tour: Explore one of America's greatest engineering wonders with your peers during an exclusive tour of Hoover Dam. Included in this event is roundtrip transport, admission, a guided tour and a buffet dinner.  
• Hops and High Rollers: The Hops and High Rollers reception will close out the trade show on December 10. This is a great opportunity to get your last look at different exhibitor booths, chat about the show with your peers and enjoy some delicious local craft beer. 

Multi-day events 

• New Product Contest: Whenever the trade show is open (Wednesday and Thursday), attendees can browse the entries for the New Product Contest. This is a great way to combine checking out new technology and products with some networking with representatives from companies paving the way. 
• Business Exchange: Prefer a more formal networking scenario? The Business Exchange sessions are designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, experiences and solutions. There are dedicated sessions on both December 9 and December 10 for a variety of different topics including contracting, agriculture policy and landscape codes. 

Want to be a part of these events and more? Register for the 2026 Irrigation Show (December 7-10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada) today!

November 17, 2026 @ 9:00 am - November 19, 2026 @ 5:00 pm CST

Deck Expo is the premier gathering for decking and outdoor living professionals across North America. This dedicated event, proudly sponsored by NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association), brings together industry leaders, innovators and experts to showcase the latest in outdoor living solutions.

• Make Connections: Meet the people behind the products, and make connections that could turn into your next big opportunity.
• Source Tough Products: Touch and compare products side-by-side, and get straight answers about installation, warranties, and what works in tough conditions.
• Learn from the Experts: Hear directly from successful deck builders who know what actually works in the field and how to build a business that lasts.

Learn more and don't miss this years Expo!

By Emma Peterson. 

Take professional development, education and networking further at this leading outdoor professional event. 

In 2018, backyards and outdoor spaces began to rise as a selling point for homeowners across the country. In response, Informa and North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) created the Deck Expo! This show creates a space for decking and other professionals to come together and learn about the latest products, trends and strategies in the outdoor living industry.  

This year’s show will be held from Tuesday, November 17, 2026, to Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is co-located with the Pool Spa Patio Expo (PSP) and boasts a variety of events and opportunities for professionals, such as: 

• An exhibit hall full of innovations: The Deck Expo exhibit hall is where attendees can meet vendors from across the industry as they showcase their different products, programs and tools! The OutdoorCoffeeShop™ crew will be in the hall, specifically at booth #2440, so make sure to say hi!  
• A variety of education sessions: This year’s show has everything from hands-on demos and certification opportunities to classroom learning and seminars. In fact, the show is so packed full of learning opportunities; they have divided some of the sessions into two tracks. Track one focuses on business management, marketing and leadership while the other track focuses on landscaping tools and products that help you make client’s structural dreams come true.  
• Spaces to make connections: And you can’t forget about the benefits of simply being in the same place as a wide variety of industry experts and leaders. The Deck Expo is a great way for you to make connections with peers and mentors that can help you take your business to the next level.  

Overall, this show is the perfect way to set yourself up for success in the new year’s buying cycle and operation season. And if you use the code INVITES2392 at checkout, you can get a FREE expo pass or a 20% discount on conference passes.  

Learn more and register!

New 44-inch model brings dual-interface versatility and dependable clearing performance to compact equipment.

Clearing overgrown vegetation in confined spaces creates unique challenges for landscape professionals. Tight access can put traditional clearing equipment out of reach, even when the job calls for tackling tall grass, dense brush and small trees. Mini skid steer loaders offer a valuable alternative, combining a compact footprint and maneuverability with the capabilities landscape professionals need to take on demanding clearing and property maintenance work.

Ignite Attachments is expanding what landscape professionals can accomplish in tight spaces with the launch of its 44-inch mini brush cutter. Built for demanding vegetation management and clearing applications, the attachment gives operators a dependable solution for cutting grass, brush and small trees in areas where compact equipment excels.

“We’re not interested in adding attachments just to fill out a catalog,” said Darin Gronwold, product manager for Ignite Attachments. “We’re building a landscape lineup around how our customers work. Compact equipment is opening more opportunities for landscape professionals, and the mini brush cutter gives them another way to turn that versatility into productivity.”

Built to take on tough vegetation

Tight access doesn’t always mean light-duty work. Landscape professionals still encounter dense brush, overgrown grass and small trees, even when the job calls for a smaller machine. With a 43.9-inch cutting width and the ability to tackle tough vegetation up to 3 inches in diameter, the mini brush cutter gives operators the capability to take on demanding clearing work without giving up the maneuverability they need to reach it.

Clearing unpredictable terrain also means encountering what operators can’t always see. Two swing-away blades and an integrated stump jumper add protection when the cutter strikes stumps, rocks and other obstacles, helping crews keep working through challenging conditions. A lift restriction chain limits how high operators can raise the attachment, helping control debris discharge. An optional push bar provides added control when taking on taller brush and small trees.

Effective clearing is about more than knocking down tough vegetation. It’s about leaving a quality finish in as few passes as possible. A cutting height of less than 2 inches helps leave a clean, manageable surface behind, reducing the need for additional passes or follow-up work. At 451 pounds and 47.29 inches wide, the attachment maintains the compact footprint that makes smaller equipment valuable for tight-access landscape work.

A dual-interface mounting system adds another layer of versatility, allowing the mini brush cutter to connect with both mini bob-tach and CII carriers. For landscape professionals managing mixed fleets, that means one attachment can work across more machines, helping crews make better use of the equipment they already own.

Expanding landscape capabilities

That versatility extends beyond a single attachment. The mini brush cutter adds vegetation clearing to Ignite’s growing portfolio of landscape management attachments. From site preparation and grading to material handling and land management, the company continues to expand its offerings around the work landscape professionals tackle every day.

“Our customers are the ones out there doing this work every day, so we listen when they tell us what they need,” Gronwold said. “Those conversations help us see where there are gaps in our lineup and where we can make a real difference. We want to give landscape professionals more ways to tackle the job with the equipment they already own.”

The result is a broader lineup that helps landscape professionals take on more stages of a project with the equipment already in their fleets.

The Ignite edge

Ignite pairs dependable attachments with a hassle-free buying experience designed to keep projects moving. Customers can access product specifications, transparent pricing and inventory availability online, while Fit Finder® helps take the guesswork out of attachment compatibility. Fast, free shipping gets the right attachment where it needs to go without adding unexpected freight costs.

It’s an approach built around making attachment ownership easier, from finding the right fit to putting it to work.

Learn more about the mini brush cutter and Ignite’s full line of landscape management attachments at igniteattachments.com. Equip Exposition attendees can also see the mini brush cutter in person at Ignite Attachments Booth 4041.

About Ignite Attachments

Ignite Attachments, headquartered in Moorhead, Minnesota, offers accessibly priced attachments and 3PT implements for compact equipment for agriculture, landscape, rental and construction in a digital, direct-to-consumer storefront and brick-and-mortar resellers. With the promise to deliver attachments and implements compatible with most compact equipment makes and models at the right price, at blazing-fast delivery speeds, Ignite is committed to helping its customers get more done for less. Since its launch in November 2022, Ignite products for compact tractors, loaders, excavators and more have met the demands of business owners and homeowners with acreage across the United States. For more information, visit igniteattachments.com.

By Daich Coatings.

Daich’s RollerRock® OPTIMA transforms boring surfaces into stunning, durable home features.

Ready to amaze your clients with a transformation of speckled granite for their concrete that’s also slip-resistant? Build up your business with RollerRock® OPTIMA, an ultra-duty self-priming stone coating with optimized performance and style.

This tough stone matrix covers flaws in existing surfaces with a multi-surface stone skin. It rolls on fast, dries super-tough — and will help protect concrete surfaces from wear and damage. The urethane-enhanced hardener provides the ultimate in durability for covering exterior concrete surfaces such as porches, steps, patios, walkways, pool decks, and even garage floors. The pre-mixed, self-priming formula shines beautifully with decorative real stone speckles.

Designed to resist chemicals and water, RollerRock OPTIMA performs exceptionally well in all climates, from freezing winters with salting and snow shoveling to scorching summers under harsh UV rays. The durable product also resists mold, mildew, stains, impacts and abrasions.

RollerRock OPTIMA is fast and easy to use. Preparation includes pressure washing the intended surface and letting the area dry. Then apply two coats of RollerRock OPTIMA – rolling on horizontally or using a trowel for a vertical application. Once dry, top off with a sealer. Hi-Build Ultra™ Clear Coat with Urethane is recommended for wall applications, while Garage & Driveway Concrete Sealer is suggested for horizontal surfaces.

The product comes in both one- and three-gallon containers with color options that include: Cinder, Cool Slate, Grande Gold, Hearth Tan, Magma Stone and Shale Gray. Learn more and get free shipping.

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.  

Exceptional project management isn't about staying busy. It's about staying ahead. 

One of the biggest differences I've noticed between average project managers and exceptional ones has very little to do with experience, personality or technical knowledge. It has everything to do with where they'relooking. 

Average project managers spend most of their day dealing with today's problems. Exceptional project managers spend their day preventing next month's. That may sound like a small distinction, but after more than four decades in the roofing industry, I've come to believe it's one of the defining characteristics of successful operations. 

Roofing has always been a business of moving parts. Materials, labor, equipment, weather, subcontractors, inspections, customers and schedules are all moving simultaneously. No project manager controls every variable. That's simply the reality of construction. What separates the best from everyone else is their ability to see problems developing before they begin affecting production. 

I've rarely walked onto a roofing project and found a serious issue that appeared overnight. Most of the time, the warning signs were already there. Materials were arriving later than planned. Coordination with another trade had started slipping. Weather forecasts were changing. Decisions were being postponed because everyone was busy dealing with today's work. None of those situations looked urgent on their own. Together, they quietly changed the direction of the project. 

One lesson this industry has taught me is that roofing projects rarely become reactive all at once. They drift into it. One delayed decision leads to another. One unanswered question becomes tomorrow's field problem. One missed follow-up creates three additional conversations that never should have been necessary. Eventually, the project manager feels like they're putting out fires from sunrise until the end of the day. The interesting part is that most of those fires could have been prevented weeks earlier. 

That's why I've always believed the best project managers are planners before they're problem solvers. Planning isn't glamorous. It doesn't usually receive recognition. Nobody congratulates a project manager for materials arriving exactly when they were supposed to or for permits being secured ahead of schedule. Those things are expected. But when they don't happen, everyone notices. 

Strong project managers understand that their job isn't just managing construction. Their job is protecting production. That means constantly asking questions that extend beyond today's schedule. 

• What decisions need to be made next week? 
• What information will the foreman need before asking for it? 
• What materials should already be ordered? 
• Which customer conversations should happen now instead of after concerns develop? 
• Where could this project become difficult if nothing changes? 

Those questions create visibility. Visibility creates control. Control protects profitability. 

I've often said that project management is really the art of reducing uncertainty. Every decision should make tomorrow a little more predictable than it was yesterday. Every conversation should remove confusion rather than create it. Every meeting should provide clarity about what comes next. 

When that happens consistently, projects develop a rhythm. Crews arrive knowing what they're expected to accomplish. Suppliers understand delivery schedules. Customers receive updates before they begin asking questions. The office and the field stay aligned because communication happens before misunderstandings have a chance to grow. 

That's not luck. That's preparation. 

One thing I've noticed over the years is that experienced project managers become remarkably calm. That calmness isn't because they have fewer problems. It's because they've already considered many of them before they happen. They've reviewed weather forecasts several times instead of once. They've spoken with suppliers earlier in the week. They've confirmed equipment availability. They've walked through the next phase of construction mentally before the crew ever reaches it. When something unexpected happens—and it always does—they're adjusting a plan instead of creating one. There's a tremendous difference between those two approaches. 

I've also found that good project managers don't spend their days asking, "What happened?" They're asking, "What's coming?" 

That simple change in perspective alters nearly every decision they make. Instead of reacting to delayed materials, they're confirming deliveries before delays occur. Instead of explaining schedule changes to customers, they're communicating potential adjustments while options still exist. Instead of discovering labor shortages Monday morning, they're evaluating manpower needs while the current phase of work is still underway. 

That isn't pessimism. It's leadership. 

Another observation that's stayed with me is that project managers don't actually manage roofing projects. They manage commitments. Commitments made to customers. Commitments made to crews. Commitments made to suppliers. Commitments made during estimating. Every commitment carries expectations, and every expectation requires communication. When communication slows down, projects become harder to control. When communication stays ahead of the work, projects become far more predictable. 

I've seen companies invest heavily in project management software hoping technology would solve operational challenges. Technology absolutely has its place, and today's tools are more capable than ever. Butsoftware cannot think ahead. It cannot recognize a conversation that should happen before someone realizes it needs to happen. It cannot replace the judgment that comes from years of watching projects succeed — and watching others struggle. That's still the responsibility of leadership. 

One lesson I've carried with me throughout my career is that the best project managers don't measure success by how many problems they solved today. They measure success by how many problems never reached the jobsite in the first place. Those victories rarely appear on reports. 

Nobody notices the delivery that arrived exactly on time because someone made one extra phone call two weeks earlier. Nobody celebrates the change order that was approved before production was affected because the project manager recognized the issue before it became urgent. Those quiet decisions don't attract attention. But they protect schedules. They protect crews. And they protect margins. 

The longer I've been in this industry, the more convinced I've become that exceptional project management isn't about staying busy. It's about staying ahead. Because the strongest project managers don't spend their careers chasing today's problems. They're already thinking three weeks ahead.