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 hard. Finding good people who stay is even harder. 

Labor challenges aren't unique to outdoor trades. Still, the seasonal nature of the work, increasing demand and competition for skilled workers have made workforce development one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. The companies that continue to grow aren't necessarily the ones paying the most or offering the newest equipment. More often, they're the ones who have figured out how to create a workplace where people can build a future. 

I've spent most of my career working with contractors across the construction industry, and one thing has remained consistent. The companies with the strongest crews view workforce development as a long-term investment, not a short-term hiring exercise. 

One of the first shifts that needs to happen is how these careers are presented. Too often, outdoor construction, landscaping and pool installation are viewed as temporary jobs rather than skilled professions. That's a mistake. 

These industries offer opportunities for people to learn technical skills, manage projects, supervise crews and build rewarding careers. Whether someone starts installing pavers, maintaining pools or assisting with landscape construction, there should be a visible path for growth. When employees can see where they are headed, they're more likely to stay committed to the company and help it get there. 

Cross-training is one of the most effective tools available to support that growth. 

Many outdoor contractors operate in related service areas. Pool builders often work alongside landscape contractors. Maintenance teams interact with installation crews. Hardscape professionals coordinate with irrigation specialists. Those connections create opportunities to develop broader skill sets across the workforce. 

Cross-training benefits both employees and employers. Workers gain valuable experience and become more versatile. Contractors gain flexibility when scheduling crews and managing workload fluctuations throughout the year. During slower periods in one area of the business, employees may be able to contribute in another, helping stabilize both staffing and production. 

I've seen companies significantly reduce turnover simply by exposing employees to multiple aspects of the business. People are more engaged when they're learning, developing and expanding their capabilities. Repeating the same task every day eventually leads to burnout. Learning new skills creates opportunity. 

Mentorship also plays a major role in retention. 

Most skilled tradespeople can point to someone who helped them early in their career. It may have been a foreman, a supervisor or an experienced technician who took the time to explain not just how something was done, but why. Those moments matter. 

The best contractors create environments where that knowledge transfer happens naturally. Experienced employees understand that part of their role is helping develop the next generation. New employees gain confidence because they know they have someone to turn to when challenges arise. 

Mentorship doesn't require a formal program or complicated structure. Often, it starts with leadership recognizing the value of experience and encouraging seasoned employees to share what they've learned. 

The companies that excel at workforce development also recognize that retention goes beyond compensation. Competitive pay is important, but employees also want consistency, communication and respect. They want to know what's expected of them and how they contribute to the company's success. 

Strong cultures are built through daily interactions. Clear expectations, honest communication and opportunities for advancement create an environment where people want to stay. When employees feel valued and see a future for themselves, loyalty follows. 

The outdoor living and pool industries continue to grow, but that growth will depend heavily on the ability to develop and retain skilled people. Contractors who invest in training, embrace cross-training opportunities and foster mentorship are building more than crews. They're building the future leadership of their companies. 

At the end of the day, projects don't build themselves. Success still comes down to people. The contractors who understand that — and invest accordingly — will be the ones best positioned for long-term growth. 

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

Preventing back and knee injuries in hardscape work.

Hardscape work demands skill, strength and precision. Every day, crews lift stone, carry pavers, kneel on rigid surfaces and maneuver awkward loads into place. It’s some of the most physically demanding work in the outdoor living industry — and because of that, chronic back and knee injuries are far more common than most contractors realize. 

You don’t always see these injuries happen. They develop quietly over months and years. A worker kneels too long on a slab, twists while lifting a paver or spends an entire shift bending over in the same pattern. By the time the pain shows up, it’s often too late. And when an experienced installer goes down with an injury, productivity suffers, projects slowand companies lose the skill and craftsmanship that keep their reputations strong. 

What the job does to the body 

Hardscape crews spend much of their day in positions the human body wasn’t designed to maintain: bent over, kneeling, lifting, carrying and pivoting with weight. Unlike a single, sudden incident, these strains build up over time. A paver only weighs 20–30 pounds, but lifting hundreds of them in a day places continuous stress on the spine and joints. 

Knee pain is widespread. Extended kneeling on stone or compacted soil compresses the knee joint, inflames soft tissues and irritates existing injuries. Add in uneven terrain and constant up-down movement and you have a perfect recipe for long-term joint damage. 

Back injuries often follow the same predictable pattern. Workers pick up materials with rounded backs, twist while carrying loads or lift from awkward angles because the staging area wasn’t set correctly. Even the strongest worker can only do that for so long before something gives. 

Prevention starts with better planning 

Preventing strain doesn’t begin with equipment — it starts with job setup. If materials are staged too far from the work zone, crews will naturally lift and carry more than they should.By reducing unnecessary movement, you relieve excessive stress. 

Before work begins, foremen should evaluate: 

• Where pallets will be placed for the least manual handling 
• How tools and materials will flow through the job 
• Whether mechanical aids like carts, dollies or vacuum lifters can reduce repetitive lifting 
• How terrain affects footing and knee load 

Hardscape work requires planning for both layout and ergonomics. Ignoring one undermines the other. 

Teach crews the right way to lift 

Proper lifting is still one of the most effective ways to prevent back injuries. Train your crews to: 

• Bend at the knees, not the waist 
• Keep the load close to the body 
• Use both hands and avoid one-sided lifting 
• Step, don’t twist, when changing direction 
• Ask for help with oversized materials 

It sounds basic, but on busy jobsites, basic safety is often the first thing sacrificed. Reinforcement from foremen and lead installers is key. When supervisors model the right behaviors, crews follow their lead. 

Protect the knees — The crew’s most valuable tools 

Knee injuries sideline more hardscape workers than almost any other musculoskeletal issue. The fix isn’t complicated, but it requires consistency. 

Use: 

• Padded knee protection (hard-shell pads, gel pads or cushioned supports) 
• Kneeling boards or mats to distribute pressure on stone surfaces 
• Frequent position changes to avoid long-term compression 
• Rotation of tasks so workers aren’t kneeling all day 

Crews often resist knee pads because they’re uncomfortable or feel restrictive. Modern pads are far better than what we had 20 years ago. The right equipment makes a difference — and so does regular replacement. 

Mechanical assistance isn’t optional anymore 

Hardscape materials are heavier and larger than ever. Large-format pavers, oversized slabs and stone veneer panels require mechanical assistance. Too many contractors rely on “strong backs” instead of innovative tools. 

Lift-assist devices, vacuum lifters and powered carriers dramatically reduce strain. More importantly, they improve accuracy and minimize material breakage. When companies invest in ergonomic equipment, they invest in their people — and their production. 

Build a culture that doesn’t ignore pain 

Workers often hide discomfort to avoid slowing the crew, but pain is an early warning sign. Encourage installers to speak up before a minor strain becomes a serious injury. Create an environment where asking for help or using a mechanical aid isn’t seen as a weakness but as a sign of professionalism. 

A crew that feels valued takes better care of themselves, their tools and the job. 

A strong crew starts with strong practices 

Hardscape contractors depend on the skill and experience of their crews to deliver high-quality, long-lasting installations. Protecting back and knee health isn’t just a safety issue — it’s a business issue. Less fatigue means better workmanship. Fewer injuries mean more consistent staffing. And a company known for looking out for its people is a company workerswant to build a career with. 

The longevity of your team is one of your most important assets. When you prioritize ergonomic practices, you protect the craft, the crew and the future of your business. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Seasoned business consultant John Kenney dives into the traits of top-performing contractors. 

With over 45 years of experience as a contractor in the field prior to switching to his current role as a consultant, John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group has seen a lot of businesses succeed, and a fair few fail as well. To share about what separates the successful companies from the rest, he stopped by OutdoorCoffeeShop™ for an episode of From the Gound Up™. 

The biggest thing that John highlighted as a marker of success is structure. He explained:  

Top performing contractors don't work project-to-project operations. They have operating procedures, SOPs, processes, structures, whatever term you want to use, that guide their operations. They know their numbers, their accurate burden rates, their equipment costs, their production rates, etc. They are not guessing because they have structure. 

Hand-in-hand with this structure, they have clear training and communication channels so their entire team can operate efficiently within that structure. John gave an example of what this looks like, sharing, “If you train your people correctly and you communicate with them extremely well, everyone knows what to do and it stops those common questions that slow things down, lead to issues and overall delay your operations.”  

In today’s digital era, making sure that you are choosing the right technology for your company is a key part of building a strong team and structure. John elaborated, “You need to get the technology that works for your business model. There are all kinds of software and technology out there. That doesn't mean it's all going to work for you. You've got to be able to ask the right questions and find the technology that works with the way you operate.” 

Overall, John’s advice for setting your business up for success comes back to systems and structure. As he put it, “Build your business around systems, not yourself. Contractors who win and become successful top performers in the next decade are going to be the ones who run operationally disciplined companies that are supported with the right technology and tools.”  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recorded conversation to learn more about building a successful business. 

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 are spending more time outside, investing more in their properties and thinking differently about how outdoor environments should function year-round. As a result, contractors are seeing projects become more integrated, more customized and more focused on long-term usability. 

One of the biggest trends shaping outdoor projects right now is the move toward complete outdoor environments instead of isolated features. Clients are no longer asking only for a pool or a patio. They want spaces that work together — pools connected to seating areas, outdoor kitchens integrated into entertainment zones and fire features positioned to create gathering spaces that feel comfortable in every season. 

From a construction and planning standpoint, that changes how projects need to be approached. Contractors can no longer think about features independently. Drainage, lighting, traffic flow, utilities and material transitions all need to be considered as part of a larger design strategy. The most successful outdoor projects today feel connected rather than pieced together over time. 

Pools and spas continue to anchor many outdoor spaces, but the surrounding environment is becoming just as important as the water itself. More homeowners are prioritizing usability around the pool — shade structures, seating areas and outdoor dining spaces that encourage people to spend time outside beyond simply swimming. That shift is creating opportunities for contractors who understand how to coordinate multiple elements into one cohesive environment. 

Water features are also evolving. Instead of oversized or highly decorative installations, many projects are moving toward cleaner and more natural integrations. Sheer descents, scuppers, spillover spas and subtle water walls are being used to create movement and sound without overwhelming the overall design. In many cases, these features are designed to complement the architecture of the home rather than compete with it. 

Material selection is another area seeing noticeable change. Homeowners are gravitating toward finishes that feel natural, durable and lower maintenance. Earth tones, textured surfaces and materials that blend with the surrounding environment continue gaining popularity. Travertine, porcelain pavers, natural stone looks and mixed-texture hardscapes are all showing up more frequently in outdoor projects. 

At the same time, clients are paying closer attention to durability and long-term performance. Materials that hold up well under weather exposure and require less maintenance are becoming more attractive than purely decorative options. Contractors who can explain the difference between appearance and long-term performance tend to guide clients toward better decisions. 

Color trends are also shifting slightly. While lighter tones remain popular around pools because they help reduce heat absorption, there’s growing interest in contrast and layered textures. Darker accent features, natural wood tones and matte finishes are becoming more common in kitchens, pergolas and fire features. The overall look tends to feel more relaxed and organic rather than overly polished. 

Lighting continues to play an increasingly important role in outdoor design as well. Clients want spaces that function beyond daylight hours, and thoughtful lighting design helps extend usability significantly. Accent lighting around walkways, seating areas and water features adds both atmosphere and safety while helping outdoor spaces feel more complete. 

What I find most interesting is that homeowners are becoming more intentional with these investments. They’re not just building outdoor projects for appearance — they’re building spaces they plan to use regularly with family and guests. That mindset is pushing contractors to think more about comfort, functionality and long-term experience instead of simply installing features. 

For contractors, the opportunity goes beyond construction alone. Clients increasingly value guidance. They want help understanding how materials will age, how layouts will function and how different features will work together over time. Contractors who can provide that level of perspective position themselves as trusted advisors instead of simply installers. 

Outdoor living is continuing to evolve, but the projects that stand out most are usually the ones that balance design with practicality. Beautiful spaces matter, but spaces that function well, hold up over time and fit the way people actually live are the ones clients continue appreciating long after construction is complete. 

By Emma Peterson.  

Understanding when fighting a claim is the right move, and when settling makes more sense.  

In a new episode of From the Ground Up™, Karol Weyman talks to John Kenney about handling legal claims. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, where he offers training and operations advice to professionals across the construction industry. And a fair bit of that advice is how to navigate the legal side of owning a contracting business. 

Claims and disputes are frustrating but not uncommon challenges for contractors. When asked about how to navigate this process, John’s first piece of advice was to find a way to distance emotion from the situation. He explained, “The first thing I love to tell contractors is keep emotion out of your decision because emotion is going to get you into trouble. And you can't decide based on being right, sometimes we can be right and it costs us way too much. You have to decide based on business impact.” 

So, how do you make the correct business decision about fighting or settling a claim? John tells contractors to look at three things – cost, time and recovery. He elaborated:  

The cost of the fight is related to attorney fees but also lost value. How much time are you spending focusing on this and missing other opportunities? The way I look at it is if you're going to spend money chasing it, then you're going to spend more time, which we all know is money, to recover, then, even if you're technically right, you're still losing.  

What contractors have to do is step back and use these three factors to assess whether they want to fight to prove a point or to move their business forward. If it’s the former, it might not be the time or the place. As John put it, “We want to make sure that it's a business decision. Sometimes it's just better off to get it settled, move on and be back to fight for another day.” 

And fighting another day doesn’t always have to be in court. In fact, the best business decision you can make is to proactively set up systems to avoid future claims as much as possible. John explained, “Honestly, a lot of the issues I see are not legal problems at the start. They're communication and documentation issues that turn into legal problems. So in the outdoor space, especially like landscaping, hardscaping, pool, etc., you have multiple trades overlapping, fast-moving projects and a lot of assumptions.”  

By removing those assumptions through clear communication and documentation, John shared what this looks like in practice:  

You need good documentation. Don't look at it as just having a bunch of paper. It needs to tell the story of the job clearly and consistently. To tell that story, you’ll want to have daily reports, photos from all stages of the project (including before and after images) as well as written change orders. There's no such thing as verbal. If you can't prove it, it can't be done.  

At the end of the day, John’s advice when it comes to claims is to avoid them. But if you do find yourself dealing with one, it’s key to ask yourself whether fighting or settling makes more sense for your business. And if you choose fighting, it's best to have the documentation in place to tell the story of what really happened.  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about handling claims and other legal issues. 

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 how clients make decisions. Homeowners and property owners are asking different questions today. They’re not just focused on how something looks when it’s finished — they want to know how it performs over time, what it costs to maintain and how it impacts water and energy use. 

From where I sit, this shift isn’t surprising. Every part of construction is moving in this direction. The contractors who recognize it early and adjust their approach are the ones who will stay ahead. 

One of the biggest areas where this is playing out is water management. Pools, irrigation systems and landscaping all rely heavily on water, and in many regions, that resource is becoming more closely monitored and more expensive. Contractors who understand how to design systems that use water efficiently are already setting themselves apart. 

That starts with smarter irrigation. Traditional systems often overwater because they’re not calibrated to actual conditions. Today’s systems can be designed with zoning, timing and controls that match the specific needs of the landscape. Drip irrigation, moisture sensors and programmable controllers all help reduce waste while keeping outdoor spaces healthy. 

Pools are seeing similar changes. Variable-speed pumps, automated controls and improved filtration systems allow pool owners to manage water circulation and energy use more efficiently than ever before. These aren’t just upgrades for the sake of technology — they directly impact operating costs. When contractors can explain that clearly, it shifts the conversation from price to long-term value. 

Material selection is another area where sustainability is becoming more visible. Clients are paying closer attention to what goes into their projects. That includes everything from decking materials and hardscape products to finishes and structural components. Durability plays a big role here. Materials that last longer and require less maintenance reduce the need for future replacement, which is one of the simplest ways to improve sustainability. 

Energy efficiency is also becoming part of the design conversation. Outdoor lighting, heating systems and water features all contribute to overall energy use. LED lighting, efficient heaters and smart automation systems allow these features to perform well without excessive consumption. Again, this isn’t about adding complexity — it’s about making better choices upfront that pay off over time. 

But one of the most important shifts isn’t in the products or systems themselves. It’s in how contractors communicate with clients. Sustainability doesn’t need to be presented as a separate feature. It should be part of the overall project discussion. When you talk about durability, you’re talking about sustainability. When you talk about lower operating costs, you’re talking about sustainability. When you design a system that performs efficiently year after year, that’s sustainability in practice. 

The contractors who do this well don’t overcomplicate it. They don’t rely on buzzwords or try to sell sustainability as an add-on. They incorporate it into their design and build processes. They explain the long-term impact in practical terms — water savings, energy efficiency, reduced maintenance — and let the client see the value. 

There’s also a business advantage to this approach. As more clients prioritize responsible design, contractors who can confidently guide those conversations become more trusted. They’re not just installing a project — they’re helping clients make informed decisions about how their outdoor space will function for years to come. 

Like any shift in the industry, this one comes with a learning curve. New systems, new materials and new expectations require contractors to stay informed and adapt. But the fundamentals remain the same. Good planning, quality installation and clear communication still drive successful projects. 

Sustainability is simply adding another layer to that process. 

And the contractors who embrace it as part of their everyday work — not as a separate initiative — are the ones who will continue to grow as the market evolves. 

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 phones begin ringing. Estimates stack up, installation schedules fill quickly and crews move from quiet winter weeks into full production mode almost overnight.

That seasonal surge can be a great opportunity, but it can also expose weaknesses in a company’s operations. I’ve spent most of my career working with contractors across the construction industry, and one pattern shows up again and again. The businesses that handle the busy season best are the ones that prepared for it weeks earlier. Spring success isn’t just about demand; it’s about readiness.

One of the first areas contractors should evaluate before the rush begins is scheduling. Outdoor construction projects often involve multiple stages — design work, site preparation, structural installation, finish work and sometimes ongoing maintenance. If schedules aren’t carefully planned, jobs begin to overlap, straining crews and creating delays for customers. Reviewing the spring workload early allows companies to map out realistic timelines and avoid the scramble that comes when too many projects are promised at once. 

Crew readiness is just as important. Many companies add seasonal workers or expand their teams when demand increases. That growth can be helpful, but only if those new team members understand the company’s standards and workflow. A short preseason meeting with crews to review expectations, safety practices and jobsite procedures can prevent problems once projects are underway. When everyone starts the season on the same page, production tends to run much more smoothly. 

Suppliers also play a major role in seasonal preparation. Pool equipment, outdoor materials, lighting systems and landscape components often have longer lead times once demand spikes. Contractors who coordinate with suppliers early — confirming inventory availability and delivery timelines — reduce the risk of projects stalling halfway through installation. A few proactive phone calls in late winter can save weeks of frustration once spring demand is in full swing. 

Another area that deserves attention before the busy season starts is estimating capacity. When inquiries increase, it’s easy for companies to rush through proposals to keep up. That’s where mistakes happen. Underestimating labor hours, overlooking material needs or misjudging project timelines can quickly erode profit on otherwise good jobs. Contractors who create a structured estimating process — and stick to it even when things get busy — protect both their reputation and their margins. 

Customer communication also becomes more critical as demand grows. Homeowners planning outdoor projects often want their pool or backyard space ready as soon as warm weather arrives. In reality, installation schedules depend on many factors: crew availability, weather conditions, material deliveries and the complexity of the project itself. Contractors who communicate realistic timelines early in the process tend to avoid frustration later. Clear expectations are one of the most effective tools for keeping projects — and relationships — on track. 

Spring preparation isn’t just operational. It’s also an opportunity to remind potential customers that your company is ready for the season. Sharing project photos, maintenance tips or early-season inspection reminders through your website or social media helps homeowners start thinking about outdoor improvements. When they begin researching contractors for a new installation or renovation, your company is already on their radar. 

But even the best marketing won’t make up for poor preparation behind the scenes. The outdoor living industry, much like other construction sectors, operates in cycles. Slow periods give contractors time to organize systems, review processes and strengthen their operations before demand ramps up again. Companies that use the off-season wisely are usually the ones that handle the busy season with confidence. 

In the end, the arrival of spring doesn’t create successful companies. It simply reveals which ones were ready for it. Contractors who enter the season with organized schedules, prepared crews, strong supplier relationships and disciplined estimating processes put themselves in a position to handle growth without sacrificing quality or profitability. 

For outdoor and pool professionals, the busy season will always come quickly. The real question is whether the business behind the projects is prepared to handle it. 

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group.

When crews stay alert and respect the hazards that hide in daily work, they reduce injuries, build trust and keep operations moving safely.

When most people think of fall hazards, they picture roofs, scaffolds — elevated platforms. But for maintenance technicians, the most dangerous fall risks aren’t always the high ones — they’re the everyday ones. A quick ceiling tile replacement, a light fixture repair, a step onto a ladder — even a walk across a slippery floor can turn into a serious injury in seconds. 

Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries across all industries, and maintenance work sits right in the middle of that risk. The problem is simple: technicians perform high-frequency, short-duration tasks. These tasks don’t look dangerous. They seem like routine, low-risk activities. And because of that, workers let their guard down. 

Falls happen at heights you don’t expect 

A fall from six feet can be life-changing. A fall from two feet can cause a fractured wrist or spine. A fall from a ladder’s second rung is more common — and more serious — than most realize. Maintenance workers spend their days moving between rooms, climbing into ceiling spaces, stepping around obstacles and working on multi-level surfaces. None of thislooks risky. But the risk is real. 

Every day repair tasks often involve: 

• Step stools, ladders and portable platforms 
• Slippery or wet surfaces 
• Uneven floors or loose materials 
• Clutter in tight mechanical rooms 
• Dim lighting in older buildings 
• Carrying tools or equipment while climbing 

When these factors stack together, even a seasoned technician can lose footing. 

The “quick task” is the most dangerous 

You’ve seen it on every jobsite: a worker grabs the closest chair, bucket or unstable object to stand on “just for a second.” They lean too far to one side to change a tile. They climb with tools in hand instead of using a belt. They adjust a light fixture while balanced awkwardly on a ladder. 

It’s the quick, everyday tasks — the ones technicians believe they can do without thinking — that cause the most injuries. That confidence becomes complacency, and complacency is what leads to falls. 

Ladder safety must be non-negotiable 

Ladders are involved in a large percentage of maintenance-related fall injuries and the cause is rarely the ladder itself — it’s how it’s used. Reinforce these fundamentals: 

• Inspect the ladder before use 
• Use the right ladder height for the job — no leaning sideways or standing on the top steps 
• Maintain three points of contact 
• Keep tools in a belt, not hands, while climbing 
• Never place ladders on boxes, tables or uneven surfaces 
• Secure the area below from foot traffic 

A ladder is not a shortcut. It’s a piece of equipment that demands respect. 

Floors are a hidden fall hazard 

Maintenance workers frequently travel across wet, polished, dirty, uneven or obstructed floors. Plumbing repairs, restroom work, HVAC condensation and cleaning operations create slipping hazards that appear without warning. 

Simple reminders can prevent serious injuries: 

• Use caution signs and communicate wet-floor areas 
• Wear proper slip-resistant footwear 
• Keep pathways clear of tools, hoses and debris 
• Address spills or leaks immediately 
• Improve lighting where visibility is low 

The best slip-and-fall prevention strategy is solid housekeeping. A clean, organized space is a safer space. 

Working above ceiling tiles isn’t a “low-risk” task 

Accessing overhead spaces — ceiling grids, duct chases and wiring runs — often requires awkward positioning. Workers balance on ladders, reach above shoulder height and navigate around ceiling framing. All of this increases the chance of losing balance. 

Encourage technicians to: 

• Use stable, properly rated ladders or small platforms 
• Position themselves directly under the work, not at an angle 
• Keep both feet firmly planted 
• Avoid overreaching to avoid repositioning 

A few extra steps to reposition a ladder are always better than a fall. 

Make it cultural, not conditional 

The strongest maintenance programs are built on safety habits that become routine. When supervisors consistently model and enforce correct practices, crews follow suit. Encourage the use of stop-work authority: if a technician feels unsafe, they should speak up without hesitation. 

A strong safety culture sends a clear message — the company values the worker more than the task. 

Falls don’t start with the fall — They start with the setup 

Almost every fall incident has a moment before it when someone could have made a different choice. Better footing. Better lighting. The right ladder. A cleared walkway. A slower, safer approach. 

Maintenance work may be routine, but safety cannot be. Staying aware of fall hazards — especially the ones hiding in everyday tasks — is what keeps technicians protected and facilities running smoothly. 

Even the simplest repair deserves full attention. When crews stay alert and respect the hazards that hide in daily work, they reduce injuries, build trust and keep operations moving safely. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Navigating a legal landscape that is growing more complex every day.  

In a new episode of From the Ground Up™, Karol Weyman got the chance to chat with John Kenney about navigating the legal world as a contractor. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and has over 45 years of experience in the field as a contractor. He shared a bit about what his company does, saying, “We work with contractors, we get information out there, we do trainings and we help them work on their business processes.” A huge part of that work is helping contractors learn how to navigate the legal landscape; things like regulations and contracts.  

Navigating this has always been key to business success, but is more important today than ever before. Why? The world is growing more complicated. John explained, “The world is getting more and more complicated with regulations, technology and more. Really, the entire way we go about business and everything else has changed.”  

An example of these complexities is tighter notice requirements and stricter enforcement of contract deadlines. John elaborated, “Owners and general contractors are absolutely starting to enforce these written notice clauses aggressively. And if you do miss a deadline, even by a day, you're going to lose your claim.” Another example of how John has seen the legal world of contracting shift recently is in relation to payment risk. He explained, “We're seeing longer payment cycles, increased disputes and a lot more owners pushing risk downstream.” 

So what can contractors do in response to these pressures and complexities? Clean records and responsive contracts. Because contractors are being held to higher standards than ever before, it is crucial to make sure you have a clear understanding of what you are getting into and set yourself up for success in the future. John shared a bit about how you can do this:  

Make sure you read your contracts carefully. I still see contractors agreeing to broad indemnification clauses that are dangerous because they don’t have any damage for delay provisions... Scope is another huge one, make sure that contracts define scope so all parties are on the same page... And another big one is using outdated contract templates. I see a lot of contractors using stuff that actually pertains to laws that have changed. So, if you’re working off a template from five or six years ago, make sure to get it reviewed to make sure you are covered today. 

Overall, the best legal protection is proactive reviews with legal experts. As John put it, “Contracts are living risk management documents. A lot of people don't understand this, so if yours hasn't been updated, then it's behind. And understanding everything in your contract is part of positive risk management.” 

Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording with John to learn more about navigating the legal world as a contractor. 

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 are finding it easier to manage crews, control schedules and deliver a better client experience. The key isn’t chasing every new gadget. It’s understanding which tools actually improve how the work gets done. 

On the jobsite side, must-have tools are increasingly about consistency and efficiency. Laser levels, digital measuring tools and layout systems have reduced guesswork in pool construction, hardscapes and outdoor structures. When layouts are accurate from the start, downstream trades move faster and rework drops. Battery-powered equipment has also advanced significantly, giving crews greater flexibility without sacrificing performance. Less downtime, fewer cords and safer worksites all add up over the course of a season. 

Design technology is another area where contractors are seeing real gains. Digital design and visualization tools allow builders to show clients exactly what a finished outdoor space will look like before construction starts. That clarity reduces change orders and sets expectations early. When clients can see how features, lighting and materials work together, decisions get made faster and projects move forward with fewer surprises. 

Behind the scenes, software has become just as important as what’s happening in the field. Scheduling and project management platforms help contractors juggle weather, crew availability and material deliveries, three variables that rarely line up on their own. When schedules are in one place and updates are made in real time, crews show up prepared rather than waiting for instructions. That efficiency protects margins and keeps projects moving. 

Maintenance and service software is also gaining traction, especially for contractors offering ongoing pool and outdoor care. Digital service logs, automated reminders and mobile reporting make it easier to manage recurring work without relying on memory or paper systems. For contractors, that means fewer missed visits and better documentation. For clients, it means reliability and transparency — two things that build long-term relationships. 

Innovative technology is changing how outdoor spaces are used and maintained. Pool automation systems now manage filtration, heating, chemical balance and lighting from a single interface. Clients can monitor and adjust settings from their phones, while contractors gain remote visibility into system performance. That allows issues to be addressed before they turn into service calls or complaints. 

Lighting and water management have also become more sophisticated. Intelligent lighting systems automatically adjust brightness, color and timing, improving both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Water management tools help monitor usage, detect leaks and maintain proper levels, which is significant for both residential and commercial installations where operating costs matter. 

For contractors, the most significant benefit of smart tech isn’t novelty — it’s control. Systems that provide real-time data help diagnose problems faster and reduce unnecessary site visits. That saves labor and keeps technicians focused on productive work. It also positions contractors as long-term partners rather than one-time installers. 

Adopting new tools does require discipline. Technology only works when teams are trained, and systems are used consistently. The contractors who get the most value don’t overwhelm their crews with apps. They standardize a few key tools and build processes around them. That approach keeps technology supportive instead of disruptive. 

Looking ahead, tools and technology will continue to shape how outdoor and pool businesses operate. The contractors who benefit most won’t be the ones with the most software licenses or the newest gadgets. They’ll be the ones who choose tools that align with their workflow, train their teams properly and use technology to reinforce — not replace — good construction practices. 

In a competitive market, efficiency, clarity and responsiveness matter. The right tools help deliver all three. Used correctly, technology becomes less about innovation and more about professionalism — and that’s what clients notice most.