By Emma Peterson. 

How succession planning and fractional advisors help owners secure their legacy and their company’s future.  

In the trades, businesses often start as small, family-owned operations. And when these businesses are small, it’s natural that many owners find themselves wearing multiple hats and managing a seemingly endless list of day-to-day tasks. But as any company grows, it becomes necessary for that to change. This change is what Kristen McAlister of Cerius Executives stopped by The Coffee Shops™ to talk about in an episode of Contractor Outlook™.  

Letting go of a business that you’ve poured blood, sweat and tears into can be hard. But if you want your business to thrive long-term, planning for that letting go, for that succession, is key. Kristen explained, “Whether you're looking to pass your business onto the next generation or the next owner, succession planning is key. And the key to good planning is thinking of your legacy as the team you’ve built, not yourself.” 

What does this mean? Building a legacy means building something that outlasts you. And the way you do that as a company owner is to hire a team that can run your business without you managing every little thing. So, how do you learn to take that step back? That’s something that Kristen and the Cerius team help owners do all the time! She shared:  

We are placing a lot of experts in businesses for interim positions as fractional advisors. In this role, these experts come in for however much time the owner wants, whether that’s five hours a month or a full 40 hours a week, and are there to help them decouple themselves from the business, so it’s less reliant on them. And we're still keeping that legacy that they started the company with; we’re just figuring out how to make it so the owner could go on a multi-week vacation or eventually retire and know their legacy will live on. 

And to be clear, these fractional advisors are not placed to take over from the people who have built the company. In fact, in many cases Kristen has seen them help with the handover to original employees or team members. She noted,“A lot of owners want to hand the company to an operations person who’s grown up in the company. And we’ll put a fractional advisor in place to work alongside that person, to make sure they have the tools and skills needed to succeed. Like on-the-job coaching. And then when that person is confident and comfortable, the advisor leaves them to carry on the legacy.”  

Want to learn more about how fractional advisors can help with succession planning? Listen to the episode or Watch the recording!

Power technology company Rehlko will attempt to set the record for fastest mowing of an area the size of an American football field.

The TurfMutt Great Lawn at Waterfront Park will host a live GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt on May 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., while showcasing high-performance turfgrass care at one of the city’s most iconic green spaces.

Power technology company Rehlko will attempt to set the record for fastest mowing of an area the size of an American football field, using a mower powered by Rehlko’s Command PRO® 999 cc (41 hp) gasoline engine. The official driver, Hali Rieman, known professionally as “Lawn Queen,” was selected through a nationwide program and will operate under official timing and adjudication conditions set by on-site GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicators.

Official record requirements call for grass maintained at a minimum height of six inches to mirror unpredictable, high-load environments. The attempt is part of Rehlko’s global “Cutting History” initiative. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is more than a record attempt — it’s a celebration of the power and purpose of well-managed green space,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Equip Exposition. “We’re excited about this event because it highlights why mowing matters. Mowing stimulates grass to grow, and growing turf works harder — sequestering more carbon, producing more oxygen and delivering greater environmental benefits.”

Real, living turfgrass also captures and filters rainwater, helps mitigate heat and traps dust and particulate matter, making communities healthier and more resilient.

"We're excited to bring a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt to Waterfront Park and the city of Louisville," said Deborah Bilitski, president and executive director of Waterfront Park. "The TurfMutt Great Lawn is one of our signature gathering spaces, and this is a unique way to highlight what the space can support and the community that continues to show up for it. We value partnerships with organizations like the TurfMutt Foundation and Rehlko that think creatively and share a commitment to stewardship and community, and we look forward to seeing this come to life."

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute reminds anyone using a lawn mower or other outdoor power equipment to keep kids and pets away from working machines. “Outdoor power equipment makes big jobs easier and more efficient, but always follow safety precautions,” advises Kiser.

Additional details about the May 16 event are available at ourwaterfront.org/events. To learn more about harnessing the power of parks, backyards and other green spaces, visit TurfMutt.com.

About the TurfMutt Foundation

TurfMutt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. The Foundation is title sponsor of “Lucky Dog,” the Emmy Award-winning CBS broadcast television show in support of dog rescue and rehabilitation. Both TurfMutt spokesdogs have been rescue dogs, and Mutt Mulligan is a cast character on the show, where her “Mulligan Minute” segments teach viewers about the benefits of green space. In 2024, the Great Lawn at Louisville’s award-winning Waterfront Park on the Ohio River was renamed the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn as part of a $1 million sponsorship. Championed by Mulligan the TurfMutt and through education partners such as Scholastic, Discovery, Weekly Reader and the USBGC Global Learning Lab, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

About Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a treasured community asset and home to some of Louisville’s most exciting celebrations. Once a wasteland of scrap yards and heavy industrial uses, Waterfront Park is now a vibrant green space that welcomes over 2.5 million visitors each year. As the most utilized urban park in the city, it’s a place where Louisville comes together to celebrate our unique sense of community. Waterfront Park is a non-profit public park made possible by the generosity of Waterfront supporters. Learn more at ourwaterfront.org. 

American-crafted durability meets the simplicity of analog performance, designed for dependable grilling and meaningful gatherings.

American Outdoor Grill^® (AOG), a division of RH Peterson Co.^®, announces the availability of its reimagined T-Series gas grills, along with a full lineup of premium accessories designed to elevate highly functional outdoor cooking spaces. Purpose-built for grillers who value simplicity, reliability and hands-on control, the T-Series delivers a trusted, consistent grilling experience without electricity, batteries or unnecessary complexity.

"The T-Series is about focusing on the essentials that matter most," said Jerry Scott, vice president of sales at RH Peterson. "It's intentionally low-tech, incredibly durable and built to deliver the same dependable results every time you lift the lid. This is a grill you can trust: one that brings people together without distraction, just good food and great company."

AOG T-Series Grill highlights:

• Diamond Sear^™ cooking grids: Superior heat retention and bold sear marks
• 304 stainless steel tubular burners: Heavy-duty construction with consistent, even heat
• Flame thrower ignition system: The all-mechanical ignition lights reliably with every turn, ensuring dependable startup in any environment
• New vaporizer panels: Improved heat distribution, reduced flare-ups and enhanced flavor
• Large analog thermometer: Quick, accurate temperature readings
• Bold commercial styling: Heavy-duty hardware, gunmetal finishes and modern industrial presence

Complementing the T-Series lineup is AOG's expanded collection of premium accessories, including double side burners, portable cart bases, post-mount options, vent hoods, storage doors and drawers, insulating liners and vinyl protective covers. Designed to integrate seamlessly with both T-Series and L-Series grills, these accessories allow homeowners to tailor outdoor kitchens that fit their lifestyle, whether that means a simple patio setup or a fully built-out entertaining space.

Crafted in the USA by skilled fabricators, AOG T-Series grills reflect RH Peterson's long-standing commitment to durability, performance and pride of ownership. For more information, please visit https://www.americanoutdoorgrill.com/.

About American Outdoor Grill

American Outdoor Grill (AOG), a division of RH Peterson Co., delivers premium gas grills designed for reliability, performance and long-term value. Crafted in the USA and backed by decades of fire-product expertise, AOG grills combine commercial-inspired design with purposeful features that help homeowners create meaningful moments around food, fire and family. Learn more at https://americanoutdoorgrill.com.

About RH Peterson Co.

For more than 75 years, RH Peterson has been a leading American manufacturer of premium indoor and outdoor fire products, including Fire Magic^® grills, Real Fyre^® gas logs, American Fyre Designs fire features, and American Outdoor Grill. RH Peterson products are built with pride, precision, and a commitment to lasting quality. Learn more at https://rhpeterson.com.

Oly-Ola has released Edging Handbook Vol. 4, a comprehensive resource designed for landscape and hardscape professionals. The handbook features commercial-grade landscape, paver and specialty edging solutions, installation insights and side-by-side product comparisons.

Oly-Ola Edgings, Inc., the Edging Experts and a leading manufacturer of 100% recycled commercial-grade landscape edgings and paver restraints, is proud to announce the release of the new Edging Handbook Vol. 4 — an expanded resource designed to support landscape contractors, distributors, landscape architects, hardscape professionals and independent nursery/garden centers.

The new handbook features updated project examples, real-world installation photography, side-by-side edging comparisons, installation tips and techniques and detailed specifications for Oly-Ola's complete line of landscape edgings, paver restraints and specialty edging solutions. It also highlights best practices for long-term edging performance and provides insight into selecting high-quality commercial-grade edging products.

For more than 48 years, Oly-Ola has been recognized for manufacturing durable, professional-grade edging products made from high-quality 100% recycled materials and backed by one of the industry's strongest guarantees. The handbook reinforces the company's ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, customer service and supporting independent landscape supply channels.

The Edging Handbook Vol. 4 is now available for download and print request through Oly-Ola's website https://www.olyola.com/edging-handbook

About Oly-Ola Edgings, Inc.

Founded in 1978, Oly-Ola Edgings specializes exclusively in commercial-grade landscape edgings and paver restraints. Manufactured from high-quality 100% recycled materials, Oly-Ola products are trusted by landscape contractors, architects, and distributors around the world. Oly-Ola continues to lead the landscape industry with innovative edging solutions backed by exceptional customer service and a 20-Year Guarantee.

Ready to get out the lawn mower, hedge or string trimmer or other outdoor power equipment to spruce up your backyard? The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) urges homeowners to keep safety in mind before starting up any equipment.

“We know you’re eager but think safety first,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment – and follow it.”

OPEI offers these tips for readying and using your outdoor power equipment:

• #1 - Read and follow your owner’s manual. Technology is ever changing with evolving safety systems and other features. Your manufacturer-supplied manual will guide you in these differences. 

• #2 - Walk your yard before mowing, cutting, digging and more. Slopes, wet grass and weather may impact equipment performance, as well as safe handling procedures. Pick up fallen sticks and limbs and any loose objects that could be hit by a mower. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that may get in your way when mowing or may require pruning. 

• #3 - Know every lawn mower is different. Whether your mower is a garden tractor, zero turn mower or other type, its unique design, power supply, performance, operating parameters, weight, and other differences impact how to use it –and how to use it safely. 

• #4 - Look over equipment before use. Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative. Never disable or alter manufacturer-installed safety equipment.

• #5 - Protect your power. Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment if it is not designed for higher ethanol blends. Add a fuel stabilizer if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away. Burn off any fuel before storing the mower more than 30 days. Only use battery packs specified by the manufacturer for battery/electric equipment. Follow all manufacturer’s charging and storing instructions. 

• #6 - Keep children and pets away from operating outdoor power. Period.

• #7 - Keep your equipment clean. Remove dirt, oil or grass before using and storing so it will run more efficiently and last longer. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments. 

About OPEI

OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI owns Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition and administers the TurfMutt Foundation, which directs the environmental education program, TurfMutt. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.

Celebrate National Arbor Day: Get inspired to grow tree care services.

In honor of National Arbor Day on April 24, award-winning trade show Equip Exposition announces the expanded Tree Care Arena in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) during this year’s show held October 20 to 23 in Louisville.

This year, in addition to showcasing tree care techniques on a 50-foot live tree, there will be interactive hands-on stations and mini-tours. Landscapers and contractors can talk one-on-one with seasoned experts about how to add tree care to their product offerings and the equipment and knowledge needed.

“You won’t just talk about how to do the work. You’ll get hands-on, in-tree training to learn how to add tree care to your landscaping service lineup or get help with what you’re already doing,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association which owns and manages the trade show.

Trainers from The Davey Institute and Academy Trained will host daily training during the show. They will cover safety requirements for tree care, the equipment needed and the many techniques employed by tree care professionals utilizing bucket trucks, lifts, chainsaws and other commonly used tools.

“For landscapers, tree care can be an excellent way to grow their profits and service lines,” said Kiser. “Trees make important contributions to community and home green spaces. For the landscapers and contractors attending Equip, Tree Care Arena will be a living laboratory for learning about tree care and how to add this to your business offerings.”

At Tree Care Arena, Equip attendees also can learn 

• How bucket trucks and lifts are used for tree trimming and care by watching real demonstrations with large equipment
• Tree removal, planting and mulching
• Small tree and shrub planting and pruning
• The business opportunities offered by providing tree care services

Tree Care Arena offerings are included in the Equip registration and are not an additional cost to attendees.

Award-winning Equip each year draws thousands of landscapers, dealers, contractors, hardscape experts and outdoor power equipment manufacturers to see the latest equipment, connect with each other, and learn from the most innovative and successful leaders in their industry. Last year Equip broke attendance records attracting nearly 30,000 registrants to the KEC.

The show will begin a two-city rotation in 2029, with Equip being held in Orlando that year and thereafter biannually. Equip Expo will return to Louisville in 2030.

Registration for Equip 2026 is open and pricing for attendee registration is only $25 through May 31, 2026. Hardscape North America continues to co-locate with the show. 

Equip Exposition brings more than $31 million to Louisville. 

Visit www.equipexposition.com to register and book hotel rooms. 

About Equip Exposition

Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition, is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, and is one of the top three largest trade shows in the United States. The show is a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award Winner, including “Greatest Trade Show of 2024,” and is co-located with Hardscape North America. Equip publishes “equip" magazine and is owned and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, an international trade association representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, parts, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles and golf cars, and their suppliers. For more information visit www.equipexposition.com.

As both hyperscale developers and civil infrastructure projects prioritize resilient, low-carbon materials, slag cement is uniquely positioned to remain at the forefront of modern concrete construction.

The Slag Cement Association (SCA) announced a landmark achievement for the industry, with U.S. slag cement shipments reaching a historic high of more than 4 million metric tons in 2025. This record-setting milestone signals a decisive shift toward next-generation construction materials that deliver enhanced durability, long-term performance and a substantially lower environmental impact. It reflects not only growing demand, but a broader industry commitment to building smarter and more sustainably at scale.

Momentum extended beyond slag cement alone, with blended cements containing slag experiencing unprecedented growth. Shipments increased 18% in 2025, contributing to a compound annual growth rate of nearly 6% since 2020. Together, these gains highlight a clear and accelerating transformation across the concrete industry driven by performance, innovation and the urgent need for more sustainable infrastructure solutions.

“This record-breaking year was bolstered by a significant expansion of our membership,” said Nick Brimley, SCA marketing and membership director. “Beginning in 2024, the SCA welcomed four new suppliers, CalPortland, Silvi Materials, Texas Lehigh Cement and Sathi USA. Their addition has greatly enhanced the industry's capacity to meet the rising demand for slag cement across the U.S. market.”

A primary driver for this surge is the rapid development of global digital infrastructure. Hyperscalers are increasingly specifying slag cement for massive data center campuses to meet aggressive sustainability targets while ensuring long-term structural integrity. Because slag cement provides enhanced resistance to environmental stressors and lower embodied carbon, it has become a preferred material for the heavy-duty foundations and complex structural requirements of the tech and artificial intelligence sectors.

Looking ahead, the SCA expects these volumes to remain on a steady upward trajectory. As both hyperscale developers and civil infrastructure projects prioritize resilient, low-carbon materials, slag cement is uniquely positioned to remain at the forefront of modern concrete construction.

About The Slag Cement Association

The Slag Cement Association serves as the leading source of knowledge for slag cement and slag blended cements through promotion, education and technology development.

By Emma Peterson. 

Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce. 

As AI and automation increasingly become present in our daily lives, a common concern is that these technologies will take jobs away from people. This type of concern is not new. Every time a new technology is introduced, people naturally have hesitation and fear how things will change. And it does change things; think about the now-obsolete jobs like switchboard operators and projectionists. But it’s also important to remember that the technology that took over for those roles also made new opportunities. 

To look at how AI might change our workplace, both in creating jobs and taking over certain roles, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Denver Riggleman, the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, for an episode of Contractor Outlook all about AI.  

The honest truth is that AI might take away some jobs, just like how technological advancements over the years have changed the roles necessary for operation. Denver shared, “I'm going to be very blunt, AI will take jobs that automation can automate. Take call centers, for example. I would say in the next 15 to 20 years, they will be all AI regardless.” But at the same time, automation is also a powerful tool for enabling businesses to grow and hire more employees in other sectors. Denver explained:  

Say you ‘lose’ 10 jobs at the admin processing level because AI is automating the mundane tasks. You now have the payroll space to hire people or have the people that were working those jobs change focus to working on higher-skill level tasks. And then with more people working on those higher-level tasks, you’re able to expand your gross revenue with a higher margin. 

In other words, AI might take over certain roles. By taking those mundane and tedious tasks off of people’s plates, however, it allows them to work on high-level tasks that not only are more engaging for them but also can help your company grow. And company growth often goes hand-in-hand with hiring new employees.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more insights into the role of AI in our workforce. 

We are pleased to share an important leadership update for AmericanHort.

Following a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board of Directors has selected Lionel van der Walt as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2, 2026.

Lionel has previously served in leadership roles at organizations such as Nallian, a technology company specializing in data-sharing solutions for the global air cargo industry; the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC); and Cargo Network Services (CNS), a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

He brings a strong mix of business and association experience, global insight and a collaborative approach that will serve our members and industry well. He is a passionate champion of high-performance teams, innovation and diversity, and is dedicated to building upon AmericanHort’s strong legacy of advocacy and growth.

In the coming weeks, Lionel will be focused on listening and learning—connecting with members, partners and our team to better understand your priorities and how AmericanHort can best support your success.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Ken Fisher for his leadership and contributions to the organization and industry for the past 10 years.

This transition represents an exciting opportunity to build on our strong foundation and continue advancing the interests of the horticulture industry together.

Please join us in welcoming Lionel to AmericanHort.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the partnership between the Roofing Alliance and Ronald McDonald House. 

In 2017, Charles Antis of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing stood up in a Roofing Alliance meeting and suggested a nationwide project where roofers could adopt Ronald McDonald House programs. Our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth was there that day and has seen how that idea has grown over the last decade. To talk about this initiative, she hosted Katie Fitzgerald, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Global, for an episode of Contractor Outlook.  

Ronald McDonald House dates back to the 1970s when a renowned pediatric oncologist named Dr. Audrey Evans realized that many of the families of her patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia had nowhere to stay during treatment. For families who traveled especially far for their child’s treatment, some would even sleep in waiting room chairs or on hospital floors, just to be close  

In partnership with McDonald’s and the Philadelphia Eagles, she opened the first Ronald McDonald House, which provided families with free housing so they could be close to their children and the life-saving treatment they needed. Today, there are over 400 Housesin 60countries and regions.  

The growth was incredible, but with that growth came support needs. Katie explained:  

In the United States alone, our 165 standalone Houses, which are safe havens of comprehensive support for families with social services, emotional support, meals, transportation, art therapy and even schooling, take up around six million square feet of physical infrastructure. That’s a lot to take care of and honestly, our organization is very lean. Our Houses need help with the day-to-day operations, let alone the bigger maintenance tasks. 

It's that need that Charles’ idea aimed to fill, and the best part is it worked! Heidi shared some of her first-hand experience of what the mobilization looked like after Charles’ presentation to the Roofing Alliance in 2017, saying, “Contractors were calling contractors across the country. Someone from Philadelphia was calling someone in Oregon or Washington or wherever it may be and saying, ‘Hey, we're doing this here. You guys really should think about this.’ And it was because they shared their stories of supporting Ronald McDonald House and how powerful it was that a lot of people were able to get involved, adopt and be a part of this big program.” 

For Katie and broader Ronald McDonald House System, that mobilization was game changing. She explained, “I think since that time, there's been over $3 million of support for everything from maintenance to full-on roof replacement. The partnership is saving our nonprofit partners who perform this work tremendous amounts of money that they can put into the family instead. It’s been amazing... And one of the best parts is just seeing roofers all over the country fall in love with our mission and go beyond the roof to help. I know roofers around the country have been involved in other sorts of activities to take care of the houses beyond the roofs — fundraising, volunteering, collecting holiday gifts and more! They’re really connected with this mission so beautifully and we need the help.” 

Listen to the newscast or Watch the whole episode for more about how contractors all over are supporting Ronald McDonald House’s incredible mission.