Earlier this week, our team headed out west to Phoenix, Arizona for the Elevate National Conference & Expo. Keep reading to hear what Bland Landscaping President, Kurt Bland, had to say after the event.
After a fifteen year hiatus from attending national trade shows, I made my way to Phoenix this week for Elevate, and I am glad I did.
I have always enjoyed the breakfast of champions and was excited about attending on Tuesday morning. I sat at the table of Marion Delano and his father Douglass Delano where we discussed the topic of generational succession. Their story is good and reminded me of my own in many ways as I was preparing to take the reins of Bland Landscaping Company twenty years ago. From the outside, succession seems “easy” to those who aren’t involved, but it is such a complex situation. This conversation was inspiring, and I wish you both the very best in your upcoming transition.
I sat in on a thought provoking panel discussion on the topic of industry consolidation and mergers and acquisitions, and the panelists’ message was positive regarding which inning we are in relative to other industries. Our maturing sector remains highly fragmented, with ample opportunity for quality platforms like ours. As investors “read more books”, aka see more CIMs and CIPs, we are becoming wiser about the industry and the nuances of what the attributes are of a best in class organization. Cooperative models and pseudo-platforms are going to face headwinds, and the market will continue to reward a branded house over a house of brands. Integration and operational experience is key and will continue to drive a premium as it has in other industries who have consolidated before ours. Data will only become more important in telling the story of a business, and high quality assets will continue to fetch a market clearing premium.
As I walked around the event floor and through the hallways, it was nice to make new acquaintances and converse with friends, many of whom I met twenty five years ago. We shared some fun meals, caught up on life and business, learned a little bit, and went to a party with live music and a rodeo!
The best part was and always has been the people you meet along the way. People like:
- Narase Boodosingh who traveled all the way from Trinidad where he operates a large landscaping company.
- Boris Bossmann who traveled from Switzerland where he leads a high quality gardening company.
- Noe Loarca and Nate Negrin, both of whom I spent the day with while lobbying for H2B on Capitol Hill this summer.
- Aaron Williams and Lee Scruggs from Williamsburg, two of the most genuine and thoughtful men I know. I met Aaron right after college at this same conference, but just learned on this trip that he is an Auctioneer!
- Brad Swortzel, who traveled from Richmond VA where he is building a first class company.
- Scott Hollister, who I share passion for music with, and Nader Hassen who might have one of the most romantic engagement stories I’ve ever heard!
- Juan Carlos Vila and his son Ivan Vila who I’ve always had enormous respect for.
Thank you Tyner Tew, David Koehn, and Matthew Kunz for taking the time to join me!
A note from Tyner Tew:
A stunning backdrop paired with thoughtful landscape architecture and powerful conversations made for an energizing trip. I’m heading home optimistic about the future of our industry — led by forward-thinking, experienced landscape professionals who continue to push our profession forward.
And David Koehn:
Thank you to the National Association of Landscape Professionals Elevate conference team for curating an incredible experience — powerful content, great takeaways, and high level networking. Being surrounded by industry leaders who are committed to growth, innovation, and raising the standard in our industry is energizing.
Photos by Kurt Bland, Tyner Tew, and David Koehn.
