As a relatively new business owner, Jordan Almond is always on the lookout for opportunities to learn, to improve and to grow.
Almond is the owner of Local Lawn Pros in the Houston suburb of Magnolia, Texas. He’s not necessarily a newcomer to the green industry — he took a high school lawn-mowing business and transformed it into a full-fledged, multi-crew lawn maintenance company that he eventually sold — but his time on the lawn care application side of the industry is relatively short. His company celebrates its second anniversary this month.
That’s why he was so intrigued about the concept that powers the annual Landscape Management Growth Summit and why he was excited to be part of the event’s class of 2025 when it gathered at Reunion Resort in Orlando, Dec. 8-10.
“The event was eye opening, for sure. It was great to get out of my market and expand my vision for what my small business could become,” Almond says. “I really enjoyed meeting with peers in the industry who were much further ahead in their business journey. I was impressed and blown away by the openness and generosity of time I was afforded by some of the most successful lawn care business owners in the industry.
“I came back from this event inspired and motivated to build a bigger vision for my company and for me.”
Almond was among 34 lawn care pros representing 25 companies who took part in the 13th edition of the LM Growth Summit. They were joined by 13 industry partners who shared their knowledge, insights and the latest products and services with attendees, along with members of the LM staff and their teammates from the magazine’s parent company, North Coast Media.
The concept behind the event is relatively simple, but unique: The LM Growth Summit connects the leading suppliers in the lawn care industry with pre-qualified lawn care application professionals for networking, education and small-group meetings designed to improve business operations and build relationships within the industry. Attendees either apply to be a part of the Summit or are recommended to attend by the event’s industry partners.
“There is a lot of hard work that goes into hosting the LM Growth Summit, but the reward is so great,” says Seth Jones, LM’s editorial director. “We’re able to connect with our readers and our marketing partners on a much more personal level. We’re able to learn from them. We make new connections, and in many cases, we make new friends. I’m so happy we get to host this each year — it’s a great way to put an exclamation point on the end of a year.”
Inside the event
Reunion Resort — one of Central Florida’s premier destinations that features 54 holes of championship golf, a 5-acre water park and a host of other amenities — once again played host to the LM Growth Summit. The event kicked off with a series of partner presentations —short rundowns of each participating company and what they’d be discussing in more depth in the coming days — which was followed by a welcome dinner and reception at Reunion’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Eleven.
Breakfast and a series of educational panel discussions that focused on the cost and impact of callbacks and labor and staffing challenges started each of the next two days before giving way to the personal, 30-minute meetings with the event’s partners. A round of golf on Reunion’s highly touted Palmer Course was also on the agenda.
Almond wasn’t the only attendee to sing the praises of the LM Growth Summit after the event. Josh Rupani, the co-owner of Advanced Turf Pros in Yarmouth Port, Mass., attended the Summit with his brother and fellow co-owner, Shawn. He called the Summit “one of the most valuable industry events I’ve experienced.”
“The small group format and direct access to vendors created meaningful conversations that went far beyond a typical trade show, especially the early insight into upcoming product lines,” Josh Rupani says. “My biggest takeaway was the opportunity to build real relationships and spot innovations early — ideas I can apply by strengthening vendor partnerships, testing new products ahead of competitors and making more informed purchasing and growth decisions for my business.”
The Rupanis weren’t the only family team to take part in the LM Growth Summit. There was the husband-and-wife team of Dan and Lisa Turner from Custom Lawns in Avon Lake, Ohio (you can read more about the Turners and their experiences at the Summit in the March issue of LM), and the father-son duo of Mike and Sean Morin representing Morin Turf in Sioux City, Iowa.
“This was Sean’s first Growth Summit and my second, and it was great to share the experience with him,” says Mike Morin, who serves as company president, with Sean serving as vice president. “We were both impressed by the format LM created for interacting with sponsors. Engaging one-on-one regarding products and services was much more informative than visiting a booth at a traditional trade show. And the interactions with presenters, the dinners and the golf outing helped cement relationships that will be mutually beneficial for our business.
“I would encourage anyone considering attending to do so; you will come away better informed after a great overall experience.”
Lucky 13
The 2025 LM Growth Summit featured 13 loyal industry partners who connected and shared industry insights and information with the attending lawn care applicators. Learn more about these official Friends of LM.
Company representative: Jeff Harkness, CEO
With more than 28 years of experience and hundreds of successful transactions in the green industry, 3PG Advisors is one of the most qualified and effective firms for matching entrepreneurs with equity partners or strategic buyers. Known for their industry expertise, 3PG Advisors have helped countless businesses navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, organic growth and integration, resulting in the best possible outcomes for their clients. Their portfolio includes successful outcomes for landscaping, turf care, tree care, pest control, nurseries, snow and ice services, water management and other facility services companies.
Company representatives: Michael Sorensen, director, Western region; Rob Golembiewski, director, technical services; Paul Fox, director, account management
Based in North Carolina, Atticus is an American-owned chemical manufacturer of the pesticides you rely on. Atticus’ professional non-crop division, known as EcoCore, engages diverse market segments with its growing portfolio of quality me-too chemistries, including turf and golf. Atticus’ portfolio provides the tools to protect and beautify vital plant health and defend against pests. Relevant, simple and reliable. Atticus executes with decisiveness and a customer-centric strategy.
Company representatives: Bill Roddy, campaign activation manager – lawn; Ryan Madden, lawn national account manager
Envu was founded in 2022, a company built on decades of environmental science experience, for the sole purpose of advancing healthy environments for everyone, everywhere. Envu offers dedicated services in lawn and landscape, ornamentals, professional pest management, mosquito management, golf, forestry, industrial vegetation management and range and pasture. Envu collaborates with customers to design innovative solutions that meet their requirements today and well into the future. The Envu portfolio consists of more than 250 trusted and well-known brands. The company employs more than 1,000 people, operates in 100 countries and has four global innovation hubs.
Company representatives: Kevin Lewis, technical services manager; Jason Hinkley, regional turf and ornamental sales manager;
Jeremy King, Eastern Territory turf and ornamental sales manager
Ewing Outdoor Supply is a leading provider of landscape, irrigation, agronomic and outdoor living products, serving professionals and homeowners alike. Founded in 1922, Ewing has grown into one of the largest family-owned suppliers in the green industry, with locations across the United States. The company offers a wide range of high-quality products, including turf and landscape materials, water management solutions, hardscape supplies, lighting and outdoor living essentials. Ewing is dedicated to supporting sustainable practices and helping customers create beautiful, efficient outdoor spaces. Beyond products, Ewing provides expert training, technical support and business resources to help contractors and landscape professionals succeed. Known for its strong customer relationships and commitment to service, Ewing Outdoor Supply combines industry expertise with local community engagement to deliver trusted solutions for any outdoor project. Whether maintaining a golf course or designing a backyard retreat, Ewing is a reliable partner in outdoor excellence.
Company representative: John Perry, president
Greene County Fertilizer Co. manufactures and supplies soil amending fertilizers for liquid lawn care, garden, turf, trees and agricultural use, specialty fertility products, custom blended programs, humic acids, biostimulants, bio-based fertilizers, soil surfactants, wetting agents and adjuvants. Products are made in the United State and can be bought and shipped direct. The company also provides field technical support and training.
Company representatives: Rod Marquardt, lawn care warm season market manager; Jamie Heydinger, lawn care segment lead
Established more than 100 years ago, Nufarm is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of plant protection worldwide. As a top supplier to the U.S. turf, landscape and ornamental markets, Nufarm offers solutions for every challenge, from innovations such as Anuew EZ, Velocity PM and Allstar, plus go-to products including Tourney EZ, SureGuard EZ, Celero, Escalade 2, Cool Power, Arena, Aloft, Pinpoint, Safari, TriStar and the 3336-brand family.
Company representatives: Dani McFadden, product manager;
Melissa McDonald, senior marketing communications manager
PBI-Gordon understands the challenges turf and ornamental professionals face and are there to help. As a nationally recognized leader in the industry, PBI-Gordon offers a full line of proven herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators and specialty products designed to deliver reliable results. Whether you’re managing golf courses, sports fields, commercial landscapes or residential lawns, PBI-Gordon’s products are formulated to meet the industry’s needs with precision and performance.
Company representatives: Cal Hill, Gulf Coast territory manager; Chris Butcher, Southeast area manager
Quali-Pro, a division of Control Solutions Inc. (CSI) and part of ADAMA, benefits from ADAMA’s advanced R&D and manufacturing expertise. This partnership allows them to develop innovative products and manufacture them in-house for exceptional quality and reliability. As a leader in post-patent formulations, Quali-Pro offers one of the industry’s broadest portfolios, including herbicides, fungicides, turf enhancements, insecticides and nematicides. Its products are designed to meet the needs of lawn care professionals. With reliable supply and innovative delivery systems, Quali-Pro provides solutions to meet today’s turf management challenges. Supported by university research and a team of experts, Quali-Pro delivers high-performance, cost-effective solutions with reliable supply and advanced delivery systems, helping customers stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
Company representatives: Jason King, director, sales, pest and green; Joe Yacano, group vice president, enterprise accounts
With 40 years of specialized experience in the lawn care industry, RealGreen has built a comprehensive software solution to help run and scale customers’ green businesses. Trusted by nine out of the top 10 lawn care franchises, RealGreen is more than just software — it’s part of the team. The end-to-end platform seamlessly connects every aspect of your business with advanced CRM, best-in-class dynamic route optimization, mobile application, customer portal, comprehensive payment and fintech solutions, automated communications, robust reporting, AI-powered marketing and business analytics and complete print marketing capabilities. Purpose-built for lawn care professionals by lawn care professionals, RealGreen combines four decades of proven expertise with a relentless, innovative drive: Its focus is firmly on the future.
Company representatives: Dave Feist, director of marketing; Stephen Kimball, key account manager
Durham, N.C.-based Sipcam Agro USA is a part of the Sipcam Oxo Group, an Italian-based international network of agrotechnology companies formed in 1946. Sipcam Agro USA, launched in 1986, is a leader in the development, registration, production and marketing of a solid portfolio of plant protection products for agriculture, turf, ornamental and lawn markets. Sipcam Agro Solutions, a custom formulating and packaging plant in Mississippi, and Sipcam Agro Canada make up the North American footprint.
Company representatives: Caleb Myers, sales rep
Steel Green Manufacturing is an employee-owned company built on the values of quality, customer service, integrity and innovation. With more than 100 years of combined experience in the equipment industry, its team understands the needs of lawn care professionals, athletic field managers and golf course superintendents. Every machine built is designed with these operators in mind, crafted for durability, efficiency and precision. Proudly made in the United States, its spreader/sprayers are assembled in Lebanon, Ind., by people who take pride in their work and stand behind every product that leaves the shop. Steel Green is more than a manufacturer; they’re partners in their customers’ success, committed to providing reliable equipment, responsive support and continuous innovation that helps turf professionals achieve exceptional results season after season.
Company representatives: David Cook, CEO; Brian Moore, president; Dustin McGehee, vice president of sales
Stinger Equipment is the leader in turf renovation equipment, focusing on making equipment that is more productive, easier to use and requires less maintenance. An R&D company at heart, Stinger constantly pushes the industry forward with revolutionary equipment designs, including hydrostatic drive aerators and ground-metered spreader sprayers. The Quad-Aer features a patented hydrostatic drive that eliminates chains, sprockets, tensioners and hassles. The Gateway Applicator is a compact applicator big on features. Ground-metered spread and spray, OneTouch controls and product savings are just a few features that separate the Gateway. Proudly designed and manufactured in Kentucky; by professionals for professionals.
Company representatives: George Kinkead, president; John Kinkead, Southern regional sales manager
Turfco is a leading innovator in professional lawn care equipment, offering reliable, efficient machines designed to help turf care professionals achieve exceptional results. With a focus on precision, productivity and durability, Turfco’s product line includes advanced ride-on and walk-behind aerators, spreader sprayers, topdressers, edgers and sodcutters. These machines streamline tasks like fertilization, weed control, seeding and topdressing, ensuring even application and consistent coverage every time. Turfco’s user-friendly designs, including intuitive controls and low-maintenance systems, make them a favorite among lawn care professionals and turf managers. The company’s commitment to innovation ensures its products meet the evolving needs of the industry, supporting healthier, greener lawns and beautiful campuses. Built to withstand demanding workloads, Turfco equipment is trusted for its performance and long-term value. Whether enhancing turf health for small yards or large corporate settings, Turfco empowers professionals to work smarter, not harder.
