The annual Landscape Leader of the Year live and online competition will run Oct. 9 this year, as three landscape business owners will present their best ideas, compete for the title and explain what’s driving growth at their companies right now.
Hosted by Jack Jostes, CEO of Ramblin Jackson and host of The Landscaper’s Guide to Modern Sales & Marketing, this free livestream offers education, live voting and networking opportunities.
Landscapers can vote to decide the winner while discovering strategies from other contractors who are achieving results right now. Attendees can win exclusive giveaways worth over $1,000 (only available to the live audience). Plus, those live audience members will be offered a complimentary pizza lunch.
“I’m excited to inspire the landscape industry with new ideas on sales, marketing, and leadership—and even more excited to see which of these three finalists takes home the belt,” Jostes says.
The 2025 Landscape Leader of the Year finalists
Michael Fisher: Dutchies Stoneworks & Outdoor Living
Presentation: From Price-Shoppers to Premium Clients
Discover how Dutchies transformed their sales with a high-converting website that filters out tire-kickers and attracts dream clients. “Our site now does the heavy lifting — freeing up our time and letting us focus on building remarkable outdoor spaces," Fisher says.
Dominick DePadre: Tri Valley Landscaping
Presentation: Building a Culture That Fuels Growth
DePadre will share how a positive team culture has driven hiring, retention and long-term growth. “Creating a place where people love coming to work changed everything. Our team — and our results — are stronger than ever," he says.
Stuart Ward – Buckhead Landscape and Design
Presentation: Defining and Developing an Effective Sales Process
Ward reveals how a clearly defined sales process helped him grow, hire strategically and close high-value jobs. “A real sales process brought structure and clarity to our business — and helped us grow with confidence," Ward says.
More on the competition
The finalists will fly to Colorado for a full week of business strategy, mastermind sessions and media production with Ramblin Jackson. They'll broadcast live from the Ramblin Jackson Video Studio in Lyons, Colorado, with lighting, audio and livestream technology.
Last year’s Landscape Leader of the Year title was awarded to Scott Lawn of Greenway Landscape Design & Build for his presentation, “How Reading and Leading Are the Keys to Landscape Success.” Lawn’s insights on leadership development and continuous learning stood out among a strong field of finalists, earning him the championship belt and a $500 donation to the nonprofit of his choice.
All registrants will receive access to Ramblin Jackson’s Instant Marketing Diagnostic, a tool designed to help landscape business owners evaluate and improve key areas such as website performance, sales processes, and lead generation.
Reservation space is limited. Pizza and prizes only available to live attendees.