NJLCA leaders named PLANET Trailblazers

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. – Local businesspersons, Jody Shilan of FromDesign2Build.com and president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) and Chris James of Chris James Landscaping and treasurer of the NJLCA, were recently named to the status of Trailblazers by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).

Trailblazers are a select group of individuals nominated by their peers as dedicated professionals who have made significant and long-term contributions to the green industry. The program was launched in 2002 to recognize industry leaders and to share their wealth of knowledge with PLANET members. Shilan and James are two of 90 Trailblazers added since 2002.

Shilan is a green industry veteran with more than 30 years experience. A former design/build contractor and award winning landscape designer, he has developed unique sales systems, standard operating procedures and installation techniques for every aspect of the landscape design/build process. Systems that can easily be taught to any employee or company willing to challenge themselves to “do it right.” His work has been featured in various industry magazines and he has presented to the NJLCA, NJNLA, APLD and PLANET. Shilan is a graduate of Rutgers Cook College where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and the University of Massachusetts where he earned his Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture.

James founded Chris James Landscaping in 1981 and has continued to provide full-service landscape, design and construction, irrigation and maintenance services to residential, commercial and condominium clients for more than 25 years. Chris is also the owner of Snow and Ice Solutions and is a Certified Snow Professional (CSP). His work has been featured in many national publications. The company has also won the Excellence in Business Award from SIMA and offers snow removal, anti-icing and de-icing services, ice watch, snow relocation and more. James also offers snow and ice site analysis and seminars.