GIC: Learning from Others

Ron Kujawa, Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Kujawa Enterprises, Inc.

If the Green Industry Conference (GIC) had a father, it would be Ron Kujawa, Landscape Industry Certified.  The conference came to life during his term as ALCA president in 1989.  His vision and efforts were largely responsible for bringing together the PLANET legacy groups ALCA and PLCAA, along with PGMS, to form the new GIC.   

Long dedicated to the industry and PLANET, it is no surprise then that Kujawa and other team members from his Wisconsin-based company KEI have been attending GIC since its inception.

“The GIC provides a great opportunity to network with people both inside and outside your sphere and area of expertise,” said PLANET’s 1995 Lifetime Leadership Award winner.  “Merging the three groups into one conference and trade show gave attendees a broader outlook of the industry and the chance to explore new service opportunities.”

Now in partnership with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s GIE+EXPO, GIC is part of the largest green industry trade show and conference in the country. The event, Kujawa noted, offers attendees an unrivaled educational experience.

“Companies fail for many reasons, but most of these failures can be traced back to one thing, their owners did not understand how to operate a business. Education is taking advantage of someone else’s experience and GIC features seminars and workshops presented by industry experts. Sessions have something of value for everyone, but they are especially relevant for younger, less experienced owners and managers looking for ways to profitably grow their companies.”

GIC is not a vacation held at a resort location with attendant distractions and high prices, added Kujawa. Instead, it is a business conference held in Louisville within driving distances for many attendees.

“We’ve taken as many as a dozen people from our company to a GIC. It’s a great learning experience for them and something that benefits our company exponentially.  One person can only talk to so many people and attend so many seminars. Imagine what 12 people can do?  We can take advantage of this because the conference is affordable.”

Meeting industry needs

Kujawa said his company and others share a common bond with GIC and PLANET. To grow and continue to be successful they have to evolve. “Twenty five years ago the landscape management industry was really in its infancy.  Companies like ours generally didn’t do work for municipalities, colleges, and large government agencies. That changed as entities began to contract out their services.  Both GIC with its seminars and PLANET with its networking opportunities not only exposed landscape professionals to these new opportunities but provided the information and resources to take advantage of them.”

This evolution and change, he added, is part of growing.  Attending GIC and being a member of PLANET helps to ensure companies can grow and succeed amid new challenges and opportunities.  PLANET, however, has helped this veteran grow in other ways, as well.  He explained:

“Two organizations have had a tremendous impact on my life.  The Safari Club International has given me an opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.  Being a PLANET member and attending different events over the years have also given me a chance to go places I likely would not have gone otherwise.  More importantly, though, PLANET has helped me grow professionally and being involved has created some lifelong friendships for me. In any city, I can likely have lunch with somebody I’ve met through PLANET.”