From Small Gathering to Huge Breakfast

John Gachina, Landscape Industry Certified, Gachina Landscape Management

John Gachina, Landscape Industry Certified, remembers his first GIC.  “I was very excited and in awe of seeing so many industry leaders, and the Breakfast with Champions? Well it was only a few tables with maybe 20 to 25 people in attendance, but it was still a great way to meet people and share ideas.”  Since that initial conference, not only has the Breakfast grown, but so, too, has Gachina. He is now among the industry leaders to whom he once looked up.

“I soaked up everything back then,” said the owner of California-based Gachina Landscape Management.  He noted that the seminars, networking sessions, and, yes, the Breakfast with Champions, have all contributed to his company’s success.  But it’s the relationships formed with GIC attendees and other PLANET members over the years that have made the biggest difference.

“Early on I attended a seminar presented by green industry consultant Frank Ross,” Gachina recalled.  “I met him after the presentation and he’s been consulting with us and helping our company grow ever since.”  When asked about specific conference highlights, he mentions becoming an AEF Ambassador as an important one, especially since students are the industry’s future.  He calls the scholarship in his company’s name the “gift that keeps on giving.”

Accepting a Grand Environmental Improvement Award was another highlight.  “We had won several smaller awards, but the Grand Award was really special for me and our team, he related. “I’ve also enjoyed participating on a GIC panel discussion and continue to enjoy the look on my team members’ faces the first time they attend the conference.  I try to bring at least five employees, and the first timers have that same awe struck expression I must have had.”

Going to GIC is not only a learning experience for team members, it’s also a growing experience. Attending is a giant step toward their career development, Gachina explained, one of which he encourages other owners to take advantage.

“If it is an employee’s first time, I make a point to introduce them to my friends and other industry people I know.  They then have a starting point to begin building their own relationships and network of friends.  Of course, we also have fun going to dinners, attending receptions, and bonding as team members.” 

A longtime PLANET member and avid supporter, Gachina is also a veteran of Student Career Days, the Great Escape, among other events.  “I won’t miss Student Career Days,” he said with a smile. “It’s great seeing the students and soaking up their enthusiasm for the industry.  We usually come back with a couple of summer interns. Whether they eventually work full time for us or not, getting hands on experience is an important part of their industry education.

Making money is the biggest challenge GIC and PLANET has helped this owner overcome.  “Making a profit doesn’t come easy in this industry,” Gachina emphasized, “and it’s something that doesn’t get easier the bigger you get.  I’ve taken advantage of many PLANET resources to help with budgeting, estimating, tracking costs, and so forth. Of course, Frank has been very helpful here, as well.

“As we look forward, I believe that GIC and PLANET both have a role to play ensuring that its attendees and members stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.  Right now in California, for example, presenting customers with sustainable landscaping solutions and ways to reduce their carbon footprint is an opportunity for contractors. But this is not a fad, and eventually all landscape contractors and other green industry professionals around the country will need to get on board.

 

“As the voice of the green industry, PLANET already has helped position its members as environmental stewards. This effort, and attendant educational resources, will need to become even more focused as concerns over our environment continue to grow and evolve.”