Young Professionals Meet Up

Young Professionals Night a Roaring Success

Nina A. Koziol

The networking and mingling was supposed to last from 4 to 6 p.m. at Alter Brewing in Downers Grove, but many of the 105 people who registered stayed much later to catch up with new and old friends. After so many virtual meetings, seeing people in person raised everyone’s spirits. (And the beer was awesome, too!)

Matt Leakakos, account manager for Sebert Landscape has been in the green industry for 12 years. “I came looking for volunteer opportunities and to get involved. I like networking and meeting like-minded people in the industry in the same age range.”

Genevieve Rodriguez of Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply said, “I always have a good time and people can casually hang out. People in the industry are so friendly and of course, I love working with plants and teaching people about plants. I’ve done a lot of planting at my parent’s house—it’s very rewarding.”

This was a first-time Young Professionals event for Uriel Recendez, operations manager at Apex Landscaping. “We’re a sponsor of tonight’s event and it’s fun to see some of our suppliers,” said Recendez who has been in the industry for 10 years.

Nick Miller, owner of Spruce It Up Landscaping started his company 12 years ago and said that while he typically doesn’t attend events, “I read the emails about it and it’s a good time, it’s cool.” Sometimes you just need a little nudge.

Landscape designer Elaine Blankenagen of Plandscape in Elburn has attended the last three Young Pros events and this time she invited three graduates from the College of DuPage’s horticulture program to join her. “We’re super busy at work right now, but this is such a fun event. I love seeing friends and meeting new people.”

Small groups gathered to discuss trends in plants and landscape design. Bailey Hoines from Bret-Mar shared her favorite climbing vines, while Matt Leakakos predicted that commercial landscapes will have lower maintenance requirements. “I think we’ll see more rock than mulch. It’s less costly and there will probably be fewer annuals and more perennials. The Lurie Garden style has its own [consumer] market, but commercial clients are becoming more budget conscious.”

ILCA president Scott McAdam Jr. of McAdam Landscaping was enjoying a beer while mingling with his peers. “I had zero interest in wanting to be in the family business,” he said. “I wanted to study political science because I’d been going with my dad to Washington, DC when he was lobbying for the industry.” McAdam took a dendrology class in his sophomore year in college and his career took off in a different direction.

At age 33, McAdam is one of ILCA’s youngest presidents. “ILCA has been a unique animal for me. I was following in a large shadow of my dad. With my committee involvement, the board and now the presidency—once you’re president, a lot more thought and time goes into the job. Holistically, I represent all of our members. I feel some level of pride knowing there was enough trust in my ability and knowledge to handle this position.” He’s happy to have mentors including ILCA’s Scott Grams. “Scott is hands-down the best executive director we have,” McAdam said. “He’s recognized on a national basis.”

After losing his food-industry job in Texas due to the pandemic shut-down, Eric Graszer returned to Illinois and joined Emerald Lawn Care this year. “I wanted something in an office where I could use my management experience.” He’s currently the assistant office manager. As a first-timer, Graszer said. “I wanted to get out and meet people because I’m new to the industry. Turf Day was my first event and I absolutely loved it—learning about the products and the dayto-day operational side. It was a blast.” And that pretty much sums up most ILCA’s events. Haven’t attended one? Put it on your bucket list!

Check out ILCA’s Young Professionals Facebook Group. It’s a place to ask questions, post articles, schedule meet ups and network with other young professionals outside of ILCA scheduled events.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILCAyoungprofessionals/

Discover upcoming education and networking opportunities: https://www.ilca.net/professional/events/