
OCTOBER 2024
In This Issue

Loren McIrvin
Allied Landscape
The Power of Grit in Winter Preparation: A Landscaper’s Perspective
As the air cools and the days grow shorter, the change of seasons brings a distinct shift in mindset, especially in industries like landscaping. At Allied Landscape, we know that preparing for the winter months requires more than just wrapping up current projects—it calls for resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to improvement, even in the quieter times. This concept is well captured by the idea of grit, which psychologist Angela Duckworth defines as “passion and perseverance for long-term goals.”
Duckworth’s research on grit teaches us that talent alone doesn’t lead to success; instead, it’s the power of sustained effort and determination. As landscapers, we can directly apply this mindset as we transition from the busy growing season into winter. The landscapes may rest, but our development doesn’t. The grit that carries us through a summer of hard labor should be the same grit that motivates us to improve during the off-season, ensuring that each winter brings growth and not stagnation.
Landscaping is often viewed as a purely physical job, but it’s also a profession that demands mental fortitude and long-term planning. Successful landscapers don’t just focus on the job at hand—they consider the larger picture, preparing for future seasons and consistently seeking to improve their skills. While some of our tools may be put away and gardens may go dormant to a certain respect, true landscape professionals see winter as an opportunity to build grit and concentrate on the company’s development. This off-season is the time to sharpen our tools—both literal and metaphorical—by investing in continued education and preparation for the coming year.
Like an athlete training in the off-season, winter offers us the chance to strengthen our foundation. This period becomes an opportunity for reflection on what went well during the active season, and what areas can be improved for the next. It’s an excellent time for landscapers to pursue certifications, attend industry workshops, or deepen their knowledge of new sustainable practices. Winter may not offer the same immediate rewards as summer, but the effort invested during this time sets the foundation for the seasons to come.
As we head into the colder months, it’s essential to remember that the grit we cultivate now will shape our success in the future. The slow, steady work of learning and improving over winter ensures that when spring arrives, we are not just ready to meet the demands of the season but are stronger and more prepared than ever before. By embracing grit, we transform the winter from a season of downtime into a season of growth.
As a reminder, we have some great opportunities to sharpen our skills at the CLCA Convention at Newport Beach on November 13-16th with education around boosting profits to how to avoiding burnout. The prior week you can benefit from joining the Irrigation Association in Long Beach on November 6th-7th with all things irrigation (I will be presenting Great People = Great Performance: How Investing in Your Team Elevates Your Business) and hope to see you.
Call For Nominations
Nominations are being accepted for the CLCA East Bay Chapter 2025 Board of Director positions through October 15th. This is an excellent opportunity for CLCA regular and associate members, new to the industry and seasoned professionals to share your expertise, grow your leadership skills and expand your professional network.
Terms commence in January for one year, except for the President Elect which is a three-year commitment (President Elect, President, Immediate Past President). Chapter Board of Director meetings are the 1st Thursday of the month and are currently through zoom video conferencing. The Board of Directors has general supervision over all chapter affairs, authorizes expenditures of chapter funds, plans educational and networking events, promotes CLCA membership and protects the interests of its members, promotes professionalism and advances public awareness of the landscape industry.
Check out the position descriptions below and send your headshot and a bio to Laura A. Leuer lleuer@comcast.net by October 31st.
President Elect – In the absence of or incapacity of the President, the President Elect shall discharge the duties of the President. Duties include the general powers and duties of supervision and management pertaining to the President of a non-profit organization.
Secretary – Maintain an account of all membership and board meetings and maintain general records for the chapter.
Treasurer – Present a financial statement at each chapter Board of Director’s meeting. Approve invoices and sign checks.
Associate Member Representative – Responsible for maintaining communication between the regular and associate members.
Director of Membership – Manage the chapter’s recruitment and retention efforts, incorporating the state committee’s ongoing membership campaign.
Director of Events – Plan and coordinate a series of technical, informational and networking events for the chapter.
Newsletter Editor – Ensure effective communication of the chapter’s activities and other information through a newsletter.
Contact Laura Leuer at lleuer@comcast.net for more information
CLCA Golf Tournament
Upcoming Events
CLCA East Bay Chapter Events for 2024
- CLCA Convention
November 13th-16th
Newport Beach
Join Your Colleagues at the Coast for education, networking & FUN
clca.org/convention
Partner Spotlight
Stop Waste
Free Technical Assistance & Cash Stipend Available for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Projects
A partnership between StopWaste and Arup is now offering free technical assistance and cash stipends to support low-embodied carbon strategies in construction and renovation projects. Eligible projects include municipal and multifamily projects (new construction, major rehabilitation, and interior renovation) located in Alameda County, California.
Partners for Success
CLCA East Bay Chapter Invites you to become a partner
Read about the chapter’s 2023 accomplishments and sign up to Partner with us in 2024 today!