37. Green & Growin’ 2026 Proved It: The Industry Belongs to High Performers

Shay and Zac just left Green & Growin’ 26 with one takeaway above all others, and it's that the green industry is growing, fast.

This wasn’t just another event.

It was a glimpse into the next era of landscaping:

Business leaders getting educated, raising standards, stacking credentials, and building real careers, not “seasonal jobs.”

In this episode, they break down what they saw across the education sessions and the marketplace, and they get personal about the path they’re on:

1. Shay talks about continuing education for his certifications and licenses, because serious operators don’t coast.
2. Zac shares his experience attending pesticide applicator training and taking the NC pesticide licensing exam, leveling up to serve clients with more skill, more confidence, and more professionalism.

This podcast is a call to action:

The world belongs to high performers.

The people who work hard and sharpen their edge… get what they want.

And the ones waiting for life to “calm down” get passed.

If you’re ready to take control of your direction, your career, and your standard—press play.

(Green & Growin’ 2026 was hosted in Greensboro, NC at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons + Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.)