The Herring Group

07/31/2026

In case you missed it, you can now watch the recording of Greg Herring and Michael Ding of Bobyard discuss construction estimating, and how to stop adding overhead while adding magin.

As I mentioned on the webinar, estimating is one of the places where construction stands to gain the most ground to grow the business without growing overhead.

If construction estimating is slowing down your growth, especially if you bid large construction projects, I highly recommend adding this to your watch list. Michael Ding does an excellent job of explaining the bottlenecks and the process automations that can solve those constraints.

Bobyard has offered a demo of their service, and they will review your plans, and complete a set of takeoffs so you can compare the results against the work that has already been done.

View the recording now, here: https://herring-group.com/construction-estimating-replay-sign-up/

Have a great weekend - The Herring Group

07/27/2026

Construction estimating is still one of the most labor-intensive, expertise-dependent parts of every bid.

Yet it may also be the biggest opportunity to improve profitability without adding overhead.

Join Michael Ding and Greg Herring on July 30 for an eye-opening webinar:
Stop Adding Overhead. Start Adding Margin.

We'll explore:

1. Why estimating processes have remained largely unchanged despite major advances in technology
2. How traditional approaches are limiting growth and profitability
3. What leading contractors are doing differently today
4. Practical ways to improve estimating efficiency and win more profitable work

If you're looking for ways to scale your business, improve margins, and modernize your estimating process, this webinar is for you.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn how better estimating can become a competitive advantage.

Register now: https://herring-group.com/construction-estimation-stop-adding-overheard/

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from The Herring Group!

As we celebrate America's independence, we're grateful for the freedoms and opportunities that allow business owners, leaders, and teams to pursue their vision, build great companies, and create meaningful careers.

Wishing you and your family a safe and relaxing Fourth of July. May you get to spend it with those who matter most.

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

Private equity is reshaping the landscape industry—and for many owners, the question isn't if they'll be approached by a buyer, but when. Valuations are significantly higher than they were a decade ago, creating opportunities for business owners considering their next move.

Before pursuing a sale, it's critical to understand what drives private equity firms, how they create value, and what life looks like after the transaction. PE brings capital, but it also brings new expectations, increased accountability, and a different pace of business.

Whether you're planning an exit or simply competing against PE-backed companies, understanding their incentives and strategies can help you make smarter business decisions.

Read the full article: https://herring-group.com/profitable-preivate-equity-exit/

Private equity (PE) firms’ investments in landscape companies continue to accelerate. Ten years ago, most owners never imagined a financial buyer would be interested in their business. Today, many are receiving unsolicited calls, emails and offers regularly.

06/26/2026

Private equity has changed the industry. Valuations are near double what they were a decade ago. That will not last forever.

Charlie Munger said it best. "Show me the incentives, and I will show you the outcome." Understanding what drives a PE firm takes away the mystery.

One example from our white paper: a firm earned $880,000 in management fees and $5.9 million in carried interest. That gap explains almost everything about how PE thinks and moves.

This matters whether or not you ever plan to sell. PE-owned companies move faster, invest more aggressively, and operate with tighter financial discipline. They put pressure on every owner in their market.

This is your chance to learn the rules of the game you are already in.

I recently wrote an article in Management about our exclusive white paper: "The Green Exit: What Landscape Businesses Need to Know About Private Equity" to give you that footing. Read the full white paper, free here:
https://herring-group.com/privateequity

06/12/2026

Some landscapers run better than others. Better margins. Better retention. Less chaos.

It's not luck. It's how they run.

On June 25, Bryan Gyllen of DeSantis Landscapes and Greg Herring of The Herring Group sit down with Lex Mason to talk about what the best operators actually do differently.

No slides. No pitch. One hour.

What the Best Landscapers Do Differently
Thursday, June 25 | 10 AM CT | Free

Register at the link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HwqKf2jlQTWMmHFdIRt37Q

06/02/2026

Show of hands. Who wants a longer to-do list?

Most landscape owners don’t need more tasks added to their already overflowing plates. They need a partner who can help them see what’s really happening in their numbers and walk with them to problem-solve.

This is one of our favorite videos! Watch this short clip where our Financial Leadership Partners and Clients explain how The Herring Group approaches "consulting" differently.

If you're ready for a partner to help take some of the weight off your shoulders, schedule a call: https://herring-group.com/contact/

06/01/2026

I regularly write for the landscape industry, both for Landscape Management and for our own blog on The Herring Group website. Over the years, I have found that BrightView offers one of the best real‑time windows into the trends shaping the rest of the industry.

In their most recent earnings call ending Q1 2026, BrightView announced its first year-over-year growth in more than two years. That growth reflects a focused, consistent effort since Dale Asplund became CEO in 2023.

However, beneath that announcement is the more important story: even with revenue growth, BrightView’s margins continue to decline.

In the article, I discuss BrightView’s growing sales force, sales force production rates, customer retention stats, and fuel surcharges. Of course, I also show you their trended income statements. I think you will find this information not just interesting, but also helpful in your business.

You can read the full article here: https://herring-group.com/brightview-finally-grows-but-margins-shrink/

Writing these articles is an example of the financial leadership that The Herring Group brings to the landscape industry. We recognize that most owners hate being their company’s financial leaders, so we do things that they do not want to do, like pricing and operational reporting. If you want to talk about financial leadership and our focus on healthy pr*fit margins and life margins, let’s talk.

After 30 months of waiting, BrightView’s CEO got to say the words investors and employees want to hear: the company’s land maintenance business grew. Revenue in that segment was up 4.0% in the quarter ended March 31, 2026 — the first year-over-year increase since the third quarter of 2023. For...

05/29/2026

We had a great time with The Herring Group leadership team in Albuquerque last week.

We enjoyed being together and had some productive and energizing conversations about where we’re headed as a company and how we can keep serving the industry well.

Grateful for this team and the work ahead!