The Herring Group

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!

05/26/2026

Oil prices are climbing again. In a recent poll, we asked landscape leaders how they are handling fuel surcharges this time around:

22% — Yes, adding fuel surcharges to all contracts
11% — Yes, adding fuel surcharges to new contracts/orders
67% — No fuel surcharges at all

That means two‑thirds of companies are absorbing rising fuel costs with no adjustment to pricing.

Here’s the challenge: fuel, fertilizer, and chemical costs all move with energy prices. When prices rise, margins can erode quickly. Sometimes faster than owners realize. In one recent review, a 37% increase in gas prices translated into nearly a full percentage point drop in operating margin.

Hoping it settles down isn’t a strategy. Clear, proactive pricing is.

If you are unsure whether your current pricing structure can absorb another spike or if you want a second set of eyes on how fuel, equipment, and overhead flow through your numbers, we can help.

Start here >> https://lnkd.in/gS9xnCpp

A small adjustment now can protect your margin later.

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

05/15/2026

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/

05/11/2026

What happens when financial leadership goes beyond the numbers?

At The Herring Group, we exist to help business owners build both profit margin and life margin, so success at work doesn’t come at the expense of everything else.

From CFO-level insights to practical, real-world guidance, our team partners with leaders who are ready to make smarter decisions, create clarity, and drive sustainable growth.

If you’re curious about who we are, how we think, and what guides our work, take a look here:

We don’t just deliver numbers—we make them meaningful. Our approach is grounded in four core values that guide everything we do.

05/05/2026

More PE‑backed firms are entering local markets, and they are changing how owners compete.

Some owners are already feeling the pressure. Others will soon.

I originally wrote this Private Equity white paper for owners who may consider selling in the next five years.

It explains:
- What drives PE decision‑making
- How deals are structured
- The motivations behind acquisitions

But many owners who aren’t selling are finding it helpful for understanding their competitive environment. Knowing how Private Equity-backed firms operate will help you position your company more strategically with customers and employees.

Whether you are selling or staying owner‑operated, this context helps you navigate the next chapter with confidence and intentionality.

Let me know where to email your copy of the PE White Paper:

Download the exclusive white paper: What Landscape Business Owners Need to Know About Private Equity. You deserve to be informed.

04/23/2026

What happens when financial leadership goes beyond the numbers?

At The Herring Group, we exist to help landscape business owners build both profit margin and life margin, so success at work doesn’t come at the expense of everything else.

From CFO-level insights to practical, real-world guidance, our team partners with leaders who are ready to make smarter decisions, create clarity, and drive sustainable growth.

If you’re curious about who we are, how we think, and what guides our work, take a look here: https://herring-group.com/we-are-the-herring-group/

We don’t just deliver numbers—we make them meaningful. Our approach is grounded in four core values that guide everything we do.

02/15/2023

Did you know: Year over year profit margin growth for a quarter of participating companies was 5 percentage points? For a $10M company, that's half a million dollars!

We have a special viewpoint of the stories behind the data from our Benchmark Report.

These companies that showed 5+ percentage point profit margin growth aren't doing it by accident. They are serving their customers well. They are effectively designing strategies and holding their teams accountable. They are methodically using data to make smart and actionable decisions.

Is it work? Yes. But if you ask me, the opportunity is worth it.

Read the full article here: http://ow.ly/ZlHy50MTkOO

02/08/2023

Did you know: the average net profit margin of landscape companies, based on the data from the 2022 Benchmark Report, was 4.9%? For a $4M revenue company, that's an additional $200,000 in cash flow available when you reach the goal of a 10 percent operating profit margin.

Consider what that opportunity would mean for your company, your employees and you. A larger investment in technology? Higher 401(k) contributions? A bigger cushion in the event of an economic jolt? This is where dreaming is a good thing!

Greg Herring breaks down The Herring Group's Landscape Industry Benchmark Report, which shows most companies can be a lot more profitable than they are.

10/25/2022

The Herring Group is proud to bring you the 9th Annual Landscape Industry Benchmark Report. This powerful tool allows you to know your numbers, identify opportunities and areas of growth for the coming year, and inspire your team.

Registration is open through Nov 3: https://herring-group.com/benchmark/