Convention 2026: Find Solutions at the Breakfast of Champions
Why attend CLCA’s 2026 Annual Convention? Cornhole? To forge new relationships and renew old acquaintances? To experience the excellence of California landscaping during the Trophy Awards ceremony?
CLCA’s Events Committee has added one more reason to attend: The Breakfast of Champions, roundtable discussions that are short, concise and practical, full of valuable information you can immediately put to use. During this fast-paced discussions, you can table hop to broaden your scope, or focus on one specific challenge for your company.
The Events Committee has just released topics and table leaders for these amazing discussions. Plan now on joining us for breakfast on Thursday, November 5.
Buying an Electric Truck?
Table leader: Damion Rosby, Golden Gate Truck Center
Learn how electric trucks compare with gasoline or diesel models and how to evaluate purchase price versus total cost of ownership, factoring in charging infrastructure needs, maintenance differences (fewer moving parts, no oil changes) and insurance considerations. Learn how to access government incentives that may save you thousands of dollars on your EV purchase. Also, the driving experience, fleet charging strategies and fleet management software.
Using AI for Faster Takeoffs
Table leader: Gary Cooper, Frank + Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.
Should you be using AI to produce takeoffs? Learn how AI can reduce the time spent measuring plans while helping you produce consistent, competitive bids. Rather than replacing your team’s estimating expertise, AI is best considered as a tool that handles repetitive measurements so you can spend more time reviewing scope, pricing materials and labor and refining proposals. Includes an exploration of areas where AI commonly makes mistakes and why experienced estimators remain essential.
Creating Your Self-Serve Customer Website Portal
Table leader: Kristin Gallego, Artistic Landscape
The biggest value of a self-service web portal is that it streamlines routine interactions — booking services, paying invoices, approving estimates and requesting work — so your team spends less time on administrative tasks and more time delivering services. Customers also benefit from having convenient, around-the-clock access to their account information and service history. Learn the pros and cons.
Routing Crews/Travel Logistics
Table leader: Marybeth MacNaughton, MSE Landscape Professionals, Inc.
Efficient routing is about more than saving fuel. It can reduce labor costs, improve crew utilization, increase the number of jobs completed each day and provide customers with more reliable service. Even modest improvements in travel efficiency can have a meaningful impact on profitability over the course of a busy season.
Surviving CHP Truck Safety Inspections
Table leaders: Nyman Wilson and Rich Long, SiteOne Landscape Supply
Passing a CHP inspection is about more than avoiding fines. Well-maintained vehicles and properly secured equipment help reduce the risk of accidents, minimize vehicle downtime and lower repair costs through preventive maintenance. Learn what inspectors are looking for, how to communicate professionally with CHP officers and how to appropriately address violations.
Your Favorite Smart Phone Apps
Table leader: Chuck Carr, CLCA Life Member
Discover mobile tools that save time throughout the day. Even small improvements — such as faster communication, digital job notes, easier scheduling or mobile invoicing — can reduce administrative work and help you and your crews spend more time on productive, billable tasks. You’ll leave with recommendations from other contractors, giving you practical insight into which apps have proven most useful in real-world operations and which ones are worth trying first.