As Jason’s presidency for PLANET winds down, it is a surreal moment for not only him, but for me as well.

When I began working for Highland Outdoor in 2006 (as the front desk clerk!), I had no idea what was in store for me. I came from a classroom of bright and smiley 5 year old kids, where my daily dilemmas were “Timmy isn’t sharing with me”…  Then, I jumped into the “adult” world, where I would be faced with things like planning trips to Capitol Hill for Jason!

Jason began his role as President of PLANET - The Professional Landcare Network - a national trade association for over 4,000 landscape companies in March of 2008.  The road hasn’t been easy but it has definitely been worth it!  What a life changing experience this has been, watching a ‘regular’ guy from Kansas follow his dreams and aspirations to unimaginable heights.  I have witnessed first hand Jason’s passion for life, the green industry and Highland Outdoor.  It has truly been an incredible experience and I have learned more from Jason in this past year then he will ever know.

Following is Jason’s farewell speech, and Jason, I thank you for this opportunity and the kind words. I am eager for the next chapter to began, stay tuned….

When I became PLANET’s president last year, I had no idea what the next year or so of my life would bring. Well, let me tell you, it’s been one incredible experience. It’s been fun and rewarding for me as a business person and as an individual, and I’ve been humbled by interacting and serving alongside some terrific leaders inside and outside our industry.

For those of you that I’ve had an opportunity to visit with face-to-face or over the telephone, I’ve likely expressed that being PLANET’s president unlocked something inside of me. I can’t really explain what it is or was, but the experience has been one that will make me a better (and different) manager of my team members at Highland Outdoor and a better person all around for my family and friends. A PLANET member recently asked me what I thought my legacy would be. My answer was, “That’s for the members to decide.” As for me, being in this position has had a tremendously positive affect on my life. And, I’m confident that affect has just begun.

When I look back, what were some of the highlights?

Oh, I can think of a few, such as getting up at 3 a.m. last spring to catch a 5 a.m. flight out of Dallas to attend a congressional hearing on immigration and see our volunteers and members in action. What a thrill just to be on Capitol Hill, and how proud I was to be part of this industry. It was amazing to watch PLANET’s testimony be placed into the annals of our nation’s government. And, we did this representing you. PLANET has accomplished an incredible amount this year, and I can take no credit for it. It has been amazing for me to be outside the center of activity on so many important PLANET initiatives. This organization, TEAM PLANET as we’ve been calling it, from its members, volunteers, and leaders to its hard-working and persevering staff, is filled with incredibly talented and capable individuals who work as a team to get things done.

TEAM PLANET has gotten things done this past year. PLANET has forged several new partnerships and strengthened older ones. Seeing the re-signing of our Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) partnership has to be included in my highlight reel. After all, PLANET is only one of a handful of nonprofit organizations to have this kind of close relationship with OSHA, an organization whose oversight and help is critical to the health and well being of our industry members.

Then there are countless other partnerships with Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), Project EverGreen, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), the Irrigation Association (IA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), and Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), as well as with state associations, to name but a few groups. These relationships provide a great opportunity to build alliances for the good of the entire green industry. Yes, we like to think of ourselves as the voice of the green industry, and I believe we are. At the same time, this voice becomes exponentially louder when we team with other like groups.

So, down the road, I see sustaining these relationships and building new ones as pivotal to providing the kind of environment we need to continue to grow and excel as an industry. Technology will play a key role for PLANET, as well. Already, we are taking big strides in how we deliver education to our members via the Internet. If the success of two recent Webinars is any indication, the future of this medium is bright indeed. (On a sidenote, there is an incredible PLANET group on Facebook — facebook.com. Add me if you’re on that social networking site, and I’ll make sure you get invited to join the group!)

I could go on for pages about this past year, but suffice it to say the experience has been both fun and humbling. With that, I want to thank a host of individuals and groups for helping me through the year. Thanks to PLANET’s leadership for taking time away from their families to help move this association forward. And thanks to all of you, PLANET members, who have communicated with and otherwise challenged me. I’ve tried to be transparent, and this openness has resulted in literally hundreds of e-mails and phone calls from members. This is participatory management, and it’s been good for all of our stakeholders.

On a more personal note, I want to thank Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP, PLANET’s Chief Operating Officer for her friendship and leadership, members of our management team for all their hard work, and specifically legacy leaders John Gibson, CLT; Dan Foley, CLP; Kurt Kluznik, CCLP; and Rick Doesburg, CCLP, for their knowledge and guidance. At home, I couldn’t have done this without my Highland Outdoor management team and my customers who have supported me from the beginning. Two in particular, Bill East and Steve Tolbert, customers from day one, have been instrumental in my business success, and without their help and guidance I would not be here writing this column. Thanks guys. You know I appreciate you.

Then there are my friends who are so important to me. They continue to be my biggest supporters, despite the fact I’ve been absent and on the road this year. And what can I say about my executive assistant Abby Smith. She has done a phenomenal job dealing with thousands of e-mails, making and changing travel arrangements, and tracking me down and keeping my on course. Abby, I can’t thank you enough. You have been a huge part of this incredible year.

That’s about it. What more can I say except thanks to all of you for giving me an opportunity to serve as PLANET’s president and become even closer to and more knowledgeable about the industry I love and respect.

Jason Cupp, CLP
PLANET President