Education
Education Schedule
Schedule is subject to change.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18TH | CLASSROOM A
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9:30 AM
Basic Paver Installation Done Correctly (Presented in English + Spanish)
Speaker: Greg Ambrose
Description: This overview provides a basic understanding of paver installation. We will cover Project Layout, Base Considerations, Setting Pavers, Patterns, Cutting, and Jointing—a must-attend class for beginners and a great refresher for seasoned professionals.
Bio: Greg Ambrose founded Fairlawn Consulting Co. in 2007 to enhance hardscaping techniques throughout the industry. He has certified over 3,000 installers of pavers and segmental retaining walls as a CMHA instructor and has taught in 27 states and Canada. Greg began in the industry in 1984 as a hardscape contractor in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Foremen, Estimators, and Designers.
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11:00 AM
Growing Your Company Efficiently (Presented in Spanish)
Speaker: Michael Tous
Description: Corriendo su compañia Eficientemente…!
Running your company efficiently…!Bio: Michael Tous is a bilingual instructor of hardscape techniques and good landscape business guidelines. He is co-owner of Grass Masters, a complete landscape, hardscape, and lawn maintenance company. He has ICPI and NECMA certifications in paver and segmental retaining wall construction.
Who should attend: Landscape, Hardscape, and Lawn Maintenance Crews, Company Leaders, and Owners.
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1:00 PM
Retaining Wall Construction 101 (Presented in English + Spanish)
Speaker: Greg Ambrose
Description: This presentation will cover the proper materials for retaining wall construction. We will discuss Engineering Rules of Thumb that can be used to prevent failures. We will discuss compaction and consolidation of your materials. A must-attend class for beginners and a great refresher for seasoned professionals.
Bio: Greg Ambrose founded Fairlawn Consulting Co. in 2007 to enhance hardscaping techniques throughout the industry. He has certified over 3,000 installers of pavers and segmental retaining walls as a CMHA instructor and has taught in 27 states and Canada. Greg began in the industry in 1984 as a hardscape contractor in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Foremen, Estimators, and Designers.
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2:30 PM
Advanced Pavers Keep Up with the Changes
Speaker: Renee Redding
Description: Most contractors can lay a patio, but few understand the structural physics required to prevent failure in high-traffic or vehicular environments. This presentation dives deep into the technical specifications that separate a standard installation from an engineered pavement system.
We will move past basic aesthetics to understand the mechanics of rotational, vertical, and horizontal interlock. Drawing on over two decades of field experience and CMHA standards, I will demonstrate how to calibrate base depths and select paver thickness (60mm vs. 80mm) to withstand freezing climates and heavy loads. You will leave with the understanding and ability to diagnose potential failure points before the first paver is laid, ensuring every project is built with the integrity of a CMHA-certified professional.
Bio: Driven by a lifelong passion for the outdoors, I founded Logan’s Landscaping to help others connect with the natural world through exceptional outdoor design. My journey is rooted in over 25 years of industry experience, and I am proud to be a CMHA-certified installer and instructor for both the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW).
As a small, family-owned and operated business, we treat every project as an extension of our own values. The inspiration to start this venture came from my son, who taught me the true meaning of community—the foundation upon which we stand. In an industry where it is easy to get lost, we distinguish ourselves through high-level expertise, personalized service, and a commitment to helping you navigate your creative space, regardless of its size.
We are more than just a service provider; we are your neighbors. Whether we cross paths at the local market or a sporting event, I take immense pride in knowing I can meet you with my head held high, confident in the quality and integrity of the work we’ve provided for your home.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18TH | CLASSROOM B
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10:00 AM
AI for Your Company Updated
Speaker: Corey Halstead
Description: Explore how Generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT, can transform your hardscape business. Uncover practical applications to optimize your operations, supercharge your marketing, and elevate customer service. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen its impact in your outdoor living business, this session is packed with actionable insights tailored for hardscape professionals.
Key Takeaways:- Customer Service Reimagined: Improve response times, personalize client interactions, and deliver exceptional service with AI tools.
- Operational Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks, optimize workflows, and free up time for what matters most.
- Marketing Amplified: Leverage AI to streamline in-house marketing efforts, create impactful content, and get more done in less time.
Bio: With over 25 years of landscape industry experience fueling every educational session, Corey shares insights and proven strategies garnered from his extensive marketing work with industry leading contractors, dealers, and manufacturers. His content is regularly featured by leading organizations, brands, and events such as NALP, ICPI, HNA, Unilock, SynkedUp, Buildertrend, CallRail, iLandscape, Ohio Landscape Association, and GIE+ Expo.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Managers, and Decision Makers
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11:30 AM
Pricing for profitability
Speaker: George Urvari Oriole
Description: In this presentation, learn how to avoid common pricing pitfalls, to profit more predictably on jobs and operate more efficiently. Key takeaways include learning… (1) how to value engineer designs so you can be competitive; (2) how to start with the right overhead recovery method to win the right jobs; (3) how to set up your quotes so they sell your priorities and installation order, aligning customers and crews on what’s next; (4) how to miss nothing and reduce misunderstandings in your estimates, since missed items are so costly; (5) how to apply tactical pricing based on seasonality, demand and brand, to ensure no dead-spots in your sales cycle. Whether you are well-established in your business or just starting out, this presentation will help you take your pricing to a higher level.
Bio: George started Oriole Landscaping in 1986 with his business partner Peter. Over the past 40 years, the company has grown into one of the top residential design/build firms in Toronto, servicing some of the highest-end clients in the region.
George’s love for trees and beautiful gardens, inspired by his travels around the world, has sparked a lifelong passion for building beautiful spaces. He is inspired to help other business owners with a similar passion, sharing the knowledge he’s gained over his career to help them reach their goals.
Who should attend: Estimators
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1:30 PM
Social Media for Success
Speaker: Corey Halstead
Description: Get the Most out of your social media efforts. Promote effectively and secure more jobs, and even secure new employees.
Bio: With over 25 years of landscape industry experience fueling every educational session, Corey shares insights and proven strategies garnered from his extensive marketing work with industry leading contractors, dealers, and manufacturers. His content is regularly featured by leading organizations, brands, and events such as NALP, ICPI, HNA, Unilock, SynkedUp, Buildertrend, CallRail, iLandscape, Ohio Landscape Association, and GIE+ Expo.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Managers, and Decision Makers
THURSDAY MARCH 19TH | CLASSROOM A
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9:30 AM
Retaining Wall Construction 101 Plus
Speaker: Greg Ambrose
Description: This presentation will cover the proper materials for retaining wall construction. We will discuss Engineering Rules of Thumb that can be used to prevent failures. We will discuss compaction and consolidation of your materials. A must-attend class for beginners and a great refresher for seasoned professionals.
Bio: Greg Ambrose founded Fairlawn Consulting Co. in 2007 to enhance hardscaping techniques throughout the industry. He has certified over 3,000 installers of pavers and segmental retaining walls as a CMHA instructor and has taught in 27 states and Canada. Greg began in the industry in 1984 as a hardscape contractor in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Foremen, Estimators, and Designers.
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11:00 AM
Basic and Correct Paver Installation
Speaker: Greg Ambrose
Description: This overview provides a basic understanding of paver installation. We will cover Project Layout, Base Considerations, Setting Pavers, Patterns, Cutting, and Jointing—a must-attend class for beginners and a great refresher for seasoned professionals.
Bio: Greg Ambrose founded Fairlawn Consulting Co. in 2007 to enhance hardscaping techniques throughout the industry. He has certified over 3,000 installers of pavers and segmental retaining walls as a CMHA instructor and has taught in 27 states and Canada. Greg began in the industry in 1984 as a hardscape contractor in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Foremen, Estimators, and Designers.
THURSDAY MARCH 19TH | CLASSROOM B
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10:30 AM
AI and Social Media for Your Company
Speaker: Corey HalsteadDescription: Explore how Generative AI technologies, including ChatGPT, can transform your hardscape business. Uncover practical applications to optimize your operations, supercharge your marketing, and elevate customer service. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen its impact in your outdoor living business, this session is packed with actionable insights tailored for hardscape professionals.
Also, get the Most out of your social media efforts. Promote effectively and secure more jobs, and even secure new employees.
Bio: With over 25 years of landscape industry experience fueling every educational session, Corey shares insights and proven strategies garnered from his extensive marketing work with industry-leading contractors, dealers, and manufacturers. His content is regularly featured by leading organizations, brands, and events such as NALP, ICPI, HNA, Unilock, SynkedUp, Buildertrend, CallRail, iLandscape, Ohio Landscape Association, and GIE+ Expo.
Who should attend: Company Owners, Managers, and Decision Makers