BRIAN PAIGE RECEIVES BEACON AWARD
BRIAN PAIGE RECEIVES BEACON AWARD
Family , friends , and colleagues gathered on April 18 , 2023 , to honor Brian Paige , MCLP , owner of Paige Landscaping Co ., as he was presented with the association ’ s prestigious Beacon Award .
The Beacon Award was established by MLP in 2001 to recognize leaders in our industry whose actions serve as a guide and a challenge to other members in the landscape and horticulture profession . It is the highest honor MLP bestows upon a member .
On MLP ’ s behalf , Steve Davis , MCLP of Bigelow Nurseries presented the award . Brian and Steve worked together for years on the MLP board of directors .
Here is an excerpt from Steve ’ s speech that evening : “ Brian is one of the hardest working volunteers I have ever met . Not only has he run an outstanding commercial landscape company for more than 25 years , but he has also quietly worked behind the scenes to help MLP , and its members , achieve success .
Brian is always willing to step up and take on some of our ‘ not-so-glamorous ’ tasks like revising the MCLP exam , shoring up our association ’ s finances , and advocating for legislation designed to help everyone in our industry . His commitment is steadfast .”
In his acceptance speech Brian encouraged everyone to give back , not only to the landscape industry but to the community . He called attention to the Industry COLLECTIVE . This outreach group was formed by like-minded landscape companies across the country who participate in volunteer activities to support people experiencing homelessness and children suffering from food insecurity . He urged MLP members to get involved and learn more at industrycollective . com .
A quick “ sit down ” with Brian Paige , MCLP Brian graduated from UMass with a degree in Landscape Architecture . He started Paige Landscape Co ., Inc . in 2010 . The company employs 28 full time and 59 part-time seasonal employees , and provides commercial landscape maintenance , construction , and snow services . We sat down to asked him a few questions about his business philosophy :
What do you like most about what you do ? I enjoy meeting with clients to discuss their landscape needs and how we can provide creative solutions to help solve their challenges .
What advice would you share with people starting a landscape business today ? If you are just starting out in the landscape profession , something must have brought you to this point . Perhaps you like plants , enjoy building spaces , or mowing lawns . Whatever it may be , the landscape profession offers many opportunities you may not even be aware of yet . I would suggest finding a company that will offer you training , support and career path opportunities for you to explore . Join associations and be a sponge for knowledge .
What ’ s the next big “ game changer ” you see on the horizon for the landscape industry ? I am intrigued by ways Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) can be used in the landscape industry . Many of us use AI today and are not even aware of it . Whether it is in robotics , marketing , or writing an article on a specific topic . I think AI , if used correctly and somehow regulated for accuracy , could be a game changer .
Steve Davis , MCLP presents Brian Paige , MCLP with the 2023 Beacon Award .
What have you enjoyed most about being part of the MLP ? It has been a great experience that has allowed me to meet and become friends with colleagues and learn from the many experts in our field at educational events . As a committee and board member I have enjoyed working with fellow members to make a positive impact and have a voice in our industry . As part of the MCLP Committee , we were able help re-design the exam ; as a board member and two-term president , we were able to plan great events , restructure financials , and be an advocate for legislation on behalf of all members .
MLP Newsline | Summer 2023 7