Always reaching higher

Every year, the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 list presents an opportunity to not only recognize success but also learn from it. It’s more than a ranking of the largest landscape and lawn care companies in the industry; it gives us a look at some of the stories behind the numbers. That’s why The Toro Company is both honored and proud to sponsor this special annual report.

The Top 100 list provides insight into today’s lawn and landscape business from the perspective of those who are leading the way. They share some of the challenges they face and how they’re solving them. In short, it’s a cross-section of hardworking North American companies that are driving the industry forward and a glimpse at what they’re doing right.

The companies on this year’s Top 100 list earned $8,561,462,493 in 2015, an increase of $534,653,786, or 6 percent, over 2014. Companies on the list also reported total employment of 85,426. Based on the data, the average growth expected in 2016 is 8.4 percent.

The list includes companies from 29 states and four firms in Canada. From the oldest company, The Davey Tree Expert Company, founded in 1880, to the youngest company, BrightView, founded in 2014, these landscape professionals have a strong ability to respond to changing demands. They’re always looking ahead, and they’re always reaching higher.

Like them, we at Toro are constantly building on our heritage to respond to market needs. We’ve been listening to our customers for more than 100 years, and we never stop developing new innovations to help landscape professionals maximize their productivity and profitability on the job every day.

One of the latest introductions is our all-new GrandStand MULTI FORCE, which features a Quick Attach System that allows contractors to convert it from a stand-on mower to a multi-season machine. In minutes, the mowing deck can be switched out for a BOSS plow for clearing snow-covered sidewalks, allowing contractors to keep their GrandStand unit on the job year-round.

In addition, the new MyRIDE suspension system on select Toro Z Master zero turn mowers features a fully suspended, adjustable operator platform that isolates bumps and vibrations for an extremely comfortable ride, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity.

These are just a few of our newest solutions to help landscape professionals improve their bottom line. And just as important, all of our solutions are backed by local dealers who are committed to helping customers grow their business with the right equipment, service and support.

We hope this year’s Top 100 report inspires you to set new goals, and we’re ready to serve you with the equipment you need to achieve them. As always, we wish you much success in 2016 and beyond. Stay safe and have a profitable year!

David Alkire

Vice President, RLC Businesses