Conferences
Hardscape Paradise brings together top professionals who specialize in innovative design, sustainable materials, and efficient installation techniques. Each speaker offers practical knowledge and actionable strategies tailored to the unique challenges faced by hardscapers and landscapers. Gain insights on project management, new product applications, and trends that drive success in outdoor living spaces.
Consult the itinerary to see at what times each conference is given.
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Walk on the Blocks That I Stumbled On
by Phil Bahler
Pave Tool Innovators
This discussion is all about turning life's little stumbles into big comebacks.
Phil Bahler has been in the industry for 40+ years, which he has installed 35 of those years. He started Bahler Brothers Hardscape business that now runs 55 people and 15-16 crews. Additionally, he invented over 90 products for the hardscape industry and has spoken all over the country at various events including being a keynote speaker at HNA. He is also an owner of Outdoor Living Mastery school, which he has ran for the past 3 years. During the last one, Phil built a $750,000 outdoor living area at a school for handicapped children in one week with 50 students. He also has, as of today, 655 YouTube Videos. His motto is “Taking the Hard Out of Hardscaping”. His true passion is to change the industry through more innovative solutions to alleviate pain in a grueling industry. Phil states that success is: “Life after Work”.
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Going from Good to Great & Optimizing Your Landscape Business with AI
by Frank Bourque
Landscape Business Consultant
The "Going from Good to Great" presentation covers the essential business systems for growth and sustainability. The presentation "Optimizing your Landscape Business with AI" will show how to apply AI tools to everyday workflows, improve efficiency, and make better data-driven decisions.
Frank Bourque has been part of the Green Industry for over 25 years. As a business owner, he has built, scaled and sold multiple million-dollar companies. Now, as an industry leading consultant, he coaches and speaks at some of the largest conferences and contractor events throughout Canada and the US. He has been part of the speaker line- up and hosted at events such as LO Congress, Hardscape North America, GIE Expo, and many more. Frank is dedicated to helping landscape business owners and their teams improve efficiency, systems, profits, and their quality of life.
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Using AI in a Concrete Way for Your Marketing (workshop)
by Olivier Bridgeman
Bridge Media
This presentation/workshop will equip you with 10 practical ways to use AI in your marketing activities. You’ll even get to apply these techniques during the session so you can save time and elevate your professional image next season!
Olivier started programming at the age of 9 years old! He has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a MBA. He was the technical co-founder of a web start-up that was eventually purchased by a VC firm. He started Bridge Media over 20 years ago and today, runs it with his wife and business partner, Andréanne Lafleur. Their team of web and marketing professionals are focused on the home service space, including hardscaping, roofing, and foundation work. They work with clients across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
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From Hustle to Harvest: The Sales System Behind 75%+ Close Rates
by Joshua Gillow
What if closing 75%+ of your sales wasn't just possible, it was predictable? Most contractors are trapped in the hustle: chasing leads, racing to appointments, burning out on proposals that go nowhere. But there's another way…one that turns sales from a grind into a harvest, where trust replaces pressure and close rates soar to levels most think are impossible. Joshua Gillow reveals the proven CORE 10 system that transforms how you show up, communicate value, and guide homeowners to confident decisions. Whether you're closing 30% or 60%, this session will give you the tools to break through to the next level.
Founder, Yes Express Sales Academy | Owner, Masterplan Outdoor Living | Author of The CORE 10 Sales Playbook | Host of Sales Made Simple Podcast
Joshua Gillow is on a mission to transform how outdoor living contractors sell - replacing pressure with service, chaos with systems, and burnout with sustainable success.
With nearly 30 years in the outdoor living industry as owner of Masterplan Outdoor Living - making all the mistakes - Joshua has lived every aspect of this business.
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The Productive Contractor; Mastering Porcelain, Slimming Overhead, and Thriving on a 4-Day Workweek
by Craig Sheller
Sheller Outdoor Living
Craig Sheller is the owner of Sheller Outdoor Living, located in Kansas City, Missouri. With over 25 years of experience, Craig has valuable insights and connections throughout the hardscape community.
Craig is an influential business owner and pushes the boundaries in the hardscape industry with the use of multiple materials including natural stone, concrete pavers and porcelain paving systems. He's not just keeping up with the industry; he's setting the pace!
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Brand Yourself With Passion and Organic Content
Dan Preston
Preston Hardscape Design / Hardscape Mentor
Dan's definitely making waves in the hardscape world! His passion for design and business, combined with his leadership, is a powerful combination.
Running Preston Hardscape Design in Wisconsin and co-owning Hardscape Mentor shows he's not only creating beautiful spaces but also empowering others in the industry. The artistic touch he brings to outdoor transformations is something special to see!
