Frank Mariani and Jennifer Lemcke win NALP awards

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) presented its Lifetime Leadership Award to Frank Mariani, CEO of Mariani Landscape of Lake Bluff, Illinois; and its Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Jennifer Lemcke, COO of Weed Man USA. The awards were presented during NALP’s executive-level conference, Leaders Forum, in Punta Cana, on January 26.

 

Frank Mariani

Mariani currently serves on NALP’s board of directors and the board of directors of its Foundation. He is a mentor to many in the industry, serving as an NALP Trailblazer and co-hosting the “NALP Field Trip with Frank and Marty.”

Mariani is the second generation to run the family owned Mariani Landscape, building it into an award-winning powerhouse, servicing some of the most prestigious properties in the Chicago area. Mariani Landscape is the first landscape company to be approved to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard. This involves an implementation of a specific Quality Management System for all areas of the business including facilities, people, training, services and equipment.

“Frank has served the industry with great energy and passion; mentoring younger professionals and working to build the industry through the Industry Growth Initiative,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CEO of NALP. “We are proud to honor Frank with this award and to share his story.”

The Lifetime Leadership Award is presented annually to a member of the association who has demonstrated leadership, service, and commitment to both NALP and the landscape industry. It honors individuals who have improved the landscape industry and inspired others.

To watch a video about Frank Mariani, click here.

 

Jennifer Lemcke

Lemcke has been with Weed Man for more than 25 years, working alongside her husband Chris and father Roger Mongeon, CEO of Weed Man. Lemcke has been instrumental in the growth of the franchising of the company in the U.S., recently reaching the $100 million milestone. Forbes ranks Weed Man as one of the Best Franchises to Buy.

“Jenn is a great friend and supporter of the industry. She is a role model for other women in the industry and we are very proud to honor her with this award,” said NALP CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE.

NALP’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding female entrepreneur who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, contributes to the advancement of the industry through her actions and endeavors, and serves as an example to current and future female entrepreneurs in the industry.

To watch a video about Jennifer Lemcke, click here.