Loriena Harrington, LIC, owner of Beautiful Blooms LLC, based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is one of NALP’s Trailblazer mentors.
The Trailblazer mentoring program pairs NALP members with experienced industry professionals who volunteer their time to help others learn about how to run a successful business.
Harrington became a Trailblazer back in 2017 after being nominated by a peer. She has used the Trailblazer program herself in the past with Phil Harwood being her Trailblazer.
“I have a strong desire to give back to my lifelong profession,” she says. “Being a mentor to others is a great way to do this.”
As a Trailblazer, Harrington has visited one mentee’s operations and had another visit her company. She’s also met with a mentee via Zoom due to COVID-19. She says most companies struggle with understanding how a profitable business operates.
Trailblazers are broken down by their main services they offer such as design/build, irrigation & water management, landscape management, lawn care and more. They also have specialties to help ensure the best match. Harrington says her specialty is establishing a strong company culture based on their core values and gaining an understanding of the financial aspects of their business.
Those who want to be matched with a Trailblazer can apply for a mentor any time during the year and the program is free to use for NALP members.
“The resource is invaluable,” Harrington says. “Connecting with someone within our industry who can help with a specific challenge, or even form the start of a long-term mentorship relationship is something you should not pass up.”
Currently, NALP is accepting applications for members to become Trailblazers from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021. Trailblazer nominees must be a member of NALP and have at least 10 years of experience in the industry. Preferred attributes of a Trailblazer include:
- Visionary thinker
- Respected by peers
- Time and willingness to give back
- Sound judgment
- Integrity
- Financial Understanding
- Successful business owner
- Landscape Industry Certified
Applicants are welcome to self-nominate.
“Through being a Trailblazer, I have been able to network with people whom I would otherwise not likely cross paths with,” Harrington says. “Being a mentor to someone is an honor and has great rewards. With each new Trailblazee that I get to work with, that is one more connection within my industry, I learn as much from them as I hope they do from me!”
