Four Key Takeaways From EQUIP Expo: The Future Is Bright for Lawn Care
The energy at EQUIP Expo is amazing every year, and 2025’s show was no different. It’s always exciting to see what’s new and what’s next, seasoned veterans mixing with fresh faces, vendors and green industry companies from across the U.S. — everyone committed to growing businesses and making the world more beautiful.
Here’s what we took away from this year’s event:
1. The Industry Is Experiencing Unprecedented Growth
Despite economic uncertainty dominating headlines, EQUIP Expo showed that our industry continues to thrive. The number of new faces was remarkable, from innovative vendors bringing fresh solutions to market to lawn care companies in various stages of growth.
Particularly noteworthy was the abundance of professionals experiencing rapid expansion and actively seeking ways to maintain that momentum. These businesses aren’t letting external economic factors slow their progress. Instead, they’re doubling down on growth strategies and looking for partners and tools to help make it happen.
This entrepreneurial spirit was evident everywhere, with vendors and service providers alike working to identify opportunities and solve real-world challenges.
2. AI Technology Is Moving Beyond Software Into Physical Tools
Artificial intelligence dominated many conversations at EQUIP, but not in the way most people might expect. While AI-powered software solutions continue to evolve, the real excitement centered around AI integration in physical equipment and tools.
Robotic mowers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but that’s just the beginning. The companies that will separate themselves from competitors in the coming years are those finding innovative ways to integrate AI into both their business management systems and their field equipment.
This dual approach — AI-powered software working seamlessly with AI-enhanced tools — represents the next frontier for lawn care. Early adopters of these integrated solutions will likely find themselves with significant competitive advantages as the technology becomes more widespread.
3. Simplicity Wins in a Time-Starved Industry
One message came through loud and clear from the lawn care professionals we talked to: there’s no time for complicated solutions. Whether discussing scheduling software, routing applications or mobile tools, ease of use emerged as the most critical factor for adoption and success.
Professionals consistently emphasized that tools must be intuitive and efficient. Complex systems requiring extensive training or multiple steps to complete basic tasks simply don’t work in an industry where time is the most valuable resource.
The solutions generating the most interest at EQUIP were those that help users accomplish tasks quickly without steep learning curves. The vendors likely to succeed and return with even stronger offerings next year are those prioritizing user experience and streamlined functionality over feature complexity.
4. Legacy and Heart Drive Everything
Beyond technology and business strategy, EQUIP Expo highlighted the inspiring human element that drives the lawn care industry. The stories shared throughout the event painted a picture of an industry built on determination, family values and the desire to create lasting legacies.
As RealGreen veteran Joe McPhail shared during his appearance on the podcast Profits With Pajak at the show, the industry sometimes needs to pause and celebrate how far it has come while recognizing the true power of the work being done. The number of families who started from nothing and now operate multi-million dollar businesses is remarkable.
These success stories are only partially about financial success. They also represent the spirit of entrepreneurs building something meaningful for their loved ones and creating legacies that extend beyond quarterly profits. The YouTube rally reinforced this theme perfectly, celebrating not just business success but the heart and dedication behind every thriving operation.
Looking Toward the Future
This year’s EQUIP Expo made one thing clear: this industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The energy on the show floor was infectious, and the stories of growth and innovation were everywhere you looked.
What stood out most wasn’t just the new technology or the business strategies being discussed. It was the genuine excitement from people who love what they do and see real opportunities ahead. Whether you’re running a solo operation or managing multiple crews, there’s never been a better time to be in the lawn care business.
