BEST Human Capital & Advisory Group

06/18/2026

You're great at growing and selling plants. But are hidden people risks quietly growing in your business, too?

Horticultural business owners and leaders are masters of operations and product knowledge, yet many are unaware of the HR compliance landmines that could cost them dearly or even shutter their business overnight if uncovered in a government audit.

At from AmericanHort, BEST’s own Michael Maggiotto Jr., SHRM-SCP, will pull back the curtain on some of the most significant and costly people-related errors happening right now in our industry. You'll learn the do's and don'ts in critical areas of human capital management, and the hefty price tags that come with getting it wrong. If you're a business leader of any size, this one is essential.

📍 Monday, July 13th at 9:00 AM in Union Station Ballroom C for our session, “Costly People Risks Most Business Leaders Miss: And Could Shutter Your Business.”

Want to talk about protecting your business from HR risk? Let's connect at the show. Contact us to schedule a meeting: https://zurl.co/tZvu9

Cultivate’26 link for more information:
https://zurl.co/Tq7zQ
Register for Cultivate'26 today at: https://zurl.co/eT2kj

06/17/2026

Don’t miss this inspiring industry event! Seed Your Future does tremendous work in the Green Industry, inspiring the next generation of plant professionals and leaders. At BEST, we are proud to support their efforts.

The Gardener, the independent film selling out in theaters across the country, will give Seed Your Future 20% of the proceeds from a one-night virtual screening. It’s a heartfelt story about a woman who finds herself through nature and plants, with the help of a mysterious gardener.

On June 24th, it's going nationwide with a one-night virtual screening, and Seed Your Future (S*F) is an affiliate partner, meaning every ticket sold through the S*F affiliate link below supports this important organization and drives future industry talent.

Tickets are only $12, and every sale supports an organization we all believe in.

The special link is: https://zurl.co/zYYuj

Don’t miss “The Gardener” Special One-night Virtual Screening for industry professionals on June 24th!

06/17/2026

Your business is likely your and your family's greatest asset, but will all those years of blood, sweat, and tears actually pay off when it's time to move on?

Here's the reality: 75% of business owners plan to exit within the next 10 years, yet only 20-30% will successfully transfer ownership. The difference between those who capture maximum value and those who don't comes down to working ON the business, not just IN it.

At from AmericanHort, BEST PivotPoint’s own Chris Cimaglio and Ken Lane will break down the critical drivers of compounding growth, including the 8 key value drivers buyers care about most, and show you how to prioritize them right now. These aren't someday strategies. They strengthen your business today and position it to thrive through any transition tomorrow.

📍 Join us Sunday, July 12th at 9:45 AM in Room A110 for our session, “Beyond Sweat Equity: Compounding Growth in Your Business.”

Want to connect with our team about succession planning or building value in your business during the show? Contact us to schedule a meeting: https://zurl.co/6RrHz

Cultivate’26 link for more information:
https://zurl.co/qtfkA
Register for Cultivate'26 today at: https://zurl.co/d0xak

06/16/2026

It's spring shipping season. Trucks are rolling, crews are under pressure, and the sales team is juggling a dozen accounts. Then the call comes. The owner had a heart attack and may not be coming back.

Will the business survive the next 30 days? Will it survive at all?

Our latest article in Greenhouse Grower tackles the question most horticultural owners would rather not think about: what happens when the disruption isn't a storm or a power failure—it's you?

Data from our 2025 State of Succession and Exit Planning in the Horticulture Industry survey tells the story:
→ 32% of owners have no exit plan.
→ Among those planning to exit within two years, 55% haven't started planning.
→ 50% of all business exits are involuntary and triggered by one of the 5 D's: Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, or Distress (EPI).

But the industry is waking up:
→ Business readiness scores jumped from 3 to 5 out of 10 year over year.
→ Owners taking a real two-week vacation nearly doubled from 15% to 28%.
→ 58% now say building a team that can function without them is their top priority.

The question isn't whether a storm is coming. It's whether you've prepared for it.
Read the full article: https://zurl.co/oDrlD

Heading to from AmericanHort in Columbus? Join BEST PIvotPoint's Chris Cimaglio and Ken Lane for "Before the Storm: Common Sense Business Continuity Planning for Horticulture Business Owners" on Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 AM, Room A113. You'll walk away with a ready-to-use Business Continuity Instructions worksheet and a framework you can implement that week.

The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second-best time is now.

06/09/2026

In July, we’re not just celebrating America’s 250th 🇺🇸, but also the 26th Annual Cultivate 🌻!

Join us July 11-14th at from AmericanHort in Columbus, Ohio: The Green Industry event offering countless opportunities to grow your business and enhance your career.

BEST will be there with FOUR in-person educational sessions on extremely timely industry topics such as talent, human resources, succession, exit planning, and more that you will not want to miss. Get educated and up to speed in these sessions.

For more information on our sessions and Cultivate’26: https://zurl.co/EBXSC

If you represent a company that needs executive hiring, restructuring, or succession and planning assistance, please schedule a meeting with us at any time during the show.

06/08/2026

Seed Your Future does tremendous work in the Green Industry, inspiring the next generation of plant professionals, and at BEST, we are proud supporters.

On June 24th, “The Gardener,” an independent film selling out in theaters across the country, will donate 20% of the proceeds from a special one-night virtual screening to Seed Your Future. It’s a heartfelt story about a woman who finds herself through nature and plants, with the help of a mysterious gardener.

It’s going nationwide, and Seed Your Future is an affiliate partner, meaning every ticket sold through their link supports their organization and the next generation of aspiring Green Industry professionals. Tickets are only $12.

The special link is: https://zurl.co/PNH05

Don’t miss “The Gardener” Special One-night Virtual Screening for industry professionals on June 24th!

The wait is over! Join us for a nationwide one-night-only virtual screening of The Gardener on June 24th at 7PM ET / 4PM PT. Watch from home or host a watch party — plus an exclusive Q&A with the Director and cast. Can't make it live? Your ticket includes on-demand access through June 26th at 4PM ...

05/27/2026

School's out for summer? Not for growers.

Our own Chris Cimaglio and Ken Lane just published a new article in Greenhouse Grower, and this one should hit close to home for every horticultural business owner trying to stay ahead of the curve.

The reality is simple: AI is accelerating change, regulations keep shifting, and customer expectations aren't slowing down. The owners who thrive won't be the ones who coast. They'll be the ones who double down on two things: Advocacy and Education.

The “2025 State of Succession and Exit Planning in the Horticulture Industry” survey revealed something telling. When we asked owners where they turn for guidance on critical business issues, the answer wasn't a single source: it was a web of them. Professional networks, trade associations, publications, advisors, and conferences. The best insights come from a connected community.

Here's the part that doesn't get enough attention: your industry associations are investing millions annually to fight for you on immigration, tariffs, climate policy, and labor. You don't need to become a lobbyist, but you do need to show up. Even 15 minutes spent emailing a representative about a policy affecting your workforce or supply chain makes a difference.

Advocacy protects the environment in which your business operates. Education builds the capability it runs on. Together, they keep this industry resilient.

Most importantly, don't forget that you're your own best advocate. Use your voice. Your representatives work for you.

Read the full article here: https://zurl.co/R1GGq

📊 And if you haven't yet, download your complimentary copy of our 2025 survey report: https://zurl.co/7vSDi

05/26/2026

We're sending special Happy Birthday wishes to our Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Todd Downing! Known around BEST as the "Toddfather," Todd pays it forward every day to help our clients, candidates, and stakeholders grow, succeed, and be their BEST. You are very much appreciated, so enjoy your day, Todd. Happy Birthday from the BEST Team!

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who so valiantly served and gave their lives so that we could live free. You are never forgotten. Land of the free, because of the brave. 🇺🇸

05/24/2026

At BEST, we usually focus on winning the race for talent, but Memorial Day Weekend is always special in our hometown of Indianapolis. On Sunday, we are "Back Home Again in Indiana" for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 from The Racing Capital of the World. There is a lot of excitement around town, and we have our glasses of milk ready. Gentlemen and Lady, start your engines!