“Whatever you allow, you encourage.” That simple but powerful statement from Jarod Hynson, President at Earth, Turf, and Wood, set the tone for the entire Industry Pro Workshop & Open House in March at Earth, Turf, and Wood (ETW) in Denver, Pennsylvania. It is a line that stayed with nearly every attendee because it speaks directly to what leadership really means. The standards you walk past become the standards you accept, and the businesses in the room were there to raise theirs.
About 45 landscape and hardscape professionals stepped away from a busy spring season to invest in something bigger than their day-to-day work. They came to learn how to lead better, think more strategically, and grow more intentionally. Hosted in partnership with Switch-N-Go®, the event blended real-world experience with practical insight, creating an environment where conversations went beyond equipment and into the decisions that define a business.
Hynson opened the day by sharing the evolution of ETW, walking through the key shift points that shaped his company. He spoke candidly about decisions that required risk, revenue streams that had to be evaluated, and systems that needed to be built to support growth. His story showed that progress is not accidental. It comes from deliberate leadership and a willingness to adapt.
From his first Switch-N-Go® truck to the multiple units he runs today with identical configurations, Hynson emphasized refining processes and building for efficiency. His crews operate with consistency because the systems behind them are consistent. That kind of operational clarity starts at the leadership level.
Attendees saw his leadership firsthand during a tour of ETW’s facility. The shop was clean, organized, and intentional in its design. The wash bay, where trucks are cleaned after returning from the jobsite each day, reflected a deeper cultural standard. Every detail reinforced the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Hynson has built a team that believes in the mission, and it shows in their work, how they care for equipment, and how they represent the company.
Later in the day, Hynson focused on lessons learned and what he would have done differently or sooner. While not every detail was shared, the message was clear. Many business owners get stuck working in their business and struggle to transition into leading it. The attendees in the room understood that challenge. Leadership requires stepping back, building systems, and making decisions with long-term growth in mind.
That same leadership theme carried into the session led by Russ Wallace, Product Manager at Switch-N-Go®, with a focus on listening. Wallace explained how customer feedback directly influenced the development of the Generation 3 Switch-N-Go system. “From our start back in 2002, the Switch-N-Go® System has been in a state of constant evolution. Customer feedback and suggestions have been the driver of countless improvements.”
Working closely with customers like Hynson, who served as a prototype tester, Switch-N-Go® introduced improvements such as the Pro-LoC™ system, which holds bodies securely, and more quietly during transport. These updates were not theoretical. They came from real-world experience and practical needs.
Wallace also highlighted how leadership shows up in resource management. The versatility of the Switch-N-Go® system, which uses a truck-mounted hoist to switch out interchangeable bodies for different jobs, means a single truck can handle multiple roles. That eliminates the need for specialized equipment on a truck that may only be used occasionally. From concrete bodies that help avoid rental costs to seasonal leaf bodies that would otherwise sit idle, the system opens new possibilities. “When you can do more with less, you create room to grow,” Wallace said, tying efficiency directly to leadership thinking.
What made the event stand out was its size and atmosphere. With a smaller group than at a tradeshow conference, attendees could engage more directly, ask questions, and connect with peers facing similar challenges. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, not only because of what was learned but because of how it was shared through honest conversations and real experiences.
That momentum is already continuing. Building on the success of the March event, Switch-N-Go® and ETW plan to host another workshop on September 25, 2026. This next event will expand to 100 attendees and include breakout sessions that dive deeper into key topics. Attendees can expect discussions on revenue growth, operational strategy, and leadership development, along with live demonstrations of the Generation 3 Switch-N-Go® system and its ability to drive ROI with a single truck. To stay informed as details are released, keep an eye on Switch-N-Go® social media and the “Switch-N-Go Owners Group” on Facebook for upcoming information and a registration link to the event.
In the end, the message that opened the day remains the most important takeaway. “Whatever you allow, you encourage.” Leadership is built in daily decisions, in the standards you set, and in the culture you create. For those who attended, it is a reminder that the way you lead shapes everything that follows.
