Mentor Moment: Marty Lamers

For more than 30 years, Landscape Trades readers have benefited from the experience and wisdom of Marty Lamers. A member of the Landscape Ontario Communications Committee since the early 90s, Lamers has served on the Landscape Trades advisory committee. His impact has been immense.

During his five-decade career in the landscape industry, Lamers saw it all. He entered the horticulture profession in the early 70s with a sales role at a lawn and garden equipment supplier. He spent the 80s in sales with Unilock before moving to a position with Atlas Block (Allan Block) in the 90s. In each of these roles, Lamers also worked on the sales and marketing management side. Finally, he completed his career with Oaks Landscape Products, focusing on dealer development. Now retired, Lamers lives in Ontario’s Durham Region where he enjoys spending time with family, especially his grandkids.

Why did you you get involved with Landscape Ontario’s publishing committee?

It was back in the early 90s when the committee chair Hank Gelderman called me and asked if I would be interested. I had known Hank for a number of years, going back to the early 80s when I sold him mowers for his business. I believe he felt I could bring a solid perspective from the supplier side of the industry to the group.

I was interested because I believed in Landscape Ontario’s mission of advancing the industry. Having been in the profession since the association was created in 1973, I had seen the impact it was having. In my opinion, LO played an important role in making the industry what it is, making it a credible, respected profession. I really respected the way a small group of members, including Hank, had come together with a vision of working together for the betterment of the entire industry. I was honoured to join that group and to be able to make a contribution.

I really believe trade magazines like Landscape Trades play an important role in an industry. It keeps people informed with important issues and up to date with the latest equipment and products, and it builds a sense of community. I feel fortunate to have been able to play a role by providing guidance and input over the years.

What advice do you have for people in the early stages of their careers?

Having been around as long as I have, I think at times I’ve probably been accused of being resistant to change. But, if I wasn’t able to adapt, how could I have survived in the industry for 50 years? I have seen a lot of evolution in the trade over my career. The 50th anniversary of LO Congress is coming up. I’m proud to say I was at that first event back in 1973. And, believe it or not, I have been to every single Congress except for one, which I missed to be at my son’s wedding.

I think the key for me was building strong relationships. This is a great industry with so many good people. You’ve got to be somebody people can trust and rely on. When you say you’re going to do something, you’ve got to do it. Those relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers are key. I’ve been fortunate to have built many great relationships over the years. It has been very rewarding to see businesses, especially smaller, family-run companies, grow over the years.

What's next for you?

I am enjoying retirement, spending more time with my wife and family, especially the grandkids. I love to watch their hockey games and other events. We are also looking forward to spending lots of time at the cottage, as well as doing some travelling. And I hope to stay in touch with friends and colleagues from LO and the wider community. I can be reached by email at martylamers@hotmail.com.