Rick Pontz, author, speaker and veteran business development expert in the lawn and garden industry, founded The Lawn & Garden Performance Group, LLC in 1999.
During his tenure in the lawn and garden industry, Rick has managed large and small lawn and garden product companies as President, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Sales & Marketing and as International Sales Manager. Rick Pontz was the primary negotiator in six acquisitions within the last four years and has successfully introduced over 34 products to the lawn and garden industry during the last eighteen years. Many of the products are currently being sold by such major retailers as Home Depot, Lowes, ACE Hardware, WalMart, True Value, Target & Kmart.
Mr. Pontz has been an active member of professional organizations including General Merchandise Distributors Council, Lawn & Garden Merchandise Council, Mailorder Gardening Association and the Garden Writers Association. He is on the advisory board of the National Hardware Show and the National Lawn and Garden Show and is a guest speaker at many industry events. Mr. Pontz has been quoted in USA Today, Home Channel News, the Wall Street Journal and Green Beam publications. Mr. Pontz is also on the Board of Directors of three lawn and garden corporations.
Brent Freeman brings 30 years of Senior Management experience in the Financial Services industry to LGPG.
About Joanne Schlosser, ACC, SPHR, MBA:
Joanne Schlosser is a certified coach who works with high performing leaders that want to grow their career and/or their business to the next level. Her vibrant business career spanning over 25 years has included positions of leadership in healthcare, economic development and non profit work. She founded and ran two entrepreneurial companies. She has also worked in high technology, aerospace and the hospitality industry. As a consultant, coach, trainer and professional speaker , Joanne’s clients include over 100 firms ranging from small, rising stars to large Fortune 100 stars.
Joanne has worked extensively as a change agent, with projects ranging from small process improvements to the opening of a state-of-the-art hospital. Joanne has provided leadership development and organizational development services to thousands of leaders. That led to her interest in leadership coaching. Joanne is a lifelong learner who is passionate about helping Rising Stars, particularly high potential leaders, newly promoted leaders and business owners achieve their full potential. She is skilled in using numerous assessments, to such as DISC, Emotional Intelligence, Strengthsfinders, and 360 Feedback to help you learn more about your own strengths and developmental opportunities. Joanne’s coach described her as a “Possibilities Person” and her goal is to help you create the possibilities to achieve your desired goals.
Credentials Include:
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a company, a brand or product, or if you are looking to acquire marketing rights, distribution rights or a strategic alliance, The Lawn & Garden Performance Group, LLC can assist in making the process efficient and profitable.