FAQs

Search for a Trailblazer in the directory, click on their name to view their profile. Then click “Match With this Trailblazer/Start Application” button, and submit your online application. Once your application has been received, NALP staff will contact your Trailblazer choices for their availability.

We are always looking for new Trailblazer nominations! The nomination period is open annually from March 1 – May 30. To nominate a peer or colleague, click on the “Nomination Form” on the home page, when available.

Trailblazers are an elite group of lawn and landscape industry leaders with proven records of success. Trailblazer nominees must be a member of NALP and must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry.

Preferred attributes of a Trailblazer include being a visionary thinker, is respected by peers and colleagues, has time and willingness to serve, portrays sound judgement and integrity, has financial understanding, is a successful business owner, and is landscape industry certified.

Once your application has been submitted, NALP staff will review your application and contact your preferred Trailblazers in the order you have requested them. You will receive an email that will include your matched Trailblazer’s name and contact information. Once the virtual introduction is made between you and your matched Trailblazer, it will be up to you both to decide how you'd like to meet. If meeting in person, it is the responsibility of the mentee to pay for any travel fees associated with the visit.

Please note: Response times of Trailblazers vary heavily on the Trailblazer’s schedule. NALP staff work diligently to keep you up to date on the status of your application and appreciate your patience in advance. We highly encourage Trailblazers to initiate communication with their mentees, but please feel free to reach out to them, as well.

Sometimes this happens after a match has been made, and this is okay; life happens. NALP staff will reach out again to the Trailblazer/mentee on behalf of the requestor. If there is no communication, we will go back to the drawing board and try matching them with a new mentor/mentee.

NALP staff will reach out to the applicant and get more information. Based on this conversation, NALP staff will choose a new Trailblazer based on expertise and knowledge in the mentee’s area(s) of interest.