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2026 FALL EVENT SESSIONS, SPEAKERS & FACILITATORS
Tim Quebedeaux

The Fall Event is all about sharing, learning, and growing. And this year's event is packed full of incredible networking and learning opportunities.

Our speakers and facilitators are leaders in the industry – thought leaders who embody The Group's spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive. These powerful sessions with inspired thinkers can shape your future in the ever-evolving world of garden retailing. Be ready to dive in, share, and learn – and Get Connected in Cleveland!

Although The Fall Event Program officially begins at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026, you have the opportunity to participate in optional sessions on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning. See The Fall Event 2026 Schedule for a complete list of activities and rooms. 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026


Tim Quebedeaux
RetailKPI


  

9:30 am - 10:30 am
Get Connected with Best Practices Garden Centers... 
Insights from the Most Profitable Leaders in The Garden Center Group
Tim Quebedeaux, RetailKPI

The Annual P&L Study has been an industry-exclusive benchmark since 2004 and remains one of the most comprehensive financial studies in garden retail. While the Weekly Department Review (WDR) tracks sales and margins by category, the Annual P&L Study goes deeper—analyzing sales, expenses, and key performance metrics, and comparing results across Best Practices, High Achievers, and the group as a whole.

In this session, Tim Quebedeaux will highlight the key performance indicators (KPIs) from the 2025 P&L Study, including inventory turns, margin targets by category, and Gross Margin Return on Inventory Investment (GMROII). Understanding and managing the numbers can drive profitability.

What sets Best Practices Centers apart? Is there a formula for success? In this data-driven session, Tim will take a closer look at what the most profitable leaders in The Group are doing differently—and how those strategies translate into stronger performance. Through real-world comparisons, key metrics, and actionable insights, you’ll discover practical ideas and proven approaches you can apply within your own operation.

Even if you did not participate in the 2025 study, this session offers valuable takeaways. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of critical financial metrics, uncover trends shaping the industry, and walk away with practical insights to help elevate and improve your business performance.

BRIAN BLASKO is a highly motivated, nationally known speaker, trainer, and author. His programs have been inspiring individual and organizational growth for over 27 years. He is the “go-to” guy when it comes to leadership, motivation, team building, and personal development. This celebrated author of 2 books, Cruisin’ Through Life At 35 MPH and Sending Signals, has a Master's Degree in interpersonal communication, collegiate-level teaching experience, and is a member of the National Speakers Association.

Every year, clients throughout the country depend on Brian to recharge their organization and employees. Always the fun communicator, his contagious energy encourages others to feel comfortable about themselves and their personal development. Brian’s message rings true with organizations and audiences of all shapes and sizes.

Driven by his sincere interest in others and a genuine passion for public speaking, Brian enthusiastically invites you to discover and maximize your own personal potential!

For nearly two decades, JOHN KENNEDY has inspired well over 250,000 audience members throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean.

John's success was galvanized in the hospitality & tourism industry as a restaurant & hotel executive with a strong sense of teamwork, sales, and leadership. He learned from the best and now speaks to many who want to be their best.

John is the Co-Founder of BoomerWrangle LLC with his amazing wife, Souny. BoomerWrangle is the corporate entity that houses all of their talents & tools to support The Garden Center Group.

For innovative solutions such as "Your GroupSpace" and customized onboarding videos to strategic planning and team engagement through John's coaching and consulting, BoomerWrangle LLC has become a single-source digital & strategic agency to maximize employee engagement, strategic planning, organizational excellence, ease of ordering, and operational efficiency!

The Fall Event 2026 QuickLinks:  

The Fall Event 2026 - REGISTER
The Fall Event 2026 - MAIN PAGE
The Fall Event 2026 - SCHEDULE
The Fall Event 2026 - SPEAKERS & SESSIONS
The Fall Event 2026 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The Fall Event 2026 - TOUR
The Fall Event 2026 - HOTEL & TRAVEL
The Fall Event 2026 - BEST OF CLEVELAND
The Fall Event 2026 - SPONSORS