Who Is Helping Shape the Future of the Texas Green Industry?
Published on September 3, 2026
Leadership doesn’t always come with a certain title or number of years in the business.
Sometimes, it’s the person who steps forward with a new idea. The one who brings others along, gives back to the industry or community, mentors the next generation or takes on greater responsibility when there is work to be done.
Those are the leaders TNLA wants to recognize through the TNLA Young Leader Award.
Established in 1996, the award recognizes young professionals for outstanding achievement and service to the Texas Green Industry, with special consideration given to involvement in TNLA and the community.
And if you’re wondering what that kind of leadership can look like, our 2025 recipients offer two very different examples.
Sometimes, it’s the person who steps forward with a new idea. The one who brings others along, gives back to the industry or community, mentors the next generation or takes on greater responsibility when there is work to be done.
Those are the leaders TNLA wants to recognize through the TNLA Young Leader Award.
Established in 1996, the award recognizes young professionals for outstanding achievement and service to the Texas Green Industry, with special consideration given to involvement in TNLA and the community.
And if you’re wondering what that kind of leadership can look like, our 2025 recipients offer two very different examples.
Leadership That Creates Opportunities for Others
Lauren Kirchner, President of Spring Creek Growers, has spent years growing within her family’s Waller, Texas, business from Sales and Marketing Director to President.
|
Her leadership, however, extends well beyond the company.
Lauren served TNLA Region II as Grower Director, Vice Chair and Chair, helped lead the region’s annual Winter Workshop, has shared her knowledge at industry events and has contributed articles to GrowerTalks magazine. She has also taken her passion for horticulture into local schools, sponsoring and leading garden clubs that grew to involve more than 150 students. |
For Lauren, receiving the Young Leader Award represented something larger than individual recognition.
“Winning the Young Leader Award as a woman in horticulture is an incredible honor. It reflects not only my own journey, but also the growing recognition of the vital role women play in shaping the future of this field.”
She hopes that recognition encourages other women to pursue careers and leadership opportunities in horticulture with confidence. And her focus reaches even further ahead.
“For me, it’s also about inspiring the next generation, teaching children the value of horticulture and showing them that their ideas and passion can help shape a more beautiful future.”
Leadership That Builds Momentum
Our other 2025 recipient, Matthew Hogue, President & CEO of Hogue Landscape Services, demonstrates another side of young leadership.
|
After years of involvement with TNLA while working in the industry, Matt launched his own company and made TNLA the first organization he joined.
Since then, he has continued to serve the industry through TNLA committees, events and programs while encouraging employees to get involved as well. At the time he received the award, Hogue Landscape had grown to nearly 150 full-time employees. |
For Matt, the Young Leader Award wasn't an endpoint. It was motivation to keep going.
“For me, winning the Young Leader Award was more than an honor — it was a spark. It reminded me that our industry thrives when we’re willing to innovate, mentor, and set bold goals.”
He also pointed to something important about leadership: its impact extends beyond the individual.
“The recognition gave me fresh energy to keep building teams, serving clients, and giving back through TNLA programs and in my local community.”
Young Leadership Doesn't Look Just One Way
Lauren and Matt have different stories. And that's the point. A Young Leader nominee doesn't need to follow one particular career path or hold one particular job title.
Look around your company, your TNLA Region and the professionals you work alongside.
Look around your company, your TNLA Region and the professionals you work alongside.
- Who is taking initiative?
- Who is developing their team or helping others succeed?
- Who brings new ideas to the business?
- Who gives their time to TNLA, the industry or their community?
- Who is mentoring others or helping bring the next generation into horticulture?
- Whose leadership are you already noticing?
Help Us Recognize the Next Young Leader
Nominees must be under age 41 at the time of nomination and must own or be employed by a TNLA Member firm, or be a TNLA Member. Nominees should demonstrate outstanding leadership in the Texas Green Industry.
Any owner or employee of a TNLA Member firm, or a TNLA Member, is encouraged to submit a nomination.
The nomination gives you an opportunity to tell us about the individual's contributions to TNLA, their business and their community and why you believe their leadership deserves to be recognized.
Nominations close October 31, 2026.
Any owner or employee of a TNLA Member firm, or a TNLA Member, is encouraged to submit a nomination.
The nomination gives you an opportunity to tell us about the individual's contributions to TNLA, their business and their community and why you believe their leadership deserves to be recognized.
Nominations close October 31, 2026.