The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) presented the Lifetime Leadership Award and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award at its Leaders Forum Conference in Punta Cana on Jan. 26.

Frank Mariani, CEO of Mariani Landscape in Lake Bluff, Ill., received the Lifetime Leadership Award, which is given annually to a member of the association who has demonstrated leadership, service and commitment to both NALP and the landscape industry, according to NALP.

“Frank has served the industry with great energy and passion, mentoring younger professionals and working to build the industry through the Industry Growth Initiative,” said Sabeena Hickman, CEO of NALP. “We are proud to honor Frank with this award and to share his story.”

Mariani currently serves on NALP’s Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of its Foundation. He is a mentor to many in the industry, serving as a NALP Trailblazer and co-hosting the NALP Field Trip with Frank and Marty, said NALP.

He is the second generation to run Mariani Landscape.

Jennifer Lemcke, COO of Weed Man USA, won NALP’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

The award recognizes an outstanding female entrepreneur in the industry who has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, contributes to the advancement of the industry and serves as an example to current and future female entrepreneurs in the industry, according to NALP.

“Jenn is a great friend and supporter of the industry. She is a role model for other women in the industry, and we are very proud to honor her with this award,” said Hickman.

Lemcke has served on numerous committees with NALP and also served on its Board of Directors. Lemcke has been with Weed Man for more than 25 years, where she’s been instrumental in the growth of the franchising of the company in the U.S., recently reaching the $100 million milestone.

She works alongside her husband, Chris, and father, Roger Mongeon, CEO of Weed Man.