Genest Bootcamp 2025

…until Bootcamp 2025!

We are excited to invite you to our 13th annual Genest Bootcamp for hands-on learning, networking, and expert insights!

As always, Genest Bootcamp is free to attend for you and your team!

Hot Buffet Lunch • Vendor Fair • Live Demonstrations • Giveaways and Raffle Prizes • Educational Presentations

Presentations and demos by the experts from:

All-day live demos showcasing new cutting-edge equipment:

More Presentations, More Networking Time:

We’ve listened to your feedback and shortened our sessions to six 45-minute presentations, giving you more opportunities to learn and connect with vendors during breaks.

More Vendors, More Products:

With the larger venue in South Portland, we’re bringing in more vendors than ever before. You’ll have access to a wider range of cutting-edge products and services, allowing you to discover the latest industry innovations.

At Genest Bootcamp, You’ll:

• Watch live demos and educational presentations
• Stay informed about the latest trends, products, and innovations
• Discover new products and services from top industry brands
• Network with professionals and vendors to grow your business connections
• Enjoy great food while learning from experts in the masonry, hardscape, and landscaping sectors

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It:

Genest Bootcamp offers a unique opportunity for you and your team to learn directly from industry experts, explore new solutions, and gain insights into the evolving needs of the business. Whether you choose to attend in Portland or Eliot, you’ll leave with the knowledge and tools to stay ahead of the competition.

Best of all? It’s completely free for you and your team to attend.

More Exhibitors Than Ever Before!

With our move to a larger venue in South Portland we’ve expanded our exhibitor hall for 2025 with over 35 new and returning vendors, showcasing even more services and products to support your hardscaping/masonry business.

• Alliance Gator a leading manufacturer of hardscape products and accessories
• Anchor Diamond the latest innovations in concrete block retaining and freestanding wall systems
• Ardex a global leader in high-performance building products
• Bangor Savings Bank comprehensive banking and payroll services*
• Black River Quarries natural thinstone veneer quarried in Vermont
• Blazing Trails Coaching business coaching for contractors*
• CAST Lighting, LLC premier manufacturers of low-voltage landscape lighting
• Champlain Stone LTD quarriers of natural stone for building and landscaping
• Comfort Block a new generation of concrete building systems
• Caledonia Granite a new product and color for Genest granite steps, landings, and more*
• Construction Robotics advanced technology for lifting and masonry automation
• CoverBite a cost-effective and safer alternative for securing wall coverings in masonry work
• Dig Safe a free, non-profit service that notifies utility companies when you plan to excavate*
• Estabrook’s full service, family owned and operated garden centers*
• Georgetown Industrial Laser Services custom engraver of concrete, clay, and natural stone*
• Genest Concrete manufacturer and distributor of concrete landscaping and building products
• GPS Fleet Consulting GPS tracking systems and consulting services for fleet management
• Grabo featuring the new Grabo High Flow vacuum lifter for porous materials*
• Hews Company manufacturer and distributor of truck body equipment, parts and service*
• Instone a wholesale distributor of manufactured and natural stone products
• iQ Power Tools innovative tools specializing in dustless technology for masonry and concrete
• Jordan Equipment Company landscaping and construction equipment sales, service, and rentals*
• Leavitt Equipment dealer of Cratos battery-powered construction and demolition equipment*
• The Maine Landscape & Nursery Association a non-profit, professional trade association
• Messer Truck and Van experts in plow and sander trucks as well as commercial vehicle upfits
• MS International a wholesale distributor of flooring, countertops, backsplash tile, and hardscaping
• Nicolock Paving Stones manufacturer and distributor of concrete pavers and wall systems
• NPS Outdoor Living commercial-grade outdoor grills, fire pits, heaters, fireplaces, and accessories
• Pave Tool Innovators hardscaping tools, equipment, and machinery to make your job easier
• Pierson Nurseries a wholesale nursery specializing in native and wetland materials
• Portland Stone Ware Co. a wholesale distributor of building, stone, and masonry products
• Read Custom Soils precision blender and leading provider of specialty soils
• Rinox manufacturer of high-end, high-performance concrete products
• SafetyWorks! a jobsite safety outreach program of the Maine Department of Labor*
• Sebago Signworks business signs, branding, and fleet lettering*
• SHS Distributors a wholesale distributor of hardscape accessories and materials
• SRW Products a leading producer of hardscape and concrete adhesives, fabrics, sealers, and more
• StoneFire CORE quality “core” masonry foundations for any outdoor living application
• Stoneyard, Inc. thinstone veneer made from quarried and reclaimed weathered natural stones
• Thompson Stone natural thinstone veneer harvested in New England
• Trow & Holden Company a leader in stonecutting and masonry tools since 1890
• Tuckahoe Turf Farms a leading grower of premium quality sod in the northeast*
• Umaco specialty coatings and more for concrete and masonry applications*
• Winding Brook Turf a trusted producer of high quality New England turf grass*

*South Portland event only

Educational Presentations & Live Demos

Nick Cosimini, Ardex
Setting Stone with Engineered Cements
This live demonstration will cover best practices for working with thin-set and multi-purpose mortars, ensuring optimal bond strength, proper substrate preparation, and efficient application methods. Learn professional tips and techniques for successful tile and stone installation so you can tackle both standard and large-format installations with confidence.

Al Pfannenstein, Anchor Diamond
One Block to Built It All: Sterling Wall System Design & Installation
Discover the versatility of the Sterling Wall System for creating both retaining and freestanding walls. This presentation and live demo highlights the system’s innovative design, easy installation, and adaptable configurations that suit a range of landscaping needs.

Josh Asplund, SRW Products
Effective Use of Geogrid and Base Reduction Products
A comprehensive look at the necessary use and importance of geogrid in constructing segmented retaining walls and the increasing trend of using geogrid in paver applications. Learn how you can determine the right grid type and amount needed for your projects by utilizing SRW’s Hardscape Technical Service (HTS) Program.

John Rarus and Justin Tralli, Nicolock
Outdoor Living 2025: Trends, Products, and Pro Tips
Discover product options, best practices, and design tips and learn how to easily incorporate high-demand outdoor living features like gas burner fire pit inserts to upgrade your projects. Plus, gain insight into Nicolock’s unique paving and wall stone offerings and see how they stack up against popular styles you may already be using!

Vishal Master, MSI Surfaces
Porcelain Paver Benefits & Installation
Join MSI for an in-depth look at porcelain pavers, a fast-growing option for Northeast outdoor projects. Learn why more homeowners are choosing these durable, stylish surfaces and how you can achieve lasting results with your installation.

Mahlon Stoltzfus, SHS Distributors
Next-Generation Bedding & Mortar Solutions
Experience a live demonstration of the GFTK Install System and learn how this revolutionary system eliminates cracks and broken joints in porcelain pavers by bonding the bedding layer and porcelain and finishing with durable, two-component epoxy joint sand. Bonus: see how you can use Xtreme Gravel Lock to stabilize aggregate for wide paver joint applications!