ZERO-TURNS
24
SKID STEERS
28
SPRAYERS & SPREADERS
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3-STORE INDIANA DEALER HAS A PLAN FOR SERVICE CONSISTENCY
❯ Page 12
Landscaping pros look after our communities’ youth, military families and those in need ❯ Pages 16-23
Personal Touch Draws Value-Minded Clients for Oklahoma Landscaper ❯ Page 8
[
photo courtesy of Jonny Nichols Landscape Maintenance in Dover, DE
] 2017
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Running a large-scale business requires effort, commitment and a strong pain reliever. Sure, a larger business means bigger profits — but it also means bigger headaches. Take my operation, for instance. On any given day, we’re running 8 mowers at more than 40 locations across a 120-square-mile area, so logistics alone is challenging enough. Add staffing, scheduling an d m ai n ten an c e i n to the equation, and you’re looking at enough variables to make Einstein recheck his figures. And when you’ve got a mower or two down for repair, it’s even more complicated. That’s why I started buying Grasshopper mowers a few years back. They just keep running, no matter what. And they’re designed to cut maintenance just as well as they cut grass, which — believe me — my crews appreciate after a long day. Since we’re running diesel mowers, they also save us thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs. And I don’t know any businessman who wouldn’t welcome adding a chunk of change that size to his bottom line. After all, running a business on this scale has enough headaches. At least now, my equipment isn’t one of them. Talk about a pain reliever.
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© 2017 The Grasshopper Company. All rights reserved.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume 29, No. 2 | January/February 2017
8
CONTRACTOR PROFILE
› Personal Touch Draws Value-Minded Clients
Senior living communities have become an integral part of NewLawn and Landscape’s diverse commercial portfolio. Now the Oklahoma company sees growth opportunity in high-end residential.
PRODUCTS
FEATURES 04 Editor’s Column 24 Zero-Turn Mowers
06 Best of the Web 12 Spotlight Dealer
Indiana dealer Andy More of More Farm Store says customer service consistency is vital when opening additional locations. Here’s how his team has achieved it.
12
28 Skid Steers
16
30 Lawn Care – Sprayers & Spreaders
16 Community Caretakers
Uplifting examples of how Green Industry companies are giving back to military families and others in need
20 Community Caretakers
Uplifting examples of how Green Industry companies are helping to look after the youth of our communities
34 Business Tips
Advice on Managing Cash Flow – QUICK TIPS from GreenMark Consulting Group
20 greenindustrypros.com
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GREEN INDUSTRY PROS 3
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Pros
EDITOR’S COLUMN
The Management Resource for Landscape Contractors and Equipment Dealers
Published by AC Business Media, Inc.
MULCH ADO About Nothing
I
n landscape maintenance, detail is what separates the good companies from the mediocre. Detail matters with respect to tasks such as mowing and pruning, along with crew appearance, estimating, billing and collection, and client communication. If you want to build an impeccable reputation and grow a profitable maintenance division, you have to master the details. This issue we’re featuring a wonderful family-based company from Oklahoma that has done just that. The Nesslers don’t really do anything fancy. But to steal one of the lamest business clichés of all time, they always execute their blocking and tackling. They have a nose for the details. Speaking of details, I want to reflect on our last issue that came out the week or so before Christmas. In it we’d featured our annual Hidden Gems list of fast-growing, “unknown” companies. Every time I’d received a Facebook or Twitter notification when one of these companies shared this news with their followers, I couldn’t help but smile. I knew that the recognition meant a lot to them. The feedback they receive from their friends and peers is uplifting to me. It’s not just about the national recognition, though. The leaders of those 25 companies spent a lot of time sharing a lot of insights into how they’ve achieved recent success. They shared these insights to help you, their fellow readers and landscaping industry peers. Somewhere along the path of entrepreneurship, another landscape company probably helped them. Now they are doing well for themselves and want to pay it forward. Hopefully when you read something from a peer that helps you in your business, you take the time to reach out to them and thank them.
4 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
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201 N. Main Street Fort Atkinson WI 53538 800-538-5544 Volume 29, Number 2
Gregg Wartgow (920) 542-1248 563-1614 gwartgow@acbusinessmedia.com
Sometimes the feedback I personally receive isn’t so uplifting. On the cover of that same issue, I’d utilized a photo showing a young fella’ mowing some heavy growth in early springtime. A couple of readers—no doubt successful maintenance contractors with a keen eye for detail themselves—eagerly called me to point out what they’d discovered: clippings being discharged into a mulched shrub bed. Generally speaking, that is not a wise thing to do; the operator is probably going to upset either the customer or his boss, or both. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, though. Maybe the crew was going to re-mulch that day, so the mower operator was actually saving on cleanup time by not having to blow clippings out of the street. Maybe that’s a stretch, but I’m granting benefit of the doubt. In my mind, there was enough doubt that I went forward with the photo because it was a pretty cool photo—and the operator even had his ROPS in the correct position, not to mention the discharge guard. It’s pretty rare to get real-life photos where all of the safety protocols are in order. Going forward I will continue to do the best I can to avoid giving the impression that I’m endorsing unprofessional, unsafe or idiotic practices. Please call me out (preferably through a public comment on our website and/ or Facebook page) when I fail. But once in a great while, also consider granting some benefit of the doubt. That said, I’m just the silly editor of a magazine you don’t pay for. When it comes to your employees, though, you should ALWAYS give them the benefit of the doubt. ›
ADVERTISIN G
Publisher.........................................................................Deirdre D’Aniello ddaniello@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative.............................................................. Fred Ferris fferris@acbusinessmedia.com National Automotive Manager ......................................... Tom Lutzke tlutzke@acbusinessmedia.com
EDITORIAL
Editor ................................................................................. Gregg Wartgow gwartgow@acbusinessmedia.com Graphic Designer .............................................................. Dave Haglund dhaglund@acbusinessmedia.com
CIRCU LATION
Audience Development Director .................................. Wendy Chady Audience Development Manager ....................................Angela Kelty
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Senior Production Manager...............................................Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com AC Business Media, Inc. Chairman – Anil Narang President and CEO – Carl Wistreich Executive Vice President – Kris Flitcroft CFO – JoAnn Breuchel VP Content – Greg Udelhofen VP Marketing – Debbie George Digital Operations Manager – Nick Raether Digital Sales Manager – Monique Terrazas Change of Address & Subscriptions — PO Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (800) 543-5055 • circ.greenindustrypros@omeda.com List Rental — Elizabeth Jackson, Account Executive, Merit Direct LLC, Phone: (847) 492-1350 ext. 18 Fax: (847) 492-0085 • ejackson@meritdirect.com Reprints — For reprints and licensing please contact Erica Finger at 920-542-1230 efinger@acbusinessmedia.com
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Green Industry Pros (USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 2168-1228 (online) is published 7 times a year: January/ February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December by AC Business Media, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Green Industry Pros, PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Canada Post PM40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Green Industry Pros, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to qualified subscribers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S. $35 per year; Canada/Mexico $60 per year; All other countries $85 per year. All subscriptions payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Back issue $10 prepaid, if available. Printed in the USA. Copyright 2017 AC Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recordings or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.
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Heather Jones – Assembly/Blowers
Built in America. Believing in America.* STIHL truly believes in the productivity of American workers and businesses. So we’re proud to be one of the U.S. manufacturers rebuilding our economy one brick, one car and one power tool at a time. STIHL believes in supporting local business owners like you. It means something to
your clients, to your company, and to us. Because it’s the real people, STIHL people, who help make STIHL the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment in America.* To find a STIHL dealer: STIHLUSA.com
*A majority of STIHL powerheads are built in the United States from domestic and foreign parts and components. “Number one selling brand” is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2016 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers. © 2017 STIHL
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BEST OF THE WEB
Yamaha Acquiring Subaru Yamaha Motor Corp. USA’s Outdoor Power Equipment division is acquiring Subaru Industrial Power Products. The acquisition is a result of an agreement between parent companies Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., both of Japan, and is expected to be completed by October 1 of this year. Fuji Heavy Industries is ceasing the production and sale of multi-purpose engines, etc. at the end of September. “Yamaha has made the multi-purpose engine market a priority,” said Jim McPherson, Yamaha’s outdoor power equipment division manager. “Yamaha entered the popular lawn and garden industry in 2016 with the introduction of the all-new MXV-EFI Vertical V-twin
ARIENS SELLS PARTS BUSINESS
Ariens Company has agreed to sell its aftermarket parts business to Arrowhead Engineered Products Inc. of Blaine, MN. The aftermarket parts business includes the Stens brand sold directly to independent power equipment dealers, and the JThomas Parts brand sold directly to professional landscape contractors. “This is a strategic decision that allows the company to continue to reinvest in the original equipment manufacturing business,” says Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of Ariens Company. “We have been enhancing our manufacturing plants with automation technology and, at the same time, we will continue to invest in R&D capabilities to accelerate the rate of new product introductions.” The company will also invest in a robust e-commerce platform for its niche outdoor supply brands Gempler’s, AW Direct and Ben Meadows. Ariens Company acquired Stens in 1995 and JThomas in 2008. Arrowhead CEO Jim Wisnoski says, “The combination of Arrowhead with the Stens and JThomas organization creates a unique and powerful platform in support of our mission to always be our customers’ first choice for critical replacement parts. We are excited for the combination of our two organizations, and the shared focus of our combined employees to continue providing exceptional service to our worldwide customers.” greenindustrypros.com/12282038
6 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
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Engine Series. The Subaru Industrial Power Products acquisition further solidifies Yamaha’s commitment to continuing our recent expansion into this important segment of our business.” As part of the acquisition, Fuji Heavy Industries will transfer to Yamaha Motor Powered Products Co., Ltd. (YMPC), also of Japan, technology relating to three products: the EH65, EH72 and EH65V of the EH Series V-twin Overhead Valve multi-purpose engine range, which are used in large generators and large lawnmowing machinery. The acquisition of this technology will enable YMPC to sell the engines both within Japan and overseas, including through YMUS in the United States.
Through the acquisition, YMUS will continue after-sales service for Fuji Heavy Industries’ multi-purpose engine business in North America (excluding Mexico), while further strengthening its power products business in North America. Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS) is a leader in the powersports market. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include motorcycles, ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.
GNE TO DISTRIBUTE DEWALT PRO LANDSCAPE LINE
BRIGHTVIEW ACQUIRES MARINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Great Northern Equipment (GNE) has been chosen as the distributor of the DeWalt Pro Landscape line of batterypowered equipment including backpack blowers, handheld blowers, chainsaws, hedgetrimmers, pole trimmers and string trimmers. GNE will serve the five-state territory of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.
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BrightView Landscapes, the nation’s biggest landscape services and snow removal company, has acquired Marina Landscape Maintenance, a California-based firm that employs nearly 400 people and services 200 client sites in Orange County and the greater Los Angeles, Inland Empire and northern California markets. Marty Stowell, vice president of Marina Landscape Maintenance, will stay on. greenindustrypros.com/12294058
OTHER TOP NEWS › EPA Strengthens Pesticide
Application Standards greenindustrypros.com/12289192
› Citi Signs Credit Card Deal with Toro Co. greenindustrypros.com/12291837
Joe Prince, sales director at GNE, says, “We are excited to take on the line. It’s a great match for our customer base and a respected brand.” Established over 30 years ago, GNE began distributing engines and later expanded to incorporate commercialquality power equipment lines. GNE is a distributor of hardware, lawn and garden, rental, agriculture and power equipment industries. The GNE portfolio includes Brave, CEI, Dosko, Iron & Oak, JRCO, Maxim and Perma-Wrap.
› Kubota Starts Construction on
New Distribution Center greenindustrypros.com/12283137
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CONTRACTOR PROFILE By Gregg Wartgow
A butterfly garden the company installed at one of the senior living centers it maintains
Personal Touch Draws Value-Minded Clients
Senior living communities have become an integral part of NewLawn and Landscape’s diverse commercial portfolio. Now the Oklahoma company sees growth opportunity in high-end residential.
S
teve Nessler isn’t new to landscaping, and neither is his company. Serving the greater Tulsa market, NewLawn and Landscape in Broken Arrow, OK, has been operating since 2003. The maintenancedriven company has steadily grown over the years, now generating well over half a million dollars in annual revenue. L a s t ye a r w a s it s b e s t e ve r. Maintenance contracts held steady—as they seem to do year after year—and landscaping/enhancement work was up. “We’d picked up a couple of really nice landscaping jobs, and our maintenance customers spent more on flowers and other enhancements,” says Lisa Nessler,
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Steve’s wife and business partner. Nothing like closing the year strong. That’s a trend the Nesslers are optimistic will continue throughout 2017. The company has been very careful to avoid chasing too much sales growth in any given year. Rather, they and their team members have focused on quality work, close customer care, renewing contracts, and allowing sales to grow naturally at a controlled pace. That could change a bit this year. “We are going to do some advertising for the first time,” Steve points out. “We’d like to pick up some more high-end residential accounts. We’re targeting a specific part of Tulsa. We’re looking to do some
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ads in one of the Tulsa magazines that is widely circulated in that area. We’ll see how it works.”
Strategically selective
Steve says his three maintenance crews have the capacity to take on a handful of additional accounts—so long as they are the right kind of accounts. Steve has always been a bit selective when it comes to clientele, a philosophy he has developed over his 35-plus years in the business (he’d worked for a couple of other companies before starting his own). “We’re looking for clients who value quality and are seeking a long-term relationship with their contractor,” Steve
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CONTRACTOR PROFILE
says. NewLawn has several clients that are on two- if not three-year contracts. This is what he prefers because it’s hard to transform a property in just a single year. This is also why Steve tends to shy away from apartment buildings. They change ownership frequently, and thus, landscape contractors. There often isn’t much of a bond or trust formed, which runs counter to Steve’s philosophy. “We don’t have a single apartment building in our portfolio right now,” Lisa adds. That could always change if the right opportunity came along. “If approached by a prospective client, the first question I’ll ask them is: ‘What property management company are you associated with?’” Steve says. NewLawn’s focus has been on quality-conscious commercial clients since day one. The company services everything from HOAs and condominium complexes to banks and small businesses. About 75% of revenue is full-service maintenance, i.e. mowing and pruning, tree trimming and lawn spraying. The other 25% of revenue is landscaping enhancements—largely generated by existing maintenance accounts. NewLawn’s three maintenance crews handle the enhancement work as it arises. Steve likes it this way because his overhead doesn’t really change. “When the maintenance work is done for the week, I ask my employees for volunteers to work the weekend or evenings to complete the enhancement requests,” Steve says. “I pay
“Many of the homeowners have parents who live at one of the three senior living communities we service.”
them overtime and we get it handled. Our clients don’t seem to mind and it works out well.” Wit h com mercia l being the company’s focus, just 10% of NewLawn’s revenue comes from residential. “All of our residential accounts thus far have been generated by referral,” Lisa says. “And these are really big homes. One of our customers even has their own on-site property manager.”
Living it up – senior style
Revenue mix could change as the Nesslers set out to acquire additional residential accounts this year. “I think we already have some name recognition in the part of Tulsa we’re targeting,” Steve says. “Many of the homeowners have parents who live at one of the three senior living communities we service.” Senior living communities have b e c ome a n i mp or t a nt n ic he for NewL aw n a nd L a nd sc ape. Ste ve says two things matter a great deal to this customer segment: flexibility and versatility. “These community managers all talk to each other,” he points out. “We get accounts by referral from these senior living properties communicating with each other. “Communication between us and the client is also important,” Steve continues. “We keep in close contact
w it h each client week by week t h r ou g h ou t t h e year, listening to their needs and adapting when necessar y. For example, one client decided they wanted more attention given to the flower beds. They basically wanted a full-time gardener. So we provided that and added it to the contract.” Steve wears many hats, as most owner/operators do. The most predominant is lead salesperson and main point of contact. “Steve is always accessible by cell phone,” Lisa shares. “He also attends a lot of meetings because these retirement communities and condominiums have gardening committees that meet regularly.” There’s one other thing Steve and his team do: They regularly check with the senior residents themselves and ask for their feedback. “We want to make sure they are happy with the work we’re doing,” Lisa says. “After all, they’re the ones living there. We want to help them enjoy their time there as much as possible.” It’s just another example of how NewLawn emphasizes “personal touch” as opposed to just productivity and profits.
Meeting expectation
It’s wonderful when you can work for clients who value quality. It’s also
NewLawn maintenance crews tackle installation and enhancement work “after hours” when all maintenance clients have been served.
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Entranceway to a high-end property the company maintains
a challenge to meet the expectation. Quick response time is essential, as are great employees. “Your employees are your core,” Steve says. “Without them, you really have nothing.” Fortunately for Steve and Lisa, they have some really good ones—typically seven to 11 full-time employees depending on the time of year. Several have been with them for many years. Two in particular, Eleazar “Charlie” Bernal and his brother, Edgar, have been with the company since day one. Steve had worked with Eleazar at another company years ago. Eleazar is one of the company’s three crew leaders who also acts as overall operations manager. Edgar runs a crew that services one of the retirement communities four full days a week. Edgar’s crew then hits some other accounts on Fridays. Steve and Lisa’s son, Will, left college a couple of years ago to join the family business full-time. The longer-term goal is to eventually take over the business. For now, Will is spending a lot of time shadowing Eleazar working on his crew, learning the in’s and out’s
of delivering high-quality landscape maintenance. Will is also learning from his dad, who happens to have a business management degree in addition to three decades of landscaping experience. Lisa has a marketing degree and also helps to mentor Will on the business side of things. On-the-job training from experienced pros like Eleazar and Edgar is the best way to get new employees up to par, Lisa says. “We also look to a s s o c i at ion s b e c au s e of t he great training they provide,” she adds. NewLawn is a member of the Ok lahoma Nursery & Landscape Association, the Western Nursery & Landscape Association, as well as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local Chamber of Commerce. “ We w a nt t o r u n a r e p u t a b l e compa ny t hat our employees are proud to work for,” Lisa shares. In addition to good pay, she and Steve try to remain as f lexible as possible when an employee needs some time off for personal reasons. They also provide uniforms, cell phones, an annual Christmas bonus, along with greenindustrypros.com
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other bonuses when company financial performance allows. “The ‘personal touch’ is really the key for a smaller company like ours when competing in the commercial market,” Steve says. “We can be there when the client calls. And we can handle all of their needs—mowing, pruning, tree trimming, enhancements, lawn spraying and irrigation repairs. We even have a couple of Meyer snowplows for those two or three times a year when it snows.” It ’s a l l a b out b e i n g pre p a re d , accessible, flexible and versatile. ❯
From left: Will Nessler, Lisa Nessler, Steve Nessler, Edgar Bernal and Eleazar Bernal.
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SPOTLIGHT DEALER
By Gregg Wartgow
More of the Same The Warsaw showroom stocked and ready for winter in mid-December.
M
ore Farm Store, headquartered in Columbia City, IN, was founded more than a century ago. “My great-grandfather started the business in 1913 as a hardware store selling steel-wheeled tractors,” says fourth-generation owner Andy More. “That was a long time ago, and a much different time. It’s funny to think that the business’s original phone number was 6.” A lot has changed since then—and not just the simplicity of phone numbers or the fact that tractors now have rubber tires. More importantly, a lot has changed with More Farm Store in just the past 10 years since Andy took over the business. Columbia City has a population under 10,000. It is a great community that has been wonderful to More Farm Store for many years. But as a smaller town, growth opportunity is limited. Andy has seen the level of sophistication and professionalism in the outdoor power equipment industry greatly improve over his lifetime in the business. He doesn’t want to hit a ceiling. “Dealerships like ours didn’t have the ability to pay very high wages in the past,” Andy says. “When I took over, I said to myself, ‘If I’m going to do this, I want to do it the right way. I want to
12 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
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produce enough revenue that we can hire the best people possible and pay them a wage they can support a family on.’ That was going to require expansion.”
Baby steps lead to big payback
Andy assumed control of the business in 2006. He had grown up in the dealership, which his father and uncle took over from their father around 1970, a few years before Andy was born. “If I didn’t have to go to school, I wanted to be working with my dad,” Andy shares. “I really liked tinkering in the shop. I wasn’t very good at it, but I loved it.” The same couldn’t be said for his siblings. Andy’s brother and sister both opted to pursue other careers. Ditto his uncle’s five children. This left the longtime family business for Andy’s taking if he wanted it. He didn’t have to be asked twice. Not long after taking the reins at the dealership at the age of 31, Andy set his sights on expansion. He wanted to do so in a more conservative fashion, “testing the waters” before going all-in with a huge investment in property and facility. Two nearby cities looked like promising markets. Warsaw was 20 miles to
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Indiana dealer Andy More of More Farm Store says customer service consistency is vital when opening additional locations. Here’s how his team has achieved it. the west. Fort Wayne was 22 miles to the east. Andy came up with the idea to partner with an equipment rental center and a small repair center in each town. “We set it up that we’d pay them 30% of the profit for each piece of our equipment they sold, primarily tractors and mowers,” Andy recalls. “The idea was that it would help us get our foot in the door and start building a reputation in those markets—and would be a lot less expensive than doing a bunch of advertising.” For t he most par t, t he strateg y worked quite well. In Warsaw, the arrangement lasted nearly four years. But then the rental center got into some financial trouble in 2009. “Rather than let them go bankrupt, it made more sense for me to buy the business, since they owed us a fair amount of money,” Andy tells. “I didn’t buy the real estate though. We went down the road on a major highway (U.S. 30) and bought a vacant pole barn. That worked well for a while. In 2012 we put up a new building. It was amazing. That store’s revenue jumped 500% in one year. I never thought a fancy new building could make such a huge difference.” To the east in Fort Wayne, Andy’s partnership with the small repair shop
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Andy More, the fourth-generation owner of More Farm Store in Indiana
SPOTLIGHT DEALER
lasted about six years. That began to unravel when the shop started carrying its own lines of mowers, tractors and other products Andy was trying to sell. “We went ahead and opened up our own store in 2013,” Andy says. “We found another high-visibility location on I-69 that already had a building. It was nothing fancy, but it worked because we gave it a complete facelift.”
Controlled revenue distribution
Several years later now, all three More Farm Store locations are going strong. Controlled revenue distribution has been very important. “We have been fortunate to enjoy 12-15% annual sales growth each of the past 15 years,” Andy says. “It’s nice, controlled growth. I’d like to say it is by design, but really it’s by the grace of God.” Sa les a re wel l-ba la nced across product categories which range from chainsaws, trimmers and zero-turn mowers to tractors, skid steers and excavators. More Farm Store also gets business from a diverse mix of customer groups including farmers, homeowners, municipalities, construction contractors and landscapers. “It usually works out kind of nice,” Andy relates. “When farmers are doing well, construction seems to be down, and vice versa. Everything seems to balance out for us.” More Farm Store sells numerous product lines. Kubota mowers, tractors, skid steers, track loaders and excavators represent nearly 70% of total dealership sales. More Farm Store also sells Toro and Bad Boy mowers, Stihl handheld equipment, Boss snowplows and salt spreaders, Land Pride attachments, and several other shortlines. Landscape contractors represent a growing segment for the dealership, and they’re buying more types of products than ever before. “When I first started at the dealership, I was really focused on landscapers,” Andy
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recalls. “I wanted them to be running our mowing equipment—not only to get their business, but also to inspire the homeowners in the area to also buy their mowers from us. Nowadays, I’m seeing landscapers coming to us for other products besides just mowers and hand tools. Many landscapers today are more sophisticated and diverse. They are looking for productivity-enhancing equipment they’ll see a nice ROI on. They need things like track loaders and attachments, and even excavators.” Speaking of construction equipment, Andy sees a tremendous opportunity to grow sales in Northeast Indiana. The challenge, however, is market saturation. “I can count 18 brands of compact construction equipment available from dealers in that market,” Andy points out. “You really have to work hard to get your fair share.” As is often the case, that largely comes down to reliable service.
Do ’em right – all the time
“A lot of businesses say things like, ‘satisfaction guaranteed,’” Andy muses. “But what does that mean? What are they doing to guarantee it?” More Farm Store has a simple creed: Do the right thing, every time. For example, if a customer buys a used mower and the transmission fails in a few months, Andy is inclined to have one of his technicians replace the transmission—often at the dealership’s expense. It’s all in the interest of preserving that relationship with the customer, along with the overall reputation of the dealership. In addition, More Farm Store personnel are available evenings and Saturday afternoons if customers have a pressing concern. Speaking of that personnel, Andy says he cannot believe there’s a dealer anywhere with better employees than he has. More Farm Store now employs 25 across the three locations.
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Remember earlier in this story when Andy joked how, as a kid, he loved being in the shop, even though he wasn’t very good at it? “My strength really is in sales,” he clarifies. “I’m also not the best manager. So it’s important for me to bring people in who are better than me in these other areas.” A ndy has a CPA ser v ing as his cont rol ler. He fou nd h is ser v ice manager at a powersports dealership he shopped at. His sales manager ran another power equipment dealership in town. His parts manager has a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. Andy is always recruiting too. “If I see someone elsewhere who fits our mold of ethics, integrity and attention to detail, I want them on my team,” Andy says. “We’ll simply make room for them if they’re interested.” When new employees are brought on board, they spend six months shadowing Andy. “It’s not that I’m the best person in the dealership at everything, it’s just that I want them to see what’s important to me and how I go about handling different situations,” Andy says. “I want to be predictable to my employees, and I want our customer service expectation to also be predictable. Integrity and character are all we really have as a dealer. We have to be 100% consistent across all three stores.” The approach seems to be working. More Farm Store has maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rating based on Kubota’s surveying of end-customers. “We’re quite proud of that,” Andy says. “A 75% rating means customers are satisfied. So to get to 95% means the majority are highly satisfied and you have almost zero unsatisfieds. That’s quite a feat, I think.” Yes it is—and it’s the byproduct of doing the right thing, all of the time. That has been part of the More Farm Store culture for over 100 years. ❯
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
By Gregg Wartgow
Landworx of NY backyard makeover – completed
Community Caretakers
Uplifting examples of how Green Industry companies are giving back to military families and others in need
G
iving back to the communities they serve is a hallmark of all good small businesses. There are countless examples of this happening right here in the Green Industry. Landscape companies, equipment dealers and other suppliers often donate time, expertise, labor and materials to help complete projects for various groups and causes they support. Monetary donations to various charities is another way the industry is giving back. T he Nat iona l Associat ion of Landscape Professionals (NALP) works hard to showcase the efforts of i nd iv idu a l compa n ie s acros s the country through its Landscape Professiona ls Adva nce A mer ic a initiative. “We recently launched this initiative so NALP members can
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showcase their projects to celebrate their community partnerships and help raise the visibility of the impact that the landscape industry has on our nation,” says Lisa Schaumann, NALP director of communications. One recently featured project on NA LP’s La ndscape Professiona ls Advance America web page was coordinated by the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association’s Milwaukee chapter. Volunteers helped renovate a courtyard at Carmen School of Science and Technology, which serves a diverse enrollment of low-income students in Milwaukee (see sidebar on page 23). “Over the years, industry companies have done more than 1,000 volunteer projects through NALP’s Day of Service,” Schaumann adds. “They have
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done everything from park cleanups, to building healing gardens in hospital settings, to community gardens. They have also installed new landscaping at churches, war memorials, shelters, playgrounds and community centers. The projects that have the biggest impact are the ones that are personal and meaningful to the landscape or lawn care company, and those that come from an important need in the community. When the whole company gets involved, it is a great team building experience that reminds employees of the impact their work has.”
Taking care of military heroes
Few causes have as much impact as those catering to military families.
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Speaking of which, Project Evergreen manages a couple of fantastic programs. GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops provide complimentar y lawn and landscape services, and snow and ice removal services for the families of currently deployed military personnel, and post-9/11 disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. The Toro Company helps present the GreenCare program, while Boss Snowplow helps on the SnowCare front. To learn how you can get involved and offer your services, visit projectevergreen.org. Some individual companies have taken this kind of initiative all on their own. Landworx of NY is a brilliant example. Based in Goshen, NY, and serving Orange County, the company rocked out a complete backyard makeover in 12 months this past summer. Pete Nilsestuen founded Landworx of NY in 2010. His fiancé’s sister’s husband is currently deployed to Iraq. The couple has a one-year-old son. “She has her hands full, to say the least,” Nilsestuen says. “Her backyard was a mess and she was really helpless
trying to figure out what to do with it. She’d asked if I could help her put down some artificial turf. I said, ‘You know what, I’m not letting you put fake turf in your backyard.’ She lives up in New Hampshire, about a four-hour drive for me. I told her I was kicking her out of the house for a day so I could fix up her yard.” Back in mid-July, Nilsestuen and three of his employees loaded up a truck and headed to New Hampshire. They drove up on a Friday night and immediately got to work first thing Saturday morning. “We started at 7 a.m. and had everything done by 7 p.m.,” Nilsestuen says. “We installed a patio and fire pit, redid the steps up to the back door, installed a new irrigation system and landscape lighting, and put in some new plantings and sod. It was a pretty substantial amount of work to pull off in 12 hours.” It was a fa irly sma l l back ya rd, Ni lsestuen points out, so he a nd his guys were able to do everything with the hand tools they’d brought with them. “We’d also brought some
bluestone to redo the steps, but were able to use her existing brick for the patio,” Nilsestuen explains. “I did bring some extra pavers along for the soldier course. I also brought some plants. I found a sod company up near the place in New Hampshire, and drove my truck over to pick up a pallet of sod. One of my best friends from college lives up there, and his brother owns a landscaping business. He used his truck to get me some stone base for the patio.” Nilsestuen’s future sister-in-law came back to the house that evening to see what had been done. “It was perfect timing,” Nilsestuen recalls. “It was just getting to be dusk so the lighting turned on. She even got her husband on FaceTime the next day to show him. She laid down in the grass—and they hadn’t had nice grass for years—and then stood up and panned around. He was shocked.” A not he r Ne w York l a nd s c ap e company, Above All Masonry Design in Islandia on Long Island, has also stepped up to help a military family in need. Stephen and Lis Bono started
Above All Masonry Design backyard makeover for Mark Pirollo – before greenindustrypros.com
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the company in 2005 “with a lit t le ad in t he loca l paper,” as Lis points out. “It has just kept expanding and expanding,” she adds. “We’ve been very blessed. We wanted to do something to show how grateful we are for the success we’ve had.” Lis’ brother-in-law is a Ma r i ne. She t houg ht to contact a couple of veterans a ssociat ions to see how Above All Masonry Design could go about donating their services to a military hero. It was tough at first because many organizations only accept monetary donations. Finally, Hope for the Warriors gave Lis a list of area vets who could really benefit from landscaping services. “We found someone who had been deployed several times,” Lis tells. “He had multiple head injuries and had lost his hearing. He couldn’t believe why we’d do this for him. Well, he had been fighting for us for the past eight or nine years, so it was the least we could do. His house had taken a lot of damage from Hurricane Sandy. We talked to some suppliers who were more than eager to help with plants and materials. We brought our young daughter along because we wanted her to be a part of this. We redid the entire backyard, complete with a patio and fire pit and new plants.”
Others in need Above All Masonry Design backyard makeover for Mark Pirollo – during. As of late-December, they were still waiting on the grill, granite countertop and railing to complete what they could before winter. They will be putting in the plantings and Sonarray sound system in the spring.
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The following year, Lis and Stephen decided to get the community involved a little more. “We wanted the community to nominate people whom they felt were deserving,” Lis says. “Then we had the community vote. They chose a family whose home was devastated by Hurricane Sandy.” Last year marked the third annual Welcome Home Project in which Above All Masonry Design awarded
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Landworx of NY backyard makeover – step repair and patio installation
a deserving family with a completely free landscape makeover. The community nominated 15 different people. A gentleman named Mark Pirollo got the most votes, 473. He is on permanent disability due to a progressive form of muscular dystrophy. He had been an active, well-respected volunteer in the community. “For safety, we’ve added a handicapped-accessible backyard space with railings from Victorian Fence, a Long Island fencing company,” Lis tells. “Mark’s current deck was rotting away so that whole area had to be replaced, making room for a patio with Unilock concrete pavers and material from Astro Masonry & Supply. This was the third straight year Unilock and Astro Masonry sponsored our project, so that’s really neat.” Additionally, the Above All team installed a beautiful outdoor kitchen complete with a DCS grill (new sponsor last year) as well as a granite countertop from repeat sponsor MGO Stone. Finally, Kichler Lighting supplied outdo or f i x t u re s wh i le S ona nc e provided its Sonarray outdoor speakers. “We were able to install everything but the plants late last fall,” Lis says. “When spring returns, we’ll go back and finish off the project with beautiful plants from Bissett Nursery. Then we’re looking to have a big reveal later this spring.” ❯
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1/27/17 10:03 AM
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COMMUNITY SERVICE
By Gregg Wartgow
Trevor Smith of Land Escapes Design speaks to YouthBuild of Boston students about green infrastructure.
Community Caretakers Uplifting examples of how Green Industry companies are helping to look after the youth of our communities
F Rod Pappas and wife Deanna with Ronald McDonald. Rod has been serving as facility operations director of the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Phoenix for the past eight years.
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ounded in 1983, Xeriscapes Unlimited in Phoenix, AZ, has been highly active in the communities it serves for the past 20 years. Through self-initiated efforts as well as participation in association-driven outreach, Xeriscapes has helped to design, create and maintain outdoor spaces for a long list of worthy causes, including: • The City of Peoria Neighborhood Pride Program (helping established neighborhoods maintain appearance and value) • Hacienda Children’s Hospital (healing garden) • Los Ninos Children’s Hospital (outdoor activity center) • Sunshine Acres Children’s Home (landscaping improvements). As you ca n see, Xeriscapes Unlimited has held a special fond-
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ness for children’s organizations. One ongoing initiative takes place at the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Phoenix. “We schedule all of the landscaping, painting, asphalt repairs, tree trimming, irrigation repairs and numerous other exterior maintenance tasks,” says Rod Pappas, Xeriscapes owner. The Ronald McDonald House provides low-cost, temporary housing for families with children undergoing medical treatment far from home. Pappas has been the operations director for the past eight years. The job requires one or two site visits a week, along with project/volunteer coordination. “Sometimes I need to be on site to supervise,” he says. “I always walk volunteers through the property and show them where the boundary lines are, where the irrigation controllers are,
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Left and below: One of several bus shelter green roofs installed by Land Escapes Design and its student partners from YouthBuild Boston.
300 people show up on a Saturday to clean the place u p. We h a d i t done in half a day. But we realized we could never let it get to this again. That’s why we decided to adopt the Ronald McDonald House and keep up with the property maintenance on a monthly basis.” Eight years later, they’re still going strong. Above: Trevor Smith of Land Escapes Design works with YouthBuild students to install a bus shelter green roof.
and so on. I also walk them through the work that needs to be done. Some have been volunteering for a period of years and don’t need much direction. Some of the newer volunteers, on the other hand, do.” W h a t ’s m o r e , P a p p a s s o m e times needs to loan equipment. For instance, one of the more recent volunteer groups was a contingent from Behr, the paint company. The project was the installation of 10 tons of granite stone. “The folks from Behr asked, ‘What are we going to use, because all we have are paintbrushes?’” Pappas tells with a chuckle. “So I dropped off some wheelbarrows and shovels. They got the job done— and for a bunch of painters, they did a really good job.” Pappas is working with the Ronald McDonald House through the AACM, the Arizona Association of Community Managers, which helps solicit volunteers. In working closely with the AACM, Pappas says he is often asked
if it’s time to move onto something else. “I don’t really think we need to because the Ronald McDonald House is such a worthwhile cause,” he says. To that end, he has volunteered to continue serving as operations manager through 2017. “My involvement with the Ronald McDonald House goes back many years, even preceding my involvement through the AACM,” Pappas says. “They initially contacted me through my involvement with the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association. They were putting a new wing on their facility, and much of the existing turf, plants and irrigation line had been damaged by the new construction. I’d pulled a group of landscapers together to go over there and patch things up over a period of about six months. “They still had my card a few years later and contacted me again to see if I wanted to bid on some work that needed to be done,” Pappas continues. “They’d lost some volunteers and everything was overgrown and not looking good. I thought to bring it to the attention of the AACM, and they brought all of their forces with them. We had about greenindustrypros.com
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Green infrastructure and workforce training
Land Escapes Design in Arlington, MA, has been going strong for the past three years on a couple of initiatives tied to green infrastructure and workforce development. The company developed a stormwater training course it taught in conjunction with two workforce training programs, the Green Roof Bus Shelter Initiative and a Rain Garden Installation & Maintenance program. Trevor Smith founded the company i n 2 0 03 w h ich i s now ow ne d by Christina Donovan. “Christina is the business mind whereas I’m more of the lead designer, installer and salesperson,” Smith points out. While the two have very distinct roles within the company, they share one common vision. “Our mission and focus is ‘For People and Planet,’” Smith says. “We work to undo some of the mistakes man has made and better the planet through thoughtful, responsible design. We also strive to put the human element back into sustainable design through responsible stewardship and education.” Speaking of education, Smith has been giving talks on Green Stormwater
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Infrastructure (GSI) for the past four years. He recent ly completed t he Landscape for Life instructor training, which is based on the principles of the Sustainable Sites Initiative (kind of like LEED for landscaping). But prior to earning that instructor certification, Smith had already begun laying some serious groundwork in the Boston area. He had reached out to YouthBuild USA to start a dialogue about green infrastructure a few years ago. “YouthBuild is a great organization that helps low-income, young adults earn a GED and also get some technical training, often in one of the construction fields,” Smith explains. “But we think the jobs of the future are in landscaping and green infrastructure. We want to offer young people some experience. At the same time, we’re trying to help ensure that new people coming into this profession have the right knowledge and tools. To be a landscape professional today and into the future, you have to know more than simply how to read the back of a bag of fertilizer.” Smith spoke to YouthBuild Boston about ecological landscaping and the Green Roof Bus Shelter project his company was embarking on. Later, YouthBuild students came out to help install and maintain a handful of bus shelter green roofs around the Boston area. Thermal cameras took thermal images of the sidewalks and bus shelters so students could record their findings. “We then went into communities and high schools and explained how green roofs can be a very beneficial part of the urban landscape,” Smith says. “Most green roofs on commercial buildings are out of sight and mind. Bus shelters, on the other hand, are a great way to get a street-level discussion going in the communities. Most people can connect with a bus shelter. It was also a great way to teach the basic principles of green roof construction and maintenance to the YouthBuild students.
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Brad Chase, general manager of JC Grounds Management, was asked to serve as a consultant when a local Girl Scouts Troop set out to spruce up the landscaping around a new school sign.
If you can learn how to manage a bus shelter, those same principles can apply to a larger building.” Land Escapes Design had also spearheaded a similar kind of community project where two rain gardens were installed in Somerville, MA, on the campus of the Mystic River Housing Development in August 2015. Land Escapes Design worked in partnership with the Massachusetts Workforce Alliance, Groundwork Somerville and the City of Somerville. The project included raking, grading and planting the rain gardens. Both the bus shelter and rain garden projects were funded by EPA grants. “We’d hoped we could keep the bus shelter program going, but nothing moves quickly through government,” Smith says. The bus shelter program ended last year. That said, the feedback has been fantastic, Smith points out, and the concept has the full support of the local EPA. “Government seems to be very interested, but it’s taking a little while because it’s changing the paradigm,” Smith says. “We as landscape designers can’t just design for aesthetics anymore. Cities have a real need for green infrastructure. If the landscaping profession can install enough of it, now we have created a
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strong need for ongoing maintenance of things like green roofs and rain gardens. That’s a huge opportunity because not only does a city get some much needed infrastructure, now it’s getting more jobs. This is not just a novelty.”
Girl Scouts and seniors, and walking the talk
JC Grounds Management in Danvers, MA, has been in business since 1996. The company now employs roughly 125 during the season and 25 year-round. Giving back has become a centerpiece of the corporate culture. Employees are encouraged to get involved with causes they are passionate about. Company owner Jonathan Crandall supports this by remaining flexible with hours, giving employees the time off they need to get involved. JC Grounds Management staff have been especially “involved” as of late. Just last year alone the company helped to lead the way on four key initiatives. Continuing with the “youth” theme of this article, JC Grounds has played a pivotal role in supporting a project led by the Girl Scouts Troop from Great Oak School in Danvers. The troop is graduating from grammar school this spring and wanted to leave something
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LANDSCAPERS PROVIDE COURTYARD MAKEOVER AT MILWAUKEE SCHOOL The Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association (WLCA) Metro Milwaukee Chapter completed a community service project valued at $35,000 last fall.
Carmen School of Science and Technology serves a diverse enrollment of low-income students in Milwaukee. The project began with a WLCA Metro
behind that reflected the positive experience they have had. The school recently had a new sign installed near the front entrance, but the landscaping around the sign was minimal. The troop decided to focus their efforts around the sign. The group met over the first few weeks of the school year to develop a plan. Brad Chase, general manager of JC Grounds Management, was asked to serve as a consultant and resource for the project. After a lot of research and the use of JC Grounds’ landscape design software, the troop put together an attractive two-phase proposal that was presented to the principal and town officials. The design was approved. The troop, under Chase’s guidance, elicited the help of their little brothers and parents, and JC Grounds’ tools and equipment to remove turf, turn over compacted soil, and plant 600 spring blooming bulbs. The first phase of the project was finished off with fresh mulch and an assortment of fall color. Phase 2 is scheduled for this spring. JC Grounds also put its landscape management expertise to good use
Milwaukee Chapter member, Landworks Inc. in Sussex, WI, who helped the kids work on a conceptual plan for their inner courtyard. The kids call the courtyard the “heartbeat of their school.” It was in need of some work.
WLCA member volunteers from 10 companies rallied together to help the students. Those 10 companies donated labor, equipment and materials. Additionally, 15 other companies also made donations.
Last fall, the kids—with help from Landworks and several landscape materials donor firms—started some phase-1 landscape projects. Those projects included major invasive tree removals, along with the creation of several plant bed areas comprised of native shrubs and perennial species such as viburnum, chokeberry, coneflower, butterfly weed and blackeyed susan. With help from the local carpenters union branch, the kids also built several authentic Aldo Leopold park benches and picnic tables to use in the area.
Other project highlights included:
when a crew helped clean up a section of the popular Danvers Rail Trail. Complaints from trail users over the mounting volume of illegally dumped debris were pouring into city officials. The JC Grounds crew partnered with volunteers from the Danvers Rail Trail Advisory Committee to haul seven truckloads of yard waste, brush, cement, metal pipes and other debris— all in a single day. L a ndscapi ng ser v ices aside, JC G r ou n d s M a n a ge m e nt s u p p or t s ot her i mp or t a nt c au s e s i n ot her ways. For example, Brooksby Village is a Cont i nu i ng Ca re Ret i rement Community providing an active lifestyle for over 1,700 seniors. As a sponsor of the Resident Care Fund and the annual Gala that raises money for the Fund, JC Grounds is helping to ensure that the residents of Brooksby Village have peace of mind and an important safety net. The Fund ensures that if a resident abides by their agreement with Brooksby but runs out of money, they will be able to continue living in the community and receive the care and support they need. greenindustrypros.com
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• Replacing current bark mulch path with a gravel path to make it more wheelchair-accessible • Built garden boxes for edible plantings that the kids will plant next spring • Planted three columnar dwarf apple trees • Rework a pond that had fallen into disrepair • Pruning, tree trimming, weeding, bed edging, topdressing and seeding.
Another cause near and dear to the hearts of JC Grounds employees is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The company partnered with the foundation last fall at its Northshore Out of the Darkness Community Walk. JC Grou nds put a cor porate tea m together to fundraise and participate in the walk in support of the AFSP to aid in research, advocacy and support for those affected by suicide. “We decided to get involved in this specific foundation for a couple of reasons,” says Lindsay Meagher, marketing associate, who has personally been active in the foundation for the past five years. “First, suicide is a prevailing epidemic in the United States. Second, the foundation hits close to home, because as a company we have been directly affected by suicide. We respect and salute any advocates in the prevention of suicide.” Do you have a community service project or other cause you’re especially proud of? Email us at editor@greenindustrypros.com so we can share it with the industry. ❯
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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT New mowers focus on comfort, versatility and affordability Bob-Cat Improves Top-Line Mowers Bob-Cat announces several updates to its top-line commercial zeroturn mowers, the Predator-Pro and ProCat, for 2017. Both mowers now feature the all-new 61-inch DuraDeck XF cutting deck. The mower is 3/4-inches deeper, allowing for more airflow and better dispersal of clippings. The airflow and enhanced baffle system also improve the vacuum and lift of the grass, providing an even better quality of cut. Bob-Cat upgraded the engine on the 61- and 72-inch Predator-Pro models to the Kawasaki FX1000V, providing more horsepower. The ProCat 52-inch mower also increased its engine power, from a Kawasaki FX651V engine to an FX691V engine. Finally, Bob-Cat added smoother controls to the new PredatorPro and ProCat mowers. The updated controls are more intuitive, easier to use and offer precise handling, the company assures. greenindustrypros.com/12170875
Wright’s Sport Intensity Wright Mfg.’s new 36-inch Sport I (Intensity) stand-on/sit-down mower is based upon its larger Stander I model. Key features include: • Fold-away seat positioned so operator can step off for quick exits or to remove debris
Exmark Radius Offered in Three Series Exmark’s new Radius mower is available in three series: E-Series, S-Series and X-Series. Each features a heavy-duty fabricated frame and Exmark’s exclusive Ultra Cut cutting systems in side- or rear-discharge configurations. Daryn Walters, Exmark’s director of marketing, says the Radius was developed to give landscape professionals the company’s renowned productivity, quality of cut and long-term durability in a new value-oriented design that achieves a lower total cost of ownership. Other key product features include: • Large front caster tires and rear drive tires • Isolated floor pan reduces vibration and noise • Seats feature adjustable isolation technology or full suspension, depending on model • Integrated hydro transmissions and maintenance-free sealed bearing blade spindle assemblies reduce maintenance requirements greenindustrypros.com/12245556 or see ad page 7
Toro Titan HD Mowers Toro’s new line of Titan HD zero-turn mowers is available in three model families: the Titan HD 1500 Series, Titan HD 2000 Series, and Titan HD 2500 Series. Toro says these all-new machines are ideal for acreage owners and value-minded landscape contractors who want to get more done with their mowers. To improve productivity, the Titan HD Series features the unique ability to easily attach tools and other accessories to the mower with innovative tool-mounting brackets. This feature allows operators to transport tools around the property, including string trimmers, 5-gallon buckets and other yard tools.
• Operator presence switch on foot platform stops blade and engine • Control levers return to neutral when operator lets go • 18.5-, 19- or 22-hp engine • Top speed of 8.2 mph • Floating Aero-Core deck tilts side-to-side and front-to-back to better follow terrain contours and improve weight distribution for better handling on hills • Deck height can be adjusted “on the fly” in quarter-inch increments
For enhanced operating comfort, the all-new Titan HD platform features an adjustable deluxe suspension seat, isolated floor pan design, deck step guide, easy side and front mower access, and a 12V outlet accompanied by deep storage pockets.
• Progressive elastopolymer bumpers accommodate various operator weights and provide a dampened feel similar to a car
Titan HD mowers are built on a rugged, reliable frame enhanced by Toro’s popular Turbo Force cutting decks.
• Recessed caster wheels reduce turning radius
greenindustrypros.com/12254395 or see ad page 27
greenindustrypros.com/12246814
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Altoz TRX Track Mower Altoz has introduced the TRX, the industry’s first tracked zero-turn mower. TRX provides patent-pending technology for commercial use on sloped, wet and rough terrain. Equipped with rear-mounted tracks and a torsional suspension system, the TRX allows operators to maintain places they can’t effectively or safely cut with a traditional zero-turn mower, Altoz assures.
Grasshopper Model 227V EFI Mower Grasshopper has expanded its compact, economical V-Series with the new Model 227V-EFI. The company says this mower will retain the same durable craftsmanship as all other Grasshopper mowers with features that include: • 12cc pump-and-wheel-motor transmissions
Other key features include: • 11-inch-wide track provides for minimal compaction • Commercial-grade track and run-flat front tires eliminate potential tire damage caused by sharp rocks, glass or debris commonly encountered in vacant lots, roadside ditches and spaces bordering high-traffic areas • Commercial Twin Hydro-Gear ZT-5400 Transmission with High/Low Range • 61- or 66-inch deck • 33-hp Kohler Command Pro EFI or 37-hp Vanguard EFI engine greenindustrypros.com/12267392
• 747-cc Kohler Confidant Electronic Fuel Injection engines (with a limited three-year engine manufacturer warranty) • 5.5-inch, extra-deep decks in 52- and 61-inch cutting widths • Foot-pedal and drop-pin cut height adjustment • Large turf-style drive tires • Fully cushioned Cordura-covered seats with padded armrests Combined with the longest transmission fluid change interval in its class – with no break-in period – self-tensioning belts and no more than five grease points, the V-Series is designed for less maintenance, low cost of operation, extended service life and long-term value. greenindustrypros.com/12269395 or see ad page 2
Kubota Z400-Series Kubota’s new Z400-Series is comprised of three models — the Z411KW-48, Z421KW-54 and Z421KWT-60 — all powered by 22- or 24-hp Kawasaki FS gas engines and either a 48-, 54- or 60-inch deck. “Landscape professionals have been asking Kubota for a 60-inch commercial mower with all the features and performance at a more attractive price, and the Z400-Series is our response to this market demand,” said Tom Vachal, Kubota senior turf product manager. “We call this new series the ‘Kommander Pro’ because it bridges the gap between our residential zero-turn Kommander series and larger commercial Z700-Series.” Key features of the new Z400-Series include:
Altoz XP HD Altoz says its XP HD is a professional-grade, heavy-duty zero-turn mower designed and engineered for lawn professionals and largeacreage homeowners who demand reliability, comfort and a precise cut. Key features include: • Kawasaki, Vanguard EFI or Kohler EFI engine from 27 to 33 hp • 54-, 61- or 66-inch cut width • Exclusive fabricated steel Aero Deck features anti-scalp wheels and fully adjustable baffles to customize the cut for various grass conditions
• Designed to deliver more horsepower to the deck
• Commercial-grade Hydro-Gear ZT 4400 transmissions
• Hydro-Gear commercial ZT3400 transmission • Thick tubular steel frame
• Heavy-duty, I-beam front end provides durability plus enhanced control and handling
• 10-gauge, 5-inch-deep, fully welded deck
• 14-gallon fuel tank
• Kubota’s K-Lift deck height adjustment system requires simple turn of a dial and press of the pedal
• 24-inch rear tires
greenindustrypros.com/12274052
• 12-way adjustable high-back seat with suspension • 11-mph max speed greenindustrypros.com/12275682
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MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT
Ferris F60 Fleet Series The new Ferris F60 Fleet Series mid-mount zero-turn mower is targeted at landscape professionals who need a compact, rugged 36-inch mower in their fleets. A fixed-frame unit, the F60 combines a 10-gauge fabricated steel deck with an array of commercial components, including: • 25-gross-hp Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series or 19-gross-hp Kawasaki FX600V engine • Dual commercial Hydro-Gear ZT-3100 transaxles with 7-inch cooling fans for repelling debris
Husqvarna EFI-Powered Mowers Husqvarna now offers several models of commercial zeroturn mowers powered by electronic fuelinjected (EFI) engines. M-ZT 61. This entry-level mower features a 27-hp Kohler Confidant EFI engine and 61-inch deck. Other key features include an intuitive operator interface, heavy-duty steel frame, and a fabricated steel deck that’s mulch- and collection-capable.
• Foot-operated deck lift with adjustable pedal lets operator change cutting heights from 1.5 to 4.5 inches in 1/4-inch increments
P-ZT 60. Husqvarna says this model is for those wanting commercial quality at an unbeatable value. It features a 26-hp Vanguard EFI engine, 60-inch deck, commercial-duty chassis, heavy-duty front casters, and an open design for easier service.
• Quickremoval floor pan provides convenient access to top of deck
PZ 60. The PZ Series represents Husqvarna’s latest in high-performance drive systems and operator interface. Combined with highproductivity cutting deck designs, these mowers are designed to deliver premium cut quality and clipping dispersal at higher ground speeds. The PZ 60 model is powered by a 31-hp Kohler Command Pro EFI engine and cuts with a 60-inch deck. greenindustrypros.com/12282739 or see ad page 19
• Twin 4-gallon fuel tanks • 20-inch drive tires • Flat-free caster tires
Toro Z Masters Get More Comfortable
• Mid-back adjustable seat with padded arm rests
Toro is incorporating comfort-focused enhancements to its Z Master zero-turn mower line to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity.
• Isolation springs beneath seat greenindustrypros.com/12276524 or see ad page 15
Walker’s Most Powerful Mower Ever Walker Mfg. says its H38i front-mount zero-turn is an exciting addition to the proven Model H family of high-production mowers. It is the most powerful Walker mower featuring 38 horsepower, Delphi fuel injection and impressive torque. This machine is capable of operating all of Walker’s biggest decks and attachments with ease. The H38i features a redesigned rear axle for superior handling at high speeds on rough ground. This, along with a four-way adjustable Grammer suspension seat, provides personalized comfort for enhanced productivity during long mowing shifts. greenindustrypros.com/12283099
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The new Electric Deck Lift Kit is now available on select Z Master models – including the 3000, 5000 and 6000 Series – which allows operators to quickly and easily change the deck cutting height by simply using a foot pedal actuator switch. This lets the operator adjust the deck position with ease, while keeping his or her hands on the drive levers. Created specifically for cutting decks with a width of 48 to 72 inches, the kit features an electronic motor with a lowprofile design. Additionally, seating options have been enhanced for the Z Master product line to increase comfort for landscape contractors who spend multiple hours a day on the mower. The deluxe suspension seat now comes standard on all Z Master 3000 Series mowers. greenindustrypros.com/12289580 or see ad page 27
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SWITCH ATTACHMENTS AND BOOST PROFITS NO MATTER THE SEASON with the all-new GrandStand® MULTI FORCE™ stand-on mower. This maneuverable machine combines the productivity of our proven, low-maintenance GrandStand mower with the ability to add attachments like a 5-foot BOSS® Plow or a Powered Bagger for all-season versatility. Watch for more attachments and accessories coming soon.
AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL TORO DEALER | TORO.COM/GRANDSTAND
© 2017 The Toro Company
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CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Bring on the Biggins
Several manufacturers are introducing their biggest skid steers ever for 2017.
W
e’re only a month in, but 2017 could go down in landscaping histor y as the year of the biggest, baddest skid steers ever. That’s because several leading construction equipment manufacturers have recently introduced their most powerful models to date. The craze for larger skid steer and compact track loaders is driven by the landscaper’s need to get more done in less time. According to Bradley Wenger, New Holland Construction marketing specialist, residential landscaping has been utilizing more loose stone, patio pavers and boulderscaping. That creates a need for larger material-handling machines.
“When a landscape contractor moves up to a larger machine, such as our L234, they will immediately notice the extra horsepower, lift capacity and stability,” Wenger points out. “Larger machines have longer wheelbases to provide great stability when lifting heavy loads, along with the extra horsepower to make sure the job gets done efficiently. Also, when you purchase a smaller-horsepower machine, it may require more operator finesse in order to complete a task without losing engine horsepower.” Benefits aside, there are some things to keep in mind when moving into larger equipment. “Landscape contractors will be faced with a decision on
whether to pay more money for horsepower and lift capacity due to the use of DEF in 75-plus-horsepower machines to meet government emissions regulations,” Wenger explains. “DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) technology has been used in diesel trucks and large tractors for years, so customers should not be afraid of utilizing a machine that requires it. It’s just that the technology costs a bit more money.” But again, the added cost could very well be offset by the extra work these larger machines can tackle in a shorter amount of time. So think about the work you have to do, and ask your dealer how much size and power you need. ❯
New Holland L234 Skid Steer New Holland has introduced its new L234 skid steer, the most powerful in its lineup. Designed to provide superior visibility and stability, the L234 offers the following performance upgrades as compared to the L230 model it is replacing: • Operating Weight – 8,900 pounds (up from 8,735)
• Rated Operating Capacity (50% of tipping load) – 3,400 pounds (up from 3,000) • Bucket Breakout Force – 9,323 pounds (up from 8,620) • Lift Arm Breakout Force – 6,918 pounds (up from 6,350) • Hydraulic Reservoir Capacity – 6 gallons (same as previous model) • Auxiliary Flow (Standard) – 24.2 gpm (same as previous model) • Auxiliary Flow (High) – 37.6 gpm (same as previous model) • Hydraulic System Pressure – 3,450 psi (up from 3,046) Other key features of the new L234 include: • O-Ring Face Sealed (ORFS) hydraulic ports designed to handle higher pressures • Patented Super Boom technology for maximum reach at full height • Flip-forward cab for easier under-cab access • Long wheelbase and low center of gravity • Boom Stop helps preserve boom pivot point life • 90-hp engine designed for easier maintenance greenindustrypros.com/12282628
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JCB LoaderControls Software
Case Construction Equipment introduces the new SV340 skid steer, the company’s most powerful skid steer ever built. This vertical-lift model is rated at 3,400 pounds operating capacity and features a bucket breakout force of 9,531 pounds.
In late 2015, JCB launched myChoice controls, a controls operation software that gives operators the ability to adjust their skid steer travel and loader controls for optimal operation during finer, more precise work to faster, high-duty cycle operation.
The SV340 provides extra power and performance, along with a stronger lift arm, H-link and upper chassis. The machine also offers optional high-flow (38.7 gpm at 3,450 psi) and enhanced high-flow (35 gpm at 4,000 psi) auxiliary hydraulics for excellent power and attachment versatility. Additional enhancements have also been made to manifold valves, the gear pump and the auxiliary loader circuit to allow for added power and performance.
George Chaney, SSL & CTL sales manager at JCB, says that landscape contractors have really welcomed the myChoice controls for a variety of reasons. “The primary reason is that it allows them to customize their machines for the more precise work they need to do near landscape beds, fine grading jobs, etc.,” Chaney explains. “Then they can adjust the controls for heavy lifting work like carrying materials around the jobsite using a bucket (gravel, mulch) or pallet forks (sod).”
The added operating performance — along with new heavy-duty 14 x 17.5 tires and additional counterweights — makes the SV340 ideal for more advanced attachments such as cold planers, tree spades and stump grinders. The skid steer is compatible with more than 250 attachments, including the new Case sectional snow pushers, buckets, forks, brooms, rakes and more.
Another buying trend Chaney is seeing is landscapers going for larger, vertical-lift, high-spec units. These would include options such as JCB’s SRS (Smooth Ride System) which keeps materials in the bucket rather than bouncing out, and a power quick-hitch that allows them to change attachments without leaving the skid steer’s cab.
Case SV340 Skid Steer
greenindustrypros.com/12143600
greenindustrypros.com/12273176
Bobcat S595 Skid-Steer Loader For operators looking for more performance and productivity in a 74-hp skid-steer loader, Bobcat now offers the S595. It boasts the highest rated operating capacity (ROC) of any of its 500-series loaders. Key performance specs include: • Rated operating capacity: 2,200 pounds • Vertical lift path • 74-hp Tier 4 diesel engine • Lift height to hinge pin: 119 inches
John Deere says its large-frame G-Series skid steers (330G, 332G) and compact track loaders (331G, 333G) were inspired by extensive feedback from John Deere customers looking for more productivity, better visibility and simplified service. Key features include: • Refined vertical-lift loader boom design that raises higher, reaches farther and lifts more for quicker and easier loading
• Operating weight: 6,793 pounds • Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 17.1 gpm
• Height to hinge pin is 11 feet
• High-flow option: 26.7 gpm
• New lift path extends an additional 6 inches from the machine
Two-speed travel. A standard feature for the S595 is two-speed travel, with a top speed of 11 mph. The feature allows operators to choose between low and high travel speeds to match the jobsite conditions and tasks. Operators can switch between travel speeds with a simple press of a button. All-day comfort. The pressurized cab features a one-piece seal that goes all the way around the door and fits into a special curved pocket. This minimizes the amount of dirt and dust that might enter the cab. greenindustrypros.com/12282653
John Deere Large-Frame G-Series Loaders
• Horsepower is comparable to a small backhoe or crawler, John Deere assures • Increased rated operating capacities up to 3,700 pounds • Breakout force increased by 40% • Universal Quik-Tatch • All auxiliary hydraulic lines and wiring now routed through the boom where they’re more protected and out of the operator’s sight line greenindustrypros.com/12274888
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LAWN CARE Sprayers & Spreaders The 2017 Triumph Spreader/Sprayer & Spread-Only from PermaGreen The 2017 Triumph Spreader/ Sprayer & Spread-Only from PermaGreen features patentpending BreakThru Agitator System for consistent, clog-free flow of dry materials such as fertilizer, seed and ice melt.
ProLawn Sprayers from Grasshopper Grasshopper says its aerodynamically designed ProLawn shielded sprayers deliver an even spray every time. They apply a constant, accurate balance of small droplets that “stick” to vegetation, achieving greater coverage with less chemicals. Grasshopper says this makes the sprayers the most efficient and cost-effective way to apply liquid fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide and adjuvant, especially for large-acreage applications; cover up to 5.5 acres with one tank Available in 53- or 133-inch widths and 30-gallon capacities, shielded sprayers are compatible with the full line of Grasshopper True ZeroTurn FrontMount and MidMount power units. greenindustrypros.com/10156717 or see ad page 2
Other key features of this year’s models include: • Tighter turning radius • Added traction from wheel weights • Extra-sloped, 150-pound hopper • 12-gallon / 1-acre liquid capacity • 5.5-hp Honda engine • SmartSteer power steering • 100% stainless steel frame • Mechanical hood agitator • Patented articulated frame • Self-centering nozzles greenindustrypros.com/10171195 or see ad page 13
® Chain Saw barS & Chain
Exmark Stand-On Spreader-Sprayer The Exmark Stand-On Spreader-Sprayer features Lean-to-Steer controls, which give the operator one-handed control of steering and forward or reverse speed. When combined with the intuitive control layout, the Lean-to-Steer controls free the operator’s other hand to manage spread or spray system controls, or perform spot spraying with the easy-to-access spray wand.
• saw bars • saw chain • sprockets • springs • starters • carburetors • cylinder assemblies • tools & accessories
1.800.841.3989 for more info! Servicing dealers and distributors only.
Scan with Smartphone to view Copperhead chain saw video series.
Circle 09 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10155905
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Additionally, Exmark says it designed the spray system for maximum versatility, with selectable narrow (up to 5.5 feet) and wide (up to 11 feet) spray nozzles. Dual induction nozzles inside the 20-gallon tank provide aggressive agitation of spray mixtures to keep materials in suspension and deliver maximum spray consistency, even when using wettable powders, Exmark assures. greenindustrypros.com/12135201 or see ad page 7
greenindustrypros.com
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Quiet, Motorless Liquid Chemical Spreader The WS-485 Grounds Wheelie II is the newest sprayer in the Wheel Spray line. It features the popular motorless system for which Wheel Spray Corp. is known. With no batteries or engine noise, these simple sprayers will promote a quiet, low profile for chemical applications. Designed for professional grounds maintenance, the WS-485 delivers chemical applications, which are relatively unchanged by the speed at which the sprayer is pushed. The faster it is pushed, the faster it pumps. When the operator stops, the sprayer stops pumping. The WS-485 is used to apply herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers and the new liquid deicers. The twin wheel pumps spray a fan of solution 6 feet wide at the rate of 1 gallon per 1,000 square feet. It is equipped with large, easy-to-push rubber tires and a heavy gauge steel frame for the 6-gallon tank. The pumping system and the 6-gallon tank are constructed of corrosive-resistant materials. The 6-gallon tank will cover 6,000 square feet and extra 6-gallon tanks are available. greenindustrypros.com/12234602
EarthWay Flex-Select F130S Commercial Spreader The EarthWay Flex-Select models feature interchangeable shut-off trays that can easily and quickly convert the spreader from fertilizer/ granular products to rock salt. Using six stainless steel “lip-edge” vertical agitation pins, the High-Output tray will finally make low application rates of rock salt a reality, resulting in true cost savings that no other spreader can offer, the company assures. greenindustrypros.com/12235051 or see ad page 32
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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Business insurance may be placed through Progressive Specialty Insurance Agency, Inc. with select insurers, which are not affiliated with Progressive, are solely responsible for servicing and claims, and pay the agency commission for policies sold. Prices, coverages, privacy policies and commission rates vary among these insurers.
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LAWN CARE
TurfEx TL-80 and TL-80SS Electric-Powered Sprayers
Graham Spray Equipment 600-Gallon Spray Rig & 300-Gallon Compact Unit Graham Spray Equipment has rolled out its new 600-gallon spray rig and 300-gallon compact unit. These machines are designed to meet the needs of lawn-spray businesses that do not need all of the capacity and features of Graham’s full-scale 600- and 300-gallon spray units. The new 600-gallon spray rig, consisting of the spray equipment and Isuzu truck, retails for $49,900. The 300-gallon compact unit, which fits a 3/4-ton pickup truck and includes wheel-well cutouts, retails for $6,775. In a 10-month season, Graham estimates that the 600-gallon unit can generate $200,000 in revenue, based on spraying twenty 6,000-squarefoot lawns a day at $50 per lawn. greenindustrypros.com/12274896
The TL-80 and TL-80SS electric-powered push sprayers from TurfEx are capable of spraying all liquid solutions. The company says these units provide higher productivity than competitive ground-driven models. • The TL-80 comes with a powder-coated frame, while the TL-80SS features a stainless steel frame • Both sprayers include 12-gallon tanks, which are constructed of lightweight, corrosion-resistant polyethylene • Front-mounted, adjustable-height boomless nozzle is capable of spraying between 48 and 72 inches wide • Professional-duty, variable-tip spray wand on an 8-foot hose • Convenient switch toggles between nozzle and spray wand operation greenindustrypros.com/10611473
Over 9,500 parts for outdoor power equipment!
Call 1.800.841.3989 or visit rotarycorp.com ©2017 Rotary Corporation. Rotary is a registered trademark of Rotary Corporation. Available through servicing dealers & distributors.
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1/27/17 10:07 AM
Stihl SR 430 Backpack Sprayer Stihl says its SR 430 gasoline-powered liquid-only backpack sprayer delivers a large spraying range, reducing the time it takes to treat large areas. Its high-performance pressure pump provides a constant flow of product with no loss of pressure, regardless of the spray angle. While the engine is running, the pump also continuously mixes and agitates the tank contents, delivering a more consistent application of product.
Master Mfg. 200-Gallon Space Saver Sprayer
Stihl says this sprayer is also comfortable to wear, featuring an anti-vibration system, soft rubber grips, and optional chest and hip belt accessory to evenly distribute weight.
Valley Industries has introduced its Master Mfg. 200-gallon space saver sprayer.
• 3.7-gallon container for longer work periods
“The space saver sprayer design is nothing new,” says Pete Gustin, Valley Industries pump application specialist. “But with all the improvements we’ve made to the original Lesco design, operators can expect a whole new level of performance with almost no downtime.”
• 33% larger container opening can be filled easily without spills
Key features include:
Other key features include:
• Throttle trigger traveler limiter gives the operator the option to set the most effective throttle speed for optimal control of power and pressure
• Plastic-coated Comet APS41 triple diaphragm pump with exclusive Duraphragm Technology
• Single-lever control with simple starting procedure
• Innovative hose reel design featuring Hardcore Technology, heavyduty aircraft-grade aluminum with a chain-less and sprocket-less direct drive system and lifetime core warranty
• Oversized Honda GX200 engine
• Three different push-baffle screens allow for adaptable spray patterns and direction • Metering knob delivers five discharge levels to control power with a simple turn
• Forward-facing controls provide easy access to both the pump and the hose reel from one location, while maintaining a driver’s side fill well for easy mixing of chemicals
greenindustrypros.com/12262248 or see ad page 5
greenindustrypros.com/12292867
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Profile Products has introduced Profile Lawn & Landscape, an all-purpose porous ceramic soil conditioner that permanently modifies soil structure for improved growing conditions in flower beds, lawns and containers. One application lasts years and has been proven in a variety of university studies to improve the root zone by adding air- and water-holding capacity in all types of soils, the company assures. The improved soil offers better drainage when conditions are wet and better water-holding capacity during dry conditions.
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ADVERTISERS INDEX EarthWay Products Inc............................32 Exmark Mfg. Co. Inc...................................7 Ferris Mowers..........................................15 Ford Motor Co..........................................36 The Grasshopper Co..................................2 Husqvarna Turf Care...............................19 Kohler........................................................9 PermaGreen Supreme, Inc......................13 Progressive Insurance.............................31 Rotary Corp................................. 30, 32, 35 Stihl Inc......................................................5 Sunbelt Outdoor Products Inc................33 The Toro Company..................................27
Blades • Filters • Belts • Tires • Snow Parts • Equipment • Forestry and much more for all Your Outdoor Power Equipment Needs Circle 13 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10857096
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BUSINESS TIPS
Advice on Managing Cash Flow
3 areas landscapers should focus on – QUICK TIPS from GreenMark Consulting Group
T
wo of the major failure points for small businesses are 1) insufficient cash to pay the bills because of poor sales, and 2) destruction of working capital from unmanaged growth. Don’t kill your dream because the cash box is empty. Managing cash f low is an essential competency of any successful business owner. Cash-on-hand is the lifeblood of a business regardless of whether it is from sales margin, retained earnings or credit. Here are three key areas to focus on in order to keep that cash box full. Inventory is cash collecting dust. Whether you paid cash up front or on credit, all inventory needs to be viewed as unavailable cash. Once it is sitting on a shelf gathering dust, it only provides value after production, billing and payment received. The less inventory you hold, the better your cash position. Make sure you understand minimum replacement levels to prevent work stoppages. When you buy raw materials, the clock starts ticking. The goal is to base inventory purchases and levels on the JIT (Just In Time) demands of customers. • Base purchases on demand, not on a historical schedule. In other words, never order raw materials until a purchase order is prepared on a closed deal. • Increase your “turns” immediately. Make it a high priority to double the number of times you turn over inventory per year. • Order in the smallest lots possible (without sacrificing discounts) and supply your projects with multiple deliveries per week.
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Pay suppliers at either the last possible moment, or immediately. Keep you cash velocity positive by negotiating smart terms with your suppliers. Start with gaining quick-pay discounts with two objectives: the largest discount for the longest period. An example would be a 10% discount for payment within 10 business days instead of 10% for five business days. If the supplier doesn’t offer good discounts, push payments as far out as possible without penalty, such as 45 days instead of 30. Using commercia l credit of ten requires a complex balancing act. In commercial credit, you don’t get full credit for paying on time — you maximize credit by paying before the due date. So keep that in mind. Money owed over 30 days is really a loan. View your accounting department as a source of cash. The quicker you are paid by customers, the less cash you need to hold on hand and/or the less credit you need to use. Establish a process where your staff are on a firstname basis with customers, and where staff have several conversations with customers before the payment due date.
You are not a bank. When customers don’t pay within the agreed terms (usually 30 days), you are loaning them money. That has to stop, and here are some things you can do: • Invoice Accuracy – inaccurate invoices provide the customer a legitimate reason to avoid payment • Invoice Follow-up – establish a follow-up date (5 days after mailing or emailing) to call customers and review the invoice to ensure accuracy and that there are no obstacles to on-time payment • Factoring Your “Loans” – based on historical records, if you have any customers that are habitually late over 45 days, consider selling their accounts receivable (AR) to a factoring company and receive 93% of the total within 24 hours. You cannot survive and grow without cash on hand. Most small businesses are losing 15% of their available cash due to inadequate attention and management. Get cash-f low-positive by reducing inventory, negotiating better terms with fewer suppliers, and bringing accounts receivable to under 30 days. ❯
GreenMark Consulting Group’s unique three-pronged approach to coaching appeals to landscape/snow companies of all shapes and sizes from around the country. Regardless of which phase your company is going through, GreenMark’s offering of Business Toolkits & Virtual Coaching, Live Business Bootcamp Workshops, and Deep-Dive One-on-One Consulting can provide the insights and direction your company needs to thrive. Visit greenmarkgroup.com for more information.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
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greenindustrypros.com
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Times have changed but our commitment to servicing dealers remains the same. When J.D. Harvey started Rotary in a small garage in south Georgia, it marked the beginning of a true American success story.
As a fourth generation family-owned business, we have grown to
become the world’s largest supplier of outdoor power equipment parts with more than 9,500 different items, a 95% fill rate and next day delivery to 80% of the USA. For 60 years, servicing dealers have trusted the Rotary brand. Because
Guaranteed Quality Parts Since 1957.
quality goes in every part, before the Rotary name goes on.
f r e e c a t a l o g f o r s e r v i c i n g d e a l e r s . c a l l 1 . 8 0 0 . 8 4 1 . 3 9 8 9 o r v i s i t r o t a r y c o r p. c o m Š2017 Rotary Corporation. Rotary is a registered trademark of Rotary Corporation. Available through servicing dealers & distributors.
American Owned.
American Proud. Circle 14 on card or visit greenindustrypros.com/10155905
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BECAUSE THERE’S NO UPSIDE TO DOWNTIME. INTRODUCING THE FORD COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CENTER.
When you’re purchasing a vehicle to help drive your business, you don’t want to waste time. Your Ford Commercial Vehicle Center makes the process as efficient as you are, offering trained and certified commercial sales professionals ... as well as priority financing and service for commercial customers. With an expanding network of dealership locations nationwide.
ford.com Shown with optional features and aftermarket equipment.
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