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TABLE OF CONTENTS THE MANAGEMENT RESOURCE FOR LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS AND EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Volume 29, No. 7 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
DEPARTMENTS
6 Through the Grapevine 8 Industry Dirt 24 What’s on My Trailer? 33 Advertisers Index 34 Cutting-Edge Business
10 FEATURES
10 Contractor Profile
Everything to Everyone: A Holistic Approach to Landscaping Park West Companies credits its success to its people and the customer experience they deliver.
12 Dealer Profile
No Half Measures for this Flourishing Family Business From supplier loyalty to customer service and training, Burney True Value Hardware doesn’t do anything halfway.
14 Supplier Profile
24 PRODUCTS
20 Special Focus: Irrigation 25 GIE+EXPO Highlights
A Remote Control for Your Customers’ Lawns LawnGuru provides services for lawn care owner-operators and clients through the touch of a button.
16 Special Focus: Irrigation
Committed to Customers and Water Conservation Massey Services provides customers with a healthy, lush lawn, but also helps promote water conservation that reduces water waste and saves money.
22 Beyond the Blade
Revenue Is Vanity, Profit Is Sanity, but Cash Is King Here are five impactful ways you can increase your team’s financial intelligence and boost your organization’s bottom line.
12 4 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
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THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Pros The Management Resource for Landscape Contractors and Equipment Dealers
Published by AC Business Media Inc.
Working HARD or HARDLY Working?
W
hen I interviewed Sam Ransdell, operations manager of Burney True Value Hardware for the Dealer Profile (Page 12), something he said really struck a chord. He repeated “We don’t do anything halfway” a few times. This expression reminded me of a family motto (except the language used was less polite than Ransdell’s): If you’re going to halfway something, don’t do it at all. This saying always meant to me that, if you’re not going to do your best, the task, project or goal probably isn’t worth doing. After all, who derives any pleasure or sense of achievement from poor performance? I’m sure I’m not the only child who’s heard this suggestion before, but as much as I loathed it back then, it’s how I live my life now. It is this mindset that drives me in overtime, but it is also this mindset that causes me to get carried away, at times, to my own detriment. After reflecting on the first motto, it refreshed my memory of another catchphrase used in my house, which was: Do as I say, not as I do. I know these two sayings seem unrelated, but the fact that I don’t halfway anything typically leads to putting in extra hours, Without disputing the which leads to less time to relax and recharge. fact that time is money, What I want to share with you—whether you’re a workaholic, perfectionist or nine-tothere is still plenty of fiver—is I hope you take the time this holiday science that stresses season to enjoy what matters most to you. I the need for business frequently feel guilty if I take the time to relax when I have an ever-growing to-do list, but this owners and employees is a counterproductive thought pattern. to take a break every You may suffer from this counterproductive now and then. thinking, too, especially if you’re self-employed. After all, time is money. No slouches here. But without disputing the fact that time is money, there is still plenty of science that stresses the need for business owners and employees to take a break every now and then. In fact, these hiatuses can actually enhance your performance when you return to work. According to the American Psychological Association, “To avoid the negative effects of chronic stress and burnout, we need time to replenish and return to our pre-stress level of functioning. This recovery process requires switching off from work by having periods of time when you are neither engaging in work-related activities, nor thinking about work. That’s why it’s critical that you disconnect from time to time, in a way that fits your needs and preferences … When possible, take time off to relax and unwind, so you come back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to perform at your best.” What better time to remind you all of that than now. Don’t let business burn you out over the holidays. Use what time you’re given to recharge. Carrie Mantey (920) 542-1238 It could be just the refresher you need to perform cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com even better in the New Year.
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201 N. Main Street Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 Volume 29, Number 7
ADVERTISIN G
Publisher.............................................................................Deirdre D’Aniello ddaniello@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative.................................................................. Fred Ferris fferris@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative..........................................................Amy Schwandt aschwandt@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative............................................................. Sean Dunphy sdunphy@acbusinessmedia.com Sales Representative............................................................. Nikki Lawson nlawson@acbusinessmedia.com National Automotive Manager ............................................. Tom Lutzke tlutzke@acbusinessmedia.com Vice Chair..................................................................................... Kris Flitcroft kflitcroft@acbusinessmedia.com
EDITORIAL
Editor......................................................................................... Carrie Mantey cmantey@acbusinessmedia.com Graphic Designer....................................................................Dave Haglund dhaglund@acbusinessmedia.com
CIRCU LATION
Audience Development Director........................................Wendy Chady Audience Development Manager.........................................Angela Kelty
PRODU CTION
Senior Production Manager................................................... Cindy Rusch crusch@acbusinessmedia.com AC Business Media Inc. Chairman — Anil Narang President and CEO — Carl Wistreich CFO — JoAnn Breuchel Editorial Director — Greg Udelhofen Digital Operations Manager — Nick Raether Digital Sales Manager — Monique Terrazas Change of Address & Subscriptions — P.O. Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 • Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • 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 & Licensing — Erica Finger (920) 542-1230 • efinger@acbusinessmedia.com . Green Industry Pros [USPS 003-763 and ISSN 2168-121X (print), ISSN 2168-1228 (online)] is published seven 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, P.O. Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605. Canada Post PM40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Green Industry Pros, P.O. 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; and all other countries, $85 per year. All subscriptions payable in U.S. funds, drawn on U.S. bank. Back issues, if available, cost $10 prepaid. 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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INDUSTRY DIRT
Research on Homeowners’ Usage of Lawn and Landscape Services The National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP’s) Industry Growth Initiative commissioned research from Harris Poll to better understand homeowners’ usage of professional lawn and landscape services, and to learn about consumer buying behaviors and perceptions about the industry. The survey was conducted online within the United States between September 28 and October 2, 2017, among 2,171 adults among whom 1,721 have a home with a lawn or landscaping. The data points offer tremendous insight. For instance, the survey found that, of homeowners who hired a professional
over the past 12 months, the following were the top services utilized: • Mowing, 20 percent. • Tree care, 20 percent. • Lawn pest control (e.g., chinch bugs, grubs, moles), 17 percent. • Weed prevention and control, 16 percent. • Irrigation system management/repair, 13 percent. • Landscape maintenance (e.g., mulching, pruning, annual flower planting), 13 percent. • Lawn aeration, 12 percent. • Major landscape installation and/or enhancements, 12 percent.
HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES MANDATORY E-VERIFY The House Judiciary Committee approved by a vote of 20-10 the Legal Workforce Act (HR 3711). This bill, which was introduced by Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA), would require employers to check the work eligibility of all future hires through the E-Verify system. Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, E-Verify checks the social security numbers of newly hired employees against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records to confirm work eligibility. HR 3711 would do the following: • Repeal the current paper-based I-9 requirement and replace it with an electronic work eligibility check, although the bill provides some exceptions. • Phase in mandatory E-Verify use for new hires according to this schedule ... ■ Within six months of enactment for businesses having more than 10,000 employees. ■ Within 12 months for businesses having 500 to 9,999 employees. ■ Within 18 months for businesses having 20 to 499 employees. ■ Within 24 months for businesses having 1 to 19 employees. • Allow employers to use E-Verify to check the work eligibility of current employees as long as they do so in a nondiscriminatory manner, and of all
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• Landscape design, 11 percent. • Seeding/reseeding, 9 percent. • Other services, 7 percent. In assessing primary purchasing drivers, the study found 52 percent of homeowners contract with professionals to help their lawn and landscape look better, 41 percent to save time, 30 percent to enjoy their yard more and 12 percent for the environmental benefits offered by professionals. The survey also looked at why consumers don’t buy from professionals, regional and gender differences in buying behaviors, what marketing materials are most valued and more. greenindustrypros.com/12349495
OTHER TOP NEWS › Robin Goes All in on Robotic Lawn Care and Focuses on Franchising greenindustrypros.com/12381120
› In One Week, 100 Meetings with Congress Regarding H-2B greenindustrypros.com/12380519
› Winterizing Irrigation Systems employees who are in the same geographic location or job category. • Preempt duplicative state laws mandating E-Verify use, but retain the ability of states and localities to condition business licenses on the requirement that the employer use E-Verify. • Incentivize state E-Verify enforcement by allowing states to keep any fees from employers who violate the law. • Grant employers safe harbor from prosecution if they use the E-Verify program in good faith, and through no fault of their own, receive incorrect eligibility confirmation. • Raise penalties on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and create a penalty for individuals (employees or employers) who knowingly submit false information. • Require DHS to conduct at least two pilot programs aimed at using technology within the E-Verify system to help further prevent identity theft in the system. It would also allow individuals to lock their Social Security number to ensure that others do not fraudulently use it. greenindustrypros.com/12379545
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› Landscaping Apps: A New Way to Attract New Customers? greenindustrypros.com/12377174
› Police Investigate Cases of Landscaping
Equipment Theft as Irma Cleanup Continues greenindustrypros.com/12377642
› Be on the Safe Side: SUV Hits Landscaping Trailer, Injures Two Workers greenindustrypros.com/12378017
› Ex-Cop Arrested in ‘Lawn Enforcement’ Yard Care Scheme greenindustrypros.com/12376468
› Portland Moves Ahead with Plan to Ban Most Pesticide greenindustrypros.com/12375709
› Departments of Justice, State to Punish
Companies Favoring Foreign Visa Workers over U.S. Citizens greenindustrypros.com/12374368
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TO PROVE OUT THE TOUGHEST DECK, WE HAD TO FIND THE TOUGHEST CRITICS. You don’t test the strength of a zero-turn on the factory floor — especially not one with the industry-leading triple-7-gauge steel cutting deck. So before launching the PRO Z Series, we gave one to 100 landscapers and asked them to put it through the wringer. After thousands of hours on the job, they proved the PRO Z could handle anything a day of landscaping might throw at it. Visit your local dealer to demo a PRO Z today.
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© 2017 Cub Cadet
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CONTRACTOR PROFILE
By Carrie Mantey
Everything to Everyone: A Holistic Approach to Landscaping
Park West Companies credits its success to its people and the customer experience they deliver.
P
ark West Companies was initially founded four decades ago in southern California. Jim Tracy, CEO of Park West, oversees the business for a client base that ranges from property owners and general contractors to landscape architects, property managers and public agencies. Integrity, professionalism and ethics are and have been the guiding principles of the business since its inception. According to Tracy, “Park West differentiates itself from its competitors not by what it does, but by whom it is. Customers hire Park West for repeat business based on their customer experience and how they are treated.” Not only is it this commitment to its customers that enabled the company to grow over the last 40 years, but also “by behaving in a fiscally conservative manner, and managing and controlling its growth commensurate with its capabilities,” Tracy says. The company covers a large geographical territory, including branches throughout California and a Las Vegas branch. With all of
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that ground to cover and a diverse project portfolio, Park West “utilizes an integrated asset management program with routing and scheduling capabilities,” according to Tracy.
A Holistic Approach
Park West’s corporate headquarters are located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and provide centralized services to the separate operating entities: • Park West Landscape Management, headed by Dustin Kemmerer, which involves typical landscaping maintenance, such as mowing, weeding, trimming, planting, irrigation, light construction and more. • Park West Landscape Construction, headed by Bart Ryder, which executes heavy commercial landscape construction. • Park West Tree Care, headed by Cory Gallagher, which encompasses basic
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tree care, trimming, thinning, removal and more. The collaboration between these separate entities means the company doesn’t have to use subcontractors nearly as often as its competitors—the benefits of that being obvious—consistency, quality, customer buy-in and a unique proposition as a one-stop shop for all landscaping needs. In fact, the leadership partners of each of the entities meet regularly to discuss cooperation, integration of services, and goals and objectives.
Landscape Management
Park West delivers consistent and reliable landscape maintenance services to more than 50 million square feet of property—from parks and homeowners’ associations to condominiums and apartments to regional malls, fivestar resorts and office parks. The team consists of horticulturalists, certified specialists, project supervisors and field labor staff, offering a complete range of landscape maintenance services. The company is no stranger to technology, and implements digital imaging to help achieve its custom-
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As pictured in this cluster of images, Park West Companies delivers landscape maintenance services to more than 50 million square feet of diversified properties, including parks, homeowners’ associations, condominiums, apartments, regional malls, five-star resorts and office parks.
ers’ goals and fulfill their vision, while meeting budget constraints. Tracy notes, “Park West is a very innovative company and utilizes the latest technology to offer first-class digital imaging services, coupled with cost estimating options, that provide its customers with a complete menu approach.” One item on that menu is an agronomic plan that includes proactive plant monitoring for insects or pathogens. The company believes that a complete soil analysis for pre-planting or for determining a treatment plan for existing plants is the basis of a healthy landscape. “Proactive monitoring of plants and soils is imperative for a sustainable landscape environment. Monitoring extends to plant health care, water/drainage management and chemical/fertilization techniques. Park West incorporates these services on every project,” adds Tracy.
Landscape Construction
Park West believes that proper plant installation is one of the most vital elements of a successful landscape, and it’s a belief that’s apparent in the company’s work. The organization prides itself on working with consultants and landscape architects to lay out tree,
shrub and plant material in approved designs and patterns. Tracy also mentions that Park West supports the landscape architectural community by offering pre-construction and designassist services to ensure a mutually beneficial and collaborative process.
Planting Seeds for Growth
In order to boost awareness about Park West’s business, the company utilizes diverse marketing initiatives, including strategic sponsorships and involvement in a variety of community service programs, both of which are frequently the focus of their social media campaigns, generating visibility and allowing the company to connect with the community in meaningful ways. Tracy says, “Park West is a major sponsor of the Honda Center and Anaheim Ducks, and leverages that relationship to include employees and customers. Park West is also actively involved in many community service initiatives, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Pretend City Children’s Museum and Hoag Hospital.” Park West is addressing the labor shortage in the green industry by incorporating some important best practices, including allocating a
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dedicated team devoted to talent acquisition and establishing the Park West Learning Academy to provide a range of training programs for its employees. “Park West has a dedicated talent acquisition and development group that seeks the most talented people in the industry who fit into the Park West culture. The talent development group follows up with offering extensive classroom and on-the-job training, all designed to promote employee growth and advancement. All of this coupled together creates increased employee retention,” elaborates Tracy.
“Park West differentiates itself from its competitors not by what it does, but by whom it is.” - Jim Tracy, Park West When it comes to the future of its business, Tracy proclaims, “Park West is looking forward to sustaining its position and reputation in the green industry. Customers prefer stability, knowing that they can count on Park West to continue providing unmatched and consistent customer experiences.” ›
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DEALER PROFILE
By Carrie Mantey
No HALF MEASURES for this Flourishing Family Business From supplier loyalty to customer service and training, Burney True Value Hardware doesn’t do anything halfway.
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us Burney opened Burney True Value Hardware in 1921 and, upon wanting to exit the business, sold the shop to four of his employees. In the early ‘80s, however, an enterprising young man named S.R. Ransdell eventually bought out those four employees, so by the time his son, Jim Ransdell, graduated with a business major, he was all set to take over the business. In turn, Jim’s son, Sam Ransdell, now operations manager of Burney True Value Hardware, followed in both his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps following college graduation. While Burney True Value Hardware originated in a small location in downtown Aberdeen, North Carolina, the company ultimately expanded into an approximately 15,000-squarefoot location in 1989, according to the third-generation Ransdell. There were some naysayers that warned the family that foot traffic would die down after moving further outside of town, but it was a positive maneuver. In fact, the town of Aberdeen seems to have spread right along with the business so the company can now meet the needs of the ever-growing population on the former outskirts of the town.
Transitioning to a Commercial Enterprise
The next obstacle Burney True Value Hardware wanted to tackle was the commercial landscape market. “Rather than expanding out into new locations and new ventures, we
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decided to make Burney Hardware the best we can, and add on equipment rental and power equipment,” muses Ransdell, which the company did in 2016, adding both STIHL and Scag Power Equipment lines. By altering its inventory to better match the demand of commercial landscape contractors, “We did an incredible amount of STIHL in the first year,” Ransdell admits. “If you look at our history, at Burney Hardware, we don’t do anything halfway.” In fact, when the company brought on the STIHL and Scag commercial lines, it went all in, sending several employees to get trained to STIHL MasterWrench Service bronze and silver levels. One technician even completed the gold level. Because Burney True Value Hardware is a smaller business—currently managing 23 employees—and because the business is quickly growing, Ransdell prefers to maintain a small number of what he considers superior product lines, such as STIHL and Scag. He believes it lets employees get intimately acquainted with each brand and piece of equipment, so they can better pass on their tribal knowledge to customers without getting overwhelmed by a bunch of dime-a-dozen brand names. “STIHL and Scag were major players in helping us get to those commercial clients because before, looking back, there was little we had that the commercial guy would go out of his way to come and get. Like I mentioned, we are a little bit outside of town. But,
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as the community grew out our way, so have the commercial and residential landscapers. Now we offer the service and we offer the product.” According to Ransdell, while the big boxes have volume, Burney True Value Hardware earns its money through service and expertise. He says, “When people come to get their equipment serviced, our main goal is that it’s done right the first time and done right quickly. That’s what keeps people coming back. Like I said, we don’t do anything halfway and that’s why we got a good group of people trained. Burney employees really know what they’re talking about and that’s what helps us really make a difference, and that’s what makes Burney True Value Hardware Burney True Value Hardware.”
The iMow™ Opportunity
Burney’s determination to go above and beyond in all aspects of its business didn’t go unnoticed by STIHL. STIHL offered Burney True Value Hardware the opportunity to sell the iMow™, its first robotic lawn mower, at a time when there were only four dealers in the entire country selling it.
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LEFT: Gus Burney opened Burney True Value Hardware in 1921 in downtown Aberdeen, North Carolina. BELOW: The company expanded into an approximately 15,000-square-foot location in 1989.
As a matter of fact, STIHL offered the company the opportunity to sell the iMow™, its first robotic lawn mower. At the time, there were only four dealerships in the entire country selling it. So employees underwent another training course and the company added another STIHL display to the hardware store. Because the iMow™ venture is so new, Burney True Value Hardware finds education important and is still dispelling myths, such as robotic mowers compete with landscape contractors for business. To counter this last point, Ransdell says that landscapers in the UK purchase robotic mowers to set in customers’ yards to take control of the mowing for as long as their contract lasts with that property owner. This practice permits them to devote their time to other tasks, such as edging or pruning. “It’s kind of like the Roomba [a robotic vacuum cleaner] for your lawn,” Ransdell summarizes. “It charges itself and is simple to install.” Burney True Value Hardware believes
in the product so much it even put the iMow™ to the test against a zero-turn in its own yard, side by side. Ransdell claims that, after about a month, the iMow™ side was visibly healthier. “The grass was greener, it was plusher, it was just a healthier grass,” he emphasizes. And because of its novelty and his excitement, Ransdell can’t help but list some of the iMow’s™ many advantages, including: • It only cuts off about a 16th to an eighth of an inch of grass on each pass because it mows so often. This method encourages a healthier lawn, and thicker, taller and more uniformly cut turf because it’s not scalping the grass by cutting off 2 to 3 inches at a time. • It literally mulches grass (and leaves and pine needles and so on) by mowing and cross-mowing in a random pattern, so there’s nothing to bag (or blow or rake) and no need to dethatch. Additionally, any fertilizer or product that you use on the turf stays on the turf, instead of being rendered useless in a bag of debris. • It goes out on a weekly rotation and, because it knows whether it has an acre or half an acre to cut each week, an algorithm that’s programmed inside it figures how long it must mow each day
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to satisfy the requirement for that day, and in turn, that week. • It compensates for any days lost due to rain, for example. If it rains one day, it makes up the cutting time later in the week. • It is able to avoid running in the rain due to the presence of a rain sensor, although this sensor can also be disabled to allow the iMow™ to continue running in the rain. Some users in Seattle disable this option, for example. • It knows when its batteries are getting low. In that case, it locates and follows a guide wire back to its charging cradle to charge itself up again. Clearly, Burney True Value Hardware has a lot up its sleeve now and in the near future. And in addition to the energy surrounding the opportunity to sell the iMow™, the company just signed papers to open a second location called Seven Lakes True Value Hardware in Seven Lakes, North Carolina—about a 30-minute drive from its current location. The roughly 10,000-square-foot hardware store will not only sell STIHL power equipment, but maybe Scag mowers in the future as well. After all, if the business model isn’t broke, why fix it? ›
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SUPPLIER PROFILE
By Angie Mellor
A Remote Control for Your Customers’ Lawns
Once users download the app, LawnGuru allows them to request, skip, pause or stop services all with the click of a button.
LawnGuru provides services for lawn care owner-operators and clients through the touch of a button.
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ot every million-dollar company can say it all began as a smallbusiness summer job to help pay for college, but for co-founders Brandon Bertrang and Skye Durrant, that’s exactly how LawnGuru began. According to Durrant, the pair kept in touch and swapped business ideas through college. “Partnering again was always in the works. We were both looking for the next thing to do and saw real opportunity.” The duo reconnected in 2013, working with the same concept of lawn care that brought them success before college. “After a few years and a million dollars in sales, we bought out smaller companies and created a standardization of business practices,” Durrant says. “We envisioned a marketplace where we could improve the businesses of owner-operators.” Bertrang and Durrant saw an opportunity to combine the technology of an app with quality customer service. Durrant says LawnGuru offers “convenience, control and transparency for customers. We improve the overall experience for them through communication and picture receipts—modern tools in an experience that has been dated and lackluster for a long time.”
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By May of 2015, the pair launched their first version of the application in iOS format. Durrant describes LawnGuru, an app used to connect lawn care professionals with clients requesting lawn care services as “a remote control to your lawn.” Once users download the app through iTunes or the Google Play Store, it allows them to request, skip, pause or stop services all with the click of a button.
The Technology for Customers
According to LawnGuru.co, setting up service begins by measuring clients’ properties using satellite images to provide standardized pricing based on the square footage of each property. LawnGuru users then set up preferences regarding what type of service they are seeking, what day the service needs to be completed and the frequency of service. From there, users receive text alerts to keep updated on the progress of the work. Once the job is completed, users’ payment cards are charged and they receive a picture receipt. Users are encouraged to provide feedback by rating their provider’s service. Durrant describes the overall customer satis-
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faction rating, saying, “The customer rates [providers] on a one-to-five level, which includes quality of work, communication with the customer and the number of jobs they’ve done.” Durrant recognizes the rise of technology is increasing the demand for apps like LawnGuru. “Today, a lot of people are expecting this level of service,” he says. “Comparatively to what’s out there, our customers see the immediate value.” Durrant also notes that offering lawn care services through an app allows their business to reach a wide audience. “The majority of users are 25- to 45-year-old male homeowners with a dual income,” Durrant says. However, LawnGuru is also capitalizing on the generation gap and securing clients who may not use app technology. “We find kids are more than open to using a service; it allows them to control it. They think it’s great because they communicate with us and their parents.” LawnGuru helps owner-operators get jobs and establish client relationships.
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The Technology for Lawn Care OwnerOperators
can keep track of an existing crew and know where their guys are at all times,” But lawn care customers are Durrant notes. “We also only half of the LawnGuru found that some of our proequation. Lawn care ownerviders are using the service operators who sign up with the to cover their jobs in case of app see tremendous advanany equipment breakdown.” tage over their competition. Providers can also promote “The biggest advantages for customer specials without owner-operators come in with losing any money themselves. marketing, customer support For example, “If a customer Lawn care owner-operators not only select their service area, and billing,” Durrant says. signs up with a referral, the but also pick and choose the jobs that are best for their routes. “The marketing we do for customer receives a discount, owner-operators is reaching out and vetting, a background check and an but the provider is still paid in full selling these jobs to customers, proequipment review before they can and we’re not taking any percentage viding a constant stream of new work begin accepting jobs. “Providers must of that transaction,” Durrant states. they can pick and choose from. They carry liability insurance and uphold Customers also receive perks for get new job alerts, set up a service area, our quality standards through cusbeing long-term users of the app. and then they can pick and choose the tomer ratings,” Durrant states. “When customers sign up for weekly jobs that are best for their routes, proLawnGuru’s quality standards service, they get a 15 percent price cut viding cash flow and route density.” require providers to receive at least a and can schedule their cuts for whenAdditionally, owner-operators four-star rating for each job. “If they ever they’re needed. If their lawns are receive payment for jobs quickly. “As go below four stars, we’re reaching out not growing that fast, they can skip a soon as they complete a job, money to them and letting them know their mowing. That savings can add up to is on the way to the bank,” Durrant performance standards aren’t up to a couple hundred bucks for high-frenotes, “so these guys have their what we’re asking,” Durrant warns. quency users,” Durrant mentions. money after 48 hours. Our provid“They have the chance to improve, ers are paid via direct deposit every but if they continue to have low Where to Go from Here two days for work completed.” ratings, we’re going to remove Currently, LawnGuru exists in seven LawnGuru not only creates new jobs them from the platform and not major metro areas and suburbs, includfor owner-operators, but it also helps allow them to do jobs anymore.” ing Detroit (where it originated), them establish long-term customer For those who uphold the quality Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Atlanta, relationships. The app encourages addithat LawnGuru requires, there are Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. tional services and reminds clients what rewards available. According to While these locations allow for a is needed depending on the season. Durrant, “Top-performing providmuch larger service area, Durrant notes For example, Durrant says, “Right ers are preferred providers. We offer that smaller towns play an impornow, we’re transitioning out of lawn them additional work, throw them tant role as well. “A lot of the work season into fall cleanup and winterizamore leads, and help grow their busicomes from smaller towns and neightion. We send emails to our customers ness and get more jobs on their routes.” borhoods surrounding these larger reminding them of the imporWhile LawnGuru receives a certain areas. While I don’t see us entering tance of leaf cleanup percentage of each transaction (from an isolated town that’s not anchored and winterizing 0 to 20 percent, depending on the job), by a metro area, clients can request their irrigathe app is free and owner-operators the company come to their area.” tion systems.” can add their current client base for no The LawnGuru app is free of charge, During the charge. “If they want to reduce their and can be downloaded from iTunes winter months, billing efforts, they are welcome to add or the Google Play Store. Providers LawnGuru offers a clients. We don’t take any percentage can also sign up with the Get Started snow removal service of jobs for providers’ existing clients,” button at LawnGuru.co/providers. that owner-operators can Durrant says. LawnGuru also provides take advantage of as well. a client relationship management tool Angie Mellor teaches communications A quick application is required and covers credit-card processing fees. and writing classes at Western Technical to become a provider through Additionally, LawnGuru offers College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, while LawnGuru. Applicants go through owner-operators security. “They freelance writing and editing as well.
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SPECIAL FOCUS: IRRIGATION
By Angie Mellor
Committed to Customers and Conservation
WATER Massey Services provides customers with a healthy, lush lawn, but also helps promote water conservation that reduces water waste and saves money.
W
ould landscape contractors be surprised to know that 38 percent of United States homeowners confess that they never water their lawn? However, according to the article, “The Water Short List: The Most Effective Actions U.S. Households Can Take to Curb Water Use,” lawn irrigation uses more water on average than any other residential water-conserving practices, such as taking shorter showers.
Hydrozoning is the practice of dividing the lawn areas from shrub areas and the like, so they can all be watered separately since their water needs differ.
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Landscape irrigation services not only provide customers with Massey’s irrigation service begins with an inspection of the a healthy, lush lawn, customer’s existing system. but also help promote water conservation that tenance service and how important it reduces water waste and saves money. is for the health of the landscape.” Massey Services recognizes the need for Not only can current customers add properly maintained irrigation systems irrigation maintenance services, but and sustainable irrigation practices. they can also expect an ongoing rela“Massey offers residential and tionship with Massey Services. Jones commercial services of pest prevensays, “We focus on recurring service tion, termite protection, landscape rather than just one-time revenue care, irrigation maintenance and opportunities. The majority of irrigamosquito abatement to more than tion companies offer repair service, 500,000 customers,” says Adam but not a recurring maintenance.” Jones, vice president director of Another way Massey stands out quality assurance with Massey. from the competition is by offering “Our irrigation maintenance program free estimates for irrigation mainbecame one of our primary service tenance services. “Our irrigation offerings in 2007. The program commaintenance service begins with an plements our landscape care service, inspection of the existing system. Then which includes lawn, tree and shrub we provide a proposal to bring the care,” Jones notes. “Promoting the system up to proper operating condiirrigation program helps improve tion,” according to Jones. “We believe, customer retention. The diversificain order for the landscape to look its tion had a dramatic impact on the best, it’s important to have an ongoing reduction in customer cancellations irrigation service to ensure the irrigabecause it allows us to control one tion system is operating properly.” of the primary causes of poor land“Once the existing system is operscape performance,” Jones claims. ating properly, Massey proposes Massey Services looks to its current improved system design and compoclient base to promote its irrigation sernents for water efficiency. Our goal is vices. “We focus on communicating to to reduce wasted water, which means our existing landscape customers the we only irrigate the landscape at the importance of irrigation maintenance,” right depth so we don’t underwater Jones says. “This includes the benefits or overwater. We focus on conservof having a recurring irrigation maining this natural resource,” Jones says.
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spiration.” In other words, ET controls allow users to adjust their irrigation system to increase or decrease the frequency of watering based on the weather and ET measurements.
Over 500,000 Satisfied Customers and Growing
Massey’s dive into irrigation permitted the company to control one of the primary causes of poor landscape performance—water management.
Such conservation efforts include hydrozoning, hydraulic modifications, improved controls and awareness of trends in irrigation systems. “Massey’s approach to conservation is achieved through two processes—hydrozoning, meaning we separate the lawn areas from shrub areas and water them separately because their water needs are different, then developing customized landscape design plans and recommending appropriate plants that reduce water needs in the landscape,” mentions Jones. Furthermore, Jones notes the significant trends in irrigation systems. “The first trend is evapotranspiration-based (ET-based) controls, which help reduce unnecessary irrigation cycles and the amount of wasted water. The second trend is retrofitting existing systems with new nozzle technology that has significantly lower precipitation rates.” According to the article “EnergyEfficient Homes: The Irrigation System,” “ET is the rate at which water may be removed from soil and plant surfaces to the atmosphere by a combination of evaporation and tran-
Providing services to more than 500,000 customers from service centers throughout Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and Oklahoma, Massey Services improved its overall customer satisfaction rating with the irrigation program. “When we first launched the irrigation maintenance program, our goal was to cross-sell 5 percent of our existing landscape customer base. Then we increased it to 10 percent when we saw the success of the program,” Jones says. “Today we’re at 19 percent customer penetration of our existing landscape customers and our plan is to continue to improve that penetration. By adding this service to our wheelhouse, it ensures we have more satisfied landscape customers.” Massey Services continues its commitment to customers through values and quality. “Massey Services is rooted in standards. In Florida, we follow the Florida Irrigation Society standards and specifications,” Jones states. “We are also a proud Hunter Industriespreferred partner and the overwhelming majority of our product specifications are Hunter specifications.” Additionally, Massey Services trains its irrigation specialists to focus on the customer experience and emphasizes ongoing professional development. “We don’t necessarily look for people with experience, but instead focus on image and attitude, and then train them on how to do the job,” Jones says. “Our training program includes initial training, followed by ongoing team member development on a weekly, monthly and annual basis.” Jones contends that the customer experience is key to any new landscape contractor looking to work in the irrigation market. “The best advice is to focus
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on building a strong ongoing customer relationship with the intent of recurring service to customers,” he suggests. Customer service isn’t just relegated to customer interactions either. Financial savings are also an added benefit of an efficient and upgraded irrigation system. “Energy-Efficient Homes: The Irrigation System” indicates that homeowners can spend an extra $5 to $25 per month due to a poor or leaking irrigation system because “the average residential irrigation cycle consumes several thousand gallons of water during each irrigation event.” Besides saving customers money, Massey’s irrigation program intends to save water. According to its website, the irrigation service can reduce up to 30 percent of water waste. Jones reinforces Massey’s commitment to conservation by stating, “We are actively working with industry experts and regulatory organizations for continued enhancements that will drive improvements in water conservation.”
“When we first launched the irrigation program, our goal was to cross-sell 5 percent of our existing landscape customer base. Then we increased it to 10 percent when we saw the success of the program.” - Adam Jones, Massey Services Inc. Whether customers are looking to save their landscape, their pocketbook, the environment or all three, an irrigation program from a trusted provider seems to be an all-around great answer. › Angie Mellor teaches communications and writing classes at Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, while freelance writing and editing as well.
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Improve your view of your crew Fleetmatics REVEAL can help you know more so you can make more. With intuitive, easy-to-use dashboards from Fleetmatics REVEALTM , you can combine route information, idle time, driver behavior and other data to get a clearer picture of what’s happening out in the field. Quickly see trends that can help you make decisions to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
See how Fleetmatics REVEAL can help improve your business. Request a demo today. 866.844.2235 | www.fleetmatics.com Visit greenindustrypros.com/10845592
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SPECIAL FOCUS
Irrigation Products Rooting Out Irrigation Dripline Root Intrusion
Dewatering Submersible Pumps for Diverse Applications
Rain Bird recently released its XFS-CV dripline with Copper Shield technology to prevent damage to the dripline from root intrusion. The company says the XFS-CV dripline additionally delivers: • A 4.3-PSI check valve that not only keeps the dripline charged with water in elevation changes of up to 10 feet, but also prevents water from draining out of the dripline at the zone’s lowest points, preventing plants from being overwatered and puddling. • The flexibility to be used in virtually any drip irrigation application— on sloped and level areas, and above ground and below.
Yamaha Motor designed the SP20E line of dewatering electric submersible water pumps for multipurpose use with utility in both commercial and residential projects. The SP20E, SP20ET and SP20ESM also provide: • The capacity to pump up to 79 gallons per minute or 4,740 gallons per hour through a 2-inch outlet for quick and easy dewatering.
• Copper Shield technology to protect the emitters from root intrusion without the use of harsh chemicals or treated filters.
• A durable cast iron design on the SP20E and SP20ET models to handle heavy usage and tough applications, while the SP20ESM offers a more compact design, and incorporates an impeller and casing manufactured from a blended rubber compound for maximum wear resistance—up to three times over cast iron.
• Water conservation by eliminating the need to recharge the dripline at the beginning of each watering cycle.
• A unique design on the SP20ESM that allows for vertical or horizontal discharge applications.
• Dual-layered flexible tubing that resists chemicals and ultraviolet damage.
• Quick and simple drainage.
• Uniform irrigation of all plants in the drip zone.
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• A light weight of 24 to 33 pounds to ease transport and storage. greenindustrypros.com/12324202
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SPECIAL FOCUS
In Complete Control of Your Irrigation System and Water Usage Hydro-Rain presents the HRC 400 Wi-Fi as an easy-to-program controller with the remote capabilities of Wi-Fi. Ideal for replacement applications, according to the company, the HRC 400 Wi-Fi is further highlighted by:
Camouflage Your Irrigation Tubing Salco now offers highly flexible 1/4-inch polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride tubing in brown. Features include: • Acceptance of 1/4-inch barb fittings, as well as the company’s barb emitters, available in many flow options. • A brown color that better matches mulch and is less visible. • Availability in 100- or 1,000-foot rolls. greenindustrypros.com/12381603
• The flexibility to use Bluetooth on your phone to set up the controller or the intuitive interface to program the controller for locations without Wi-Fi. • The convenience to set up the schedule or let the controller do it for you with an integrated catch cup application built into the controller app. • Cycle and soak watering to prevent runoff, and provide optimal watering options for different soil types, slopes and plants. • A multi-site management feature for site managers and professionals to access all of their HRC 400 Wi-Fi connected controllers from their phone—pick the controller you need to connect with, and you have the controls without driving to job sites to change a run time or watering day. • A weather feed that can automatically adjust watering to prevent water waste. • Availability in eight and 16 stations to cover most residential and light commercial applications. • EPA Watersense certification as smart programming can save up to 50 percent on water usage. greenindustrypros.com/12382565
Featuring a durable build and innovative designs, our professional-grade mini skid steers are equipped with everything you need to get the job done with the quality you expect. By the end of the work day, they’ll be more than machines—they’ll be part of the crew.
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BEYOND THE BLADE
You don’t have to be a certified public accountant or professional bookkeeper to know the value of numbers in running a business.
By Mike Eisenhuth
REVENUE Is Vanity, PROFIT Is Sanity, but CASH Is King
Here are five impactful ways you can increase your team’s financial intelligence and boost your organization’s bottom line.
I
s it comforting to know CEOs and top managers of some of the most successful businesses struggle to understand basic accounting principles? Playing the numbers game is a privilege reserved for certified public accountants (CPAs) and other people whose job it is to do so—or so conventional thought tells us. In truth, your business’ finances matter a great deal to many people both within and outside of it, individuals who do not have accounting degrees or formal financial training, but who depend on the success of your business from day to day, month to month, quarter to quarter and year to year. Being able to speak a common language about finances is critical to the growth and continued health of your business. It is important to have a means of reporting, analyzing and interpreting the data in ways that make sense to everyone invested in its operations. Here are five impactful ways you can increase your team’s financial intelligence and boost your organization’s bottom line.
understanding of the science behind landscaping, such as pH levels, soil composition, and the impact of weather on specific plant life and building materials. Did you know the finances associated with your landscaping business are also equal parts art and science? Rarely in accounting are the numbers as black and white as they appear on the page or computer screen. It’s important to be both an artist and a scientist when looking at the financial state of your business so you always know how much money it has at its disposal on a given day to fund operations, pay down debt and invest in growth.
2. Make Reasonable Assumptions
Financial intelligence may require you to be one part artist and one part scientist, but managing your company’s finances requires level-headedness and a practical approach. Unlike the artist painting on canvas, it cannot be haphazard or spontaneous. Poor financial decisions or premature judgments about the state of your company’s finances can adversely and dramatically affect its profits. Additionally, they can negatively impact budgets, capital expenditures, staffing, operational matters, and many other tangible and intangible areas of your business. Making reasonable assumptions about the financial state of your business is critical. It shows forethought and care, which results in greater stability and profitability.
1. Embrace Dual Personalities
Landscaping is an art. It takes a keen eye and skilled hands to bring the customer’s vision to life. It also requires a deep
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3. Get Honest about Profits
5. Be Predictive and Proactive
Profit is not the same as cash. But why? First and foremost, profit is based on promises of money coming in, not the actual inflow of money. Profits are not real money, but only a representation of current situations in the business. Cash, on the other hand, can represent current, historic and future situations related to the business. A good rule of thumb when determining the difference between profit and cash is this: Cash flow always reflects cash transactions. If a transaction does not involve the physical exchange of cash, it cannot be considered available cash.
Virtually all of the obstacles that threaten the vitality, longevity and profitability of your business can be mitigated and even overcome simply by planning and thinking ahead. One of the best tools for predictive thinking and strategizing is the cash flow forecast. Like much of the accounting for your business, cash flow forecasting is not an exact science. While the data on the cash flow statement plays an integral role in determining the predictions you make about future performance, it is only part of the equation. Estimates and assumptions based upon past and current data, external events and market trends are also essential for developing a cash flow forecast that accounts for all the realities and potential realities your business is facing or could face. You don’t have to be a CPA or professional bookkeeper to know the value of numbers in running a business. Keeping a level head and a critical eye when scrutinizing the numbers, and taking measures to consistently preserve cash flow are essential for the continued health and growth of your business. What predictions can be made about your company’s financial future simply by analyzing the current numbers in your business and making reasonable assumptions? What other immediate measures can you take that can give you the most accurate picture of your business’ performance? ›
4. Prioritize Cash Flow
As a success coach, Mike Eisenhuth works closely with the success coaching team to deliver products and services to the LandOpt network of contractors. This includes providing the coaching, training and mentoring support necessary to guide each contractor from the initial kick-off phase through the transformation process. This includes, but is not limited to, weekly performance and accountability report (PAR) calls, monthly site visits and role-specific training in the Pittsburgh training center. Well-suited for this role because of his background in sales, Eisenhuth previously served as an Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch manager, and a retail sales representative for a Pittsburgh-area sales and marketing firm in the food industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications studies from West Virginia University.
You’ve heard it before: Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is king. Cash is especially critical in small businesses and proprietorships, because these entities are at the highest risk of failing due to cash shortages. Long ago, people bartered for goods and services by exchanging items of value. These days, money represents items of value, but the principle of trade is still relevant. At times, it is vital to preserve as much available cash as possible to sustain the business. This makes prioritizing cash flow a non-negotiable if you hope for your business to come out of the other side of unforeseen circumstances, economic downturns, and delinquent and non-paying customers unscathed. Preserving valuable cash also ensures you can maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, all of whom are trying to preserve their own available cash.
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WHAT’S ON MY TRAILER?
By Carrie Mantey
Branching Out in the Triangle Because Rantos Maintenance continues to thrive and grow, so must its range of equipment and trailer inventory.
C
urrent owner Corey Yarborough purchased Rantos Maintenance from his grandfather Bennie Torian in 2015 after realizing they shared the same passion for business ownership and delivering quality service. Although Torian established the company more than 35 years ago to primarily focus on the triangle area of North Carolina—which includes Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh—the landscaping company is growing and covering more ground, including smaller towns and suburbs surrounding the triangle. Rantos is also diversifying its cli-
Company Name: Rantos Maintenance Owner: Corey Yarborough Location: Durham, North Carolina Years in Business: Over 35 years Geographical Coverage: Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Pittsboro, Apex, Cary, Hillsborough and Knightdale, North Carolina Type of Clients: Homeowners’ associations and commercial properties Services Rendered: Landscape management, hardscaping, irrigation and snow removal
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entele from a focus on homeowners’ associations to other types of commercial properties. With its continued growth, the company is offering its customers more options to suit their landscaping needs as well, such as landscape management, hardscaping, irrigation, drainage, snow removal and holiday décor installations. According to Yarborough, “My viewpoint is to master what you do best, then use that knowledge and experience to diversify thereafter.” When it comes to servicing all these new areas and customers, Yarborough insists on equipping his trailers with John Deere zero-turn mowers and stand-on mowers for reliability. He says he appreciates John Deere’s commitment to standing behind its equipment. Plus, he says, “The 54-inch zero-turns allow the crews to get a lot of square footage done fast, while giving them the ability to get in and out of some tight spaces.” In addition to the zero-turn and stand-on mowers, each of Rantos’ trailers hold a 22-inch Honda push mower, two string trimmers, one stick edger, two sets of pruners, three backpack blowers and a chainsaw.
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The company mainly runs STIHL handheld equipment. Yarborough admits that his grandfather raised him on the brand, but he also finds the equipment “strong and dependable. Nothing runs like a STIHL.” Although he stocks both, Yarborough prefers stand-on mowers to walkbehinds not only because he thinks they’re more productive, but also because a stand-on mower can function as a walk-behind if the situation calls for it. Regardless, Yarborough says of his trailer inventory, “We found this equipment lineup to best suit the different array of properties we service.” He concludes, “All of the equipment I mentioned is essential to the equation. That’s what is beautiful about the green industry: it’s a collection of people with different skill sets working together to create beautiful scenery. It’s the same with the equipment. A mower is just a mower, but when an edger, weed trimmer and blower are introduced to the equation, then you make your customers’ vision become a reality.” ›
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GIE+EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
A New Generation of Spreaders
Grasshopper’s Most Powerful Diesel Mower
Ecolawn Applicator unveiled the New Generation ECO 600 topdresser attachment with a power take-off drive, precise zero-turn technology, great visibility with frontal discharge, and counterweight mechanisms for better weight distribution and stability. The topdresser also offers: • The ability to handle heavier products without sacrificing maneuverability or ease of operation.
The Grasshopper Company designed the 900D 1.3L Max-Torque diesel mower to be the most powerful diesel mower in its product lineup. The company says the mower boasts:
• Compatibility with compost, sand, soil or a custom blend application to existing turf.
• A Tier 4 Final-compliant, 1.3-liter, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine that delivers high-torque power, while producing fewer emissions than gasoline or propane thanks to an advanced combustion system that requires no diesel exhaust emissions systems to maintain.
• A hopper with 22 cubic feet of capacity. • An out-front design that allows professionals to broadcast bulk material in a 180-degree arc, making topdressing quick, smooth and effortless.
• Uninterrupted mowing, even in lush, overgrown conditions, due to the torque of the diesel engine. • Fuel consumption that’s reduced by almost half as a result of a fuel-efficient engine.
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• Availability of a 61- or 72-inch Duramax deck powered with a splined power take-off shaft. • Grasshopper’s PowerFold electric deck lift to not only adjust the deck cutting height, but also rotate the deck to a near vertical position with the flip of a switch for easy underside cleaning and blade replacement. • A QuikConverter implement system to add turf renovation, debris management and snow removal implements for year-round productivity. • A combination electronic fuel gauge and digital hour meter. • LED lights and two USB charging ports. • QuikAjust Tilt dual steering levers. greenindustrypros.com/12368440
New Landscape Business Management Software on the Horizon
Safe and Productive Pruning@Height The Bahco Pruning@Height modular, customized system from SNA Europe makes pruning trees and hard-to-reach shrubbery safer, while improving productivity. The company says the system delivers: • An extended reach to keep users safely on the ground, reducing the need to use a ladder or stretch users from a ladder to reach a branch.
Aspire released Version 4.0 of its landscape business management software for the green and snow industries. According to the company, Version 4.0 of the fully integrated cloudbased mobile software application has more features than ever to help green and snow companies improve profitability and grow. These features include:
• Japanese toothing to enhance the cut on the pull stroke, requiring less energy from users and more control over each stroke of the saw. • Blades with induction-hardened tooth tips that stay sharper up to eight times longer than re-sharpened blades. • Strong, lightweight aluminum base poles that connect into each other with an easy safe-screw connection, giving users a reach of more than 23 feet. • A short, lightweight aluminum extension pole, extendible from 43 to 82 inches, for tree climbers and rope-assisted tree care.
• A smartphone site walk app. • Equipment management. • American Institute of Architects information.
• A suspension ring on the short telescopic pole and built-in carabiner holes on the pole saws to prevent accidental drops.
• Snow subcontractor management.
• Comfort during use due to even pressure throughout the handle.
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GIE+EXPO HIGHLIGHTS
Clearing about an Acre of Brush per Hour Little Wonder’s BRC-26 Hydro brush cutter comes with a hydrostatic drive with clutchless variable operating speeds—as fast as 4.2 miles per hour driving forward and 1.7 miles per hour in reverse— which makes it easy to adapt to changing work-site conditions. The brush cutter additionally offers: • The ability to instantly adjust speed without shifting gears. • Suitability for a variety of vegetation, including weeds, heavy brush and dense vegetation, clearing about an acre of brush per hour. • The capacity to handle heavy, thick brush and trees up to 2 inches thick and 5 feet high. • Solid rods to connect the transmission, park brake and blade clutch, eliminating the risk of branches breaking cables.
The First Ride-On Rough-Terrain Mower with Remote Control AS-Motor recently released the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC—the first rideon rough-terrain mower that can be operated using a professional remote control transmitter with a range of 300 yards—in the American market. According to the company, the Sherpa RC also delivers: • The capacity to tackle tough mowing jobs—no matter the conditions.
• A wraparound hand guard to shield operators’ hands. • A speed limiter dial to set the maximum speed for the conditions while on the go.
• The ability to mow dangerous areas at a safe distance, and without direct exposure to noise or exhaust fumes.
• A parking break for secured footing on slopes and hills.
• Suitability for slopes and loose soil, under trees and bushes, along hedges, in the vicinity of stinging nettle or insects, and in rain or bad weather.
• A steel push bar in front of the unit to easily knock down saplings. greenindustrypros.com/12374914
• Compatibility with high grass and brush in rough terrain. greenindustrypros.com/12373683
Fast Pruning in Confined Spaces
New Line of New Holland Excavators New Holland unveiled its new full line of compact excavators, ranging from 1.7 to 6.0 metric tons, including the E17C, E26C, E33C, E37C, E57C and E60C. The company says all models are highlighted by: • Extended-life components, liquid-cooled Tier 4 Final-compliant diesel engines and lower noise levels. • An auto shift travel system that automatically downshifts to increase torque when load is sensed and upshifts once load is no longer sensed. • Auto-idling when the operator does not give input to the control handles and return-to-throttle setting when the operator moves the stick. • An engine start limit system that requires a passcode to start the engine for anti-theft functionality and the ability to manually set the time between engine starts. • Optimal ground clearance and dozer blade lift height. greenindustrypros.com/12375783
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SNA Europe designed its Bahco lightweight electric secateurs for fast pruning in confined spaces. All Bahco pruning tools not only provide comfort during use by spreading pressure evenly throughout the handle, but also the right cutting head for each job by adapting the pruner to the power of your hand. Furthermore, BAHCO pruning tools are guaranteed for life against material defects and workmanship, plus all parts are replaceable. More specifically: • The BCL21 electric secateurs come with a cutting diameter up to 35 mm, weigh just 680 grams and give users up to 10,000 cuts on a single lithium-ion battery charge. The BCL21 offers three cutting settings as well, including a fast progressive with half-opening mode, which saves time cutting small branches. • The BCL22 electric secateurs provide the performance needed for heavy pruning on larger branches with a cutting diameter of up to 45 mm. The tool weighs 860 grams, and comes with a comfortable grip for both right- and left-handed users. The BLC22 comes with four cutting options, with progressive cut available at both halfand full-blade opening. greenindustrypros.com/12374907
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A Rugged Mower Deck that Delivers a Manicured Cut According to Schiller Grounds Care, its new BOB-CAT commercial AirFX cutting system provides a better quality of cut and more uniform dispersal of clippings for commercial cutters who demand a rugged mower deck that delivers a manicured cut. Features include:
Insecticide Application at Any Stage of Plant Development Bayer Environmental Science launched Altus insecticide for use in landscape ornamentals. The company says Altus offers flexibility by controlling sucking pests before, during and after bloom, so users can apply the insecticide at any stage of plant development. The insecticide also provides: • Broad-spectrum control of important sucking pests, including whiteflies, aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, psyllids, and scale and lace bugs.
• An effective cutting chamber and better air flow under the deck for more efficient grass cutting, processing and discharge.
• Compatibility with honeybees, bumblebees and many beneficials.
• A 5-1/2-inch-deep profile deck for improved vacuum and grass processing.
• Systemic and translaminar protection of existing and new plant growth.
• Gapped baffles to create more efficient air flow, resulting in better clipping dispersal, less clumping and improved deck cleanliness.
• EPA classification as a reduced-risk product.
• A bull nose design that allows grass to spring back up before it reaches the cutting chamber for a cleaner cut. • Compatibility with 52- and 61-inch ProCat and Predator-Pro commercial zero-turn mowers.
• Complementary use in conjunction with integrated pest management programs. greenindustrypros.com/12373658
• Durability due to a dual 10-gauge steel top deck, 10-gauge steel bolt-on baffles, and three-gauge steel leading and trim edges. • A limited lifetime warranty. greenindustrypros.com/12375778
Committed to the Cut.™
WE DON’T JUST PURSUE PERFECTION.
we ride it.
As contractors, we have a simple professional philosophy—if we sacrifice quality, we sacrifice business. We stake our reputation on the beauty of our customers’ turf, so it has to be perfect. And if it has to be perfect, it has to be Grasshopper. www.grasshoppermower.com
Freddy & Cathey Daughtrey Owners, Daughtrey Lawn Maintenance Grasshopper Customers 32 years and counting ©2017 The Grasshopper Company
Visit greenindustrypros.com/10155935
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The First Robotic Lawn Mower from STIHL STIHL says its iMow RMI 422 P and RMI 632 P deliver a beautifully manicured lawn with little to no effort by quietly and efficiently mowing lawns for you. These smart mowers are also highlighted by: • The ability to automatically mow on a regular basis, while handling thick, rough grass and slopes up to 24 degrees with the RMI 632 P and 22 degrees with the RMI 422 P. • The power to handle from a 1/4 acre to an acre with a doublesided steel blade and adjustable cutting heights.
• Automatic charging due to an intelligent charging system that finds the optimal balance between getting the job done and maintaining charge by automatically returning the iMow its station and charging it at the optimal charge rate. • Mulching mower functionality, which generates less dust than a traditional mower, returns nutrients and moisture back to the soil for a healthier lawn, and is beneficial for air quality.
Cub Cadet designed the new PRO HW Hydro walk-behind mower with direct feedback from landscapers across the country. The PRO HW Hydro provides:
• Availability in 36-, 48- and 54-inch cutting widths. • Easy-Trac Steering technology for smooth steering with hand lever controls, which require less force to steer, along with single-lever cruise control and straight-line adjustable tracking with fingertip control. • Infinite speed control to match user preferences. • Stability on hillsides and slopes. • A higher clearance and weight balance to easily maneuver forward or reverse over curbs.
• Less maintenance as the pre-filter and filter can run for up to 50 hours before requiring cleaning.
• An integrated e-governor that immediately adjusts the engine power-to-load for maximum cutting power at higher speeds, cleaner mowing when used on heavy turf and minimizing re-cuts. • Protection of the sealed electronic control unit to prevent exposure to weather, dirt and vibration. • An open-loop design to avoid the need for an oxygen sensor.
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• A high-efficiency air-intake system that not only uses centrifugal air movement to move heavy grass, dust and debris away from the air filter, but also ejects accumulated debris out of the engine through a duckbill debris ejection valve, leaving only fine dust behind, which is easily trapped in the filter.
• Easy removal of grass entering the cooling air path system through large clean-out ports.
• A fixed floating 10-gauge deck with 7-gauge steel top and bottom reinforcements.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
Reduced Engine Maintenance and Improved Performance Kawasaki Motors introduces the FT730V-EFI engine with vortical air filtration (VAF), an air-intake methodology that combats many ongoing issues lawn care professionals face. According to the company, this combination delivers:
Walk-Behind Mower Designed with Pros in Mind
• A fully welded front axle to increase stress tolerance.
• The ability to hug slopes with fewer worries about loss of control and oil starvation. • Reduced emissions and noise.
greenindustrypros.com/12379030
• Sealed spindle assemblies with single-row ball bearings that are maintenance-free for the life of the spindle.
• A low-slung, wide stance with the battery packs hovering only 8 inches above the ground to achieve a low center of gravity compared to gas-powered walk-behinds.
greenindustrypros.com/12377999
• Auto-adjust capability so, whether mowing is manually skipped or delayed due to weather, the iMow compensates, making up lost time later in the week.
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The ReVolt, an all-electric 48-/52-inch cut dual-drive walk-behind commercial mower, is the latest mower from Mean Green Products. According to the company, features include: • The ability to easily get commercial lawn care contractors through a full day of mowing on one charge.
• Quiet operation for flexibility of early-morning or nighttime use, ideal for noise-sensitive areas.
28 GREEN INDUSTRY PROS
Revolting against the Routine Mower
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A New Generation of Stander Mowers Wright Manufacturing presents its Stander X Gen 2 mower with more than a dozen new features, some of which include: • An 8-gallon fuel tank for 45 percent more capacity.
Stand-On Aerator Raises the Bar for Intelligence and Maneuverability
• A push-button deck-height adjustment lever. • A 3-inch wider platform. • No seat, seat belts or arm rests, so you can step off to make a quick exit or pick up debris.
Exmark introduces its 24-inch stand-on aerator to increase the productivity and efficiency of lawn care professionals aerating smaller properties. The company says the compact aerator offers:
• A low center of gravity and large wheels to optimize stability, even on hillsides.
• The ability to aerate more properties in less time compared to a traditional 21-inch walk-behind aerator.
• Availability of AERO CORE deck widths of 48, 52 and 61 inches, and engines ranging from 22 to 24 HP.
• A compact design that can easily fit through 36-inch gates.
• More sealed connections in the wiring harness.
• Infinite speed control up to 6.8 MPH.
• Redundant circuity in the power takeoff switch.
• Reduced horsepower requirements due to the increased efficiency of the hydro drive system.
• A sealed platform switch for greater reliability. • Long-life sealed wheel bearings.
• A smart controller to track machine hours and transmit maintenance reminders, while also providing a clear LCD screen, advanced settings and service resets. • Electronic tine depth control to ease the tool-less adjustment of core depth from 0.5 to 5 inches in half-inch increments for consistent core depth throughout a property.
• A larger muffler with an engine guard. • A visible hydro oil cover. • Easy access to the hydro oil filter. greenindustrypros.com/12379434
• A foot-activated hydraulic tine control to free operators’ hands to control the machine. greenindustrypros.com/12379038
Briggs & Stratton developed an Internet of Things device and web-based platform for businesses seeking to monitor equipment and crews to reduce downtime and drive revenue. According to the company, InfoHub for Commercial Turf boasts:
THE PARTS DEMANDED BY OUTDOOR PROFESSIONALS EVERYWHERE.
60 years
• The ability to monitor equipment maintenance needs, crews and an entire fleet, regardless of engine or mower brands.
• The capability to understand profitability and productivity by crews and jobs. • Route optimization based on crew location, efficiency and availability, making it easier to add customers and routes.
• 60 yea ice
• The intelligence to better schedule jobs, prepare bids, and even deploy crews and equipment, all in real time.
BECOME A SUNBELT RESELLER TODAY! CALL 1-800-438-0660
• The flexibility to be installed on any gaspowered engine with a spark plug and battery. greenindustrypros.com/12381912
WITH QUALITY, SELECTION AND PRICING THAT WILL BUILD REPEAT CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
Visit greenindustrypros.com/10857096
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gs & serv vin
alue, sa lt v
f sunbe rs o
Solving Your Resource Management Problem
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Zero-Turn Takes on All Seasons Altoz introduces a utility plow ideal for moving snow or lightdensity aggregate, and a spreader for easy application of light rock salt, grit, fertilizers and other fine materials for its TRX tracked zero-turn mower. Already a workhorse used for clearing and reclaiming property, and for cutting grass, weeds and light brush, the TRX can be equipped to take on even more tasks in all seasons, increasing its return on investment. More specifically: • The utility plow offers all-steel construction; a 7-gauge trip frame superstructure with an adjustable 72-inch moldboard and 48-inch trip frame; a responsive, quick hydraulic speed for lift, lower and angle control; one-hand control; and a custom 2-inch receiver hitch for easy mounting. • The spreader delivers a capacity of 3 cubic feet or 180 pounds; a 10-inch steel spinner with an adjustable spreading width from 4 to 20 feet; construction from high-density ultraviolet-protected polymer; a modular steel frame; and a 12-volt DC direct-drive motor. greenindustrypros.com/12380740
Tackling Tasks Typically Suited for Traditional Skid-Steer Loaders Ditch Witch designed the SK1550, the company’s largest and most powerful mini skid steer, to conquer a variety of complex landscape and irrigation projects. The mini skid steer additionally provides: • A 44-HP Tier 4 Yanmar diesel engine that directs 34.5 HP to the attachment, allowing it to complete tasks typically suited for traditional skid steer loaders, including tree handling and sod transfer. • A 1,558-pound-rated operating capacity to lift heavier loads. • A 4.7-MPH ground drive speed for increased job-site cycle times. • A durable design that provides a smooth ride and optimal maneuverability on rough terrains. • Dual-lever ground drive controls, allowing the operator to independently control each track for precise mobility. • A 332-square-inch ergonomic operator platform. greenindustrypros.com/12380348
A More Professional Outdoor Vacuum The MV and KV leaf and debris vacuum lineup from Billy Goat now includes an optional Briggs & Stratton Professional Series engine. From residential and smaller commercial to large commercial leaf and debris cleanup, these outdoor vacuums boast high suction power with a debris-reducing serrated impeller, plus the flexibility to be operated on turf or hard surfaces. More specifically:
jthomasparts.com | 800.828.7980
• The multi-use commercial MV Series features a 29-inch gobbler door that adjusts from the operator’s position for convenient switching between hard surface, turf or hose applications, while a micro adjustable crank-style height control simplifies the transition between turf and hard surfaces. The top-loading, 40-gallon bag holds up to 50 pounds of debris, and its unique top-fill design not only ensures optimum fill, but also helps keep dust out of the operator’s face. Moreover, the composite housing components, which don’t rust or dent, are abrasion-resistant.
Thinking snow?Think JThomas! We help you find the parts, fix your equipment and go back to work fast! JThomas offers over 7000 replacement parts & accessories, monthly savings online, and free freight on online orders over $50. Don’t wait...call today!
• The 27-inch-wide KV Series vacuum, designed for residential or smaller commercial cleanup, offers variable-height adjustment for turf or hard surface work. Furthermore, 12-inch tires on the push unit and rear-wheel drive on the self-propelled unit make operation simple even in hilly turf areas. An optimized nozzle configuration improves suction and debris flow, while handling hedge clippings with ease. The zipperless bag eases unloading.
Call and ask for your copy of the JThomas Snow catalog!
greenindustrypros.com/12381903
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Carbureted V-Twin Engines Built for Zero-Turn Mowers Yamaha Motor recently unveiled its MX825V and MX800V carbureted V-twin engines for the lawn and garden market. Purpose-built to optimize performance for zero-turn-radius (ZTR) lawn mowers, according to the company, these engines are further highlighted by: • High fuel efficiency, without sacrificing performance, to increase ZTR run time. • Power and torque curves for a smooth, even cut with consistent speeds, even in difficult high-grass conditions.
Consistent Aeration Core Depths Regardless of Terrain
• Advanced sound engineering technology to reduce vibration and noise, maximizing user comfort.
The Toro Company designed its 24-inch stand-on aerator to fit through a standard 36-inch gate to make quick work of any small or large aeration project. Built for the productivity demands of the busy landscape contractor, the aerator also offers: • The power and hydraulics to ensure consistent core depths regardless of terrain.
• An optional stainless steel muffler that is also tuned for optimal sound and performance, additionally improving operator comfort. greenindustrypros.com/12380350
• A hydraulic valve to adjust operator weight and electronic depth control to maximize the power to aerate—once put into action, operators notice consistent plug depths of up to 5 inches in length. • Grounds speeds of up to 6.5 MPH. • An intuitive smart controller, so all necessary functions are at the operator’s fingertips, including depth control highlighted by a supervisor maximum depth lockout, maintenance reminders and tine activation lockout.
Experience the ELECTRIC Mower Advantage!
• Compatibility with an all-new seed spreader attachment, so an operator can pull plugs and overseed on a single machine. greenindustrypros.com/12381646
A Power and Comfort League of its Own
Low Noise e No Gas,, Oil or Fluids ds Powerful ull Clean, Zero Emissions ns Low Maintenance ce All lll D Day ay Mowing ng O On n One Charge e
Kubota Tractor Corporation recently released the Z700 family of zero-turn mowers. Features include: • A premium suspension seat that allows the operator to customize the ride with a weight-adjustment knob, and for up to 3 inches of vertical travel while being able to slide fore and aft 6 inches. • An optimal combination of speed and torque to deliver higher efficiency.
Made in USA
• Better overall efficiency, which means more horsepower to the deck and less heat into the oil, translating into a fast, quality cut, whether the turf is easy or tough, or the terrain is rolling or flat.
Manufacturing a full line of Electric, Commercial, Lithium Powered Mowers
• A Parker TorqPact HTG 14 transmission, which is a power-dense transmission available for commercial turf applications.
www.meangreenmowers.com 513-738-4736
greenindustrypros.com/12380588
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TWEELly Tired of Your Tires Going Flat? John Deere recently made the MICHELIN X TWEEL TURF airless radial tire available for its R Series QuikTrak stand-on mowers. According to the company, the TWEEL tire boasts:
Lift Higher, Reach Further, Dig Deeper JCB introduces the Teleskid to landscaping professionals as the world’s only skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom. The company says the Teleskid offers:
• The elimination of flat tires. • Increased uptime due to the avoidance of tire maintenance, such as checking and optimizing tire pressure, as no air is required.
• The ability to do the work of four machines—a telescopic handler, masted forklift, compact loader and skid steer—all in one machine.
• A more consistent height of cut as there is no fluctuating tire pressure.
• A forward reach of 8 feet and a lift height of over 13 feet, in addition to the ability to dig below grade to a depth of 3 feet.
• A longer tire life because the TWEEL lasts two to three times longer than a pneumatic tire with equal tread depth. • Reduced repair costs and maintenance, positively impacting the business’ bottom line. • The flexibility to be purchased with a 2018 John Deere R Series QuikTrak mower or as a standalone part.
• A single-arm telescopic boom to perform tasks not possible with conventional skid steers, such as loading high-sided trucks without a ramp, reaching across a standard 8-foot-wide trailer, mowing down slopes, and digging or clearing ditches. • Availability in 3TS-8W wheeled and 3TS-8T track models with rated operating capacities of 3,208 and 3,695 pounds, respectively.
greenindustrypros.com/12381926
• The combination of vertical lift—for greater lift capacity and lift height—and radial lift—for improved excavating and grading.
Zero-Turn Mower Overhaul Husqvarna says its current zero-turn lineup is seeing an overhaul full of innovative changes to enhance productivity, durability, cut quality, serviceability and operator comfort. The new zero-turn mower series consists of 11 products total, including four Z500 models and seven Z500X models, ranging from the Z548 to the Z572X. The series is highlighted by: • Weld-reinforced 2- by 3-inch tubular steel frames. • 7- or 10-gauge cutting decks.
• A bucket-positioning leveling system that activates when the boom is raised or lowered, making it easier to keep materials in the bucket. • An enclosed cab that is 33 percent larger than the industry average. • JCB myCHOICE software to permit control responsiveness and joystick sensitivity to be tailored to suit operator preferences. • A 74-HP JCB Ecomax engine to comply with Tier 4 Final standards. greenindustrypros.com/12381882
Taking Single-Cylinder for Ride-On Mowers to the Next Level
• 10-inch diameter spindles. • A five-year limited commercial warranty. greenindustrypros.com/12381651
Kohler designed its 5400 Series singlecylinder engine to bring easy starting and quiet, smooth operation to lawn tractor applications. Features include: • Availability of between 17 and 19.5 HP. • Consistent-Cut technology to maintain engine speeds in tough conditions for a cleaner turf cut. • Smart-Choke technology, so users can just turn the key and go without having to prime or choke the engine. • A Triple-Balance System to reduce vibration. • Ergonomic quarter-turn knobs to ease access to the air filter for quick, tool-free replacement. • An inverted oil filter for dripless oil changes. • A comprehensive three-year warranty. greenindustrypros.com/12381934
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ADVERTISERS INDEX A Combination of Cutting and Bagging Performance Kubota presents its WG6-21 21-inch commercial walk-behind mower with a combination of cutting and bagging performance, and durability. Features include: • A cast aluminum deck with steel edge guards. • A three-speed heavy-duty transmission designed for performance and long service. • Cast aluminum wheels with dual ball bearings and replaceable wide rubber tires. • A Kawasaki FJ180 commercial-duty engine. • Ergonomic controls to ease operation and enhance comfort throughout the day. • Availability of a blade brake clutch in the WGC6-21 model and a zone start option in the WG6-21 model. greenindustrypros.com/12381941
Cub Cadet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works Company . . . . 21 Fleetmatics, a Verizon Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 19 Ford Motor Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 The Grasshopper Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Husqvarna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 JThomas Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Kubota Tractor Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Mean Green Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Progressive Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Rotary Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 35 Sunbelt Outdoor Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Seeding and Aeration in One Machine
Guaranteed Quality
SNOWBLOWER
Exmark introduces a spreader attachment, which enables landscape professionals to offer overseeding in conjunction with aeration, for its stand-on aerator. The spreader attachment additionally boasts:
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
• More opportunities for seeds to make contact with soil, which is vital for successful germination, whether you overseed while aerating or immediately following aeration. • A hopper capable of carrying up to 80 pounds of seed, making quick work of large jobs.
130 different parts for 2018!
• Easy-to-access controls, giving the operator the ability to activate the spinner or adjust spinner speed to change the broadcast width.
• Scraper Bars
• A hopper cover to keep material dry and in the hopper during transport.
• Rubber Paddles
• A manual blocker door to increase control around flower beds and sidewalks.
• Skids & Shave Plates • “V” Belts, Shear Pins & Accessories
• Easy opening or closing of the seed gate, and easy adjustment of the gate stop. • The ability to increase the productivity and revenue generation potential of the aerator by expanding its utility.
• Tire Chains
1.800.841.3989 or visit rotarycorp.com
• Simple installation on and removal from the aerator without tools; it typically takes less than two minutes.
Servicing dealers and distributors only.
greenindustrypros.com/12381938
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CUTTING-EDGE BUSINESS
By William Eastman
Listen to the associated podcast at greenindustrypros.com/12382185 for more information.
Quit Making the Labor Crunch Worse! Part 6: How do you get new employees acclimated to the company and performing in the least amount of time?
T
here are only two types of orientation in the workplace—occupational and organizational. Occupational is nothing more that people identifying with a trade. People see themselves as landscapers or architects, and are happy as long as they get to do the job. Organizational orientation means identifying with the company, implying people care more about whom they work with. This should beg the question, so what? Understanding this psychological identification can be a powerful tool for recruiting and retaining talent. Given the hiring challenges of landscaping companies, this makes the case for recruiting a career, not a job. Instead of looking for warm bodies, what if you hired people who wanted to work outside with their hands and helped them create a career? If you hired correctly, onboarding should close the deal on that career. The usual method of onboarding is to put new employees to work immediately. Avoid this and start here: 1. Greet them and spend a few minutes expressing your appreciation for them joining the team. Then take them to the individual responsible for their onboarding or, if that is you,
get the required stuff out of the way. Have them spend the next 30 to 60 minutes reading and signing the employee handbook, then have them read and sign their employment contract, and complete any financial forms. 2. Introduce them to everybody in the back office they need to know. Explain what each person does and why they are important. 3. Bring them out to a job site or multiple job sites. Your goal is to have them experience all the different facets of the company. Introduce them to the crew leader and the teams. Visit their work group last. 4. While you have a captive audience, use the time sharing company history and your vision for the next few years. Let them ask questions to ensure understanding. Once they get the big picture, drill down on how the company makes money focusing on their work group and job. You may never get another chance to align them with your priorities. 5. All of this should not take more than half a day. End the tour at their work group and, after the introductions, leave them to the crew leader to start working. Before you go on the “I don’t
GreenMark Consulting Group’s three-pronged approach to coaching appeals to landscape and snow companies of all shapes and sizes. Its offering of business toolkits, virtual coaching, live business boot-camp workshops and one-on-one consulting can provide the insights and direction your company needs to thrive.
have time” rant, consider this: They don’t know jack and may feel stupid bumbling along. If that is the case, guess who may help them. It could be your biggest derelict who orients them. It doesn’t take long for a great recruit to turn into another problem child with you wondering how it happened so fast. There is two other payoffs besides inoculating new people from your problem children. The first is your bottom line. Decreasing the time it takes from the first day until performance exceeds their check is a good deal for the business. On average in the landscape industry, each employee should generate between $70,000 and $80,000 of revenue per year. Every day employees are not up to speed is dollars out of your pocket. But this is peanuts compared to the real cost of turnover. Besides the problems with customer service and inconsistent work, you have the time invested to recruit and train. It is estimated the cost of turnover is 10 percent of yearly wages. If you are paying $13 an hour for a 40-hour week and 50-week year, that equals $2,600. Turning over 10 people in a year is the same as one full-time position. This is the last in the Quit Making the Labor Crunch Worse! series, but in the new year, we begin our new series on growing managers. One last note: If you are in the New York, Cleveland or Atlanta areas, we are offering a one-day boot camp in 2018 that will cover everything in this series, plus a lot more. For more information, please visit greenmarkgroup.com. ❯ William Eastman is a senior consultant at GreenMark Consulting Group.
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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.
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American Proud.
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11/30/17 8:16 AM
To be bigger, faster and stronger. This is why I do it. ZD1500 Series
Kubota ZD1500 Series zero-turn mowers are big, strong and powerful. These precision-focused machines use advanced technology and Kubota diesel engines to deliver superior performance and supreme comfort. Equipped with a 72" ACS™ Kubota PRO deck, deluxe air-ride suspension seat and hydraulic lift, the ZD1500 Series is the perfect addition to any professional crew.
0 Down and 0% Financing for 48 Months*
$
A.P.R.
See your local Kubota dealer for details. Offer ends 12/31/2017.
*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of select new Kubota ZD Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 48 monthly payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 12/31/17. See your Kubota dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.
KubotaUSA.com
© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2017
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