LM 100
1 Jul, 2007 By: Landscape Management Staff Landscape ManagementOnce again, here it is:
Our annual list of the top 100 companies in the industry ranked by revenue. There is something to be said for size. While we submit, bigger doesn't always mean better, you don't get to be one of the largest companies in the industry with poor customer service, an inferior product or lousy employee relationships. The goal of any business is to make money, and these companies have shown a special knack. There is something to be learned from them. Some of these companies started small and built a strong reputation along with solid earnings year after year toiling over every account. Others grew organically and through acquisition at a much more rapid pace. Some have found their niche and become the player in their market. Others offer a variety of services and a national footprint. Take a look at these companies. See how yours compares - in terms of size — but also in the mix of services, number of employees and even how many locations they have. Whether they are the largest in the country or just in your market, consider these companies a benchmark or perhaps a goal.
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Legend
*: 2006 numbers
MN: Maintenance
DB: Design/Build
IR: Irrigation
F: Fertilizer application
SR: Snow removal
OTHER: May include arbor care, landscape construction, retail/nursery, shrub maintenance, wholesale, holiday lighting, interiorscaping, structural pest control, grounds maintenance, golf course maintenance, composting, recycling, erosion control, property management
Dominant 3
Companies from three states make up 36% of this year's LM 100 list — Florida, Illinois and California. Florida, one of the fastest growing states in the United States, placed 13 companies on our revenue list. Illinois was next with 12 (most of them in the Chicago region) and California contributed 11 companies. In the East, smallish but densely populated New Jersey had a high concentration of big revenue landscape/lawn service companies with five.
Still looking good
The landscape/lawn service market for U.S. contractors remains strong. Industry leaders continue ratcheting their sales into positive territory (5%-15%) annually. Readers are enjoying a business environment that continues to offer opportunity. Competitive? You bet. Most regional markets are a dog-fight, but the business is there for the operators with effective marketing plans, aggressive sales, strong administrative systems and efficient customer service.
Talk back
We want to know what you think of our LM 100 list. Want to see more or different service breakdowns? Want to sound off about the pros and cons of big vs. small? Please email Managing Editor Dan Jacobs at djacobs@questex.com.
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.