Successful snow and ice management professionals have learned the spring and summer months are the best time to address many important aspects of their snow businesses. While others refuse to think about the snow season in the off-season, these pros are proactively improving their snow processes, researching innovative technologies and making major decisions affecting profitability. The best place to start... read more
Michael Bellantoni may be stepping away from his business, but he’s not slowing down. After 50 years of running his landscaping business, Michael Bellantoni might be on the back nine. Or he might be in Hawaii or Florida or Aruba. But even as he winds down his role in the business, rest assured, he will not sit back and simply... read more
PLANET Community Stewardship Award Winner Category: State Association Chapter Volunteer efforts are ingrained in ALCC’s culture. In its 50 years, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) has established a long history of supporting communities, sponsoring and leading projects throughout the state. “Giving back to the community is one of the things we were founded on,” says Kristen Fefes, executive... read more
Question: How much money should companies require as an initial deposit? I’ve heard various theories on this and wonder what your experience is with deposits.—Benjamin Parsons, Living Landscapes, Andover, Mass. Answer: That’s a terrific question, Benjamin. First, let me begin by making a distinction between a deposit toward a design fee and a deposit toward a design/build installation. Design fees,... read more
Three snow contractors put a new twist on winter’s residential market. When winter’s icy tendrils snake their way through the northern part of the country, many contractors put the mowers away and attach plows to the fronts of their trucks. But today they’re doing so on the heels of a couple seasons where snowfall was erratic and unpredictable. In... read more
A Virginia-based company profits from safety and damage control services. Safety sells. That’s why the crews at Professional Grounds in Lorton, Va., pay extra attention on their property walkthroughs. Though they may be there simply to access the turf and shrubs, pointing out hazards such as a hanging limb or a failing retaining wall can drive additional profit while impressing... read more
