In March, I was in Provo, Utah, at the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ National Collegiate Landscape Competition. If you have not been to this event (formerly called Student Career Days), you need to go. These kids are your future salespeople, account managers and operation supervisors. Their relationships with—and uses of—technology are totally alien to many of us, and they’re... read more
When Winter Storm Jonas dropped several feet of snow throughout the eastern U.S. in January 2016, Kevin Shackleford’s plow crews had their work cut out for them. Fortunately, Shackleford, owner of Shackleford Landscape Group based in Bear, Del., had implemented a snow site mapping and marking system a few seasons earlier that positioned his plow crews to be prepared when... read more
Here are a few guidelines for loading and securing your landscape equipment trailer. Remember to check with your state or province for specific regulations. Load larger and heavier equipment first, and move it to the front of the trailer. Load smaller equipment last. It may be damaged if you load it in front of heavier equipment. Next, secure the equipment.... read more
Justin Gamester President Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service Eliot, Maine Education Portsmouth High School Portsmouth, N.H. Class of 1999 University of New Hampshire Bachelor’s Degree Business administration, focus in entrepreneurship, minor in political science Class of 2003 Work Experience 1992-1999 Clean Cut Lawn Care Owner Portsmouth, N.H. Starting in junior high, Gamester ran his own landscape company, where he maintained... read more
Location: Chicago Company: Mariani Landscape, Lake Bluff, Ill. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan The clients wanted to update the rooftop, to act as an extension of the interior living space. The landscape architect developed a series of outdoor rooms, each with their own purpose that all tie together visually. This concept was accomplished by creating an intimate seating space with... read more
Commercial maintenance experts demystify this aspect of the sales process. Request for Proposal, or RFP, refers to a process by which many municipal and commercial entities award jobs to third party contractors. It’s as popular in industries like construction or even web design as it is in landscaping. “The whole theory behind an RFP process, be it commercial or municipal,... read more
