Editorial Advisory Board: May 2020

Graphic: Landscape Management

What’s the best piece of advice you’re sharing with your team in relation to COVID-19?

Landscape Professionals

Richard Bare
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.

“In light of all the data coming out about underlying health conditions putting folks at a higher risk, it is a good time to reevaluate individuals’ healthy lifestyle choices. Watching diet, quitting smoking and regular exercise are good decisions to make and have long-term payoffs.”

Paul Fraynd
Sun Valley Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.

“Protect the physical and mental health of our team; live out our core values and uphold our purpose in service to our clients; maintain the financial health and viability of our company in uncertain times.”

Luke Henry
ProScape Lawn & Landscaping Services
Marion, Ohio

“We must increase communication during this time of challenge. We need to know how our team members are feeling so we can respond, and everyone needs to know the good and the bad that we are experiencing as a company. Especially with office and sales staff working from home, communication takes more intentionality because we aren’t working across the hall anymore.”

Aaron Katerberg
Grapids Irrigation
Grand Rapids, Mich.

“We are treating this spring like a ‘late spring’ where we have snow into April in Michigan. Our business produces no income every year for five months. We plan to do whatever we can to keep our employees and our customers safe while also providing for both of their needs in any way we are allowed.”

Jerry McKay
McKay Landscape Lighting
Omaha, Neb.

“Letting them know we are all protecting the mother ship to make sure we all have a place to come back to after we make it to the other side. And we will make it to the other side!”

Greg Winchel
Winchel Irrigation
Grandville, Mich.

“In Michigan, we are under an executive order to stay home for nonessential workers. We are considered nonessential, so my guys are all off. My advice is to limit going out and the people they interact with so they don’t get sick and are available when we can go back to work.”

Industry Consultants

Marty Grunder
The Grow Group
Dayton, Ohio

“That this is temporary, however only if we all do our part, so be safe, positive and empathetic to everyone. We will win if you do!”

Phil Harwood
Grow the Bench
Grand Rapids, Mich.

“We are highlighting the benefits of self-care while we’re all confined to our home offices.”

Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott Consulting
New Orleans, La.

“In these uncertain times, your character will be tested, your compassion will be needed and your generosity will be remembered. So, protect your employees, get even closer to your customers and take this time to innovate and grow your team.”