What organizational task should companies accomplish this year to improve business?

Landscape Professionals

Richard Bare
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.
“Since routing is at the core of our business, we shut down management for a few days and completely redo all of our accounts so they are in perfect route order. Then, we increase or decrease the goals for every technician according to what he/she can handle.”

Paul Fraynd
Sun Valley Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.
“Create a budget and check progress monthly, involve your team in annual strategic goal setting and roll out a ‘state of the company’ meeting to announce your plans and goals to the entire team before spring. Then stick to it!”

Jerry McKay
McKay Landscape Lighting
Omaha, Neb.
“Develop a marketing plan and calendar to follow all year long.”

Industry Consultants

Marty Grunder
The Grow Group
Dayton, Ohio
“You must figure out a way to solve the labor issues we are facing. So, the top task is finding and keeping a workforce that allows for sustainable growth. With no people to do the work, we are not going to go very far, and you have no bench or pipeline from which to grow your business with.”

Phil Harwood
Grow the Bench
Grand Rapids, Mich.
“Invest in developing truly cohesive teams.”

Kevin Kehoe
3PG Consulting
Laguna, Calif.
“Install a real live business management software system to manage sales and production.”