Complete the sentence: “Landscape and lawn care companies striving to be more efficient should…” Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “…look at basic operations and see how their percentages stack up to leading competitors in their particular industry. For instance, in lawn care direct labor should be about 18-20 percent; chemicals , 20 percent (tree/shrub, 7 percent); fuel,... read more
In five words or less, describe the current state of the landscape and lawn care market. Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “Coming back with a vengeance!” Bill Bemus Bemus Landscape, San Clemente, Calif. “Time to raise prices.” Chris Joyce Joyce Landscaping, Cape Cod, Mass. “Extremely busy with exciting growth.” Adam Linnemann Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping, Waterloo,... read more
I’m watching a transformation happen in a client’s business. It’s exciting to see. We started this phenomenon with a simple decision to invest in training our staff and weeding out the people on the team with poor character. It sounds simple, but all too often it’s overlooked due to time constraints, bad hiring practices, tight purse strings or a sheer... read more
Right now your phone probably is ringing with every “business broker” and “deal guy” saying they have a deal for you. Sound familiar? Are you ready to sell? The industry has been buzzing as word spread about a mega deal between ValleyCrest Landscape Cos. and the Brickman Group. The fact is activity is picking up and so are business valuations.... read more
In the March 2014 issue of Landscape Management, The Benchmark columnist Jeff Harkness covered online advertising methods, including Google AdWords and Bing Ads. Here’s more from him on Facebook and LinkedIn advertising tips. Facebook Did you know more than 1 billion people use Facebook? If you’re not using Facebook to advertise, you’re missing out on a huge, untapped audience for... read more
Companies are being “pitched” daily to spend money on web marketing, and there are many confusing options. Ask yourself this question: “Is my company even on the grid?” If I’m a prospect and I don’t know your name or company, can I find you if I’m searching for a resource? If you’re not on page one as one of the... read more
