As a smaller company, filling up the trucks before the first job of the day was just part of the routine for Norm Ripper and his crews. But as his company, Helping Hand Lawn Care in Apopka, Fla., began to grow, fueling up a fleet of 25 trucks suddenly became a time-consuming hassle. “I just couldn’t afford to have 40... read more
What operating cost metric is most important to track to ensure a landscape company’s success? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf Norcross, Ga. “Cost of sales, which includes direct labor and cost of materials. Those are huge variable costs.” Adam Linnemann Linnemann Lawn Care & Landscaping Columbia, Ill. “Tracking your budgeted hours versus actual hours and adjust your bidding accordingly... read more
Lower fuel prices help companies keep costs under control. Most is quiet on the expenses front for landscape professionals. Although industry members expect an overall operating cost increase of 11 percent—on par with what they reported for last year—they seem to be at ease thanks to fuel price relief. “I bought gas today for $1.95,” says Steve Biernacki, general manager... read more
