LM StaffMay 25, 2016
Cape Cod landscape companies—even the ones that don't rely on H-2B workers—are singing the labor shortage blues. “It’s nuts,” Bob Maffei, owner of Maffei Landscape Contractors in Mashpee, told the Cape Cod Times, referring to the difficulty of finding workers. “We knew…
Marisa PalmieriNov 3, 2023
Retain 'em with tech Austin, Texas, is known as a tech hub—and that fact isn’t lost on Ben Collinsworth, CEO of Native Land Design, based there. When it comes to foremen, account managers and other management roles, Collinsworth focuses on…
To recruit and retain workers, smart landscape companies leverage culture, compensation and technology. Every morning, Chris Joyce greets every one of his employees. He stands in the parking lot, shakes their hands and says “hello” to each member of the…
As I researched and reported on our cover story about the labor shortage in the landscape industry—and all service industries, really—I put in a call to our resident HR expert, our quarterly Business Basics: People columnist, Mel Kleiman. He’s known…
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…
LM StaffDec 14, 2015
LCOs from our 2015 Lawn Care Forum, including Chris Joyce of Joyce Landscaping; Luke Hawthorne of Emerald Lawns; and Dayna Wagner of Fit Turf, talk about business challenges they've faced in 2015. Find out how they've solved issues of employee…
LM StaffNov 3, 2023
What's your prediction for the state of the landscape market in 2016—better or worse than 2015? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “Better!” Chris Joyce Joyce Landscaping, Cape Cod, Mass. “Though 2015 was a great year, the backlog…
What one key performance indicator do you recommend companies track for success? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf Norcross, Ga. “We track our production numbers every day in all branches. That is our key performance indicator. Then we see how…
The best time to plan for the following year is… Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “…in the fall.” Chris Joyce Joyce Landscaping, Cape Cod, Mass. “… constantly. Though you may have your scheduled planning time at some…
Dillon StewartNov 3, 2023
How to keep long hours and stressful work from plaguing snow employees. Last winter, the East Coast was battered with snowstorms. In late November, after the city got more than six feet of snow, the Buffalo Bills paid fans $10…
LM StaffNov 7, 2023
What are the best ways for landscape/lawn care companies to give back to their communities? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “Any landscape project for city/state parks, botanical gardens, battered women’s shelters, poor areas for the underprivileged homeowners—things…
What’s the best way to compete against a larger competitor? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “You must outdo them at every front. Hire better people, train them better, incentivize them, motivate them more, etc. Paint a picture…
What leadership advice do you have for younger or newer business owners? Landscape Professionals Chris Joyce Joyce Landscaping, Cape Cod, Mass. “The biggest lesson you learn as a leader is to show that you make mistakes yourself and you face…
What’s one easy way a company can improve cash flow? Landscape Professionals Richard Bare Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga. “Research every nook and cranny of the business (or hire a professional business analyst/consultant to do it). For instance, how much are…
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.…
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