NALP seeks to uncover and highlight the important issues facing landscape professionals. And who knows better what’s affecting the industry than those in the thick of it? This week, four landscape professionals share what they’re most worried about when it comes to their largest labor issue. Q: What is your biggest labor issue right now, […]
Growing his company through the 2008 recession meant that Dave Fairburn, CEO of North Point Outdoors in Windham, New Hampshire, found he was “saying yes” to nearly every opportunity. He was always afraid to turn work down because he was unsure where it’d come from next. While trying to be all things to all people […]
Like a lot of landscape business owners, Shayne Newman, owner of YardApes, a full-service design, construction and maintenance company, was significantly impacted by the lack of visas to come through the H-2B program this past year. Of the 66,000 available, he didn’t get a single one—and he admits he was unprepared for it to be […]
Exscape Designs is a full service design/build company headquartered in Novelty, Ohio. Owner Bill Dysert says the company’s success comes from upholding and operating by three key core values: integrity, professionalism and accountability. “Our mission is to design, build and maintain outdoor living spaces that enhance the property value and quality of life for our […]
As is often said, “It can be lonely at the top.” Dean DeSantis, owner of DeSantis Landscapes, a Portland, Oregon-based landscape design, installation and lawn care company, was wrestling with this very feeling. Though he has a great team in place, he felt he had nobody to consult with for higher level advice. Because of […]
If recruiting employees is one of your greatest challenges, you aren’t alone. Many landscape business owners say recruiting—and retaining—good talent is an ongoing source of stress. As a result, achieving success in this area might call for some out-of-the-box thinking. Doing just that, Timberline Landscaping in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has created a gap year opportunity. […]
NALP member Bruce Allentuck says he was young and naive when he started mowing lawns as a kid. He had no idea there was a whole industry out there representing landscape maintenance. He just knew he enjoyed being outside and doing a good, honest day’s work. NALP Member Spotlight Bruce Allentuck, Allentuck Landscaping Location: Clarksburg, […]
How does a landscape professional create an evolving company—one that is moving forward and won’t become stale? He or she must lead it. Sounds simple, sure. But according to Wes Gipe of Aileron, who spoke at last week’s Leaders Forum, an NALP event, this is essential if companies don’t want to die a slow death. […]
Landscape business owners count on their equipment to remain in tip-top shape so they can roll from job to job and increase efficiency. After all, nothing can stop operations like important machines going down. But that was exactly what was happening at Majestic Lawn Care & Landscape in New City, New York. Founder and owner […]
As Oasis Turf & Tree has grown rapidly (on average 16 percent a year), so has their need for finding great talent to fill job openings. In fact, on average, the company has had to add six to eight new employees each season. This is in addition to four new production routes. With each new […]