Interested in sustainability or elevating your customer service? Gather takeaways from Sebert Landscape about their environmentally friendly approach to landscaping and client relations at NALP’s Field Trip in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 17-18, 2024.
Founded by Jeff Sebert in 1985, the company is the fifth-largest commercial landscape contractor in the Midwest. Sebert Landscape specializes in commercial landscape maintenance, installation, enhancement and snow removal. This year, the business is on track to earn $60-65 million in annual revenue. The Sebert team is eager to share their practices and processes with others in the industry.
“We are progressive and incorporate innovative ideas and the newest in technology as part of our unique service,” the Sebert team says. “There are always opportunities to share and learn from others and this tour is a great opportunity to do so.”
The Sebert staff says that attendees can expect to learn about the structure of their daily routines, maintenance procedures, routing, and how they are consistent while still maintaining efficiency and completing the work.
Marty Grunder, CEO of Grunder Landscaping Co. and The Grow Group, will host this Field Trip and lead attendees through an interactive company facility tour and education sessions across two days. Some of these sessions include using sustainability as a differentiator and how to deliver a great experience to clients.
“As landscaping companies, we’re stewards of green spaces across the country,” the Sebert team says.
“Often the work we’re doing is already environmentally friendly, this event will give you ideas on how you can better communicate that to your prospects and clients.”
Every decision Sebert makes is based on the most environmentally friendly option from their LEED Gold certified building to using battery-powered equipment. They also utilize native plants in designs, implement water-saving irrigation solutions and route crews to reduce driving emissions.
Their clients choose them because they value quality and environmental care over cost alone. Sebert also takes a hands-on approach and is proactive so that the landscaping is the first thing a client notices but the last thing they worry about.
Sebert maintains their level of quality by sharing examples of their expectations with employees and working alongside team members about deficiencies. Quality checks are conducted throughout the season by management as well.
The Sebert team credits their success to their open book management, teamwork and consistency.
“We manage our labor hours and costs on a regular basis and make adjustments as necessary throughout the season,” the Sebert team says. “Job site monitoring, production reports, backlogs, customer service reviews – all play an integral role in budgeting on a monthly and yearly basis. These reports show the issues we may be experiencing as well as the current workload to complete.”
Despite having 750 team members across seven locations, Sebert has a strong company culture where they recognize talent and invest in their team members. They also have weekly and monthly meetings with their teams. Sebert promotes open communication and collaboration. They empower their leaders to make decisions, celebrate success and recognize achievements.
The business also offers strong benefits, flexibility with team members’ schedules and promotes from within. The Sebert team says they offer a healthy environment where everyone has a voice and allow new candidates the time to see the inner workings of the company before hiring.
Registration for Field Trip includes education, a hotel reception on Tuesday evening, breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and transportation between Sebert Landscape and the hotel.
A separate ticketed reception event will take place at Morton Arboretum on the evening of Sept. 17, 2024. Attendees can partake in heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a tour of the internationally recognized botanical garden and research center. They will have time to explore 1,700 acres of beautiful tree-filled landscapes with members of the Sebert management team, Marty Grunder and other industry leaders
Spots are limited, so register for the NALP Field Trip today. The discounted hotel room rate for this event expires on Monday, Aug. 26.
