At a young age, my admittedly workaholic father entrusted us kids to mow and otherwise help maintain our acre-and-a-half lawn—sometimes he even had us tend to the neighboring 19th and 20th century cemetery. We also cared for our considerable vegetable and flower gardens.
Dad was so detail-oriented that he often drew us new mowing pattern diagrams, leading us around the pool, shed, patio and gardens in creative ways, so we never cut the grass in the same direction. Of course, at the time, I didn’t know that changing mowing patterns stimulates more upright growth and helps prevent ruts in the grass. All I knew is that it contributed to a better-looking lawn—and a more time-consuming process. While we certainly weren’t professionals, the entire family took pride in the yard.
I was reminded of all this when Ernie Butitta, owner of K & D Rent All & Hardware, talked not only about his outdoor power equipment inventory, which he clearly takes great pride in, but also about the landscape professionals who buy his products. (To learn more about K & D Rent All & Hardware, check out the article on Page 5 of Version 37 of the Dealer Success Guide.) Butitta mentioned that landscape contractors, while generally quite brand loyal, are always receptive to something newer or better. Sometimes you just have to show them how a new or different brand better fits the goals they’re trying to achieve.
That is my plan for this guide—to help show you how a new or different brand or piece of equipment, or sales or marketing technique can improve your business.
You might not know me (so feel free to check out Page 4 of the May/June 2017 issue of the Green Industry Pros where I introduce myself), but I promise you this: I will invest in and be proud of this brand as much as you invest in and are proud of your brand and the brands you carry. Please reach out and let me know how I’m doing and how I can improve. I look forward to corresponding with you!
