In this first installment of “Bob’s Business Tips,” business trainer Bob Clements talks about what dealers need to be doing in order to maintain their customer service edge once things heat up this spring. Once you’ve finished listening to this podcast, visit Learn on my PC for an exclusive opportunity to work through Bob’s online training modules for “dealing with difficult customers” and “the power of attitude and choice.” User name is yandg. Password is podcast.

 

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Bill Hildebolt, president of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and Terrill Collier, chair of the board for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), discuss how the two organizations have been on the path to possible unification for several years. As the prospect of unifying the two associations becomes much closer to reality, the two leaders describe what a possible joining of forces would mean for their landscape contractor and tree service company members.

 

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In an exclusive interview with www.GreenIndustryPros.com, Michael Jones, Husqvarna’s new head of sales and service in Latin and North America, discusses his first few months on the job, his early impressions of the Green Industry, and how independent servicing dealers will continue to play an important role in Husqvarna’s growth strategy.

 

 New Husqvarna Head Talks Early Impressions, Future Intentions [6:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bill Harley, OPEI president and CEO, talks about changes to next year’s GIE+EXPO which add value to both dealers, contractors and exhibitors.

 

 The Future of GIE+EXPO [12:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If you think soft business conditions should preclude you from investing in your education, you’re mistaken. Now is the time to soak up as much information from as many reputable sources as possible—to help you uncover new business opportunities, improve work processes, reduce costs and surpass your competition. There is no better venue to do just that than the upcoming GIE+EXPO and Green Industry Conference (GIC) in Louisville October 28-31. There has never been a lineup of educational and networking opportunities quite like this one. Listen to contractor and PLANET GIC sub-committee member Bob Grover talk about some of the “can’t miss” landscaper events at this year’s show.

 

 GIC is a "Can't Miss" Event for Landscapers [11:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Leif Ringstad, Maruyama’s general sales manager, talks about the company’s recent personnel additions and distribution overhaul, which has been largely triggered by this year’s Echo-Shindaiwa merger.
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Dave Zerfoss, President of Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., discusses overproduction in the dealership and managing inventory and turns successfully.

The second in a six-part series on LEAN business management, overproduction should be the focus of many dealers in 2009. In manufacturing, overproduction means generating more product than demand requires. For the dealer, this translates to stocking more equipment than will be sold.

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Mike Lucko and Dante Terzigni, power equipment dealers from northeastern Ohio, started the Professional Power Equipment Congress a couple years ago.
Now consisting of over 800 members, the PPEC is blossoming into a positive force for the green industry, namely power equipment dealers.

Mike and Dante share their thoughts on why the PPEC is important, how dealers can benefit, and how you can get involved.

Visit www.ppecongress.com for more.

 

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A past Dealers in Excellence Award winner, Tim Ahearn tells us about his plans for spring orders with experiences from 2008 and the state of the green industry in mind.

Stay tuned for additional information in the January issue of Yard & Garden later this month.

 

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In a preview to an Ask the OEM feature in the January issue of Yard & Garden magazine, Pat Cappucci discusses the recent merge of Commercial Grounds Care (CGC) and Schiller Pfeiffer Inc. into one brand: Schiller Grounds Care. The company president discusses what led to the decision to merge and how it will impact equipment dealers.

 

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