Rod Dickens

Rod Dickens 598889a193e32

Rod Dickens is the founding editor of PRO Magazine, now Green Industry Pros, and has been covering the landscaping industry for nearly 30 years.

More from Rod Dickens
This edger is one of several STIHL battery products that has an external connection allowing operators to shift the battery weight from the unit to their back or hip.
Batteries sparking product innovation for the future
Producing less noise and few emissions are among advantages to using battery-powered equipment to make companies “greener"
May 12, 2019
Construction crews take advantage of extra room provided by cab overhang and deck-over trailers.
Klausing Group Matches Trailers to Tasks
Landscape contractor handles maintenance and installation services with trailers equipped for those tasks.
June 11, 2018
Pictured is Brandon Kyse who manages three RDO Vermeer locations.
Core Values Provide an Accurate Roadmap
Every size company, large and small alike, can find value and be successful by having the right set of core values, and believing and living them.
October 9, 2017
“Our drivers pay more attention to their trucks now. We have fewer breakdown on the road, truck and vehicle appearance improved, and we have fewer accidents,” says Dennis’ 7 Dees operations manager Nathan Dirksen.
What You Don’t Know or Don’t Do Can Hurt You
Reputable landscaping companies need to understand and follow local and state highway regulations pertaining to the operation of vehicles and trailers.
August 10, 2017
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Landscape Construction Market Continues to Build Momentum
Landscape contractors can look forward to a busy summer and fall season, according to recent economic indicators.
June 5, 2017
Yeagers installed the Stihl showroom last fall at the Van Buren location.
More Than a Half Century Later
Fifty-eight years after the business opened, Earnest Yeager's granddaughter and store co-owner Deborah Clark has transformed the way the company does business
June 5, 2017
Reinhart’s general manager Joe Walters (left) with Todd Reinhart.
Partnerships Pay Dividends for Illinois Company
With two landscape branches and six Weed Man Franchises in three states, Reinhart Grounds Maintenance offers tips on how to ensure a successful company expansion.
October 17, 2016
Eric Owens, executive vice president of Expert Yard and Garden, LLC in Arlington, TX.
Survival of the Fittest
Eric Owens bought a mom-and-pop five years ago and is now closing in on the million-dollar mark.
September 19, 2016
The Out Front Power Equipment Team: (from left) Nick Arndt, general manager; Peg Tweten, bookkeeper; Tom Stoneburner, technician; Leah Kelm, office administrator; Jordan Arndt, shop manager.
Store of the Future?
North Dakota dealer's brand is tied directly to a single supplier. Risky, crazy or pure genius?
September 12, 2016
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Landscapes Conference Offers 40 Education Sessions
Preview of the upcoming 2016 Landscapes educational conference put on by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
August 17, 2016
With flat building spaces quickly becoming extinct, retaining walls have become a popular request from customers.
Two Managers and a Sub
Georgia landscape company has a unique business model that made sense during the recession, and still works well today.
September 21, 2015
As a general rule, your line of credit should not be used to capitalize purchases such as trucks, mowers and office equipment; there are other lending tools available to fund those investments.
How To Effectively Use Your Line of Credit
Three leading green industry consultants offer insights and advice to help landscape contractors take a more strategic approach to managing a line of credit.
September 1, 2015
John Allin led the discussion with some of the industry's leading snow pros at 2015 Snowfighters Institute retreat in Buffalo, NY.
The Future of Snow Removal
Snowfighters think tank gathers to talk industry trends, challenges and potential solutions.
August 13, 2015
Determine if it makes more sense for your company to establish a dedicated enhancement crew, or simply train maintenance crews to offer some of those services.
How To Capitalize on Landscape Enhancements
The Pro Panel offers tips on what to sell, how to sell it, and how to deliver enhancement services to your commercial maintenance clients.
June 8, 2015
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When To Replace Lawn Care and Landscaping Equipment
Tips and advice on when to replace landscaping and lawn care equipment
December 18, 2013
Over the years Town & Gardens has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including several well-known Manhattan rooftops.
From Bid/Build to Design/Build
Reverse your thinking and emphasize salesmanship
October 18, 2011
Jeff Bowen: “Our clients want to do business with one company that does many things.”
The New Business Model
The contractors who’ll continue to survive are the ones who are finding ways to deliver more for less.
October 18, 2011
Chris Shipp
Way More Than Mowing
Georgia contractor’s all-season offering drives growth
September 9, 2011
Hey, You Can't Do That
Equipment is now more efficient, cleaner and quieter
September 9, 2011
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How To Remain Viable in an Increasingly 'Sustainable' Environment
LCOs must tout the environmental virtues of lawn care
July 1, 2011
Be Innovative In Other Ways
Especially in today’s hyper-competitive selling environment, anything a seller can do to turn the spotlight on customers’ needs and away from what they think are commodity services/prices is a positive move.
March 8, 2011
Burt (left) and Dickson DeMarche (Photo by Peggy Garbus Photography, peggygarbus.com
Laying the Foundation For Growth
The LaurelRock Company started out as a landscape design company that soon added lawn maintenance services. A healthy balance between the two, along with an aggressive marketing push, has helped the company withstand the recession.
January 28, 2011
The Green Enigma: Sustainable Maintenance
In this installment of “The Green Enigma”, sustainable landscape maintenance in the Green Industry is explored, highlighting what several leading contractors across the U.S. are doing.
October 18, 2010
The Green Enigma: Sustainable Technology
Lawn and garden equipment such as zero turn mowers and trimmers which feature alternative power sources such as propane fuel tanks and lithium-ion battery packs are becoming more widely available to landscape contractors looking for sustainable solutions.
October 18, 2010