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.

From the Author
Mowing & Maintenance
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"
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.
Mowing & Maintenance
Klausing Group Matches Trailers to Tasks
Landscape contractor handles maintenance and installation services with trailers equipped for those tasks.
Construction crews take advantage of extra room provided by cab overhang and deck-over trailers.
Mowing & Maintenance
Core Values Provide an Accurate Roadmap
RDO EQUIPMENT
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.
Pictured is Brandon Kyse who manages three RDO Vermeer locations.
Industry Updates
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.
“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.
Mowing & Maintenance
Landscape Construction Market Continues to Build Momentum
Landscape contractors can look forward to a busy summer and fall season, according to recent economic indicators.
Single Family Housing 594847f6a825c
Mowing & Maintenance
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
Yeagers installed the Stihl showroom last fall at the Van Buren location.
Mowing & Maintenance
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.
Reinhart’s general manager Joe Walters (left) with Todd Reinhart.
Mowing & Maintenance
Survival of the Fittest
Eric Owens bought a mom-and-pop five years ago and is now closing in on the million-dollar mark.
Eric Owens, executive vice president of Expert Yard and Garden, LLC in Arlington, TX.
Mowing & Maintenance
Store of the Future?
North Dakota dealer's brand is tied directly to a single supplier. Risky, crazy or pure genius?
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.
Industry Updates
Landscapes Conference Offers 40 Education Sessions
GIE+EXPO
Preview of the upcoming 2016 Landscapes educational conference put on by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
Landscapes photos 4 57b4d9c8b59af
Mowing & Maintenance
Two Managers and a Sub
Georgia landscape company has a unique business model that made sense during the recession, and still works well today.
With flat building spaces quickly becoming extinct, retaining walls have become a popular request from customers.
Mowing & Maintenance
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.
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.
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