The last couple of years have been good ones for the landscaping industry. Many estimates point to roughly 3-4% annual growth in both 2015 and this year. That sales trajectory is expected to hold steady over the next several years. It's what you call controlled, predictable growth. It's good.
That said, many companies have been growing faster than the industry average. For this year's Landscape Industry Hidden Gems list, we've identified 25 of them—companies that grew at least 4% in 2015 and are picking up the pace even faster this year.
At the same time, these companies are shining examples of what is good about the landscaping industry. The companies and their employees are helping to elevate the level of professionalism in this industry. They are making positive contributions in their communities through outreach, philanthropy and the creation of jobs. They are operating in efficient, innovative ways that reduce waste and environmental impact. Their efforts are helping to counter the negative stereotypes that some consumers and potential employees believe about this industry.
Here are some commonly cited "best practices" gleaned from this year's Landscape Industry Hidden Gems.
Company culture
Define your mission, values and overall "who you are". Develop leaders who understand and share those values.
Provide the opportunity to learn, grow and advance.
Reward for employee development, i.e. pass a certification test, get a raise.
Use incentives and rewards to drive performance.
Always recognize hard work and a job well done.
Little rewards can go a long way.
Break down silos as your company grows – all divisions, departments and crews are in it together for the good of one company.
Identify what it takes to attract top talent, and develop a strategy around those requirements.
Unleash a proactive, diverse employee recruitment strategy using a variety of tools and methods.
Industry image
Identify who you are and build a representative brand – then be consistent.
Be an employment evangelist and go get the labor. Go speak to schools, clubs and other groups, host job fairs, etc.
Engage and enhance the communities you serve – donate services, coordinate charity events, provide education, etc.
Take the lead on environmental awareness.
Creating value
Understand who you are and what you do, and stay focused.
Find ways to utilize technology to not only improve operational efficiency, but also enhance the customer experience.
Define service mix based on customer wants and needs.
Build systems around customer feedback. How can you serve clients better and make their lives easier?
More to come
Regardless of sales volume or number of years in business, every landscape company has a unique story to share. Every company has unique insights into how to succeed in this business. Read on to hear some of those stories and insights from this year's Landscape Industry Hidden Gems.
SEE THE 25 COMPANIES ON THIS YEAR'S HIDDEN GEMS LIST
Read best practices on Strategic Marketing
Read best practices on Industry Professionalism
Read best practices on Creating Value
Read best practices on Corporate Culture
Read about Connecticut company's awesome charity golf tournament
Read how a Florida company is helping "thank landscapers" from coast to coast
