Growing your Landscape Business and Staying Profitable

Have you ever given thought what it means to be profitable? Some of you are ready to stop reading right here because you tell yourself you’ve “got it down”.  That may be true for some of you, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched businesses grow from a one man operation to a larger company without a thought to profit.  At the same time, I can show you case after case of successful businesses that are doing well, yet are leaving tons of profit on the table.  

Imagine you have a nice mid-sized Landscape company with a couple trucks, a handful of commercial mowers and a great crew.  Remember those days?  Now you decide you want to grow, so you start looking for new accounts.  You run into a lot of competition and you drop your price a little bit to get the next job and a little more for the next one after that.  You start driving further from your home base in search of growth.  You need more equipment, but you can’t afford that nice new Scag, Exmark, Toro mower (or whatever brand you prefer) so you buy a no name wonder at one of the big box stores.  You need a new truck for all of the work you picked up, but you can’t afford one so now you’re extending your routes and missing customers all together when you get a rainy week.  You get the picture.  Unfortunately, all too often this is what I have witnessed as growth in our industry.

It’s not all about top line revenues; it’s about what you get to take home at the end of the day.  It’s about your quality of life and time to spend with loved ones.   It’s about a lot of things, but the one common denominator is profit.  We DO want you to grow you’re business, but we want you to do it profitably.  We’ll show you how with tips on bidding, renewing client contracts, expanding services for existing clients and more.  

Stop back here often.  We gladly share our over 25+ years of industry experience with our loyal mow more customers.  We’re your partner in profitability, not just your parts supplier.  

5 Reasons why You should Date a Power Equipment Guy

The Power Equipment Guy, your lost unsung hero. The last hope for the American Dream. Guys who work at Power Equipment stores are often forgotten in this very non-sexy industry. But here are some very good reasons why Power Equipment guys make the perfect mate.
1. Versatile All Day long these guys deal with multiple brands of equipment. Maybe they start off selling equipment and by lunch they have done the receiving, sold parts, changed a spark plug and done the inventory. This kind of versatility means the power equipment guy can handle any dating situation from high profile dinner dates to staying in and catching a movie on the couch. 2. Caring When old Mrs. Johnson comes into the shop, your power equipment guy must carefully explain why her machine is not covered under warranty for having bad gas in it. Turning a sticky situation into a positive shows he is more than able to carefully listen to all of your needs are requests. No matter how mundane they are. 3. Handy Repairing lawnmowers and weed trimmers requires advanced problem solving skills for multiple projects – all day long. Hanging up your doilies or building your favorite new Pinterest planter will be child’s play for the Power Equipment guy. There is nothing he can’t accomplish.
4. Reliable There is nobody more reliable than your neighborhood power equipment guy with maybe the exception for military, firefighters and cops. In Snow storms, ice Storms who is there? The power equipment guy. He shows up to make sure that millions of people can snow blow out of their driveways. In the summer, no blade of grass goes uncut because he was there to make sure your mower is running smoothly. Also, when the power is out, who has power? This guy. 5. Chiseled Good Looks Ok, maybe this one is taking this a little too far. I mean most of these guys probably won’t win a beauty contest, but the slight odor of 89 fuel can be endearing. If there is one thing I can say about these guys is that hard work produces scars, and girls dig scars. Actually, forget about this one and refer back to points 1 thru 4.
Power Equipment Guys are the Southern Bells of Men. Their grace and knowledge should charm any lady looking for a real, decent man. So next time you are looking for a date on Match or Tinder don’t be afraid to walk on down to your local store and chat one of these guys up!

Article: Written in total jest.

Top 5 Worst Snow Shovels

I am writing this article as someone who is from NH and knows a thing or two about shoveling snow. I have owned every snow shovel I talk about about.  I also have the bad back to go along with it!  This article is written in jest.

5. The Garant 30 Inch Steel Blade

Ha, Good Luck lifting snow with this one.  If you want to scream after every snow shovel than this is for you.  With its smooth surface snow will not stick, Good Points!  The bad side the snow will not stick at all.  You could be in for a good lesson in patience and balance with this shovel. I give it 2 winters before you snap the handle in half and get something else.

4. The Suncast 22 Inch Scoop with Wear Strip.

Come on people, what is it 1920?  Now I know some of you may say it is used for arenas and public areas but really this “Scoop” is into ideal for shoveling through a whole winter. Much Like a plow once the banks get to high where are you going to scoop the snow after, Mary Poppins

3.  The Suncast Double Grip Snow Shovel

Seriously? This may be over thinking a Snow Shovel.  I am glad our engineering degrees are going to redesigning the snow shovel? This shovel comes with a second foldable grip, because you couldn’t possibly use the shaft to hold on to.   I think we are abusing the term “Ergonomic” in anything built these days.

2. The Garant Alpine 30-Inch Poly Snow Pusher.

The description has it approved for “intense and continuous use” I am not sure what they mean by intense but as the name suggests this shovel is little more than a snow pusher.

1.  The True Temper Snow Boss:

While the one-piece “Ergonomic Aluminum Handle” suggests easy lifting of snow. The design of this handle and bucket will have you praying you only get 3 inches on snow a year. Good luck if you live in the New England area with this shovel.   I would call this a Georgia Shovel. Made to shovel Sunshine not snow.

Out of all the things that make me dread snow shovels metal edges on these things will drive you insane.  Go in for a strong bite of the snow and the metal edge will almost always catch on the pavement and rip your arm off.  While buying a snowblower would be easier, some of us like the exercise. 

So in closing Snow Sucks, Shoveling snow sucks.  Move down South.

5 Signs you're dealing with an Upstanding Equipment Dealer

As a small, single, female, walking into any Power Equipment store can be a little intimidating. I know I can't be the only woman who worries about being scammed, mistreated, or underestimated. In my journey for the perfect Snow Blower, I had gone to a few bad dealership before I finally found a great one! Here are 5 Tell tale signs you are dealing with and upstanding Power Equipment Dealer.

1.) They will greet you at the door.

Nothing is worse than feeling like you are being completely ignored when you are shopping for something expensive, or waiting to get your machine serviced. A great Power Equipment Dealership should have a person ready and waiting to greet you by the door with a happy easy going expression.

2.) The showroom is clean and well organized.

A huge sign of poor management for any Dealership is a dirty store. If you don't care enough to clean your own store, why would you care enough to thoroughly service my machine? Or care enough to sell me something that is new and working for that matter. So after you have been greeted, scope out the area and make sure everything is looking in order. 

3.) The salesman looks you in the eye.

Your salesperson should be able to look you in the eye while selling to you or while he is explaining something to you. When someone is able to look you in the eye it shows that they are honest. If his eyes are darting around, or he is unable to hold eye contact for an entire conversation.... Be careful, chances are he isn't being honest with you. 

4.) Your salesperson gives you his contact information.

Your salesperson should not be nervous about giving you his information. He should be proud to stand by his words. They should also be to able direct you to a functional website, and show you how you can use it to better your experience.

5.) Explain reasons for service.

After you have bought your machine from a reputable dealership and used it for a couple seasons, wear and tear will occur. You should be able to bring your machine back to your trusted dealership for service. Your salesperson should be able to thoroughly explain all repairs and why you need them. If you feel as though they are tacking on extra work to a machine that had one problem, be careful, ask them detailed questions. If they are being honest, they should have no issue answering your questions.

So, in conclusion, stay sharp, trust your instincts, and stay strong in your decisions. You will know when you are being treated fairly, and when you are working with an excellent Power Equipment Dealership. The dealership I worked with was local to me, however, they had an online store that anyone can go on! Visit www.propartsdirect.net

How to Stay Happy During the Winter

How to stay happy during Winter

It's December now, and we still have the Holidays to keep our spirits high. However, what will you do when the Holidays pass and there is still 4 more months till the spring? The clouds move in, the snow beats the landscape, and the sun doesn't shine as brightly as it once did.... It can be a little difficult to stay joyful. Here is a short list you can begin to do now to stay cheerful all winter long. 

1. Socializing 

There is nothing better than sitting around the cozy hearth with your good friends! Winter can be very isolating due to the harsh elements and dangerous roads. It's easy to find yourself sitting on the couch, eating carbs, and watching TV. Instead, play with your pets, call your best friend, or enjoy a board game with local friends or family

2. Exercise 

Exercise is a great relief during the winter because, believe it or not, after about 30 minutes of exercise your brain releases a "feel-good" chemical. Not only will it make you feel happier, chemically, it will strengthen your immune system and Increase your body temperature. So, exercise will naturally help your body defend itself from that horrible winter flu going around!

Sited work: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495

3. Enjoy Winter Activities 

Get outside and try a Winter activity you love, or one you have never tried before. Find your local Ice rink, Skiing Slope, or an open field perfect for snowman construction. If the cold weather isn't your "cup of tea" take up another hobby you can enjoy inside. Distract yourself with learning to cook a new recipe, painting, crafting, home improvement, or just finally finishing that book.

4. Vitamin D & Supplements 

The sunshine gives us a healthy dose of vitamin D in the summertime. However in the winter, we are not getting as much sunshine as we should. This lack of vitamin D takes a toll on the human body and can lead to depression. For more information about the benefits of Vitamin D visit www.healthline.com.

Above all stay cheerful and know that the winter will pass! Try and enjoy the season! Because we all know that in the heat of the summer months you will be wondering why you were so upset about the cold in the first place. 

Article written by Katie Ruiz, Staff Writer for ProParts Direct. Over 10 Years of experience in Nature.

What No One ever told me about Pintrest??

What no one ever told me on Pinterest

First of all, I love Pinterest, it's amazing. Pinterest has so many different ideas for me on a daily basis, from outfits to dinners. However, sometimes Pinterest makes things look a lot easier than they actually are. Learn from my naive mistakes. Here are some of the hard truths that no one wants to talk about.

Chalkboard art...

You can't use regular dry chalk on your cute chalkboard. Regular chalk will wipe away even with a slight breeze, and won't show up brightly. You will spend time going over and over your chalk lines to make them brighter, and not even realize that your new marks begin to erase your previous marks. You will need liquid chalk markers! Liquid chalk will make it cleaner and brighter. You can find liquid chalk markers at your local craft store.

Mason Jars.... are expensive.

If I could put 3,000 mason jars around my house I would! I think they are so beautiful and Pinterest has so many fun crafts you can do with them. However, the going rate per pack is, at least, $14 in stores. So if you think they would make a great wedding favor, be sure to check the prices before you fall in love with a cute mason jar craft idea. Also, it looks easy to tie bows around them and fill them with chocolate powders. It's not, it takes a lot of time. So be ready to invest yourself

Sharpie Mugs.....

You can't use your regular Sharpies for your ceramic mug art. So don't go and grab whatever you find from your desk. You need a special oil-based paint Sharpie marker. Otherwise, your cute baked design will be gone in 1-2 washes in the sink or dishwasher. You can find oil-based paint Sharpies at your local craft store.

Exact ingredients in recipes... 

Don't just say "Brown sugar" that doesn't help anyone. In a recipe, we need all measurements to be clear and labeled. A miscalculated measurement could change the entire flavor or chemistry of a dessert. So be sure to read through the recipe entirely before beginning, and use your best judgment to either solve the problem yourself or find a new recipe.

So my friends go now and make all of your Pinterest dreams come true. However don't be like me, know that all things that look easy usually aren't. In the end, the most important thing is to have fun while making your DIY pin-craft. Because really isn't that what it's all about?

Thanksgiving Recipes for a Happy Snow Blower

Recipe for "Snow Blower Non-Surprise"

Like the sun rises every morning, Thursday morning will arrive just as it promises every year. Thanksgiving morning and the question always is... are you ready? Mom and Dad are there, crazy uncle Joey, and the kids. Like a well-forecasted storm, they will come charging up those front steps with eager eyes and empty bellies. Just as the predictable Thanksgiving storm approaches so does the promise of snow. Winter is just around the corner, and knowing that you must be sure that your Snow Blower is properly buttered, stuffed, browned, and ready to go. 

Engine oil is the gravy to any snow blower recipe. Engine oil is a crucial ingredient to your snow blower, without engine oil your snow blower will be too dry and will break, leaving you snowed in. You can't have Thanksgiving without gravy....or stuffing for that matter which brings us to our next ingredient, shear pins. Shear pins are the stuffing, make sure that they are all intact or your blower simply won't throw snow. Snow Blower belts are the cranberry sauce. It is always good to have a couple extra belts on hand in case of emergency. Just as any Thanksgiving without extra cranberry sauce simply isn't a well planned Holiday dinner. 

What is a Thanksgiving meal without a Thanksgiving dessert? There is no smell like Grandmother's famous apple pie being sliced and served around the table. Just as the warm pie fills your belly, your snow blower hand warmers spread the warmth from your fingertips to your arms. Hand warmers are Grandmother's pies, you can't imagine going a single year without them. 

The Snow Blower itself, of course, is the most important item of them all, the turkey. However no matter how delicious a turkey is, it wouldn't work without all the other dishes next to it. So take care of your snow blower this season and make sure it's ready to go before the first snow fall.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe Winter

Sincerely,

Your friends at ProPartsDirect!