Ruppert Landscape Appoints Bob Jones as Chief Sales Officer
Jessica Schwartz
Ruppert Landscape Helps Install Flags Commemorating Pandemic Toll
In Washington, DC last week, over 150 employees from Ruppert Landscape’s Maryland, DC, and Virginia branches came together to assist Maryland artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg bring to fruition “In America: Remember”, a public art installation commemorating all Americans who have died due to COVID-19. From September 14-16, Ruppert helped in placing the more than 660,000 white flags installed on 20 acres of the National Mall at the base of the Washington Monument, creating an opportunity for visitors to reflect upon the enormous toll of the pandemic. The exhibit runs through October 3, 2021. Conceptualized and executed by Firstenberg (seen below with CEO Craig Ruppert), she describes the project as a memorial that’s also a physical manifestation of empathy. Ruppert assisted with bringing her vision to life using a combination of aerial mapping and design software to create a grid that encompasses the National Mall. To ensure symmetry during installation, teams used a custom-made grid tool to install the 4” x 5” white flags. There are 143 sections, the majority of which are 60’ x 60’, that each contain 5329 flags. Ruppert had over 350 team members from 10 local branches contributing to the installation over the three-day period. The exhibition is occurring concurrently in the digital sphere, allowing families across the nation to submit messages to personalize flags for their loved ones at the In America: Remember website. “When people say, ‘We couldn’t have done it without you,’ they are usually speaking figuratively,” said Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg. “Without ...
Irrigation & Water Conservation
COVID-19 has shifted consumer perspectives in unexpected ways. Residential clients have analyzed their outdoor living spaces and engaged in improvements. They’ve also sought ways to tighten budgets due to economic impacts. With that, sustainability has become a hot topic—not only saving the environment, but saving costs. At Conserva, an irrigation company founded solely on the principle of water conservation, our goal is to provide a simple program for our clients to reduce water waste and save on their monthly bills. We do this through an audit process, called a “System Efficiency Score.” Since franchising our model in 2017, Conserva Irrigation has improved the water efficiency of tens of thousands of existing sprinkler systems across 26 states. Here’s what we’ve learned. Diving Into Water Conservation When the convenience of automation and fresh water come together, there’s a high propensity for waste. Most landscape irrigation systems are programmed to water automatically two to three times per week, regardless of current weather conditions. Run times are often based more on “gut feeling” than on science and rarely adjusted for plants’ seasonal water needs. This “set it and forget it” mentality, with systems even running during the night, leads to little oversight and wasted water. Factor in line- and head-breaks and you have the perfect storm for freshwater waste. In fact, U.S. households waste over a trillion gallons of water each year and 1.5 billion gallons daily on irrigation losses alone. Clearly, irrigation is an area in dire need of remediation at many ...
Turf Spring 2021 Issue
Editor’s Letter: We Can Be Heroes Right now I feel like a superhero. I feel nearly invincible. Why? Because I’ve gotten my first COVID vaccination shot. Of course the real heroes are the scientists and front line workers. I’m just incredibly fortunate. Here in NJ, getting the vaccine has been a “circus” (to put it nicely) of research, persistence, and dumb luck. As an asthmatic with elderly parents, I spent a year living with greater fear than I admitted to myself—until with the click of an appointment button, a heavy weight began to lift. It makes you realize the toll of fear. The stress we accept as normal. The ways we hold ourselves back. We had little control over the pandemic, but emerging from it could be an important lesson in freedom from fear. What have you been holding back on? Buying new equipment? See page 20. Taking a chance on new plants and trees to add to your rotation? See page 32. Adding irrigation to your services? See page 24. Or applying fertilizer to client lawns? See page 36. What about finally addressing those marketing opportunities you’ve never fully looked into—like Google Ads, SEO, and more? See page 39. Of course, some things, no matter what, remain beyond on our control. Like the frustrating challenges of H-2B visa caps and hiring. Mari Medrano, human resources director at CoCal Landscape in Denver, shares an intimate look at the ups and downs of this program’s effects at her company on page ...
Keeping Workers Safe In The Field
Compiled from OSHA.gov During the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA generally recommends that employers encourage workers to wear cloth face coverings at work to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, workers who wear cloth face coverings in hot and humid environments or while performing strenuous activities outdoors, such as those in landscaping and related work environments can find cloth face coverings to be uncomfortable. Lawn care and landscape employers are recommended to follow the below safety practices to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of heat-related illness among their workforce. Lawn care and landscape employers are recommended to follow the below practices to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of heat-related illness among their workforce. Acclimatize new and returning workers to environmental and work conditions while wearing cloth face coverings. Prioritize use of cloth face coverings when workers are in close contact with others (less than six feet), such as during group travel or shift meetings. Allow workers to remove cloth face coverings when they can safely maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others. Evaluate the feasibility of wearing cloth face coverings for each worker and consider alternatives (e.g., face shields) when appropriate. Increase the frequency of hydration and rest breaks in shaded, non-enclosed, or air conditioned areas. Incorporate at least six feet of physical distancing into break areas used by employees by staggering breaks, spacing workers, and limiting the number of workers on break at a time, where this is ...
Vaccine Priority For Essential Snow & Ice Workers?
COVID-19 vaccines are now being rolled out and areas are determining their timelines of priority for vaccination scheduling. Deeming it’s members as providing “essential critical infrastructure work,” the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) is distributing a request to all state and provincial health departments in charge of vaccine distribution to prioritize snow and ice removal workers as “essential workers.” SIMA has drafted a statement to be used as needed to send to local health department. According to SIMA CEO Martin Tirado, “Getting the COVID-19 is optional, and snow and ice professionals should have this option in Phase 1 of distribution.” Vaccination of snow and ice employees may also aid in any labor shortfalls. Tirado said in an earlier statement, “This season there is an increased risk of a shortage of a healthy workforce ready and willing to participate in this tough work. COVID-19 and standard Influenza may cause a larger-than-normal loss of labor hours and people during certain periods of the winter season, and may impact the ability of professional snow and ice management companies to conduct the work they are tasked with during strong and often severe winter storms.” Here is the letter SIMA drafted: January 8, 2021 To: All State or Provincial Health Departments in the USA and Canada Please consider this correspondence a request to have snow and ice removal service providers be recognized as essential workers and to be offered Phase 1 priority in COVID-19 vaccine priority. Essential workers recommended for vaccination in Phase 1 ...
PPP The Second Time Around
Small businesses struggling from the impact of COVID-19 are getting another round of financial help from the just passed Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020, a bill that contained $284 billion for the renewed Paycheck Protection Program. (PPP). The new loans will be tax deductible and available to any lawn care and landscape contractor or business with fewer than 300 workers. Sole proprietors, independent contractors and the self-employed are also eligible, and can apply even if they previously applied and were granted a PPP loan from the first round. The PPP loans are designed to provide a direct incentive for contractors and other small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. In addition to providing relief for first-time borrowers, a second PPP loan for businesses facing significant revenue declines is available to any business operating before February of 2020, that suffered at least a 30% decline in revenues in any quarter of 2020 when compared to 2019. Although the funds were allocated to the Small Business Administration (SBA), a lawn care and landscape contractor can apply through any existing, qualified SBA lender, federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union or Farm Credit System institution. Overview Of PPP Loans The current bill funds three categories of PPP loans, including: First-time PPP loans for businesses that qualified under the CARES Act but did not get a loan Second-draw PPP loans for businesses that obtained a PPP loan but are now in need of additional funding, and Additional funding for businesses ...
Lawn Care Pricing & Profit
After a hectic and decidedly unexpected 2020, looking ahead toward spring 2021 brings two key questions: How will COVID-19 affect lawn care pricing? Should you raise or lower prices? Despite COVID-19 and the profit/loss you may have experienced in 2020, you can still make 2021 a profitable year and win more clients. You just need the right knowledge and tools under your belt. How Does COVID-19 Affect Your Pricing? Before diving into how lawn care ser-vices should be priced, you first need to understand how COVID-19 will affect pric-ing next spring. Now, more than ever, it’s important that you’re properly pricing your lawn care services, especially during the upcoming lawn care season. Considerations should include: Replacing any clients you lost last season. Rebounding from last season if forced to close for a period of time. You need to address your cost. Despite the economic downturn, your cost of doing business may be higher due to increased marketing and technological investments to make your business contactless. Additionally, potential clients may be more discretionary with their spending and will expect you to be more mindful of taking precautions. Realign the business growth goals you had for 2020 with your goals for 2021. Revisit those goals and decide what’s feasi-ble for next year. Realistically, you can still expect to rebound from 2020 with proper pricing; however, depending on how heavily your lawn care business was impacted, it might take some time to fully recover. Keep in mind that just as you were ...
Country Clipper Finds Way To Celebrate Community Despite COVID
Shivvers Manufacturing, Inc. and subsidiary Country Clipper continue the holiday tradition for its associates by investing in the community in lieu of the traditional company holiday celebration. Like many companies, Shivvers Manufacturing, Inc. and subsidiary Country Clipper, located in Corydon, IA, worried that COVID-19 would end a three-decade-long tradition of celebrating holiday spirit with employees and the community. In addition to a ham delivered to each employee, the company also held a much anticipated annual holiday party for employees and spouses. When it became clear their typical party was not in the cards, The team at Shivvers went back to the drawing board. Dissecting what the tradition was really about, it became evident it meant more than just employee appreciation. It was also about supporting local business through venue rentals and catering services. A perfect solution, in lieu of an in-person party and meal, was found in the community. This year, employees will receive $50 in “Corydon Bucks” to spend at local restaurants and businesses. “The community of Corydon, Iowa has supported this company for more than 50 years” said President Carl Shivvers. “It’s not just where our address happens to be, it’s our home. It’s where our families buy gifts for loved ones and enjoy a night out at local restaurants. With the pandemic affecting all of the businesses in our community, Corydon Bucks became the best substitute to show our appreciation to employees and support local businesses simultaneously.” Armed with a total of $5,700 in Corydon Bucks to ...
The Vaccine & The Workplace: Employee Attitudes
As the U.S. starts administering the coronavirus vaccine, the good news is that the end of the pandemic is in sight. Employers, however, may face new issues and decisions when it comes to vaccination and the workplace. Should employers mandate vaccines before employees return to the workplace? Will employment be at risk if an employee refuses vaccination? Will certain employees be exempt? Who will pay for any future employer mandated COVID-19 testing and vaccines? Employee Support? “Employers must get in front of the vaccine issue today,” said Melissa Jezior, president and chief executive officer of Eagle Hill Consulting. “There has never been a more crucial time for meaningful employee engagement, which could make or break organizations already struggling. It won’t be enough to just announce vaccine plans to employees.” She adds, “Instead, leaders are prudent to engage in conversations to understand the views of their workforce now… For example, employee incentives—rather than mandates—might be more appealing to workers.” According to a national survey conducted by Eagle Hill, 49% of working Americans believe employers should require COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace. “The workforce clearly is split on employer vaccine mandates, so it’s going to be contentious no matter where an employer lands on inoculation requirements,” said Jezior. The level of support for compulsory workplace vaccinations varies by age and gender. Support among men is at 53%, and lower for women at 44%. Younger workers (62%) are most supportive of employer mandated vaccines, followed by Millennials (50%), GenX (46%) and Baby Boomers ...
Many Small Businesses Fear Worst Is Yet To Come
Despite the first COVID-19 vaccines being administered, most small businesses (62%) anticipate the worst of the pandemic’s economic impact is still ahead with half (50%) seeing their operations continuing for a year or less in the current business climate before having to close permanently. These sobering statistics come from poll results released yesterday by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife. (The poll was taken October 30 – November 10.) Three-quarters (74%) of all small business owners say they need further government assistance. That percentage increases to 83% when looking at minority-owned businesses. Only four in 10 (40%) of all small business owners believe their business can continue to operate indefinitely without having to shut down permanently. “The impact of coronavirus continues to take a devastating toll on America’s small businesses,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “…We must ensure small businesses across the country receive the assistance they need from the federal government.” He also stated, “The Portman-Manchin proposal required significant compromise on both liability protections and state and local aid. It should become law…. If, however, there is insufficient support, which appears to be the case, for including liability protection and state aid, Congress must pass the remainder of pandemic relief package developed by the bipartisan working group. Partial agreement is better than no agreement…” According to the survey, the majority of small business owners (56%) disagree that they have all the support they need from the federal ...
