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Bobcat Introduces TL623 Telehandler
Jessica Schwartz
The Key to Building a Successful Business
Give your clients the services they want Photos Courtesy of Turf Tamer, Inc. Multiple add-on services by Turf Tamer, Inc., from rock work to seasonal color, make this a standout site. The heart of business success is simple and direct: Do what you do best and do lots of it. The reality of growing a company in a highly competitive marketplace is much more complex. “Focus on what you can excel at, be passionate about it, deliver services that show you really care,” says Mark Lay, CLP, CLT. The CEO of AA Tex Lawn Company in Indian Trail, N.C., has followed that directive since starting the company in 1980. Mowing, pruning and mulching formed the business then and became the building blocks for the multifaceted company now serving the Charlotte metro area. It’s takes a dedication to customer service that translates to “Passion in Every Project,” according to Lee Buffington, CLP. As founder and president of Turf Tamer, Inc., based in Fort Payne, Ala., the company’s trademark is the driving force behind the business. He started mowing lawns at 17 with college on the horizon and a medical career as his long-time goal. But, the business was growing, and by the time he’d completed his second year of college, he realized it was his passion. Now, at 32, the company generates $2 million in sales, and he’s fitting classes into his schedule, pursuing an undergraduate degree in business administration en route to an M.B.A. This site, with water features, plantings ...
2009 Landscape Industry Show
Los Angeles, Calif.February 25-26 Award-winning displays, the latest and greatest landscape products and equipment and educational seminars by some of the most respected experts in their fields are all on tap for CLCA’s 30th annual Landscape Industry Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Well-known as the West’s largest and longest-running show for green industry professionals, this year’s LIS is shaping up to be the best ever. There will be more than 100,000 square feet of convention floor taken over by thousands of plants, demonstration gardens, exhibitors and vendors and showing off green industry products and technology—including trucks and tractors, tillers and trenchers—and information about patio systems, outdoor kitchens, lighting, irrigation, hardscape techniques and materials and more. This year, one part of the show will be dedicated to water features and ponds, where you’ll see everything needed to build ponds: pond pumps, liners, filters, etc. There will also be a reflection pond and garden at the entrance of the show for people to walk in and take a minute to decide where they want to go first. 2009 Show Dates and Times Wednesday, February 25: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, February 26: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Attendee Registration Tuesday, February 24: 12 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 25: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, February 26: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seminars Most classes are $40; two classes, $70; three classes, $90; unlimited classes, $120 Wednesday, February 25 8 – 10 a.m. Managing Landscapes in Time of Drought ...
Bigger and Better
All American Turf Beauty grows at a manageable rate Photos Courtesy of All American Turf Beauty. All American Turf Beauty is one of Iowa’s largest independent lawn care services, with a base of 7,500 customers spread over 230 cities and towns in Iowa and Minnesota. It began in 1976, when Daryle Johnson launched the lawn service business with a four-application spray program that was, at that time, new to the state of Iowa. His wife and business partner, Linda, and the couples’ children formed the marketing division, going house to house putting brochures on the doors of homes in targeted neighborhoods. Augmented by customer referrals, that effort built first year client numbers to 95. The second year ended with 400 accounts, and the third with 900. Initially working from Winterset with a warehouse in Des Moines, the company set up a branch office in Ames in 1978. A third branch office opened in Waterloo in 1980. Growth was so rapid, and sustained, that in 1983, All American Turf Beauty was ranked number 323 on Inc. magazine’s “Inc. 500” list of the fastest growing companies in the United States. Nearly half of the lawn service applications are granular, with the turf specialists using walk-behind spreaders. Managing growth Johnson says, “It’s been a collaborative process from the very beginning. With Linda’s support, the combined efforts of dedicated personnel, and the growing leadership of our son Kevin, the rapid growth was manageable. We had mini-offices spread across much of Iowa, with several people ...
Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association Conference and Trade Show
December 9-11, Denver, Colo. Highlights Exciting Keynote Craig Karges is this year’s keynote speaker. He combines the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible. Tables float, minds are read, metal bends and your imagination is challenged because you won’t believe your eyes. Craig is indeed an extraordinist! He is an award-winning entertainer, a nationally recognized speaker and an author. Same Great Location Once again, the conference is returning to the same location this year. The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza – DIA (formerly Holiday Inn) located at 15500 East 40th Avenue, Denver, CO, close to I-70 and Chambers. You will enjoy on-site lodging, free parking, no downtown traffic, free airport shuttle and plenty of fast food restaurants within walking distance. Opening Sessions and Award Presentations This year, the opening session, including awards, scholarships, CSU research update and the very special keynote speaker, will run from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10. This allows you plenty of time to visit the exhibitor hall prior to and after the opening session before the conference sessions begin. This year, the RMRTA will present the Distinguished Service award, the Turfgrass Professional of the Year award and the Colorado Turfgrass Foundation Scholarship recipients. De-Turfing Hour The ever-popular De-Turfing Hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the Trade Center. Join your colleagues for drinks, snacks and fun while bidding on great items donated by ...
PANTS 2008
July 29-31, Atlantic City, N.j. Show Hours Tuesday, July 29 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 30 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, July 31 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. See the Trends The Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (PANTS) has made its mark as the green industry event that provides the best summer opportunity to network with suppliers. As the first show of the buying season, PANTS offers the first opportunity to find out what the hot new trends are so you can jump ahead of the competition. See what’s new, learn the trends and talk to over 500 exhibiting companies about how to make the most out of your spring season! Forge Relationships Where can you see hundreds of companies selling products and services pertinent to your business’ success without spending tons on sales calls? PANTS in Atlantic City! Save time and money driving to these companies separately … send your staff to PANTS. The relationships that are built will make you and your customers happy. So, why wouldn’t you go? Build Your Business At the end of the day, you want to know that everything you do from attending trade shows to making good buying decisions helps to build your business. That’s why the folks at PANTS want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Talk to as many exhibitors as you can so you can make the best buying decisions for your business. Then, sit in on one of the many ...
2008 Landscape Industry Show
Los Angeles, Calif. February 27-28 The Landscape Industry Show is the leading green industry show in the West. The show provides you with the ultimate customer connection—bringing you face-to-face with an expected 8,000 attendees and 300-plus exhibitors. Green industry professionals come ready to make decisions and learn about the latest and greatest products. For complete information, visit www.clca.us/lis. Show Schedule Registration Tuesday, February 26 12 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 27 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday, February 28 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Educational Seminars Wednesday, February 278 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday, February 288 a.m. – 3 p.m. LocationLos Angeles Convention Center, South Hall 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Educational Seminars Wednesday, February 27 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday, February 28 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Educational Sessions Wednesday, February 27 8 – 10 a.m. • The Design-Build Process—Kent Gordon England, owner of Kent Gordon England, Inc. • Becoming an Exceptional Performance Coach—Bob Coulter, professional landscape industry motivational trainer with JP Horizons. • Top Ten Employee Issues Plaguing Landscapers/’08 Labor Law Update—Stacy Rochelle, regional director for the California Association of Employers. • Job Costing for Profit vs. Existence—Brian Van Bower, president of Aquatic Consultants and Genesis 3 Design Group. • Preserving Mature Trees During Construction—Barrie Coate, ISA certified arborist and owner of Barrie D. Coate and Associates. • Implementing Water Management Performance—John Moore, program manager for CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. • Water Management Certification Test—$200 general public/$100 for ...
Minnesota Green Expo
January 9-11, Minneapolis, Minn. The 2008 Minnesota Green Expo will take place January 9-11, 2008, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) and the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation (MTGF) are partners in the regional trade show and educational program which targets a broad spectrum of green industry professionals. Give us three days … … and the Minnesota Green Expo will give you a leg up on what’s new to ensure you’re on the cutting edge of the market. All of it: products, accessories, educational seminars, marketing and business workshops, parties, receptions and networking. It’s all business, and it’s all at Expo. Make it your business to be there in January, or you’ll be left behind! The show’s audience includes nursery and greenhouse growers; garden center operators; landscape and irrigation contractors; landscape designers; lawn, tree and gardening professionals; golf course and park superintendents; school and cemetery grounds supervisors; sports turf managers; and arborists. Over 8,000 green industry professionals are expected to attend from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. Hotel information The Hyatt Regency will be the headquarters hotel for the 2008 Minnesota Green Expo. The Hyatt is connected by skyway to the Minneapolis Convention Center, as well as to shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Guest rooms include amenities such as in-room movies, large work desks with two-line phones and voice mail. The hotel features a fully equipped health club and indoor heated swimming pool, as well as sauna and Jacuzzi. Discounted room ...
