Manufacturers share their thoughts on the upcoming year
Here’s what some industry suppliers have to say about the green industry in 2011.
 Joe Kucik Owner of Real Green “While we’re a little biased as these are all of our products, we know they work. We use them in our own lawn care company, and our customers keep growing while using them, too. Why let another year go by before updating your business to the 21st century? Start today by taking the first step to add new technology to your business. You’ll be glad you did.” |
 Dan Lixie General manager, Dynamic Marketing LLC “In addition to posting signs, we offer these marketing products: graphic design, direct-mail postcards, door hangers, trade show booths, website development, e-mail design and marketing, and prepay letters. “Like our posting signs, we take the environmental approach with our printed products, offering FSC-certified paper and soy inks. Our interactive website eliminates the need for paper transactions and proofing. Go give it a try at www.dynamicmarketingllc.com. We also store all of our clients’ artwork for free right on the site, so you never have to go searching for the latest documents that were used. Your documents can even be made editable for real-time revisions, and of course, this is offered as a free service to our customers.” |
 Tom Rich President of L.T. Rich Products “The year has seen increased purchases from our current customer base, sales from startup landscape companies, as well as purchases from experienced landscape companies who have, in the past, used other manufacturer’s sprayer/spreaders or aerators. “We expect and strive to grow every year, but to grow 15 to 20 percent consistently for the last five years has been impressive. It has enabled us to add more staff for better customer service, and also allowed us time to focus on creating different products and new attachments for the industry. “Being a company that has more than 45 years of combined industry experience, we know what it takes to achieve success. One key factor for our success has always been paying close attention to our customers’ demands. Another key factor is our ability to understand and adapt to the constant changes with the industry and allow our company to thrive in the landscape market. “We are thankful for the business and continued support of our past customers and appreciate the gained trust of our new customers. We look forward to many more years in this industry.” |
 Jim Hasler Vice president, North America, New Holland Construction “To get ready for the rebound, New Holland engineers have designed some of the most efficient, productive and comfortable compact equipment in the industry. We’re introducing 22 new machines throughout 2011. This includes 10 all-new skid steer loaders and compact track loaders. We’re introducing these machines in the first quarter at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011. “Since the introduction of the New Holland L35 skid steer loader in 1972, landscapers have recognized the value of New Holland equipment on the job year-round to tackle everything from grading and plowing to material handling. Our full line of compact equipment has been serving the need of our customers in the green industry for more than 35 years. “New Holland has more than 300 dealer locations across North America to meet your equipment needs and help your business succeed in 2011. Stop by your local dealer to see what all the excitement is about. Whether you’re moving rock, planting trees or pushing snow, New Holland has the machines and attachments to get the job done right.” |
 Jim Stubbs CEO of CDS-John Blue Company “Water issues increase every year as our need for water sources are strained. This is due in part to the current realization of how precious this limited commodity is, and thus, preservation and usage become litigated issues. “With this comes the need for better usage and management of water. The days when you could find very inexpensive water and not worry about the efficiency of usage are ending. Cities, recreation and our habitat require our better use of this. Thus, looking forward, proper application to make the best use of the water will be most important.” |
 Anne Behner Sales manager at Visual Impact “EARTHSCAPES Landscape Design Software provides for the creation of traditional drafting methodology with the efficiency of technology. EARTHSCAPES software includes both high-resolution photo-imaging capabilities and to-scale site plan drafting. EARTHSCAPES also includes an estimator to easily calculate bids, as well as a diverse plant library of 5,500 objects accommodating every USDA plant hardiness zone. “Visual Impact Imaging’s mission is to provide landscape professionals with the highest-quality landscape design software and technological tools. We are committed to customer service and development of innovations so that our customers can create extraordinary landscape solutions efficiently and triumph as leaders in the green industry.” |
 David Sloan Director of sales/marketing at Drafix Software, Inc./PRO Landscape “One area we’ve seen change is shift in focus from landscaping new construction to renovation projects for existing landscaping. To help our customers, we’ve continued to enhance PRO Landscape design software to meet the market changes. As an example, we’ve enhanced our cloning tools, which are used to remove existing landscaping from photos they’ve taken of a customer’s house. There’s no better way to sell a renovation job than to show a before picture of an overgrown landscape and then an after picture of a new landscape design. “A key benefit of using PRO Landscape is being able to be more professional in presenting bids, and responding faster. PRO Landscape allows landscape designers to produce buds faster, more accurately and with a professionalism in their presentations that impresses customers. There is business out there and we will continue to work together with our customers so that PRO Landscape can help them win the business.” |
 Jeff Pierce President of Pierce Arrow, Inc. “2011 rings in changes in the Pierce dump kit, including grease zerts for longevity and easy maintenance; the development of effective installation processes, manuals and videos; and added models to fit newer trucks. “We are eager to utilize our GSA contract (GS-30F-0012W) to outfit federal trucks with our dump kit, winches and Lodar. The dump kit lowers equipment costs and repurposes existing equipment. That’s why Pierce dump kits are the perfect fit for the solo landscaper, hobbyist or municipality. “Each year we become more effective, efficient and systematic. The landscaping and GSA markets offer exciting possibilities. We hope to see you at a few trade shows to learn more about your business and how Pierce can help.” |
 Stan Guyer President of Grasshopper, Inc. “In 2011, outdoor power equipment must meet additional government regulations regulating air quality. We’ve reached the point where we are up against the law of diminishing returns. It is getting more and more expensive to make smaller and smaller gains. “Contractors, keep this in mind in 2011: Regulations allowing fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol for newer passenger cars and light trucks could become costly. Fuel variability is already creating service issues. Wide availability of E15 will just compound the problem and will create real challenges for repair by making it more difficult for a tech to determine whether a power failure is equipment or fuel-related. Many end-users do not make a point of using fresh fuel and are not going to realize they may need to use a different fuel for their small engines than they do in their vehicles.” |
 Brent Renfrow Turf and ornamental marketing manager, Monsanto Industrial “Another product that continues to exceed expectations is QuikPRO. Customers are raving about the speed of weed control from this dry formulation of Roundup—results are visible within 24 hours. It’s also easy to measure, handle and clean up. Customers also appreciate the fact that the product weighs less than liquid formulations and doesn’t freeze. “We believe that to be successful, top-performing products and unique services must go hand in hand. And, with all the growing interest in the industry, it’s critical to deliver new and innovative products and services. This year, we look to demonstrate value and exceed expectations through technical recommendations, environmental stewardship and providing information to the public.” |
 Bob Fines President and CEO of TBEI, Inc., Rugby Mfg. Co. “At Rugby, our strategy has been to better serve our customers by investing in more and better training for our employees, refining our production processes and increasing efficiencies. But, most importantly, we’ve worked more closely with our distribution partners and end users to design and deliver innovative products. Rugby distributors throughout the United States are well-prepared to discuss contractor needs and find individual product solutions. “Because landscape contractors face diverse applications and difficult working environments, Rugby has designed dump bodies utilizing stainless steel and aluminum, as well as steel. In 2010, these new products have focused on features and design elements that help end users save money, become more productive and grow their businesses. These bodies provide increased payloads and fuel savings, higher durability and longer wear, and overall more cost-conscious designs. “We look forward to delivering the highest quality landscape and dump bodies and hoists to our industry partners in the coming year and being a part of your success.” |
 Fletcher Steele president of Pine Hall Brick “We’re beginning to see signs of growth in a few markets that give us hope that next year will start the rebound from the building depression. We’re also seeing signs in other industries that our economy is growing again. Hopefully we’ll see our newfound economy start to grow at a fast enough pace to put this very difficult business slump behind us for good.” |
 Tom Jessen Owner, PermaGreen Supreme, Inc. “Despite all these difficulties, there is still plenty of turf to be serviced and money to be made by smart businesses that invest in new equipment to improve productivity and cut waste and inefficiency. Now is not the time to hunker down. It’s time to modernize, reorganize and meet the challenges head on.” |
 Shaun Skinner Executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. “Performance, practicality, dependability, durability. Whether you are a small business operator with a single vehicle or you manage an entire fleet, you need a truck that will do more, while costing less to operate. “At Isuzu, that’s the only kind of truck we sell. Our engines are legendary for their power, economy and long life. Our frames accommodate a wide range of body applications. Our low-cab-forward design provides remarkable maneuverability. Isuzu trucks are engineered to maximize driver productivity. “Now, more than ever, these are the trucks that drive up your productivity while driving down your cost of ownership.” |
 Eldean Bergman Owner and founder of Boulder Designs |
