The Growing Concern April 2015 by Sandy Munley

Growing Concern

The

April 2015

A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O h i o La n d s c a p e A s s o c i a t i o n

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Hands-On and Written Test July 23, 2015 PAGE 13

OLA Scholarship Golf Classic August 6, 2015 PAGE 7

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President’s column

READY FOR A RECHARGE Looking back at the last few months, especially February, defines the expression… “When Hell freezes over.” I’m pretty sure we were just about there, but I am glad to see warmer temperatures on the horizon. So, how do you transition from our cold winter season into spring? It is no easy task by any stretch of the imagination if you provide winter services. Those transitional months, mainly March and November can be costly to your bottom line. Ever track the hours it takes to up-fit a truck with plow and spreader? Then, having to remove it because the expected storm blew south. Sound familiar? Been there, done that many times! Based out of the Chardon, Ohio area, it seems like it snows until May… not quite, but we are usually on stand-by for a burst of lake effect snow at a minute’s notice. So, how do you beat the winter blues to put your best foot forward for a successful season? My number one recommendation is to take a few days and recharge YOUR batteries. Whether it’s a long weekend away with your family or a few days simply away from the office, this down time is a great

Steve Moore S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.

way to clear your head. You will be surprised how energetic you are upon your return. Myself, I normally take a few days to a week towards the end of March and head south to find 80 degrees or more. Touching base with clients that you haven’t seen from that last visit in the late fall is also a good way to recharge. Your clients from the previous season are typically ecstatic to see you and anxious to get their property cleaned up or project started. A face-to-face meeting with your client recharges your relationship with them. For you, this provides the opportunity to walk the property providing advice and troubleshooting any issues that have arisen. You should walk away from this meeting with a clear vision of your client’s needs for the season.

…take a few days and recharge YOUR batteries.

The early spring is also a good time to visit with your vendors to firm up your pricing for the coming season. Knowing your direct cost on the materials you use most tends to continued on page 6 The Growing Concern x April 2015 x 3

Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s A p r i l 2 0 1 5 w w w. o h i o l a n d s c a p e r s . o r g

Ohio’s Professional Green I n d u s t r y A s s o c i at i o n Ohio Landscape Association 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 Fax: 440-717-0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org or www.myohiolandscape.com Editor Darlene Hess, Ohio Landscape Association Regular Writers Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb Steve Moore, S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.

ON THE COVER — KGK Gardening & Design Corp.

Features

President’s Column

Ready For A Recharge

Plant Of The Month

Aristolochia Macrophylla Dutchman’s Pipe

Perennial Focus

For Safety Sake

Mertensia virginica Bluebells

The Dangers Of Silica Dust

Fiscal Fitness

Proven Ways To Retire Rich

28 RULES ON RECRUITING 32 Directions

Be an Advocate

Inside Every Issue

5 33

Welcome New Members Advertising Index

Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising rates, please call 1-800-335-6521 Disclaimer The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attest to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

Officers President Steve Moore President-Elect Bryan Taynor

Directors Eric Brubeck, ASLA Adam Capiccioni Jacob Grimm Nathan Kowalsick Marie McConnell

Treasurer Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA Immediate Past President Joe Twardzik, CID OLA Staff Executive Director Sandy Munley Communications and Events Manager Darlene Hess Membership Coordinator Sue Whitlam

Ca l e n d a r o f EV e n t s U p c o m i n g OL A m e e t i n g s , e d u c a t i o n s e m i n a r s a n d o t h e r g r e e n i n d u s t r y e v e n t s

JULY

PLANET Legislative Conference JULY 20-21, 2015 Influence lawmakers and make a difference in your industry. Held in Washington D.C. For more information or to register, contact PLANET at 1-800-395-2522 or visit LandCareNetwork.org.

PLANET Renewal and Remembrance Day JULY 20, 2015 Beautification project at Arlington National Cemetery where green industry companies from across our great nation pay tribute to our fallen soldiers by providing lawn care, mulching, pruning, planting and more! For more information or to register, contact PLANET at 1-800-395-2522 or visit LandCareNetwork.org.

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test JULY 23, 2015 Hands-On and Written Test. Held on the campus of OSU ATI in Wooster. Pre-register by May 20. Written test only will be given July 22 and October 6 at various locations around the state. For more information contact Elliott or Kim Sayers, at the Ohio State ATI Business Training and Educational Services office at 330-287-7511 or 330-287-0100.or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org.

AUGUST OLA Scholarship Golf Classic AUGUST 6, 2015 Join us for a fun day of golf, networking, food and liquid refreshments at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

NGLCO Field Day AUGUST 11, 2015 This year’s field day will be hosted by Chalet Debonne Vineyards in Madison, Ohio. For more information contact Annette Howard at 440-241-7969, info@ nglco.com or visit www.nglco.com.

OCTOBER

OLA Central Ohio Meeting Facility Tour OCTOBER 15, 2015 Join us for a behind the scenes tour of Hidden Creek Landscaping’s brand new facility in Hilliard, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !

The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: REGULAR MEMBERS: CC’s Landscaping Inc. 5839 Circle Drive Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 (440) 781-6414 Chris Smith

C.P.’s Lawncare LLC 4305 Shimoda Lane Zanesville, OH 43701 (740) 704-7962 Chad Parker

Complete Ground Pros, LLC 1342 Roseland Drive Macedonia, OH 44056 (216) 235-3034 Nick Gomula

ASSOCIATE MEMBER: Deer River Lawn Care 958 Joliet Drive Maumee, OH 43537 (419) 508-5688 Peter Katchmer

Earth & Waterscapes, Inc. 56 Tracy Lane Hiram, OH 44234 (440) 749-3474 Constance Piteo

Farinacci Landscape Design Contractors

Cleveland Quarries

Proscape Lawn & Landscape Services, LLC

5270 Devon Drive Vermilion, OH 44089 440-967-4008 Dave Dunn

PO Box 742 Marion, OH 43301 (740) 389-6204 Luke Henry

Shoreline Yardworks, LLC 124C Cleveland Road Norwalk, OH 44839 (419) 660-9273 Brad L. Mason

AFFILIATE MEMBER: Roy J. Dria Jackson High School 7600 Fulton Drive N.W. Massillon, OH 44646 330-837-3501 ext.1540

7516 Greenfield Trail Chesterland, OH 44026 (440) 313-4780 Angelo Farinacci

The Growing Concern x April 2015 x 5

President’s column continued from pg 3

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speed up the estimating process for you and your client. Within our company, I go over what materials worked for us the previous season and also the materials that we had issues with. I strive to be diverse in our vendors by utilizing each vendor’s talents and expertise when needed. Spring is also a good time to check out new products or materials on the market. In preparation of the spring rush, it is always a good idea to make sure your equipment is ready to serve. As we all know, the littlest repair can take the most time and cost the most money. I am always baffled by that concept, but it is unfortunately true. Prior to our spring rush, typically in the month of March, we inventory all of our construction and maintenance trailers to make sure all equipment is accounted for. Broken or old hand tools get replaced with new so we are ready to deliver service without hesitation. Without having the proper tools to do the job usually will cost more in the long run. As a member of the OLA, please remember to support our vendors within the organization. They are part of the reason we can bring continuing education, hands-on clinics, speakers, along with several other events to you. Best of luck to everyone this spring.

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Plant Of the Month

Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College

Shelley Funai Aristolochia Macrophylla Photo Courtesy: Gardenvines.com

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

ARISTOLOCHIA MACROPHYLLA

DUTCHMAN’S PIPE

Instead of a “throwback Thursday” we’re going for a Throwback April! This month’s plant is so old it remembers when the Grand Canyon was a ditch. This month’s plant is so old, it babysat Yoda! We’re thinking at this point that “yo mama” jokes may not translate so well to plants. Either way, this plant was introduced to our industry by one of our personal horticulture heroes, John Bartram, who we’ve waxed poetic about previously. In 1763 on explorations through the Appalachian Mountains, Mr. Bartram discovered a very prolific vine twining its way towards the forest canopy up trees and covering shrubs. This vine gained great popularity through the Victorian gardens along the East Coast in the mid-1800s and held onto some popularity through the 1900s. Today, the vine is less common in the trade and may need to be sourced at specialty growers. How does one plant go from boom to bust in these cycles? This could be a difficult question to answer. Sometimes the bust is the result of an introduced pest or disease (anyone still using ash trees?). Sometimes, it seems to just slip out of fashion. It is true

8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

that even in the plant world we have fashion trends. We’d bet it has been a while since the majority of us have planted many peonies, but in the Victorian era, you’d be committing garden suicide leaving out these beauties. Speaking of gardens built in the early 1900s, the English Garden at Stan Hywet is home to many of the plants en vogue at the turn of the 20th century. At the south entry to the garden, softening a large wood beam, brick, and stucco (tudor style) portico is a beautiful example of Aristolochia, the Dutchman’s Pipe. This particular use of the plant is likely one of the best used examples, where the structure it grows upon has some serious mass on its own. This vine is vigorous, it’s moving to 20 or 30 feet high before you can sit down and enjoy it. Besides being a quick grower, consider the overall texture of the plant which boasts large heart continued on page 10

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The Growing Concern x April 2015 x 9

Plant Of the Month continued from pg 8 shaped leaves (cordate) averaging 10 inches long and 10 inches across. These giant leaves layer nicely upon each other and will create a solid wall of slightly glabrous green. We mean solid! Don’t count on much daylight poking through this vine during the summer. It was this feature that led to one of the most popular old uses of the plant, front porch screening. In the more urbanized setting we find plenty of neighborhoods with front porches all lined up and within whispering distance of the neighbors. Imagine if you didn’t like your neighbors or you had the sun blasting in where you like to sit.

This vine is vigorous, it’s moving to 20 or 30 feet high before you can sit down and enjoy it.

Some people solve this problem with the ever so tasteful rattan roll up screen (today on special at your local dollar store)! Some use a bit more creativity with plants and when cramped for space, vines can be a great go to for screening. We feel this was one of the best uses for this particular vine, as the very unique flower is best viewed from behind the plant. Come May, these 2 to 3 inch odd flowers appear and take on a resemblance to an old smoking pipe. While we are not overly familiar with our pipe history, we are going to assume that they must look like the pipes that Dutch dudes smoked? A better image may be more saxophone-like, but despite Adolphe Sax’s chagrin, we agree “Dutchman’s Pipe” sounds much cooler than Saxophone Vine. The flower is somewhat greenish on the outside, but the opening on the pipe has a yellow center surrounded by a deep purple bell. Nearly invisible from the front as they hide beneath the wall of green hearts, you’d have to move leaves to the side to discover them. This description of leaf and flower may remind you of an herbaceous perennial cousin to the plant, Asarum (wild ginger). Next time you have the chance, compare the Dutchman’s Pipe leaf and flower with our native Asarum canadense and you’ll find the heart-shaped leaves hiding a unique flower with a purple bell around a yellow throat. Pretty cool to see the similarities despite one acting as a ground cover and one climbing whatever it can. In years past, this vine was known as Aristolochia durior but has suffered the fate of the meddling botanists and taxonomists bored with nothing else to do in life who changed it to A. macrophylla. Admittedly, a fine name as the large (macro) leaves (phylla) are larger than the rest of the species in Aristolochia.

Dutchman’s Pipe

We see a second native member, A. tomentosa, available from Klyn Nurseries. A neat feature of this species is the fine tomentum (hairs) covering the leaves that give them a soft fuzzy bunny feel. Use would be the same, keep things in scale. Grown on a weak, big box store, “spring special” trellis, expect dismal failure. The vine will eat that trellis and turn its head towards the neighbors annoying dog for the next treat. To keep this vine tame, expect some yearly maintenance, a heavy cut back each fall or spring is just fine and will keep things in check. Grow this on a substantial structure or along an otherwise uninteresting fence line, and you’ll reap the rewards of our Victorian past.

Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a PLANET accredited, associate of applied science in horticulture degree program, offering many paths to higher education to the green industry. He has an MS from Colorado State and is a licensed arborist. Shelley Funai is the Grounds Manager at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio that offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelly via email at hortsquad@gmail.com

10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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The Growing Concern x April 2015 x 11

Perennial Focus

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Mertensia with Narcissus and Dicentra

Mertensia virginica

Bluebells

One of the hallmarks of the shady spring garden is the appearance of bluebells. Do not be confused by this common name which is also used as the common name of Hyacinthoides non-scripta, the English bluebell, and Hyacinthoides campanulata, the Spanish bluebell or wood hyacinth, both of which are bulbs. There are several species of Mertensia but the best known is the American native, Mertensia virginica. In April, I eagerly await the blue-green, smooth leaves that emerge from my groundcover of Vinca minor because I know that the lovely blue tubular flowers will appear soon thereafter on twelve to eighteen inch stems. Each plant has one or two stems that support pendulous clusters of the flowers. The buds on mine are blue on the ends and purple near the stem, but buds can be pink before opening to blue. The flowers stay in bloom for several weeks. Eventually, usually in June, the leaves will begin to yellow because Mertensia is an ephemeral, (a plant marked by short life cycle). It is important, therefore, to interplant the bluebells with other perennials or groundcovers so that the bed is not left with bare spaces. I’ve also planted it with Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ that blooms a bit later. The silvery, continued on page 14

12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

It is important, therefore, to interplant the bluebells with other perennials or groundcovers so that the bed is not left with bare spaces.

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Perennial Focus continued from pg 12 variegated foliage of the Brunnera also helps to hide the yellowing leaves of the bluebells. Allan Armitage suggests planting the bluebells with Stylophorum diphyllum, the yellow wood poppy. Their bloom time overlaps and the scalloped foliage of the poppy remains until frost. You could also plant Mertensia with Narcissus and species tulips for spring display, but add one of the summer blooming Dicentra and some silver ferns like the Japanese Painted Fern for summer color in that spot. Another alternative is planting shade-loving annuals at the base of the bluebells.

Given moist soil and partial shade, bluebells will slowly naturalize by seeding. I’ve read that the best pollinators are butterflies and moths, but I’ve never caught them at it. Fortunately, bluebells don’t seem to appeal to deer or rabbits. Next time you design for blue flowers in the spring garden, be sure to include bluebells.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, free-lance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four-season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio

Any of these suggested combinations can be used in the shady perennial garden or as an underplanting at the base of shrubs. I would not plant them at the base of a tree because the tree will probably suck up most of the moisture.

Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.

Mertensia virginica

14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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OLA Scholarship Recipients Named At the 18th Annual Landscape Ohio! Awards Dinner, held on Thursday, March 26, 2015, The Ohio Landscape Association awarded scholarships to four very deserving students in front of an audience of more than 200 green industry professionals. Because of the strong support that OLA members have shown for our scholarship fundraising event, the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic, the OLA is able to continue to provide monies to qualified students studying in the field of horticulture. This year’s recipients are:

Jacob Hitch

Tyler Stefancin

Jacob Hitch is a freshman at The Ohio State University – Agricultural Technical Institute where he holds a 3.666 GPA. Jacob is studying Landscape Horticulture and Renewable Energy and is the President of the OSU/ATI Landscape Club for the 2014/2015 school year. This is the second scholarship that Jacob has earned from the Ohio Landscape Association. His studies at Hilliard Darby High School and Tolles Career and Technical Center earned him a scholarship towards this school year. Jacob has been certified as an OCNT-Landscape. He traveled to Washington, DC with his class in 2013 and participated in Renewal in Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery as well as made Hill visits to legislators with his classmates, instructor, OLA Executive Director, Sandy Munley, and other OLA members. Both employers gave rave reviews of Jacob and described him as an eager enthusiastic young man with a promising future in our industry.

Tyler Stefancin is a sophomore at Cuyahoga Community College where he has earned a 3.08 GPA. Tyler has been recognized by his instructors as a very hard working student with a clear goal to complete his degree and enter the green industry. Tyler has been employed by a landscape firm for the past 4 years. His employer was quick to say that Tyler shows up early, stays late and does whatever is needed to get the job done.

Zachary Huff

Zachary Huff is a freshman at Clark State Community College where his major is Applied Science Nursery Operations. Zachary holds a 3.789 GPA. He was on the Dean’s list for both Spring and Fall semesters. His instructors describe him as someone with a real desire to make a difference in the industry and who always goes above and beyond. He has been employed by a nursery in Brookville for 4-1/2 years and his employer has offered Zach a full-time position upon graduation.

16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Tyler Stefancin

Christen Wilcox

Christen Wilcox is a sophomore at Columbus State Community College. She has earned an impressive 4.0 GPA as she works toward her degree in Landscape Design and Management. She has been a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society since 2013. Christen was given high recommendations from her current and past employers as well as from her instructors. Once she has completed her Associates Degree, she would like to go on to The Ohio State University. She is a plant fanatic and her dream is to become a designer of sustainable gardens.

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THE DANGERS OF SILICA DUST By Darlene Hess It may not be just dust you are breathing in—it may be silica dust or more specifically, airborne crystalline silica. It was during the most recent “Right Tools Right Technique” Stone Clinic that I first learned about the dangers of silica dust. Chris Pascoe of Tri-R-Stone, who taught the clinic, likened breathing silica dust to breathing in “millions of tiny razor blades.” This, of course, got my attention and caused me to do a little research of my own. I pass on what I have learned so that you can take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your employees safe. As a landscape contractor, it is important for you to know that silica dust can be found on most work sites. It is the basic component of sand and rock. Silica dust is a white or colorless crystalline compound that is found in sand, flint agate, and many other minerals. There are a wide variety of materials containing silica. The most common are cement, concrete block, mortar, brick, refractory brick, masonry and tiles, sandstone, granite, fill dirt, topsoil, asphalt containing rock or stone, and the abrasive used in sandblasting.

20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

One of the most serious risks of prolonged exposure to breathing in silica dust is silicosis, a condition that can reduce a person’s capacity to breathe. The most severe exposures to crystalline silica result from sandblasting; however, if you do any renovations that include dressing stone, tuck-point work, or power cutting, you need to take safety measures to protect yourself and your employees. Crystalline silica dust can be released into the air through any activity that involves the destroying or manipulating of rocks. continued on page 22

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for safety sake continued from pg 20 I never saw Fred Flintstone or Barney Rubble wear a mask while working in the quarry, but this article should hopefully encourage you to take precautions while chipping, sawing, grinding, hammering and drilling rock or masonry structures. One of the most serious risks of prolonged exposure to breathing in silica dust is silicosis, a condition that can reduce a person’s capacity to breathe. According to the CDC, “it is estimated that there are TWO MILLION workers in the United States employed in occupations at risk for the development of silicosis.” These include miners, foundry workers, stonecutters, potters and ceramics workers, sandblasters, tunnel workers, and rock drillers. According to the Department of Labor, “every year, more than 250 workers in the United States die with silicosis.” When a person is exposed to silica dust, fine particles are inhaled and deposited into the lungs where they become lodged causing scarring of the lung tissue. The scar tissue or nodules become increasingly larger over time, thickening the lung tissue prohibiting the lungs ability to take in much-needed oxygen. This happens slowly over time. Unfortunately, symptoms may not be apparent early on, leading a worker to disregard safety precautions. So even though silicosis is mostly found in people over the age of 40, it began years earlier. There are stages of the disease as it progresses causing the affected person to experience weakness, shortness of breath, and a severe cough. Eventually, symptoms worsen causing death. A person with silicosis is also at risk for diseases such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, and renal disease. It can also lead to other lung diseases, such as tuberculosis and emphysema. Therefore, it is important for a person to limit his or her exposure to airborne silica as much as possible.

WAYS EMPLOYERS CAN PROTECT WORKERS • Develop and implement an exposure plan for silica. An effective plan must include purpose and responsibilities, risk assessment, controls, education, training, written safe work procedures, washing or decontamination facilities, health monitoring, and documentation.

22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

• Train workers on the dangers of silica exposure, and how to use dust controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). • Use local exhaust ventilation or water spray systems to reduce dust levels. Use barriers to restrict access by unprotected workers. • Provide appropriate PPE such as respirators and protective clothing. • Post signs to warn workers about the hazard and to inform them about required protective equipment.

WAYS WORKERS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES • Participate in any air monitoring or training programs offered by your employer. • Know the work operations where exposure to crystalline silica may occur. • Learn about the control methods that can protect you. • Ask your supervisor how you will be protected when performing dusty work. • Always wear a respirator rated for silica dust when cutting stone or concrete. Note that facial hair may interfere with the respirator’s ability to seal to the face. • Use a saw with water to keep dust to a minimum. • Avoid eating, drinking, or using tobacco products in work areas where there is dust or other toxic materials. • Change into clean clothing as soon as possible, even before leaving your worksite, if you can. • Shower as soon as possible after exposure. • Wash your hands and face before eating or drinking. According to OSHA, silicosis is 100 percent preventable if employers, workers, and health care providers work together to reduce exposure to the dust. Regular chest x-rays are recommended for all workers at risk as the quickest and easiest way to detect silicosis. If discovered in its early stages, it can usually be arrested by avoidance of dust inhalation or a change of occupation.

Fiscal Fitness

Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.

PROVEN WAYS TO RETIRE RICH Clients who are financially knowledgeable incurred annual investment returns that are 1.3% higher compared with those who are least knowledgeable about personal finance, according to a study by experts with the National Bureau of Economic Research. The difference is considered significant, “enhancing the retirement nest egg of the most knowledgeable by 25% over a 30-year work life,” the researchers said.

KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS Once retired, your income will come from several possible sources: Social Security retirement benefits, pensions, employer retirement savings plans like the 401(k), personal savings and/or part time work. The value of your employer-based savings plans, such as the 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plans will be an important source of that income. The more you save, the more will be available for you to use during retirement.

MAXIMIZE YOUR MATCH If your employer offers matching contributions, be sure to contribute at least enough to get all of the match money offered. This is literally as close to “free money” as you are ever going to see in this lifetime.

24 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

HAVE AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY, NOT A BET Your retirement plan assets can be invested in very conservative investment options. Most plans offer a stable value or fixed interest rate account. However, a potentially higher return often requires assuming a certain degree of risk. Therefore, you may want to consider investment options that invest in bonds and stocks. If you choose this path, mix up stocks, bonds and cash in a manner that fits your risk tolerance. Your plan will usually offer some help in this area. Don’t pick your funds simply by what they did in the past. continued on page 26

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Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 24 REVIEW AND REBALANCE Periodically, every six months or once a year, review your account and see if the mix of investments is still in balance. If not, remix the allocation of the account.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ROTH 401(K) OR ROTH IRAS For decades, regular 401(k)s have let you arrange to have money taken out of your paycheck on a pre-tax basis and put into a retirement account. By contrast, Roth 401(k)s give you the option of contributing after-tax money toward retirement. With Roth 401(k)s, any future distributions — money you withdraw, hopefully, after earning a good return on your investment — are tax-free. In essence, you are trading a current tax break for a future one when you choose a Roth over a traditional 401(k). In retirement, you can take distributions from both accounts to help manage your tax liability. Workers who are just starting out in their careers should strongly consider a Roth 401(k). With modest entry-level salaries, most new workers don’t pay high taxes anyway, making the current tax break of a regular 401(k) worth little.

HOW A 1% SAVINGS BOOST COULD SWEETEN YOUR RETIREMENT An increase of 1% in retirement savings can mean a big difference in income because of compounding interest, according to a report from Fidelity Investments. For example, a 25-year-old client earning $40,000 who opts to increase his savings rate by 1% per year or $33 monthly can expect an increase of $320 in monthly retirement income in today’s dollars, assuming he receives an annual raise of 1.5% net of inflation, remain employed until age 67, and gets a 7% annual return, the report says. Little incremental differences can make a huge difference over time. Always look to rebalance and diversify your portfolio to reduce risk and stay focused on your long term goals.

Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., in Strongsville, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. Phone number (440) 878-9676.

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn’t ... pays it.” – Albert Einstein

26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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RULES ON RECRUITING Knowing what to do isn’t the challenge faced by executives – finding who to do it is. By Jim Huston This story is reprinted from the February issue of Lawn & Landscape magazine. For more, visit www.lawnandlandscape.com. I’m certainly not a recruiting expert so I’ll point you to two resources that you might find helpful. First is the book, Who, by George Smart and Randy Street. It may be a bit over the top for small businesses, but it’s a great resource to help you find talent for your company. Second is the book, Good to Great, by Jim Collins. It’s a business classic. Both of these will help you get your priorities right. As the cover of Who states, “Knowing what to do is not the major challenge faced by executives – finding who to do it is!” Here are some suggestions that you might find useful:

INTERNAL RECRUITING You and your company’s reputation can be two of the best recruiting tools that you have. Top-notch people and companies attract top-notch talent. I’ve heard it dozens of times from my clients.

Some of their best talent just walked in the front door one day looking for an opportunity. How do top-rated high school athletes decide where to go to college? It usually boils down to the reputation of the coach and/or the college. Work at being a great coach and building a great company. Provide a financial incentive for your staff to recruit good talent. However, don’t pay for it unless the recruit works out for the long haul. Great teams don’t tolerate poor performance. If you have a great team that helps you recruit new staff, you can bet that they won’t recruit weak players. If a weak player does get through the screening process, the team won’t tolerate him or her for very long. As the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” This cuts two ways. Losers will find losers and winners will find winners.

continued on page 30 28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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continued from pg 28 EXTERNAL RECRUITING Here are some resources that you might find useful for recruiting purposes: • Websites such as Craigslist, Angie’s List and Monster.com can be excellent resources for advertising your staffing needs. Remember, these sites are constantly evolving and morphing. Keep your ears open to new websites and opportunities. • Ziprecruiter.com helps you leverage your efforts by advertising your staff needs to numerous internet resources. • Industry trade journals: The classified ads of such publications can be very cost-effective. However, their target audience is usually national in scope. Regional publications provide a narrower readership. • Trade associations might provide limited assistance in this area but usually they do not. You should at least research local and national trade associations. They may be of some assistance. • Suppliers and vendors: Talk with your local suppliers and vendors. They might know about business owners who would rather be an employee than an entrepreneur and/or talented individuals looking for an opportunity.

• Trade schools and high schools can be excellent resources. Smart entrepreneurs follow the pipeline backwards to its source. They also work with and assist such schools whenever they can. Offering an internship program to students can be a good way to build rapport with the schools while attracting good talent. • College internship programs can be an excellent source for new talent (again, follow the pipeline backwards). • College scholarships: One of my clients funds a landscape construction scholarship at a local university. The annual funding costs only a couple thousand dollars, but it gets my client great publicity and visibility on the landscape department’s radar screen. • One of my clients successfully recruits help from Puerto Rico. In fact, virtually all of his field staff is from Puerto Rico. Because they are American citizens, there are no immigration issues.

STICK WITH THE PROCESS. A little creativity and a lot of common sense can go a long way when it comes to finding, training and keeping good people. However, in order to attract good talent, you and your team need to have a great reputation. Create a “career-path” environment where people can have a career, not just a job. Be sure to set measurable (quantifiable) and timeable (with due dates and deadlines) goals throughout your organization. This allows you to challenge your staff in meaningful and measurable ways. Finally, remember that recruiting is a never-ending process.

Jim Huston runs J.R. Huston Consulting, a green industry consulting firm. www.jrhuston.biz; jhuston@giemedia.com

Top-notch people and companies attract top-notch talent.

30 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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BE AN ADVOCATE

Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association

There are several ways you can be an advocate for our industry, not just through political activism, but also through community service. Each year the National Association of Landscape Professionals, formerly known as the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), promotes a national day of service for the landscape industry. This year, the Day of Service will be held on April 22. This a great time to find a community service project to join in with or create one of your own. When you give back, it shows the community you live and work in that you care, and that you are a professional and responsible company who is happy to contribute to improve the environment. It is also fun to be a part of the ground swell of activity that takes place across the country. When you plan a project, sign in at www.planetdayofservice.org and let them know that you are taking part of this national effort! Also, let me know so that we can help get the word out about the great things you are doing! Another way to give back and advocate for our industry is to join members of the Ohio Landscape Association as we participate in Legislative Day on the Hill in Washington D.C. and Renewal and Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery. Both are also programs of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. I urge you to consider making the trip to Washington. It is extremely interesting to walk the halls of congress and to speak with our legislators and their staff members. The Ohio contingency goes as a group to legislative appointments, so it is not an intimidating experience for first-timers or seasoned grassroots lobbyists. There are

32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

very informative briefing meetings held the day before the legislative appointments. I always learn so much about issues that are affecting the landscape industry when I attend those. The experience is very worthwhile. I often wish I had paid better attention in my high school government class, but it is never too late to learn how to be an informed advocate for the industry that you earn your living in. It is extremely beneficial to develop a relationship with your legislators. It is easier to ask for the assistance of someone who knows you, rather than walking into their office for the first time when you need help. And, you never know when you will need their help. _____ March was an interesting month. Everyone I spoke with started the month with a very optimistic view of the season to come. Sales were going well for the spring season and companies were gearing up for growth in 2015. Then on March 6th, those landscape companies that rely on the H2B program to have a legal workforce suffered a major blow. The Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security continued on page 34

Advertising Index

35 Botson Insurance Group

21 Burns JCB

34 Chagrin Valley Nurseries, Inc.

15 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.

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15 Lakeside Sand and Gravel

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31 Medina Sod Farm

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31 Oliger Seed Company

HELP WANTED ADS Help Wanted ads are posted on both our industry website ohiolandscapers.org and our consumer website myohiolandscape.com

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27 Sohar’s / RCPW 2 Unilock

25 Valley City Supply

11 VanCuren Tree Service

CLASSIFIED ADS (I.E. Equipment for sale) Classified ads are posted on our industry website ohiolandscapers.org COST MEMBERS: $35 plus $3 for each 10 words for 30 days. NON MEMBER: $70 plus $3 for each 10 words for 30 days. PAYMENT All classified advertising must be prepaid. Mastercard or Visa can be taken over the phone. In most cases, online posting will occur within 2 business days once payment is received. Please send all inquiries and ad content to: info@ohiolandscapers.org or call the OLA office at 440-717-0002.

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CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org

phone:

34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

continued from pg 32 stopped processing H2B visa applications in response to a federal court’s ruling in Florida. The simplified explanation is the court ruling said that the DOL had overstepped their authority in rulemaking for the program, resulting in the shutdown. In response to a major outcry from employers, the DOL and DHS announced on March 17th that they had received a stay of execution and would resume processing applications until April 15th, but without premium processing. (For a fee of $1,200, premium processing gets your application processed in fifteen days rather than the standard thirty.) While this gives hope to program users, there is still uncertainty and no one can feel confident that they will be processed in time and that there will be enough visas to go around. New regulations are supposed to be issued by April 30th and there is much concern over how usable the program will be in the future. If you don’t use the program, you may wonder why you should care or how and why this might affect your business. For starters, the available labor pool is already too small for the amount of available jobs there are in the landscape field. So, if you have been able to hire domestic labor, it will become more difficult. Secondly, if you are a supplier to the landscape industry and your clients don’t have a workforce, they will not be buying as many trucks, plants, equipment, materials and other supplies. There are many misconceptions about the H2B program, even within our industry. This program does not provide a source of cheap labor. Contractors who use the program must go through rigorous procedures before they qualify. They must work with Ohio’s Job and Family Services to exhaust all options to hire locally. The government is very specific about wages offered and how, when, and where the jobs are advertised. Applicants respond to the ads through JFS, so the responses, or lack there of, are closely monitored. The government sets the minimum wage that must be paid or exceeded, and that wage is way above Ohio’s minimum wage. Contractors pay thousands of dollars in governmental fees and typically need to hire an attorney or labor agent to understand and sort through the paperwork. They also have to deal with cultural differences, language barriers, and housing issues. A company would not go through this difficult and expensive process if they could hire locally. It simply would not make sense. I have observed that most of the companies that use H2B workers still have a “Help Wanted” sign posted out in front of their business for most of the season, just as you probably do, too. They also have many American workers in supervisory roles as well as designers, and office staff. So, please remember that we are all in this together! What affects one segment of the industry, will have an affect on others, even if it is in an indirect way.

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