Growing Concern
The
February 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
February OLA Meeting – Columbus February 19, 2015 PAGE 7
Stone Clinic – Right Tool, Right Technique March 5, 2015 PAGE 17
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President’s column
BUILDING WITH GOOD DIRECTIONS I would say that most would agree to build something the correct way requires good directions. My 8 year old (Alex) enjoys building Legos, at least up to the point when that one piece was placed two slots over from where it belongs. We all know from that point forward every piece placed could be subject to a rebuild. That was the case this past week when I found myself helping him trouble shoot which piece was in the wrong place. Imagine if your crew put the first piece of a patio in the wrong place. How costly could that situation become? This got me thinking about what I do for a living. I sell design/build projects without directions; blueprint – yes, but directions – no. How simple could a patio installation go with step-by-step directions? Even a simple $39.00 Lego set comes with step-by-step directions to follow for a successful build. So, have you prepared your crews with the proper directions or standard operating
Steve Moore S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.
procedures (SOP) to make Mr. and Mrs. Client happy . . . the first time? Streamlining your business with SOPs could be beneficial to improving your productivity, which can directly affect your profit margin and versatility of your employees. You are essentially creating a standardized process to cover the repetitive situations or tasks within your company. This will allow extra time to focus on the items that really need attention. There are always situations on every project that are identical to the previous project. With procedures in place it allows the project to continually move forward when key staff personnel are not present. By referring to the SOP someone else can take over and get the tasks completed, correctly – the first time. A foreman would be able to successfully delegate knowing that everyone is on the same page.
With procedures in place it allows the project to continually move forward when key staff personnel are not present.
continued on page 6
The Growing Concern x February 2015 x 3
Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s F e b r u a r y 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 Sandy Munley, 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. Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising and classified rates, please call 1-800-335-6521
Features
3
President’s Column
Building With Good Directions
8
Plant Of The Month
Pinus Strobus Eastern White Pine
12
Perennial Focus
16
Old Favorites, New Cultivars – 2015 Edition
Fiscal Fitness
Financial Road Map
20
For Safety Sake
Avert Injuries,
Don’t Overexert
22 5 Tips To Help You Delegate Better As A Green Industry Owner
24
Directions
Change is Good
Inside Every Issue
25 26
Advertising Index Welcome New Members
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 Maria 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
FEBRUARY
GREAT BIG HOME AND GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 6 - 15, 2015
MARCH
OLA STONE CLINIC – RIGHT TOOL, RIGHT TECHNIQUE MARCH 5, 2015
Visit the OLA garden at the Great Big Home and Garden consumer show at the I-X Center in Cleveland featuring home improvement and landscape solutions for homeowners. Members are invited to help build and staff the OLA garden. For information on the show visit greatbighomeandgarden.com.
Learn age-old techniques to fabricating natural stone, including cutting, rockfacing and making barnstone. Instructed by British Master Stone Mason, Chris Pascoe. Held at Tri-R-Stone in Garfield Hts. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
TURF, ORNAMENTAL AND AQUATIC SEMINAR FEBRUARY 11, 2015
OLA MEETING – NE OHIO MARCH 12, 2015
Advanced Turf Solutions is hosting an educational seminar featuring speakers from OSU ( Dr Joe Rimelspach) and OSU extension (Erik Draper) as well as additional speakers from the industry discussing various topics including turf, ornamental, and even aquatics. There is no charge for OLA members and lunch is included. Recertification credit for the ODA in several categories(pending). Held at the Brecksville Community Center, 1 Community Drive, Brecksville. Seating is limited. Call Aaron Bucci at 330-559-3230 or ATS’s Brecksville location 440-740-0303 to RSVP.
OLA MEETING – CENTRAL OHIO FEBRUARY 19, 2015 This meeting will feature Charles Vander Kooi. Held at the Ohio Union on the campus of The Ohio State University. RSVP by February 5 to attend. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OHIO GREEN INDUSTRY ADVOCACY DAY FEBRUARY 25, 2015
Maintaining Proper Growth In Your Landscape Business presented by Jason Cupp, Kincaide, Ltd., Kansas City, MO. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
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.
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 February 10 & 17, 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.
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.
Learn about the state-level legislative issues that could affect your business and have a unique opportunity to visit with your state Senator and Representative at the State Capitol in Columbus. Contact the OLA at 440-717-0002 to learn more!
The Growing Concern x February 2015 x 5
President’s column continued from pg 3 Wouldn’t it be nice to reduce the learning curve or training time for new employees? Having a well written and documented SOP ensures that each employee preforming the same daily tasks are completing the tasks in the same manner. This is beneficial as it pertains to your particular branding and marketable craftsmanship, but that is a topic of its own. Delivering the best possible experience for your clients should be high on everyone’s list. Implementing a standard way of dealing with client inquires, follow-up, and warranty situations, will ensure each client is treated fairly and equally. Reduce your stress. Prior to this coming spring rush, customize a handful of procedures that are used within your organization on a daily basis. To start out, keep them simple and concise to adapt easily. Once SOPs are created, it is also essential to see how related tasks interact. Keep in mind that SOPs are always subject to change and should be reviewed periodically with what works within your company’s culture.
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Ice Snowag&ement Clinic Man er 22, 2011 Septemb
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Clinic uning Ohi o st rmant Pr
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– Northea er 27, 2011 Ohio Septemb – Central 4, 2011 October page 30
Drainage Clinic November 9, 2011 Page 17
OLA Annual Meeting November 17, 2011 Page 7
Sales Clinic
For Landscape Professionals December 13, 2011 Page 13
How To Set Goals For New Employees Page 32
CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org
phone:
6 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
OLA Meeting Announcement February 19, 2015 CENTRAL OHIO
reen industry professionals! Open to all g
THREE CULTURES
THAT RUN THROUGH ALL SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES February 19, 2015 Featuring
Charles Vander Kooi
Vander Kooi and Associates, Littleton, CO
Financial success is no accident. It takes building the right culture within your organization and executing a good plan to succeed. Charles Vander Kooi will share with us the three cultures that he has witnessed in every successful and profitable landscape company that he has dealt with. Join us to learn what these three cultures are and find out if you are on the track to success or if you need to make some changes in the way your company runs. Charles has been involved in the construction industry for over 4 decades as an estimator and upper-management employee of companies as well as professional speaker and consultant. He has bid over a billion dollars in work over his career. As a private consultant, he has helped over 1,500 companies in their estimating/bidding systems and has lectured to over 200,000 people nationally and internationally. This presentation promises to be informational and entertaining. Please join us for a session that might change the future of your business!
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6:00 to 7:00 pm - Registration / Networking / Food Served 7:00 to 9:00 pm - Program and Discussion
Held At the Ohio Union The Ohio State University, 1739 North High St., Columbus, OH
NO CHARGE TO ATTEND!
RSVP for your complimentary attendance by February 5, 2015
Register online at www.ohiolandscapers.org, or call the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or email info@ohiolandscapers.org
Plant Of the Month
Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College
Shelley Funai Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Pinus stobus ‘Pendula’ – Photo courtesy of plantplaces.com
PINUS STROBUS
EASTERN WHITE PINE
The morning of January 1st this year was a very pleasant and unseasonably sunny morning. As the two of us sat looking out at our gardens, we talked about what to add in the garden this year. (As we’re sure most married couples did that same morning?!) We couldn’t help but notice the beauty of a row of white pine we have in the gardens. These pines were likely planted sometime in the 1980’s and are just starting to reach into sizes that hint at the species potential and beauty. What really caught the eye was the way the sun reflected off the needles almost like the twinkle lights of Christmas trees that were surely starting to come down in all of our living rooms. We debated a bit about writing our next article about white pine with some concern that readers may quickly dismiss the plant as far too common to bother reading about. So, if you are still with us – please stay with us, this is really a fascinating plant with a long storied history in America. We think you will find a new respect for this tree after reading this. Let’s start in “the beginning,” well, at least for modern horticulture. As the “New World” was being colonized it did not take long for the British to realize the wealth of lumber to be taken from it. It was the 1700s and much of the European giant trees had been felled to produce masts for His Majesty’s Ships (HMS). Native stands of
8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Pinus strobus towered at reported heights of close to 200 feet with diameters well over 3 feet. These dense stands of white pine must have been breathtaking, ranging across eastern North America from Newfoundland to the Great Lakes chasing down the Appalachians into Northern Mississippi and Georgia. As we know, tensions were building between the colonies and the British Empire, and this storied tree had a very big role in our independence. Agents of the King were tasked with exploring the American forests for the largest of the species and carving a mark in trunk known as the “Broad Arrow” which was a carving of an arrowhead. This mark indicated that the tree was reserved for the British Royal Navy and no one was to touch it. The British built special ships to haul these massive trunks back to the English shipyards 50 at a time. The trunk would be squared off in America continued on page 10
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Plant Of the Month continued from pg 8 to conserve space with many of the squared boles measuring up to 4 feet by 4 feet at the base and up to 120 feet long. In true American spirit, the colonists were not too keen on the King’s seizure of their wood and it became tradition to wait for his agents to finish marking trees with the broad arrow and soon fell each one for their own use. While a great way to rebel against the King, it seems a shame to have so many virgin trees dropped to become simple boards in the construction of some houses. Today, we do not see nearly as much use of this species in wood production, being replaced by Southern Yellow Pines (P. taeda [Loblolly], P. palustris [Longleaf ], P. echinata [Shortleaf ], & P. elliottii [Slash]) as these species have much harder wood than the white pines. In our world of horticulture and ornamental uses of plants, white pine finds varying use. Typically easy to propagate and fast to grow, makes it an ideal tree for the budget. While the homeowner is happy about the cost, to their dismay the tree dies every fall! Ok, the tree is fine, but like all “evergreens” they will lose leaves and this particular pine is shedding off two-year-old leaves. Upon first glance many a homeowner has thought this mass drop of brown needles to be a sign of death. We only need to help them understand that this is a natural process of shedding the leaves that have become less effective at photosynthesis and are not worth the energy to hold through the coming winter. While the giant white pines of American history are not possible in our client’s garden (in our lifetime), it is possible to expect a great deal of size in short periods of time. Often we see these trees putting up to 3 foot of growth upward each year. Typical sizes under cultivation range in the 50 to 80 foot tall by anywhere from 20 to 40 feet wide. This is a very adaptable plant but prefers more sun if you can give it and well drained soils. It is found however, on a wide range of soils from rocky and dry to bottomland peat. The biggest pest issue you will face is the White Pine Weevil which loves to feed on the terminal shoots, causing stunted growth. Oftentimes the tree will grow through this issue and become less susceptible with age. Treatments are available but not all together needed unless severe distortion is occurring each year. A secondary problem, but fairly uncommon for us is a fungal infection called White Pine Blister Rust. This is in the unique set of diseases (rusts) that need alternate hosts to survive and reproduce. In this case, members of the genus Ribes (currents and gooseberries) are the
10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
… like all “evergreens” they will lose leaves and this particular pine is shedding off two-year-old leaves. secondary host for the disease. The relative lack of these species may be some of the reason we do not encounter the disease as often. Perhaps the best way to bring the white pine into the landscape is with some of the exciting cultivar selections available. ‘Fastigiata’ will give you height but behave itself in width typically reaching into the 40 foot range in height and staying under 15 feet wide. This is a great selection for tight spaces where you still want some vertical elements in the garden but can’t afford the width. For an even smaller space, consider ‘Nana’ whose globe shaped habit staying under 6 foot would make an excellent year round specimen and serve as a softer textured alternative to the overused Mugho Pine and Globe Blue Spruce. Perhaps our favorite to see is ‘Pendula’ which behaves as a strong weeper creating a soft “water fountain” effect of beautiful deep green to whatever height it is staked up to. This is certainly a specimen plant and we would suggest hand selecting just the right one for the location you intend to plant it as each of these will have its own unique character. We try to remember that even the most common of plants out there can become quite beautiful in the right place at the right time. White Pine should continue to see heavy rotation in gardens in our region, but let’s keep some of these cultivars in mind when we are looking for just the right specimen, and share the storied history of the plant with your clients, they too will gain a new appreciation for this majestic native of America.
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
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! CONTACT 1.800.335.6521
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Perennial Focus
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb
Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’
OLD FAVORITES, NEW CULTIVARS
2015 EDITION
I love Sedum but, in recent years, I’ve become enamored with the shorter ones because they’re too dimunitive to fall over. One of the newer cultivars, ‘Crystal Pink’, fits into this category. Growing only twelve inches high and a tiny bit wider, it has pale pink, almost flat flower heads held above very tight foliage. Like most Sedum, it attracts beneficial, pollinating insects and butterflies. It was introduced by Terra Nova a few years ago and is doing well for me in a full sun, well drained spot in my garden. Sunsparkler® ‘Dazzleberry’ is another Sedum that has drawn a lot of attention. Developed by Chris Hansen of Great Garden Plants, it is a groundcover Sedum, growing only six to eight inches but eighteen inches wide. The flowers are a dark raspberry pink. The foliage of this one is a smoky blue-gray. This one I sited at the bottom of a south facing hill with other groundcover sedums. A sister cultivar is ‘Lime Zinger’. It is very similar to ‘Dazzleberry’ in habit but has pale pink flowers and tight green foliage, supposedly with a cherry red edge but I’m still waiting for that colored edge to appear. In 2013, it started blooming for me during the last week of July. continued on page 14
12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
The introduction of ‘Jack Frost’ was a game changer for this genus because its silvery variegation lightens the shade immensely.
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Perennial Focus continued from pg 12 For years, my favorite Nepeta (Catmint) has been ‘Dropmore Hybrid’. Its one drawback is its sprawly nature, particularly in tight spaces. Now we have ‘Purrsian Blue’, introduced by Walters Gardens, that forms a small, dense clump of tiny, green leaves with blue-purple spikes of flowers all summer long. It does not reach its mature growth of fourteen inches high and thirty inches wide until the second year but I haven’t had to prune it back like I do ‘Dropmore Hybrid’ to keep it blooming. Brunnera (Forget-Me-Not) has always been a staple of the shade garden. The introduction of ‘Jack Frost’ was a game changer for this genus because its silvery variegation lightens the shade immensely. Now we have two similar but better cultivars, ‘Sea Heart’ and ’Silver Heart’. The leaves are much thicker and rounder and bloom starts a week or two earlier. Even though I planted these two cultivars side by side a few years ago, I cannot discern much difference between them. I did notice that the foliage did not develop any blackening like my ‘Jack Frost’ does starting in mid to late summer. The newest cultivar of this type is ‘Alexander’s Great’, so named because the foliage will supposedly get huge but mine has not been in the garden long enough to mature.
Sedum ‘Lime Zinger’
C
M
Y
CM
MY
A somewhat different Brunnera has been in my garden for five years. ‘King’s Ransom’, a Terra Nova introduction, is mostly silvered green with dark green veins but with a wide cream edge. All of the Brunnera grow best in partial shade and average to moist soils.
CY
CMY
K
All three of these genera are mainstays of the garden so we welcome improved introductions.
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 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.
14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Brunnera ‘Sea Heart’
Stand Out t s e T 2015 s! Date
Ohio Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test Partnership
By earning your Landscape Industry Certified Technician certification, you send a message to your clients and/or employers that you’ve met and achieved the industry standard, and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of all the facets of your job. 2015 Landscape Industry Certified Technician Written & Hands-on Test Dates Registration deadline for the hands-on test is May 20, 2015. February 10 - WRITTEN TEST
July 22 - WRITTEN TEST
February 17 - WRITTEN TEST (Thornton’s Landscape, Maineville)
October 6 - WRITTEN TEST
(OLA Office, Broadview Heights)
(Ohio State ATI in Wooster) (Ohio State ATI, Wooster)
July 23 - HANDS-ON & WRITTEN TEST (Ohio State ATI in Wooster) REGISTER TODAY! Deadline to register for the hands-on test is May 20, 2015. For additional information about the test, registration information or study materials, visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org, or call The Ohio State ATI at 330-287-7511 or 330-287-0100.
Fiscal Fitness
Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.
FINANCIAL ROAD MAP Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you’ll ever need in life. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. No matter how much or little money you have, the important thing is to educate yourself about your opportunities. There is no guarantee that you’ll make money from investments you make. But if you get the facts about saving and investing and follow through with an intelligent plan, you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your money. No one is born knowing how to save or to invest. Every successful investor starts with the basics. A few people may stumble into financial security – a wealthy relative may die, or a business may take off, but for most people, the only way to attain financial security is to save and invest over a long period of time. Current market conditions make saving and investing a daunting task. Now is the time to plan or update your investment goals.
16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
The stock market has risen considerably after the economic meltdown five years ago. The stock market can be an intimidating and volatile place to invest. The important thing is to map out your direction. Similar to planning a trip, you need a map, directions, and the resources to get on your way. continued on page 18
OLA EDUCATION SERIES
STONE CLINIC RIGHT TOOL • RIGHT TECHNIQUE Presented by
March 5 2015
Instructed by
th
Chris Pascoe Tri-R-Stone Held at
Tri-R-Stone
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Garfield Heights, OH
Sponsored & Hosted by With the proper tools and the right skills, you can dress stone on the job and save money using age-old techniques. Join us for this hands-on clinic where you will learn rockfacing, cutting, dressing, coping, splitting, and tooling. You will learn the difference between sandstone and limestone, and their different varieties and grades that require different techniques; as well as the skills for handling barnstone. Qualifies for 6 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified
Chris Pascoe is a Master Stone Mason and has over 25 years of experience in the stone industry. He grew up and studied in England before traveling to the US to work on the Cathedral St. John The Devine in New York City. Continental breakfast and lunch are included with each registration. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase quality stoneworking tools in advance of the clinic. REGISTER EARLY - class size is limited to only 24 participants and will sell out quickly!
Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full.
Register On Time, Payment Received Before 02/23/15 Register Late, Payment Received After 02/23/15 Firm Address City Phone (______)
OLA Members OLA Members
$129 $159
NON Members NON Members
$169 $199
Contact State Fax (______)
Zip
NAME OF ATTENDEE
FEE $ $
Check No. ___________ Enclosed
Charge to my
MasterCard
Visa
TOTAL DUE
$
Acct. No.
Exp. Date
Name on Card
Signature
Billing Address + Zipcode for Card
Last Three Digits on Signature Line
STONE CLINIC: RIGHT TOOL/RIGHT TECHNIQUE Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, by phone or fax: Phone 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 16 On this financial road trip, start by mapping your goals. Are you saving for a house, college education, retirement planning or trying to grow or protect your nest egg? You could also rely on a financial advisor as your GPS, routing you the best way to reach your destination, and making recommendations along the way. Develop your plan by investing your assets, whether it is in real estate, the stock market, bonds, hard assets, etc. Younger investors should be investing on a regular basis and keeping a balance of cash as an emergency fund. Treat your savings as an expense. That means set aside a set amount each month for savings or investments. Save as much as you can in a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) or IRA. Diversify your assets. Review and rebalance your portfolio on a regular basis.
Recently, the road has been bumpy, with many different routes to take and roadblocks along the way. The important part is to stay focused on your journey. The stock market has risen considerably after the economic meltdown five years ago. Now the global economy is facing a longer than expected period of slowing growth. Stock market volatility does create opportunity, though. Use pullbacks to pick up quality stocks at lower prices. Your financial advisor, just like your GPS in your car, is valuable at a time like this. If you need help, contact your financial advisor or call me if you need a second opinion or are looking for an advisor. Investors have different goals or destinations and advisors will have plans/ ideas specific to your individual situation.
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.
18 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
We’re “all season” for a reason.
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www.willowaynurseries.com Corporate Offices / Main Nursery 4534 Center Road Avon, Ohio 44011-0299 Email: sales@willowaynurseries.com Toll Free: 866-934-4435 / Fax: 440-934-5826
Avon
Distribution Centers
4825 Center Rd. / Avon, Oh. 44011-0299 Toll Free: 866-934-4435 ext. 2251 / Local: 440-934-3813 Fax: 440-934-4621 E-mail: bowens@willowaynurseries.com Bill Owens, Manager
Columbus
6981 Scioto Darby Creek Road / Hilliard, Oh. 43026 Toll Free: 888-593-5999 / Local: 614-777-9859 Fax: 614-777-1276 E-mail: Jack@willowaynurseries.com Jack Johnston, Manager
The Growing Concern x February 2015 x 19
F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e
AVERT INJURIES, DON’T OVEREXERT Overexertion is a common type of injury that can occur in any industry where physical activity is required. Lifting, carrying, reaching and repeated bending at the waist can all lead to overexertion injuries. According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, overexertion is the leading cause of work-related injuries nationwide, costing businesses up to $14.2 billion per year. There are many measures you can take to ensure your employees handle equipment safely and protect themselves against overexertion. BWC recommends actions such as: • Analyzing the work conditions for potential ergonomic risk factors; • Providing mechanical equipment to minimize manual lifting and transporting of materials; • Providing well-designed storage racks and adequate space for handling; • Providing well-designed tools and equipment. BWC also offers a number of services to your business at no additional charge, including safety consultations, safety intervention grants and training courses on back trauma and ergonomic safety.
20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Lifting, carrying, reaching and repeated bending at the waist can all lead to overexertion injuries. There are many ways in which workers can become injured on the job. That’s why we offer training and resources that will help you to reduce other common hazards that may be present in your workplace. These include: • Slips, trips and falls; • Cuts and lacerations; • Exposure to chemicals and temperature extremes; • Exposure to electrical shock. More information is available about preventing injuries in the services industry by https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/home/current/ MediaSite/SafetyCampaign/flyers/Services.pdf. Connect with a BWC safety consultant at 1-866-569-7805 or via email at besafe@ohiobwc.com. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, 30 W. Spring St. Columbus, Ohio 43215.
UVSN_BORD_COP.indd 9
CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE 13-03-26 7:18 PM
SEMINAR
REGISTER TODAY for this MUST ATTEND event! LOOKING TO JUMP START YOUR BUSINESS AND HAVE A MORE PROFITABLE 2015? Come to the 2015 Contractor Advantage Seminar and gain a competitive advantage for the upcoming year! This knowledge-based event will give you valuable insight into;
3 New products for 2015 3 Installation best practices 3 Jointing material do’s and don’ts
3 New paver technologies 3 Homeowner insights 3 Much much more
LIMITED SEATING – DON’T MISS OUT! PITTSBURGH Contractor Advantage Seminar
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
February 10, 2015
Registration: 8:30 to 9:00 Event: 9:00 to 2:30
Marriot North at Cranberry Woods
100 Cranberry Woods, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
COLUMBUS Contractor Advantage Seminar
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
February 17, 2015
Registration: 8:30 to 9:00 Event: 9:00 to 2:30
Hollywood Casino
200 Georgeville Rd., Columbus, OH 43228
CLEVELAND Contractor Advantage Seminar
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
ADDRESS
February 24, 2015
Registration: 8:30 to 9:00 Event: 9:00 to 2:30
The Galaxy Restaurant
201 Park Centre Dr., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Visit Contractor.unilock.com/seminars for more information.
The 2015 Unilock Contractor Advantage Seminar is approved for PLANET Landscape Industry Certified recertification at 1 CEU per hour of instruction attended. You will receive 4 credits upon completion of each Unilock Advantage Seminar. For more information on PLANET recertification, please visit PLANET’s Recertification Center at LandcareNetwork.org.
UNILOCK.COM | 1-800-UNILOCK
5 Tips
To Help You Delegate Better As A Green Industry Owner
By David Crary, Hindsite Software
Owning a business involves a lot of risk. One way we try to feel more in control is to do everything ourselves. Unfortunately, we can’t. If we don’t learn to delegate tasks, we will get really tired and never succeed. Here are five tips I picked up along the way to help green-industry owners succeed at delegating. 1. Invest Time Now To Save Time Later
2. Set Standards And Train Well
I always felt like I didn’t have enough time to train someone to do things I was used to doing. When you have too much to do, how do you make time to train someone to take over some of your tasks?
I had trouble delegating sometimes because I thought that no one else would do the job as well as me – either they wouldn’t be capable, or they just wouldn’t care enough to do it right. The solution I found was to find someone who was a great fit for the job and train them to my high standards right away. Make sure you communicate exactly how and when you want the job done while training and make a checklist for the trainee to follow in the future, so they will always remember what is expected. Do everything you can to set your employees up for success.
Well, you have to put off things that can be put off and put in a bit of extra time while you train the employee. Plan ahead and write out what training you will do each day. When you want to give up and just do the task yourself, keep reminding yourself of how nice it will be when the training is done.
22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
…have your employees check in with you at a regular time to give you updates on their progress or to fill you in on important company stats. 3. Check Progress Regularly To Feel More In-Control
5. Learn To Enjoy Helping Others Succeed
After you get some tasks handed off to your employees, you may start to feel your business slipping out of your hands. You might not know everything that’s going on anymore. You may worry that people aren’t following through with their responsibilities. You will be tempted to grab everything back, but just wait! You don’t have to do it yourself. You just have to check in with your people to see how they’re doing. Better yet, have your employees check in with you at a regular time to give you updates on their progress or to fill you in on important company stats. Set up a plan so your people are communicating all you need to know, so you feel in control and run your company well.
When you run a business, there is so much to do that you may have to delegate tasks that you really enjoy. Choose to do the tasks that only you can do. Keep some tasks that you genuinely love, but not too many. Learn to appreciate seeing someone else enjoy that task. Start to really enjoy watching your workers as they progress and succeed at what they do. If you try to do too much, you will be too rushed to enjoy those fun tasks anyway.
4. Start With Small Tasks And Build Up To Larger Ones Don’t start out by hiring a new operations manager to take over everything you have been doing in your green industry business. Start small. Pick one task that you could delegate to someone. Train a competent employee to do that task and bask in the joy of not having to do it anymore. Your employees will slowly build up their skills and be ready for harder jobs. Also, you will build up your confidence in your staff’s abilities and be ready to delegate more.
Delegating can be tricky in the green industry, but if you train and plan well, delegating can go very smoothly. Most of what stops us from delegating is just in our heads. Remind yourself regularly of the truth about delegating: it will make you better at what you do and make your job easier. Just keep at it until you succeed.
David Crary is the founder of Hindsite Software, LLC. His irrigation business struggled with paper work orders and timesheet management, killing his growth. After 10 years of pulling out his hair, he decided to invest in a technology solution. It worked so well at solving his paperwork problems and growing his business, that he decided to sell it to other service businesses facing similar issues. And HindSite was born. To learn more about HindSite Software, go to www.hindsitesoftware.com, email info@ hindsitesoftware.com or call 888-271-4076.
The Growing Concern x February 2015 x 23
Directions
CHANGE IS GOOD
Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association
“Don’t be afraid of change. You might lose something good, but you’ll gain something better.” – Unknown NEW STAFF We have new staff members to introduce to you. I am very excited about working with these ladies. As you know, Jean retired and Brett decided to move on. When you call the office, you may hear a new voice, so please take a moment and introduce yourself and welcome our new team members! Meet Sue Whitlam. Sue is our new Membership Coordinator. She will take on the duties that Jean previously had, such as keeping our database up-to-date, invoicing, receiving payments, and registration for OLA events. And one of her most important roles will be “director of first impressions” as she answers the phone in our office. Sue is a graduate of The University of Akron with a B.A. in Business and Organization Communication and has experience in both the golf industry and collegiate admissions.
Meet Darlene Hess. Darlene has taken the position of Communications and Events Manager. She will become the editor of the Growing Concern and will create all of the OLA’s marketing material. In short, she will be our “valued creator of wonderful things.” In addition, Darlene will be assisting me in planning our many events from the golf outing to educational seminars to our evening meetings, and more. Darlene attended Kent State University’s School of Fine and Professional Art. Darlene’s background is in advertising as a graphic artist and art director. She has also worked for a local church in their youth ministry where she planned events and mission trips. It is exciting to know that Darlene and Sue will bring fresh ideas and experience from other industries into what we do here at OLA. And they are excited to start a new career path and learn about the green industry. I have told them how wonderful all of you are, so please help me make them feel welcome. continued on page 26
24 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Advertising Index Effective and Affordable Advertising
2 Botson Insurance Group
9 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.
9 Mason Structural Steel, Inc.
13 Medina Sod Farm
13 Shearer Equipment
for Green Industry Suppliers
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19 Sohar’s / RCPW 21 Unilock
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27 Valley City Supply
13 VanCuren Tree Service
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io September Central Oh 4, 2011 – October page 30
Drainage Clinic November 9, 2011 Page 17
OLA Annual Meeting November 17, 2011 Page 7
19
Sales Clinic
Willoway WDC
For Landscape Professionals December 13, 2011 Page 13
How To Set Goals For New Employees Page 32
6 Zoresco Beautiful and full color throughout, The Growing Concern provides Ohio’s green industry advertisers an extremely cost-effective option to deliver their message!
CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION phone: 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org
The Growing Concern x February 2015 x 25
Directions continued from pg 24 OLA CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Times have changed and we have recognized that the lead time needed to print classified advertising in our Growing Concern magazine has diminished the value of these ads. Most people now shop for employment opportunities and used equipment online. We can get your ad online in a day or two – sometimes in the same day. So, beginning with this issue we will no longer be printing classified in the Growing Concern. However, we will continue to include a reminder in the back of the magazine pointing readers to the online resources. Help wanted ads will appear on both our industry website ohiolandscapers.org and on our consumer website myohiolandscape.com. Traditional classified ads, i.e. equipment for sale, will appear on our industry website only. Let us know if we can answer any questions or be of service to you!
LOOKING FOR OUR CLASSIFIEDS? Looking for our Classified and Help Wanted ads normally published here? You’ll find them at www. ohiolandscapers.org or myohiolandscape.com. Interested in purchasing space to run your own ad? The information below should prove useful.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !
HELP WANTED ADS Help Wanted ads are posted on both our industry website ohiolandscapers.org and our consumer website myohiolandscape.com
The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association:
CLASSIFIED ADS (I.E. Equipment for sale) Classified ads are posted on our industry website ohiolandscapers.org
REGULAR MEMBERS: J.L. Landscapes PO Box 82533 Columbus, OH 43017 (614) 659-1551 Jody Linnabary
COST MEMBERS: $35 plus $3 for each 10 words. NON MEMBER: $70 plus $3 for each 10 words.
DeCesare Landscaping and Design, LLC. 5700 Goodman Drive North Royalton, OH 44133 (440) 665-7976 Robert DeCesare
PAYMENT All classified advertising must be prepaid. Mastercard or Visa can be taken over the phone. In most cases, online posting will occur in 2 business days once payment is recieved.
Environments by Design 7204 Pearl Road Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 (440) 886-6666 Mary Gerard
Send all inquiries and ad content to: info@ohiolandscapers.org or call the OLA office at 440-717-0002
AFFILIATE MEMBER: Anthony Gonzalez Willoway Nurseries, Inc. Avon, OH
1/22/2015 26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
OLA Classified Ad Half Vertical.indd 1
3:27:56 PM
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6745 School Street, Valley City • 330-483-3400 • ValleyCitySupply.com
9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517
02/15
NE Ohio Meeting Sponsors:
Emerald Level
Silver Level Botson Insurance Group
Bronze Level
Our sincere appreciation to our 2014/2015 Meeting Sponsors
support those who support you
Davis Tree Farm/Nursery Valley City Supply Zoresco Equipment
Central Ohio Meeting Sponsor: