business bests
ny smart business-
person knows people
are the heart of an
operation. Employees can make
or break you, bring in business or
drive it away, and cause your company
to thrive and grow or wither and die.
But fi nding the right employees – and keeping
the good ones – isn't the easiest task.
"Unquestionably, employees are our greatest
blessing and our greatest challenge all wrapped
into one," says Mark Halla, owner of The Mustard
Seed Landscaping and Garden Center in Chaska,
Minnesota, and a TLC Landscaper of the Year
Finalist.
Finding employees that are a good fi t for your
company is key. Sometimes the person who seems
the most qualifi ed for the job isn't necessarily right
for the position.
"Like any relationship, it takes a long time to get
to know each other," Halla says. "We used to hire
based on skill sets, but we learned that was the
wrong approach for our company. It's really more
about personality and character for us. If they're
willing to learn, we can teach them anything."
Whether you are looking to hire seasonal work-
ers or full-time staff, here are eight ways to fi nd,
nurture and invest in long-term relationships with
your employees.
S E P T E M B E R 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 15
How To Find
(and Keep) Good
Employees
8 ways to hire and nurture
the best people
BY ARRICCA ELIN SANSONE
