Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/108761
bility of human error, but to a point.The need for a trained workforce continues to increase. In that regard, the value of an IA certification continues to grow. As the marketplace moves toward more sustainable initiatives, irrigation professionals need to be prepared for not just new products and technologies, but best practices as well. IA education and certification programs are a great source of excitement in 2013. McGrath: We are most pleased with the increased use of permeable interlocking concrete pavements in hardscape projects. Permeable pavement sales have steadily increased over the last three years, growing from 3.8 percent in 2009 to 5.1 percent of total sales in 2011 representing just under 30 million sf. In 2011, 78.4 percent of permeable pavements sales were placed in commercial applications and 21.6 percent in residential.We expect the same or better results for 2012. ICPI's focus for improvement is to continue growing the industry's industrial, municipal and commercial markets. For members to survive in the current economic climate, expansion into other markets is critical. A key initiative is delivering the why and how message to specifiers, designers, engineers and government officials to help make concrete pavers the pavement of choice. We continue to train our members' sales staff, giving them the tools and knowledge to make calls in their regions and help us communicate that message. With construction forecasts staying level or slightly up for the next two years, ICPI members continue to position segmental paving systems to see growth as the economy gains ground in the commercial and municipal sectors.We have committed to increasing members' sales in the commercial market from 21 to 50 percent over the next seven years with special emphasis on continued education of members' sales force. Growth in these markets will allow more consumers to become aware of the sustainability, durability and aesthetics of interlocking concrete pavers and permeable interlocking concrete pavements and encourage them to use them at home. As an industry, our goal is to continue to educate hardscape contractors on installation best practices and how they can expand and improve their businesses to become more profitable. Arlington: I think we as an industry have done very well with financial decision making.There has been huge improvement in contractor knowledge from this area. In the '80s and '90s we were told "know your numbers."The industry has done a fantastic job of helping people not only know their numbers, but what to do with them, and how to be in tune with how the business functions. I still feel that estimating leaves a lot to be worked on, with the trend to get lean, and work with smaller profits companies still struggle with how to build in that environment. Another area that needs to improve is teaching companies how to survive with smaller margins. Griggs: As mentioned, technology is the area I am most pleased with.Those improvements will help companies who embrace the technology immensely.The area that needs to improve is finding more advancements in equipment to reduce the reliance on hand labor in construction operations.There have been some advancements in that arena, but more needs to be done. www.landscapeirrigation.com Lahren:We design, sell and install hardscape products.We have seen so many new types of pavers from manufactures. Different shapes, sizes textures and borders that can make designing fun and interesting. Landscape and Irrigation: What is your overall outlook for 2013? Goldenberg: Based on the economy, our industry will continue to grow. Do-it-yourselfers will continue to buy products at the retail level, which is good for the applicator industry and for lean landscape companies. As consumers buy products and want to do something to enhance their yards and environment, they will start to see value in their landscape and likely want more that they can't provide themselves.That is where our industry comes forth to offer those professional services. Jacobsen: 2013 will be challenging year, but I believe the opportunities are there for companies looking for decisions.With the election over, there will be less uncertainty about the economy, and the landscape industry will continue to grow and be bright. Hamlin: We've seen some good indicators for 2013. New home construction is at the highest rate in four years, which will hopefully bring more business to the industry. Our contractors will continue to harness new technologies to maximize water efficiency and stewardship. Our manufacturers will remain committed to bringing new technologies to the market.The association will remain engaged in the formation of standards, both at home and internationally, and will continue to see that our members are the best trained and most prepared to tackle the challenges to come. McGrath: We see opportunities for growth with stabilized housing prices and construction growth.The improvement of economy, job market and consumer confidence will encourage consumers to upgrade their driveways and outdoor living areas to use interlocking concrete pavement systems. Arlington: I believe in time we will be more regulated than we are today. I feel that within the next few years we will see more regulations on licensing and certifications. Industries such as plumbing, building and electrical all have so much regulation and licensing. Inevitably, that's going to happen to us. If you wait until the last minute to get certified, it's going to be an awfully long line that you're waiting in. I think this will move us into a professional category. Griggs: Overall, I believe the outlook for 2013 will be similar to 2012.With the country coming out of the recession, we should be able to expect more growth in 2013. Unfortunately, I truly believe that the issues I pointed out [earlier] will have enough of a negative effect on the industry that they will counteract any potential for growth over 2012 levels. Rich Lahren, landscape division manager, Hebron Brick & Block We are preparing for a somewhat same type of year as 2012. Maybe a little growth to the revenue but focusing on improving the bottom line through improving efficiency to labor and controlling operating costs. LI Landscape and Irrigation 11