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/58640
Special Feature State of the Industry: Part 2 Advancements, shortcomings, and the overall outlook this year F or our annual State of the In- dustry report, we sought feed- back from industry professionals from all areas of the landscape and irrigation markets. Association leaders, manufacturers, contractors, designers, and more lent their insights to this overview of industry issues. In Part 2, below, we discussed industry ad- vancements and shortcomings, reasons for optimism, and the overall outlook for 2012. Landscape and Irrigation: What areas of advancement in the industry are you most pleased with? And what areas need to improve? PLANET President Jerry Grossi, Landscape Industry Certified Techni- cian: Technology. I'm amazed by the way companies are embracing and using tech- nology. It's really streamlining the sales process, and reducing and eliminating processes we have been using. The use of technology seems to have occurred 12 Landscape and Irrigation March 2012 overnight, and it has really changed our in- dustry, especially in the sales end of the busi- ness. We have embraced marketing through the Internet, and what has really amazed me is the sophistication of targeting our prospective members and clients. I'm also pleased with the advancements of synthetic coatings on fertilizers. I'm sure these high-quality products will be an inte- gral part of our future. In addition, new chemistries in pesticides are more effective and friendlier. The companies advocating the use of these products are higher quality com- panies, and these will change the industry. Another advancement is that our equip- ment is becoming more safe and efficient, and it's using less fuel. I really think we're on the verge of widely introducing the use of the battery [on lawn care equipment]. Lastly, I think we need to do a better job of promoting the benefits of our industry. We need to define our industry better. PLANET President-elect Norman Goldenberg, Landscape Industry Certi- fied Technician: The technology aspect stands out the most, especially with regard to running a business. I think there are com- panies out there that have embraced tech- nology created by others to allow them to be and work smarter, increase productivity, and become more recognizable. I would like to see more industry folks become members of PLANET. Its profes- sional staff and hard-working volunteers are a resource everyone can enjoy. Much like other industries, I think people who partici- pate in the industry should be part of na- tional, regional, and state associations to gain respect and credibility. Maria Candler, CLP, president, James River Grounds Management, Inc.: Our sales team has gone through a huge shift in 2011. Complete process rehaul from qualifying, strategizing and team sell- ing. They are really embracing the changes, which has been tough, but I can already see good things happening, and right now is all about top-line growth. www.landscapeirrigation.com Image ©istockphoto.com/Henrik5000.