Coping with an Industry-Wide Labor Shortage
You would think that record unemployment would correct our industry's labor shortage.  
 
Unfortunately finding qualified labor is still a huge issue.
 
Contractors report that they can attract applicants. Some show up and even start work. But then it's a revolving door when they find less strenuous work.  
 
What do the experts recommend? 

1) Have a dedicated resource focused on recruiting and training - Either establish an in-house position for finding, hiring and training new employees or enlist the support of a HR staffing service. Avoid burdening your crew leaders with the double whammy of tight project schedules AND a new crop of rookies to train on the job. 

2) Raise your prices on project work - When there's plenty of demand for your services, like there is now, you should adjust your prices. (By the way, raw material costs on PVC resin and copper are starting to climb, so many system components will soon be rising in price too.) 

3) Stop looking for perfect candidates - All of the good service technicians and landscape experts are already employed. They're well paid and not interested in changing jobs. Look for candidates from similar industries that have experienced layoffs (commercial contracting, building maintenance, auto repair) and be prepared to retrain these workers.
 
In the future, the best companies will excel in training newcomers, quickly growing them into productive team members. Start developing your training plan for both rookies and crew leaders. Ask us for ideas and resources.

The Team at Aqua-Flo Supply
On October 1st, California Law Will Mandate Sale of Pressure-Regulating Spray Bodies Are You Ready for the Change?
This month is your last opportunity to stock-up on any standard sprays you might need for projects already underway. Connect with your Aqua-Flo representative immediately.

See this change as an opportunity to be a leader with efficiency. Sure, it applies to everyone. But leaders will step forward and sell the water saving benefits to their customers! (click the graph to view the study)

How Do I Promote Upgrading Current Systems to Pressure Regulating Sprays?
Tip sheets (handouts provided before, during and after service visits) and door hangers are two low-cost ways to encourage clients to make a change.

Remember: Just changing one sprinkler in a zone to pressure-regulating will not offer balanced output and water savings. Instead, when one sprinkler is upgraded, customers will want them all upgraded. Be sure you are ready to explain upgrading to customers.
Bushman Tanks - the Best Selection Always at Aqua-Flo
No other distributor carries as many sizes and styles of water storage tanks than Aqua-Flo.

That's because more contractors are discovering the benefits of these tanks to meet local stormwater management requirements.

FACT: 1,000 sq. ft. of roof area, in a 1" rain event can potentially collect nearly 600 gallons of rainwater for future use.

Handy above ground rainwater harvesting tank systems from Bushman allow you to install rainwater storage quickly and profitably.

Systems can be custom-tailored to your installation location and specific needs. Choose from Slimline, Round and Low Profile configurations. The tank systems are aesthetically pleasing with color options that match your client's setting. Systems can be installed near a building or tucked away inconspicuously.
New at Aqua-Flo: Brilliance LED Landscape Lighting Fixtures
Finally there's a line of American-made handcrafted light fixtures that you can use on all projects!

Now available at Aqua-Flo, Brilliance LED's Metal Works series is constructed of brass and copper for long life, and pairs with their full line of proven drop-in LED lamps. The line includes up-and-accent lights, down lights, path lights, specialty fixtures and more.

Preview the full line in this month's monthly specials flyer, and be sure to ask your Aqua-Flo representative for pricing for your upcoming projects.

Employee Appreciation is Needed Now More Than Ever
Keeping Your Team Motivated During COVID-19 Challenges
Landscape employees crave appreciation more than money, say experts. 
 
Because showing appreciation for your employees good work is harder with all of the stresses of COVID-19, you need to make a special effort to make it happen.  
 
Some of the traditional ways to reward employees -say with a buffet lunch, don't work as well now.  Get creative with new ways like packaged snacks, gift cards or a chance to go home early with pay.  Do consider asking your team for their reward preferences.  
 
A hearty "thank you" and verbal appreciation can make a big difference - and costs nothing. Make it powerful by making it specific to the individual: "Sergio, your effort getting that project finished helped us keep the customer happy" has a greater impact than "Great job, team." Try to "spread the love" with specific instances with several team members. Even those not named feel good that one of their co-workers was praised. Often they'll display extra effort to try to gain similar praise.    
 
Because "appreciation" doesn't have to be completed by a certain deadline, it often gets overlooked. Don't wait for "employee appreciation day". Go ahead and put it on your schedule - and reap the benefits!   
Promote New Services to Keep Busy During the Fall Months
Once October rolls around, consumers start thinking about a different list of landscape improvements. You need to adjust your thinking too.
 
Make a plan for sales growth and profits by offering a full menu of services in the months ahead.

Start letting your customers know you offer what they'll need in the months ahead:
 
Drainage- Get yard water problems resolved before winter rains. Customers are anxious to protect structures and prevent erosion.
 
Landscape lighting - shorter days and warm evenings get customers back outside to enjoy outdoor living spaces. Professional lighting extends the use of outdoor spaces and keeps them safe for visitors.
 
Fall fertilization and turf renovation - revive summer-stressed turf with overseeding and proper organic fertilizers. Get customers signed up for fall applications now.