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A Minute with Mike |
Don't be an Ostrich, be a Hawk
Now is not the time to be hiding your business under the mattress.
We've all been hearing the disturbing news of financial collapses over the last several weeks. And as a typical response, some crazy people are pulling their life savings out of their local financial institutions and hiding the money under their mattress or in their freezer. Take notice - Some Crazy People - are doing this. Not everyone.
Living in the Midwest, we're 2,000 miles from the turmoil on Wall Street and in Washington D.C. Yes, we understand the problems, but as independent small business owners, we have our own set of problems. No one, and I mean NO ONE is going to bail us out or help us revive our businesses except, YOU and ME. There are four vital things we must all do: 1.) we have to control our own spending. 2.) We have to control our labor costs. 3.) We must make sure that everything that is billable is billed out. 4.) It is imperative that we collect our money due to us.
Now, let me go back to the people who have not gone Crazy. Most of those people are your customers. The backbone of your businesses. With the slow or non-existent new home construction and the slowing commercial construction market, you really need to capitalize on your existing core customers. If you're not going to try to sell them another of your services, be a Hawk and empower them to be your sales person. They know you, they trust you and your employees, and as a group, they know a heck of a lot more people than you do. Think of incentives to get them off their sofa and begin talking-up your business to their neighbors and friends. For years now, you've been busting your butt to take care of these people, I'm sure many of them would be more than happy to return the favor.
For ideas on customer incentives, talk to your REAMS representatives to discuss what might work for you and your customers. Business in business, no matter how it comes to you..........Mike |
Project Spotlight: Wardrip Landscaping Builds KC Area's First "Ponds For Kids" |
Eager schoolchildren at Prairie Point Elementary School in North Kansas City worked side by side with professional landscapers from Wardrip Landscaping on Friday Sept. 19th, 2008 to build an outdoor classroom. Students from each classroom participated throughout the day to complete the construction of their own pond in just one day. The Prairie Point Students, Kindergarden through fifth grade helped with digging, placement of rocks, planting of foilage, laying down mulch and adding the fish.
The project is a part of the national "Ponds for Kids" program and consists of an enclosed eco system including a pump powered stream and waterfall, which is an ideal learning environement right on the school grounds. The pond dimensions are approximately 11 ft. x 16 ft. and 2 1/2 ft. deep with a 10' long stream. Wardrip Landscaping donated the manpower and underwrote the costs of the equipment and materials as a part of their community service program. REAMS was one of the business that donated products and services for the project.
Ponds for Kids is a national non-profit organization that assists schools and organizations in constructing and learning from ponds. "The pond gives the students an outdoor classroom complete with plants, fish, and other water creatures to enjoy," says Matt Bolger, General Manager of Wardrip Landscaping. Outdoor classrooms are growing in popularity across the country, providing students and teachers with unique scientific learning opportunities, as they can observe a complete functioning, changing ecosystem everyday.
Landscaping used this unique project for not only helping educate children, but also as a marketing tool for their company. Local news channels did a short piece on the event that aired on the evening news. The local newspaper also did an article on the project. All in all the project was a major success for the school and Wardrip Landscaping.
Have a project that you are proud of and would like to share? Please talk with your local REAMS Representative or send in your story and pictures HERE and REAMS will share your story!!! |
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Upcoming REAMS Events |
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REAMS Closed:
November 28th - Thanksgiving
December 24th - January 2nd for the Holidays
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Irrigation Winterizing Tips |
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It is that time of year that many of you are starting your turn offs and blow outs for your irrigation customers. Here are some tips and reminders when winterizing your clients irrigation systems.
- When using the Blow Out method, use an air compressor with a Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM) rating of 80-100 for any mainline of 2" or less
- Attach the compressor to the mainline via a quick coupler, hose bib or other type of connection that is located AFTER the Backflow device. Compressed air should NOT be blown through any Backflow device.
- Close the Backflow isolation valves and start with the zone that is the highest in elevation and furthest from the compressor.
- Never exceed 80 PSI when blowing out an irrigation system. The recommended pressure is 60 PSI. Anything higher than 80 PSI can damage the components of the irrigation system.
- Each zone should be activated until no water can be seen exiting the heads. It is better to use 2 or 3 short cycles than one long one.
- Once station is dry, you should not continue to blow air through the pipe. Compressed air moving through dry pipes can cause friction, which will create heat and the heat could cause damage.
- Leave the ball valves and drains on the Backflow preventer at a 45 degree angle.
- Turn the controller to the OFF position. This will keep the controller from activating the solenoids in the field.
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Contractor's Corner |
FOR SALE
1990 Case Maxi Sneaker
Series C
- Has Boring Rod Connection-Rods not included
- 3300 Hours
- Shaker box rebuilt 2 years ago.
If interested call Bill Foulk @712-258-3388
Have something to sell? Send in the details of what you have to sell and we will post it in our next newsletter to help you try and sell it!!!
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