5 Small Business Hiring Trends For 2018

Thirty-one percent of small business employers currently have jobs they cannot fill because they cannot find qualified talent, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey, and 37 percent have jobs that stay open for 12 weeks or longer. Moreover, 39 percent have seen a negative impact on business due to extended job vacancies, including loss in productivity, lower morale, lower quality work, more employee turnover and loss of revenue.

The survey also reveals what small businesses are doing to overcome these challenges and attract top talent while retaining high performers. Here are 5 of the small business hiring trends to watch this year.

1. Recruiting Bilingual Candidates: 38 percent of small business employers plan to hire bilingual candidates.
2. Seeking Soft Skills: The overwhelming majority of small business employers (94 percent) consider soft skills to be a very or somewhat important factor in determining whether or not to hire a candidate. In fact, 58 percent consider a candidate’s soft skills to be just as important as his or her hard skills.
3. Re-engaging Past Employees: In order to fill key roles, small business employers will seek help from those who already know their business well: 33 percent plan to reach out to former employees in 2018 to fill jobs.
4. Hiring for Potential: This year, small business employers will give points to candidates just for trying. Fifty-nine percent said they will train and hire workers who may not have all the skills they need, but have potential, while 35 percent plan to train low-skill workers who don’t have experience in their field and hire them for higher-skill jobs.
5. Boosting Compensation. Small business employers are willing to pay for what they want: More than half (57 percent) plan to increase salaries on initial job offers for new employees, and 25 percent will increase salaries by 5 percent or more. Meanwhile, 80 percent will increase compensation for existing employees, and 33 percent will increase them by 5 percent or more.

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2018 Product Roundup: Tree Care Products, Insecticides, Sprayers, Spreaders

Arborjet
FSeries TREE I.V. micro-infusion system
The FSeries TREE I.V. micro-infusion system is an advanced injection method designed for maximum speed, accuracy and ease. The 120 PSI micro-injection system doubles the average uptake pressure. The Hex PDS parallel distribution system uses a central delivery tube, which distributes equally to parallel injection lines, ensuring the tree receives an even dose.

Arbor Systems
Greyhound insecticide
The Greyhound insecticide is for controlling webworm, caterpillars, mites, leafminers and nematodes. As a preventive, the product should be applied in early spring, prior to insect activity in the tree. As a curative, it can be applied as needed spring through fall, as long as bark is pliable enough to accept the chemical injections. One application provides season-long control.

Mauget
Dinocide
Dinocide, a new, fast-acting tree injection product, is the fi rst tree injection insecticide containing dinotefuran, according to the company. Dinotefuran, the active ingredient, is a translaminar that can pass from a tree’s xylem to its phloem. This makes the product eff ective against certain boring insects, which do their damage in the phloem layer. Dinocide is for use on forests, parks and ornamental trees and can yield results in as little as three days.

Bayer
Altus
Altus is an insecticide for landscape ornamentals that provides systemic, broad-spectrum control of sucking pests, including targeted control of whitefl ies, aphids and other harmful insects. Applications can be made before, during or after plant bloom. Altus is compatible with honeybees, bumblebees and many other benefi cial arthropods. Flupyradifurone, the active ingredient in Altus, is the fi rst insecticide with a butenolide chemical structure.

Nufarm
Arena insecticide
The Arena insecticide works as both a preventive and a curative, for control of chinch bugs, white grubs and a broad spectrum of other turf and ornamental pests with a single application. It does not require immediate watering-in after application.

PBI Gordon
Zylam Liquid Systematic
Zylam Liquid Systematic can provide control of more than 100 insects, including aphids, bagworms, Japanese beetles and scale, plus season-long control of emerald ash borers. It is labeled for use on landscapes, golf courses and school grounds. Zylam translocates through the tree and when applied through bark banding or soil drench can save labor and equipment costs while protecting the tree from insects and drill damage.

Cub Cadet
Broadcast spreader
The 175-pound broadcast spreader from Cub Cadet has a rust-proof poly hopper and spread plate. The spreader width is 12 feet. The unit has 16-inch tires with ball bearings and a 3.5 cubic foot hopper capacity.

Exmark
Spreader-Sprayer
The Exmark Spreader-Sprayer features Lean-to-Steer controls that give the operator one-handed control of steering and forward/reverse speed. This leaves the second hand free to manage spread or spray system controls or use the spray wand. Selectable narrow and wide spray nozzles increase versatility. Dual induction nozzles inside the 20-gallon tank deliver aggressive agitation to keep materials in suspension.

Graham Spray Equipment
600-gallon sprayer
Pair the new compartmented 600-gallon sprayer unit from GSE with an Isuzu truck, and you have a spray rig that meets every need, the company says. This dual-system unit features 400-gallon mechanical agitation alongside 200-gallon jet agitation, allowing one rig to service multiple grass types. Dual pumping stations let two technicians spray simultaneously.

Permagreen
Spreader/ Sprayer
The latest PermaGreen Triumph Spreader/Sprayer and Spread-Only features the patent-pending BREAKTHRU Agitator System, which provides a clog-free, consistent fl ow of dry turf care products, including fertilizer, ice melt and seed. The Triumph also features a tighter turning radius and added traction from wheel weights, making it the most maneuverable PermaGreen made to date, according to the company.

TurfEx
TT5000
The TT5000 Spread-N-Spray from TurfEx includes the new standard height adjustable boom that maximizes spray width and provides consistent and even application. The electric spray pump features an adjustable pressure regulator for greater application rates to treat more area in less time. The rapid-fi ll port has a vented cap and level indicator for fi lling the 17-gallon tank.

 

 

Have a new product? Send a 75-to-100 word description and a high-resolution color photo to us at dpesta@grandviewmedia.com with the subject line “New Products.”

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Like A Boss: Planting Deep Roots With A Long-Term Financial Plan

Once a successful snow season has come and gone, Fred Oskanian, owner of Terra Lawn Care Specialists in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, says that allocating funds appropriately becomes of critical importance. Though the temptation might be there to immediately spend some of that cash, Oskanian says that he’s learned the value of smart allocation — and having a long-term financial plan.

Fred Oskanian, owner of Terra Lawn Care Specialists

“Frequently, after a great snow year, you see companies that go out and buy a bunch of fancy new equipment or the owner buys a brand-new truck for himself,” Oskanian says. “Everyone has that temptation. After all, snow is very physically demanding, and you work hard during the snow season. You might even feel as though you’re owed a reward. But I’ve learned that it’s better for the business to allocate funds in a way that better serves the business.”

Oskanian says that it takes self-discipline to stick to a long-term strategy. For him, that has meant keeping the focus on the obligations that he says come with the territory.

“As a business owner, I have come to feel that growing a financially solid business is not only important to support my own family, but I also have an obligation to my employees’ families as well,” Oskanian says.

That mentality has driven Oskanian to invest wisely after a financially successful snow season. He typically allocates funds three different ways. First, he pays down debt as his goal is to have a debt-free business. Second, he sets aside a large cash reserve for the upcoming year. And third, he allocates funds toward advertising in order to grow the business.

Oskanian admits he has made mistakes along the way. But like any good business owner, he has chosen to learn from them and to do better the next time.

“I think one of the lessons here is that it’s important that you don’t look for instant gratification with your finances,” Oskanian says. “You have to grow and take the time to develop a long-term plan. You might think that a 10- or 15-year plan sounds like it is so far down the road, but time passes quickly, and you’ll be there before you know it. If you’ve invested wisely, it will pay off for you in the long run.”

One other area where Oskanian says he invests wisely is in his people. While he has heard other landscapers say they pay a dirt-cheap labor rate to try and keep their costs down, Oskanian prefers to pay more than his competition and attract better workers as a result.

“When you don’t invest in your people, they don’t invest in you,” Oskanian says. “The people that get paid a low labor rate are the same ones that call off sick all of the time or don’t show up. They’re not happy to come work for you and your business will never grow as a result. I’d rather invest in my people. I feel that it is important to share my profits with my people.”

It is these strategies that Oskanian says he hopes will give him long-term business success.

“In the green industry, a solid financial base is important,” he says. “Just as the goal for a healthy tree is to have deep roots, that is my goal for this business.”

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Amazon, EPA Reach Settlement For Sales Of Illegal Pesticides: This Week’s Industry News

Want to keep up with the latest news in lawn care and landscaping? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in the green industry.

Amazon, EPA Reach Settlement For Sales Of Illegal Pesticides
Seattle-based Amazon has agreed to pay more than $1.2 million in administrative penalties as part of an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to the Seattle Times. The EPA said this agreement will protect consumers from hazards of illegal and misbranded pesticides sold by Amazon. There were allegations that Amazon committed nearly 4,000 violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act over the past five years by allowing third-parties to sell and distribute imported pesticide products from Amazon warehouses even though the pesticides were not licensed to be sold in the U.S., Reuters reported. Under terms of the agreement, Amazon said it plans to develop an online training course about pesticide regulations and policies to reduce the number of illegal pesticides available through the online marketplace, according to the Seattle Times.

Cool Planet Hires New Account Manager for the West Coast Region
Cool Planet has announced that Andrea Melnychenko has joined the company as the Account Manager, Turf, Nursery, and Ornamental markets for the West Coast Region. She will join the soil health company to support Cool Planet’s extensive network of distribution partners and growing number of Cool Terra customers. Prior to joining Cool Planet, Andrea progressed through roles in Quality Assurance and Sales at CID Bio-Science / Felix Instruments, and most recently served as Grower Account Manager at Agerpoint. She earned BS and MS degrees in biology from Portland State University.

Call For Entries Opens For Houzz Design and Architecture Scholarship Program
Houzz Inc. has announced the call for entries for Houzz Scholarships, a program that supports the next generation of residential design and architecture pros: students studying architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Houzz will award four $2,500 scholarships in the categories of ‘Women in Architecture’, ‘Sustainable Design,’ ‘Residential Interior Design’ and ‘Residential Construction Management.’ Houzz awards these scholarships biannually in the spring and fall, and is now accepting applications for fall 2018. High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students 18 years of age or older are invited to apply online. houzz.com/scholarships. In addition to submitting a brief essay on their design and architecture influences, students are invited to create a Houzz professional student profile. The deadline for the fall 2018 scholarships is June 30, 2018.

OPEI Announces Six New Members
OPEI is proud to welcome several new members: Pulsar Products, Ontario, Canada; Shivvers Manufacturing, Corydon, Iowa; Extreme Outdoor Power Equipment, Blaine, Minnesota; Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, Plymouth, Michigan; Sugino Corp., Itasca, Illinois; and SGS North America, Lapeer, Michigan.

Mean Green Mowers Introduces New Referral Program
Customers can now earn rewards and cash for referring someone they know to Mean Green Mowers. When the referral places an order for a new Mean Green Mower, they will be supporting electric outdoor power equipment, according to the company. Users can find out more details on their website.

Exmark Adds Suspended Operator Platform Option
Exmark has launched a new suspended platform-equipped version of its popular Radius S-Series zero-turn riding mower. The new suspended platform uses three independent coil-over dampers to isolate the cast aluminum operator platform from the mower chassis.

PERC Promotes Jeremy Wishart to Director of Off-Road Business Development
The Propane Education & Research Council promoted Jeremy Wishart to director of off-road business development. Wishart brings more than a decade of experience, knowledge, and industry relations to the position. In his new role, Wishart will lead propane application research and development, and oversee market communication strategy and outreach in multiple outdoor power equipment market sectors that utilize propane applications. Most recently, Wishart served as deputy director of business development for PERC since 2013. He has worked in a variety of marketing capacities since joining PERC in 2005. Wishart graduated from Shepherd University in West Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in commercial recreation and tourism in 2002.

Graham Spray Equipment’s Charlie Holloway Announces Retirement
After nearly 38 years with Graham Spray Equipment, salesman Charlie Holloway is retiring. Graham has announced Holloway’s last day will be April 26. After April 26, sales inquiries can be directed to Dave Arnett and Teddy Mathis. Mathis joined Graham in 2017, bringing with him 21 years of experience in lawn care and the spray industry. Arnett has been with Graham for more than 30 years. Holloway started out on the shop floor building spray units and worked his way up to sales, where he is known for building lasting relationships. He says, “I’ve really enjoyed my work, and I like knowing that me and the Graham team have played a part in many successful businesses.”

Ruppert Landscape Acquires Classic Landscaping
Ruppert Landscape has announced the acquisition of Classic Landscaping, a grounds management company headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a second location in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.The transaction includes the purchase of both Classic facilities, all commercial landscape management contracts, vehicles and equipment, and the hiring of over 20 employees. Ruppert will relocate their Frederick team from the current rented facility to join Classic’s team in their owned facility by March 1st, 2018. The Camp Hill branch will join Ruppert’s two existing Pennsylvania landscape management operations located in Toughkenamon and King of Prussia.

DowDuPont Agriculture Division To Become Corteva Agriscience
The Agriculture Division of DowDuPont has announced the name of the intended company once it is spun-off, which is expected to happen by June 1, 2019. The intended Agriculture company will become Corteva Agriscience (kohr-‘teh-vah), which is derived from a combination of words meaning “heart” and “nature.” Corteva Agriscience brings together DuPont Crop Protection, DuPont Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences to create a standalone agriculture company. In addition to announcing the corporate name, the intended Agriculture company unveiled the Corteva Agriscience brand identity and logo at Commodity Classic, the largest farmer-led convention and trade show in the United States. The corporate headquarters for the intended company will be located in Wilmington, Delaware, and sites in Johnston, Iowa, and Indianapolis, Indiana, will serve as Global Business Centers, with leadership of business lines, business support functions, R&D, global supply chain, and sales and marketing capabilities concentrated in the two Midwest locations. DowDuPont will support the new brand name through a series of recognition events between now and the time the division becomes an independent company.

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2018 Product Roundup: Truck And Sidewalk Equipment

ASV LLC
Posi-Track RT-30 compact track loader
The Posi-Track RT-30 compact track loader from ASV is a radial lift loader includes effi – cient hydraulics and cooling systems as well as low ground pressure. In addition, the RT-30 provides a safer, more productive alternative to walk-behind and sit-on mini skid-steer loaders. The unit’s small size makes it ideal for contractors looking for a commercial-quality, compact machine for clearing snow in tight spaces.

L.T. RICH PRODUCTS
Snowrator ZX4
The Snowrator ZX4 is a deicing spray system that holds up to 20 gallons. The machine’s width is only 42 inches making it easier to operate in tight areas. It is manufactured with corrosion-resistant stainless steel. It is powered by an electric-start Honda GX 390 engine.

NEXEN TIRE
MTX (Mud Terrain Xtreme) tire
The new Roadian MTX (Mud Terrain Xtreme) tire is designed to go from off-road to asphalt streets with ease. The tire has reversible dual side walls. The reinforced rubber belt delivers load-bearing durability over a range of applications. A rim protector bar on sizes 20 inches and up helps keep rims safe from curbs, according to the company.

STEINER
Steiner SB648
The new 48-inch Steiner SB648 professional snow blower features 16-inch diameter open center auger with speeds of 140 rpm. The machine weighs 450 pounds and has a blower speed of 700 rpm.

TORO
GrandStand MULTI FORCE
The GrandStand MULTI FORCE stand-on has the ability to attach a plow and power broom. It features a 26.5 horsepower Kohler EFI 747cc engine. The smaller footprint takes up less space on the trailer when transporting. With speeds up to 10 mph, the machine also has a 10.5-gallon fuel tank. The stand-on has great traction on slopes and maneuverability, according to the company.

TUFF TRUCK BAG
Cargo bag
This product is a collapsible, waterproof and dustproof cargo bag that can fi t all pickup truck bed models to store/protect luggage, cargo, equipment and more. Measuring at 40 inches by 50 inches by 22 inches with 26 cubic feet of storage, the Tuff Truck Bag is easier to use than permanent truck bed covers or caps, according to the company. The bags are made from non-breathable PVC material and all seams are water-tight sealed using heat fusion and epoxy.

 

 

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Is Spring the Time to Dethatch My Lawn?

Thatch control is an essential aspect of maintaining a vibrant and healthy lawn during the spring and summer. By removing the layer of dead grass and other organic matter that has built up on your lawn over the winter, you are opening it back up for improved nutrient and water intake. The dethatching process is typically done during the spring, but what time of the season is best for your lawn? This mostly depends on what type of grass you have.

 

Warm-season turf types should typically be dethatched in the late spring to early summer. This includes grasses such as Zoysia, St. Augustine, Bermuda, Bahia, and Centipede. Cold-season turf types, on the other hand, should typically be dethatched in early spring, although they can also be dethatched in early fall before the cold sets in. Cold-season turfs include Kentucky bluegrass, rough bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.

 

Spring may be the best time of year to dethatch your lawn, but how do you know if it actually needs to be dethatched? If your lawn has a thatch layer thicker than half an inch, or if it feels spongy when you walk over it, this means it’s time to dethatch. After your lawn has already begun growing for the season, and after you’ve mowed it a couple of times, you should be ready to bust out the dethatching equipment. Although non-powered dethatchers tend to be more reasonably priced, powered dethatchers are typically more effective and less physically strenuous.

 

Thatch control is just one of the many landscape maintenance services provided by Borst Landscape & Design. Our lawn care experts will get your lawn looking lush, green, and healthy even after the toughest winters, and keep it looking that way all season long. Contact Borst today and breathe new life into your lawn.

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Why Go Organic?

Why Go Organic?

 

Here at Borst Landscaping & Design, we offer an organic and sustainable approach to lawn care that delivers consistently satisfying results. However, organic lawn care does much more than simply providing a healthier and greener lawn. Choosing organic over synthetic lawn care methods can be beneficial in other very important ways that you may not be able to identify as easily. Here are just some of the reasons why organic lawn care is your best option.

 

Cost

Although organic fertilizer can initially cost more than synthetic fertilizer, going organic will actually save you money in the long run. Organic lawn care methods promote natural, healthy soil and root development, which reduces the need for herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides later on because healthy plants can effectively fight off pests and diseases on their own. This means that ongoing organic lawn treatments will ultimately cost you less than synthetic alternatives.

 

Environmental Benefits

Though forgoing the use of synthetic chemicals on your lawn will reduce your overall cost, it will also provide significant environmental benefits. Synthetic chemicals used in lawn care can be washed away and end up polluting storm water systems, or even groundwater used in wells. Synthetic pesticides also kill off many beneficial insects such as ladybugs, which typically prey on pests that can damage your lawn and your plants. Using organic pesticides can eliminate these pests and keep your drinking water unpolluted.

 

Health

At Borst we pride ourselves on a lawn care approach that is safe for your entire family, including your children and pets. This means avoiding the use of chemicals that can potentially cause health issues, particularly in children. Borst uses only natural ingredients in our lawn treatments, which have no adverse health effects.

 

As you can see, organic treatments are truly the best way to keep your lawn, your family, and the environment healthy. Contact Borst today and make your way to a healthier landscape!

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