Attention Rhode Island Landscapers/LCO's

[FerrisDiesel]

Hey all,
Looking to have a lawnsite day at a local watering hole to do a little networking. Let me know if you are interested and as a group we can work something out and make this happen!

[bigirish320]

We can also use this thread to keep in touch with local owners, network, and help each other out. As well as posting pics and trash talking, invite your friends and lets get going!

[ArenaLandscaping]

We can also use this thread to keep in touch with local owners, network, and help each other out. As well as posting pics and trash talking, invite your friends and lets get going!


Sounds good !! I always wondered how many people from R.I. use this site.

[401als]

Whats up guys?:usflag:

[bigirish320]

Sounds good !! I always wondered how many people from R.I. use this site.

There are quite a few actually, we just need to get them all on here
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigirish320]

Whats up guys?:usflag:

Not much how are you 401als?
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

good man. no cigs in two days

[bigirish320]

good man. no cigs in two days

Well that's good! I quit a long time ago and haven't looked back
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

do any work in newport?

[M & L]

Helloooo!

I used to work in newport..

what do we want to discuss? or when/were to meet?

[bigirish320]

Well I'm out of commission for a little bit cause of double hernia surgery this were so anytime after that.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigirish320]

**wednesday
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

shytty connection today. keep getting booted

[ArenaLandscaping]

[=bigirish320;4260927]Well I'm out of commission for a little bit cause of double hernia surgery this were so anytime after that.
Posted via Mobile Device

I had double hernia surgeryhttp://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t3/videoguymf1/Emoticons/SMILIES/suicide.gif about 5 years ago.........

[401als]

Where in ri are you?

[ArenaLandscaping]

Where in ri are you?

North Smithfield

[bigirish320]

I had double hernia surgeryhttp://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t3/videoguymf1/Emoticons/SMILIES/suicide.gif about 5 years ago.........

Yeah I'm not exactly thrilled about it. I'm having it done laparoscopically done so the recovery time is supposed to be better and less pain but it's still going to suck
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

North Smithfield

nice man:drinkup::drinkup:

[FerrisDiesel]

How was everyone's year? Anyone have any big business plans for 2012? I may be buying out my brother in law, who has about 20 accounts in Jamestown so that would be good! Trying to find the time and get my applicators license, and also working on some more advertising for this year!

I think we should see how many guys we get on here by March, and then set up a date to have a lawnsite day!

[ArenaLandscaping]

I had a really good year. As for my business plan for 2012, I am working on it everyday. No snow so far this winter is giving me a lot of extra time, and I am trying to take advantage of that. I have been studying for my Arborist license and I should be taking the test in the spring.

[bigirish320]

How was everyone's year? Anyone have any big business plans for 2012? I may be buying out my brother in law, who has about 20 accounts in Jamestown so that would be good! Trying to find the time and get my applicators license, and also working on some more advertising for this year!

I think we should see how many guys we get on here by March, and then set up a date to have a lawnsite day!

Took my applicator test with M+L this past winter and it was such a joke but its great to have

[ArenaLandscaping]

Took my applicator test with M+L this past winter and it was such a joke but its great to have

Where can I get study material for the applicator test?

[bigirish320]

Where can I get study material for the applicator test?

They give you all the books to study from when you go there but most of the info is from what they tell you

[ArenaLandscaping]

They give you all the books to study from when you go there but most of the info is from what they tell you

Thanks for the info...

[bigirish320]

Thanks for the info...

Cant tell if thats sarcasm but I honestly wouldn't go wasting money on study material cause its not that hard and they tell you everything and only a tad bit comes from the actual book they give you

[ArenaLandscaping]

Cant tell if thats sarcasm but I honestly wouldn't go wasting money on study material cause its not that hard and they tell you everything and only a tad bit comes from the actual book they give you

No, its not sarcasm:laugh: Its basically a 2 day course with a test, I did not realize that they gave you all the info, thanks again.

[M & L]

Yeah it was really kind of disturbing how unrelative it was.

we sat in on a class with a bunch of orkin and termite companies.

they didnt even mention grass once?

i guess i was kinda hoping to learn something.. all i learned was once your certfied your a target!!

[M & L]

ferris..

my year was pretty good i guess.

been reallly not trying to say much about it as i dont want to jinx myself!!!!

looking forward to some more growth this year hopefully..

probably going to try some door hangers and some face to face with some commercial props.

Im going to put some more stuff in my thread about some of the things i rented and did this year. tiny irish over there and i have done some stuff with each other when we loose our labor or we (me) get sick! it worked out very well !!

business plan ??? um grow more is about it

[bigirish320]

ferris..

my year was pretty good i guess.

been reallly not trying to say much about it as i dont want to jinx myself!!!!

looking forward to some more growth this year hopefully..

probably going to try some door hangers and some face to face with some commercial props.

Im going to put some more stuff in my thread about some of the things i rented and did this year. tiny irish over there and i have done some stuff with each other when we loose our labor or we (me) get sick! it worked out very well !!

business plan ??? um grow more is about it


Who you calling tiny, shorty?!?! lol

[ArenaLandscaping]

Yeah it was really kind of disturbing how unrelative it was.

we sat in on a class with a bunch of orkin and termite companies.

they didnt even mention grass once?

i guess i was kinda hoping to learn something.. all i learned was once your certfied your a target!!

What do you mean by a "target" ?

[401als]

As this is my first year starting up my company. All i have is hope to pay my bills, and keep evrything going smooth. I have been working rather diligently on cards, insurance, equipment...etc etc. I try and market my business evryday. Im constantly trying to get worked lined up for this season.

[M & L]

It means big brother is going to be in your wallet for one. It also means there is paper work for every fert app you do and if something is not right when you get "audited" by dem you get fined if they feel like it....

[bigirish320]

It means big brother is going to be in your wallet for one. It also means there is paper work for every fert app you do and if something is not right when you get "audited" by dem you get fined if they feel like it....

It's a lot of hassle from DEM and the state on what you can use where and when and near what and you have to record how much you use at what rate and how you weren't near a water table and how you disposed of the bags or liquid. It's a LOT of them watching you. Not to mention you can get pulled over if you are a commercial vehicle and the cops see fert in the back of your truck
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

Thats the reason why im not interested in it. State of ri will let you use organic ferts and anything without cide in it such as fungicide,pestacide.. and so on. As of right now i will use what im allowed to.

[M & L]

Thats the reason why im not interested in it. State of ri will let you use organic ferts and anything without cide in it such as fungicide,pestacide.. and so on. As of right now i will use what im allowed to.


Actually you cant. If you are a legit company and registered you are considered commercial. If you are commercial you can not apply with out a certification.

even if you arent a legit compmany you still can not apply. pesticides or not.

Big Irish will back me up on this

[bigirish320]

Very true, even with "organic" you still have to have an applicator license. Anytime you are putting something down and getting paid you are a commercial applicator and need a license. Even to spray roundup you need to be an applicator
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

Very true, even with "organic" you still have to have an applicator license. Anytime you are putting something down and getting paid you are a commercial applicator and need a license. Even to spray roundup you need to be an applicator
Posted via Mobile Device i spoke with a woman named robin mooney from the state. Im wont argue the fact. But i went straight to the source.. Explained my situation to her. And she said as long as it is organic and has no weed killer or insectacide, you are fine. You can put down lime and purer ferts. Myself... I dont do much of this anyway. But I wanted to cover my a$$

[ArenaLandscaping]

It means big brother is going to be in your wallet for one. It also means there is paper work for every fert app you do and if something is not right when you get "audited" by dem you get fined if they feel like it....

It's a lot of hassle from DEM and the state on what you can use where and when and near what and you have to record how much you use at what rate and how you weren't near a water table and how you disposed of the bags or liquid. It's a LOT of them watching you. Not to mention you can get pulled over if you are a commercial vehicle and the cops see fert in the back of your truck
Posted via Mobile Device

Thanks for the info guys!

[rlmlandscape]

Whats going on guys? Looking forward to meeting you when we have this get together.

[401als]

Whats going on guys? Looking forward to meeting you when we have this get together.

Hows it goin?.. nobody beeen on here today.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ArenaLandscaping]

Irish, how did the surgery go?

[M & L]

arena, just on the phone texting him now.
hes says hes dying !! haha no but he said he is in a lot of pain. hes going to be laid up so im sure hell be on tmorow

[401als]

Thats gotta suck.

[FerrisDiesel]

Looking forward to meeting everyone, and drinking some beers! lol Do we want to wait until we get some more members on this thread to do this ?

[bigirish320]

Irish, how did the surgery go?

Hey Arena, the surgery it's self went well but the recovery SUCKS. I went in at 8am yesterday, started surgery at 1010 and was out of surgery by 12 but then I was in so much pain that I had to stay till 5 cause they kept giving me morphine and in return it started to make me sick. Finally I made it home and the nigh straight up blew, couldn't walk, couldn't move and couldn't sleep and worst of all I couldn't pee right. Today I'm feeling a little bit better but still I must say its a HORRIBLE surgery to have. Thanks for asking how It went though I appreciate it.

Yeah M+L got a couple nice vulgar texts from me last night abou how much it sucks.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigirish320]

Looking forward to meeting everyone, and drinking some beers! lol Do we want to wait until we get some more members on this thread to do this ?

I would say wait a little cause I know there are more guys on here and plus that way we can all get closer before we go
Posted via Mobile Device

[M & L]

how many more guys you thinkin are on here?

I can think of 2? the kid in barrington and one other

[ArenaLandscaping]

how many more guys you thinkin are on here?

I can think of 2? the kid in barrington and one other

Yea, I tried the other day to recruit a fellow Rhode Islander , I even put a link in my post stating that there is a R.I. networking thread on here and I was completely ignored. Its amazing to me that someone from your state would rather network with people from another state. What do people in Texas know about R.I. landscaping....:dizzy:

[M & L]

heres a few from looking around my older posts

rlprop
newguyri
lmlawn
godjwood

[ArenaLandscaping]

Hey Arena, the surgery it's self went well but the recovery SUCKS. I went in at 8am yesterday, started surgery at 1010 and was out of surgery by 12 but then I was in so much pain that I had to stay till 5 cause they kept giving me morphine and in return it started to make me sick. Finally I made it home and the nigh straight up blew, couldn't walk, couldn't move and couldn't sleep and worst of all I couldn't pee right. Today I'm feeling a little bit better but still I must say its a HORRIBLE surgery to have. Thanks for asking how It went though I appreciate it.

Yeah M+L got a couple nice vulgar texts from me last night abou how much it sucks.
Posted via Mobile Device

Glad to hear that the surgery went well !

[ArenaLandscaping]

Whats going on guys? Looking forward to meeting you when we have this get together.

Sorry, rlm I missed your post, What is going on !!

[FerrisDiesel]

M&L I sent private messages to those people you listed, lets see where that takes us. I like the idea of getting to know everyone, and seeing how many more people we can get on here. Maybe we should start out introducing ourselves:
My name is Alan, I live in West Warwick. My service area includeds W.Warwick, Warwick, Coventry, EG, NK, and maybe Jamestown next year. I am a solo operation and have been in business for 2 years............what's your story?

[FerrisDiesel]

And when I say what is your story, I don't just mean M&L lol

[lmlawn]

L&M Lawn checking in from East Providence

hope everyone is having a good new year so far.

after the 1st year of business we are steadily growing.

all equipment is serviced and storaged and I am working on my marketing, so my 8 years of b2b and retail sales is really coming in handy gaining new customers.

once we get rolling in late march I will post up some new pics

[ArenaLandscaping]

L&M Lawn checking in from East Providence

Whats up L&M !

............what's your story?

My name is Jason. I have been in business for 10 years. My service areas are N.Smithfield,Smithfield,Lincoln,N.Providence,Johnston,Cranston,and Warwick Neck.
Here is a link to some of my work.... http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=357533&highlight=shrub+trimming+job+before+after

[lmlawn]

cool, we service pretty much service all cities/towns in RI.

[FerrisDiesel]

Jason, I have one lawn in Smithfield that I may give up next year, I will let you know if you are interested in taking it over. I took it last year when things were slow, and now it's kind of a waste of fuel for me to drive up there.
Alan

[lmlawn]

if jason doesnt want it we'll take it!!

[401als]

Hey. My name is steve going in to this season solo first year having my company. American lawn service(als). I do work in Newport,middletown,portsmouth,bristol,and warren. 37 years old trying to support my family.

[M & L]

M & L,

in warwick, trying to stay warwick south to gansett and east of 95!

did this in highschool, rertired and like the outdoors, did this on and off (part time) with other people while on my full time job for 23 years, so doing it again on my own.

started fall 08 on own.

50 + or - res, 4 commercial

liking the sun and outside, HATE COLD AND SNOW side of this

[rlmlandscape]

RLM Landscape & Pavers
name: Ryan Menges

Based out of Wakefield but my area covers East Greenwich, North & South Kingstown, Wakefield, Narragansett and maybe some other towns south of Gansett off rt 1 next year.

Been working in the field for almost ten years, but this is my first year in business and I'm finishing up my degree in landscape architecture as we speak. It's me and one other employee doing 17 maintenance accounts as of last year along with design build projects, lawn applications and all the other good stuff. Looking to grow the company substantially this upcoming year now that I will be out of school and that my name has been out there for a year.

Looking forward to meeting everyone. Glad to hear the surgery went well Irish. Ill post a link to my forum http://lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=342168

[ralph02813]

Hey, this is Ralph, located in Charlestown, service my town, Narra, SK, Westerly and Pawcatuck. At it for 5 years, last two years full time, solo operation my baby is at Pat's Spa getting her winter treatment.

[ralph02813]

Yea, I tried the other day to recruit a fellow Rhode Islander , I even put a link in my post stating that there is a R.I. networking thread on here and I was completely ignored. Its amazing to me that someone from your state would rather network with people from another state. What do people in Texas know about R.I. landscaping....:dizzy:

Hey, I just got a note today, I didn't know this thread existed, but i am glad it does.

[ArenaLandscaping]

Hey, I just got a note today, I didn't know this thread existed, but i am glad it does.

Hows it going Ralph ! I was not refering to you with that post :laugh: I will have to look back to my posts and see who it was.

[bigirish320]

Hey everyone I'm alive!!! Still recovering and taking it easy. Still in a lot of pain and swollen bu I'm hoping it starts to get better.

Name is Greg, been doing this for a few years for other people but 3 years ago decided to do it for myself and go legit and I've been enjoying it since. We operate out of Pawtucket and do all surrounding areas especially seekonk, rehoboth, and providence with the occasional ones in Attleboro, np, ep, Lincoln, and rumford.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigirish320]

L&M Lawn checking in from East Providence

hope everyone is having a good new year so far.

after the 1st year of business we are steadily growing.

all equipment is serviced and storaged and I am working on my marketing, so my 8 years of b2b and retail sales is really coming in handy gaining new customers.

once we get rolling in late march I will post up some new pics



Don't get too close to my area now!
Posted via Mobile Device

[ralph02813]

Hows it going Ralph ! I was not refering to you with that post :laugh: I will have to look back to my posts and see who it was.

Its going good, I don't do snow, so I am not so upset, I do have a couple of wood lot projects that I am doing just to keep business:cool2:
I am wondering a couple of things, 1.) Is anyone keeping track of everyone here; 2.) I was wondering if it would be useful to stick our names on each post, at least in this thread so we get to know each other faster, and 3. how many folks here are members of RINLA and why!

[newfrontier]

from Ct... you can count me in!!

[FerrisDiesel]

Welcome Ralph!
I am keeping track of everyone here on the thread so we have a headcount. I will be
Sending everyone a pm to ask to be friends, and from there I will make a master email
List. The number of people are adding up, let's keep it going! Also if you have not done so already
Click and paste the thread in my signature and add it to your own signature. This will help to spread the word!
Thanks,
Alan
Posted via Mobile Device

[401als]

Should be cool meetin up.. lots of nice people on this site. Cant wait to get back out there and mow some grass:drinkup:

[rlmlandscape]

I'm all for using our names until we know everyone this way when we get together were not calling each other by screen names:dizzy:
Ryan

[bigirish320]

Yeah i just wanna be healed up and out there mowing again, hate just sitting around

[bigirish320]

yay for 300 posts

[401als]

yay for 300 posts


nice man..takes some time.
steve

[ArenaLandscaping]

Good Morning to all my fellow Rhode Islanders !
Jason

[401als]

Good Morning to all my fellow Rhode Islanders !
JasonBack atcha man

steve

[bigirish320]

Mornin y'all
Posted via Mobile Device

[FerrisDiesel]

Hey just a side note, if you guys want to PM me your email address so I can make up a master list for this group, that would be cool. That way when we have an event or whatever, I can send out one mass email.
Just include your name, email address and phone number if you want.
Thanks,
Alan

[M & L]

Yeah so like is said ferris im compter stooopid.
i also should add i cant spell or type....
(shut up greg!!)

And my name is mike.

Im pm ing you my email too

[bigirish320]

Yeah so like is said ferris im compter stooopid.
i also should add i cant spell or type....
(shut up greg!!)

And my name is mike.

Im pm ing you my email too


How'd you know I was going to say something? Lol
Posted via Mobile Device

[M & L]

not sure if any one is looking but found this on cl today.

dont know anything about them but ..

http://providence.craigslist.org/grd/2789381578.html

[ralph02813]

not sure if any one is looking but found this on cl today.

dont know anything about them but ..

http://providence.craigslist.org/grd/2789381578.html

You know, I think we can all profit by gettin to know each other!

[401als]

You know, I think we can all profit by gettin to know each other!

I do agree my friend.

[M & L]

wife thought i was nuts..

went running out to check to make sure mine were still here!!

clicked right after i posted the link

[ArenaLandscaping]

You know, I think we can all profit by gettin to know each other!

Mentally & Financiallyhttp://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/1sm376money.gif

[401als]

wife thought i was nuts..

went running out to check to make sure mine were still here!!

clicked right after i posted the link:laugh::laugh: thats what the desart eagle is for.:cool2:

[ArenaLandscaping]

wife thought i was nuts..

went running out to check to make sure mine were still here!!

clicked right after i posted the link

You never know..

[rlmlandscape]

Those look like a pretty good deal for those mowers. Too bad I'm saving my pennies for a Walker this year :cool2:

[rlmlandscape]

On another note I know one or two other guys that I may be able to get on here to join us for our lawnsite day. I'll talk to them when I get back from my vacation next week. As Zack Brown Band says, " Gonna put my toes in the water ass in the sand for the next six days."

[401als]

On another note I know one or two other guys that I may be able to get on here to join us for our lawnsite day. I'll talk to them when I get back from my vacation next week. As Zack Brown Band says, " Gonna put my toes in the water ass in the sand for the next six days."

Good for you man. zac brown great band. saw them last year in concert. only country i like..:laugh:

[rlmlandscape]

Good for you man. zac brown great band. saw them last year in concert. only country i like..:laugh:

Yeah I went and saw them up at Gillette the day before Irene came through. I'm not a fan of all country music but I like a good amount of it.

[401als]

Yeah I went and saw them up at Gillette the day before Irene came through. I'm not a fan of all country music but I like a good amount of it.I myself like zombie, pantera. but i listen to anything.

saw them at gilette as well. the fiddler guy was awful!

[rlmlandscape]

I myself like zombie, pantera. but i listen to anything.

saw them at gilette as well. the fiddler guy was awful!

Yeah I didn't catch their whole set we were still out in the parking lot partying while they were on. Can't really remember the fiddler guy though.:drinkup:

[401als]

Yeah I didn't catch their whole set we were still out in the parking lot partying while they were on. Can't really remember the fiddler guy though.:drinkup: I didnt party to much. had the wife with me. Drove the jeep topless. And the wife cant drive stick.:laugh::laugh:

[rlmlandscape]

I didnt party to much. had the wife with me. Drove the jeep topless. And the wife cant drive stick.:laugh::laugh:

I let my ex gf drive my f250 thats lifted with 35s had my eyes closed the whole way haha.
Ryan

[401als]

My wife cant drive a stick but has her cdl..:laugh:

[401als]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:I let my ex gf drive my f250 thats lifted with 35s had my eyes closed the whole way haha.
Ryan

[rlmlandscape]

My wife cant drive a stick but has her cdl..:laugh:

That's kind of an oxymoron although I guess bus drivers need a cdl and their not stick.

[401als]

That's kind of an oxymoron although I guess bus drivers need a cdl and their not stick. Oh I do agree. And I said the same thing:laugh::laugh:

[Ben's Landscape]

Hey guys!

Didnt know there was this many people in RI. I just got the message that Ferris sent out to me a while back havent been on here. Count me in for a day to meet everyone.

My pics and story is in my thread at the bottom of my sig. Havent updated it in a while though was to busy this year to take pictures. Hope everyone is doing well.

Ben

[A&Jlandscapingllc]

Hey guys name is justin co owner of A&J Landscaping in Westerly nice to see all of you RI. boys on this site. We cover all over RI and southeastern CT. we do maintenance, hardscaping, and snow removal hope to meet you guys some day.

[bigirish320]

Hey guys name is justin co owner of A&J Landscaping in Westerly nice to see all of you RI. boys on this site. We cover all over RI and southeastern CT. we do maintenance, hardscaping, and snow removal hope to meet you guys some day.

Welcome :waving::waving::waving:

[401als]

:waving::waving::waving:

[Ben's Landscape]

Welcome Justin!

[bigirish320]

there goes the neighbor hood


:hammerhead::wall:hammerhead::wall:hammerhead::wall

[401als]

hey all:waving::waving:

[401als]

mornin:cool2:

[FerrisDiesel]

Wow, I thought Mike and Ben were just joking at first, guess not. Let's try and all be civil on here ok? This is a great opportunity for us to do some networking, so things like lowballing and backstabbing don't happen, agreed?
The last thing I want is to take work from another company, unless the customer absolutely refuses to use them. Maybe that's just me, but I think there is alot of work out there for all of us. I know when I put an ad on CL I get emails constantly, some I don't have time to respond to. It would be nice to be able to send those emails and phone calls to LCO's in their respected district.

Anyways, looks like we got a few members on here now, pretty frickin exciting! Let's keep spreading the word and figure out a date for this bash!
Alan

[401als]

Exactly. If i want to argue.. I will sit in a room with my wife for 5min or so!(j/k). But I do think that this could be a great opp for all of us. Im glad to be here.:cool2:

[ralph02813]

Wow, I thought Mike and Ben were just joking at first, guess not. Let's try and all be civil on here ok? This is a great opportunity for us to do some networking, so things like lowballing and backstabbing don't happen, agreed?
The last thing I want is to take work from another company, unless the customer absolutely refuses to use them. Maybe that's just me, but I think there is alot of work out there for all of us. I know when I put an ad on CL I get emails constantly, some I don't have time to respond to. It would be nice to be able to send those emails and phone calls to LCO's in their respected district.

Anyways, looks like we got a few members on here now, pretty frickin exciting! Let's keep spreading the word and figure out a date for this bash!
Alan

Agreed, agreed, agreed - the ability to work together out weights everything.

[nepatsfan]

Intead of your meet and greet you should start a lawnsite cage match. I would love to take a little ride to see that.

[M & L]

BWAHAHAHAHA I just spit my soda out laughing!!!! :clapping:

Hey you going to come down for the meeting ? you seem pretty funny!

[ralph02813]

BWAHAHAHAHA I just spit my soda out laughing!!!! :clapping:

Hey you going to come down for the meeting ? you seem pretty funny!

Has anyone figured out where or when!?

[M & L]

Not sure?

Ferris was the one who started the thread, and think he wants to see if we can get a few more on here.

Anyone have any idea topics or are we just meet and greet drinking?

from the looks we are spread all over the state? and that would give us a very different clientel base. We also have different levels of service.

So maybe types of clients, type of work, what works what doesnt, biz regulations/licensing?

[ralph02813]

Not sure?

Ferris was the one who started the thread, and think he wants to see if we can get a few more on here.

Anyone have any idea topics or are we just meet and greet drinking?

from the looks we are spread all over the state? and that would give us a very different clientel base. We also have different levels of service.

So maybe types of clients, type of work, what works what doesnt, biz regulations/licensing?

I think it would be a great missed opportunity if we don't come up with some kind of game plan or at least a few goals, I think that will also draw guys.
I also think something as simple as a little directory, who is who and where are they and what do they do. this way if a guy is looking for say subcontracting someone to do hedges or spraying or has a big job coming up guys could work together. For example, I really don't do clean ups that I have to bring stuff anywhere, most is just blow in the woods or mulch it - but if I had a customer that I needed stuff hauled away for I could call someone who had a vac and trailer - if I get the stuff crub side. Otherwise I would just tell the customer that I don't do that and they get some ham an egger to do it for cheap. So I think there is an opporutnity to offer our customers more service without breaking our own backs or trying to duplicate what someone else is already doing.
I also wonder how many guys here are invovled with RINL is that worth being involved with - what size companies are we all.

[401als]

my area is mostly aquidneck Island bristol and warren. But If I got a call for a lawn or property other then this I would be happy to give it to one of you. I dont have much work yet as some of you know im new to the game. But Im not going to drive over newport bridge spen 8 dollers to make 30..:confused::confused: not a wise decision. So this could work in favor for lots of us RI boys.

[FerrisDiesel]

Hey All!
Yeah I was thinking maybe a meet and drink, go over some networking. I personally want to get my applicators license, but if Mike already has his than maybe it's easier and cheaper to have him do my apps........stuff like that. I would really love to do these meetings on a quartely basis, I mean seriously, who doesn't like going out for a few beers with the guys.

Ralph, I like the idea of the directory. Basic contanct info, parts of the state you work in and services you provide would be great. I don't have a problem giving work to you guys, the only thing I worry about is the type of situation Mike and Ben are in. Give someone work and then they try and steal customers is not cool.

As far as the meet and drink, we should do it before Spring has Sprung! Im thinking the end of March, maybe do something in southern RI, Caseys in Wakefield is nice.........Then the next meeting we could work our way closer North for our LCO Brothers up there. I eventually think it would be great if we had enough "Members" we could use that to our advantage of purchasing materials or equipment at lower prices?

[ralph02813]

Hey All!
Yeah I was thinking maybe a meet and drink, go over some networking. I personally want to get my applicators license, but if Mike already has his than maybe it's easier and cheaper to have him do my apps........stuff like that. I would really love to do these meetings on a quartely basis, I mean seriously, who doesn't like going out for a few beers with the guys.

Ralph, I like the idea of the directory. Basic contanct info, parts of the state you work in and services you provide would be great. I don't have a problem giving work to you guys, the only thing I worry about is the type of situation Mike and Ben are in. Give someone work and then they try and steal customers is not cool.

As far as the meet and drink, we should do it before Spring has Sprung! Im thinking the end of March, maybe do something in southern RI, Caseys in Wakefield is nice.........Then the next meeting we could work our way closer North for our LCO Brothers up there. I eventually think it would be great if we had enough "Members" we could use that to our advantage of purchasing materials or equipment at lower prices?

Hey I agree Ferris, I think when we look at the friction between two guys often times it is really a mis understanding - other times we do things that we regret instantly but cannot find a way out.

For a good part of my life ---- here we go public exposure --- I ran the RI Seafood Council, which was one of the most succesfullly seafood organizations in the world. Yeah I know right here in RI. Well the politics of it grew to incrediable heights --- another story, another time. What was important about that time was, that a lot of companies became key contacts on a world wide basis for product, even if it didn't come from here. Of course we are not going to do that here, but we can raise our image in the public eye and make the money we need to.

The directory idea would be a start. Years ago we talked about buying supplies cheaper - we ended up buying clam bake cans so cheap it was crasy, it didn't work for much else, but imagine going to someone like Allens in North Kingstwon and saying hey we want to buy 6 pallets of 18-2-18 and we will pay now - each guy would get a chit to pick up what they paid for what do you think Allen would do thinking that truck loads of other stuff would be coming up next.

Caseys would probably be good --- easy for me. I too would like to see 4 meetings a year

[M & L]

Incase anyone is wondering here is the RINLA link
http://www.rinla.com/index.asp

Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Assc. Ive never joined thought it was a little pricey and didnt do much at all ofr a friend of mine who was a memember for 5 years.

I am thinking of the two day seminar at the crown plaza though.

Is anyone going to New England GROWS? another sorta pricy event.
http://www.newenglandgrows.org/index.php


Mike.

[401als]

Im not thinking of much of an agenda right off the bat. Myself im thinking a few beers do some talking because convb\ersation will head to work anyways:). And then we all can put a face on who it is we are talking too on lawnsite. I am up for anything as I am easy going. :cool2:

[ralph02813]

Incase anyone is wondering here is the RINLA link
http://www.rinla.com/index.asp

Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Assc. Ive never joined thought it was a little pricey and didnt do much at all ofr a friend of mine who was a memember for 5 years.

I am thinking of the two day seminar at the crown plaza though.

Is anyone going to New England GROWS? another sorta pricy event.
http://www.newenglandgrows.org/index.php


Mike.

Hey Mick,
I just looked at the information for the New england grows is there something I don't know, it doesn't seem there is much there for us for the $45.00 what do you think.

[401als]

Incase anyone is wondering here is the RINLA link
http://www.rinla.com/index.asp

Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Assc. Ive never joined thought it was a little pricey and didnt do much at all ofr a friend of mine who was a memember for 5 years.

I am thinking of the two day seminar at the crown plaza though.

Is anyone going to New England GROWS? another sorta pricy event.
http://www.newenglandgrows.org/index.php


Mike. RINLA IS $225 for the first year then 165 aftre that

[M & L]

Hey Mick,
I just looked at the information for the New england grows is there something I don't know, it doesn't seem there is much there for us for the $45.00 what do you think.

If your ready to buy some deals can be had for equipment.you cant take anything from the show (wierd rules) but good deals. They dont even have the seminar schedule up i just noticed.

RINLA IS $225 for the first year then 165 aftre that

then what?
what does it do for me? My friend got 0 out of it. and the "discount" for thier own seminars isnt worth it.

[ralph02813]

ok, so who is going to NE Grows

[bigirish320]

I will be going to NE Grows, Ive been twice and i feel its well worth the money especially with the free classes where you can learn a lot. I will also be dragging Mike along, he just doesnt know it yet!

[ralph02813]

it looks like we can get the train from green to boston for under $10.

[A&Jlandscapingllc]

We go every year its a good show

[bigirish320]

We go every year its a good show

Ive enjoyed it when i go, great to check out al the new equipment and they have some stuff cheaper than you'll ever see it again

[ralph02813]

We go every year its a good show

Ok, lets figure out who is going when maybe some of us can go together, or at least meet for beers in boston.

[bigirish320]

it looks like we can get the train from green to boston for under $10.

yeah its right next to south station pretty much, i usually drive though

[ralph02813]

yeah its right next to south station pretty much, i usually drive though

so $20 bucks to park!

[bigirish320]

so $20 bucks to park!

Yeah valet parking. I was talking to one of the valets one year and he was saying that when its the NE Grows it sucks to be a valet cause everyone comes with huge trucks or dump trucks and half the guys can't drive them and they can't find a place to park them!

[ralph02813]

ok, so lets figure out a way to get as many guys to go together as possible - this could be like our first meetintg!

[401als]

Ok, lets figure out who is going when maybe some of us can go together, or at least meet for beers in boston. When is it?

[bigirish320]

feb 1-3 in boston

[401als]

feb 1-3 in bostonI would like to go.

[ralph02813]

feb 1-3 in boston

Count me in I will meet anyone any where to go up any of the days

[bigirish320]

i need to figure out what classes i want to go to while I'm there and thats the day i will go.

[ralph02813]

Ok, everyone should go onto the website, New england grows and sign up for the newsletter, then we will know what classes are when and when we wan to go.

[bigirish320]

They've sent me like 3 postcards and pamphlets already so i don't know if you want to sign up for anything but you can see the exhibitors and classes on the site

[bigirish320]

http://www.newenglandgrows.org/attendee/sag.php

[ralph02813]

It looks to me like day 1 is the most relevant, what do you think

[bigirish320]

day 1 and 2 looks like a tie to me

[FerrisDiesel]

I like day 1 & 2..........im only going to be able to go to Day 2 which works for me because I really want to go to the "Growing Your Business: Four Strategies to Implement Immediately" seminar, sounds pretty good

[ArenaLandscaping]

How are all my fellow Rhode Islanders doing today !!!



Hey guys name is justin co owner of A&J Landscaping in Westerly nice to see all of you RI. boys on this site. We cover all over RI and southeastern CT. we do maintenance, hardscaping, and snow removal hope to meet you guys some day.

Hello, A&J

Hey guys!

Didnt know there was this many people in RI. I just got the message that Ferris sent out to me a while back havent been on here. Count me in for a day to meet everyone.

My pics and story is in my thread at the bottom of my sig. Havent updated it in a while though was to busy this year to take pictures. Hope everyone is doing well.

Ben

Hello, Ben's Landscaping

Wow, I thought Mike and Ben were just joking at first, guess not. Let's try and all be civil on here ok? This is a great opportunity for us to do some networking, so things like lowballing and backstabbing don't happen, agreed?
The last thing I want is to take work from another company, unless the customer absolutely refuses to use them. Maybe that's just me, but I think there is alot of work out there for all of us. I know when I put an ad on CL I get emails constantly, some I don't have time to respond to. It would be nice to be able to send those emails and phone calls to LCO's in their respected district.

Anyways, looks like we got a few members on here now, pretty frickin exciting! Let's keep spreading the word and figure out a date for this bash!
Alan

I AGREE 100%

[nepatsfan]

New England Grows is a great show and well worth the money. I didn't get to go last year because of the snow but I usually go for all three days every year.

[401als]

Im not going to make it, SHYT! i was thinking its a weekend, my bad. maybe next time.

[401als]

New England Grows is a great show and well worth the money. I didn't get to go last year because of the snow but I usually go for all three days every year.How goe it man?

[FerrisDiesel]

Hey just so everyone knows buy your tickets to NE Grows before Januray 16th, 2012 while it's still $45.00........after jan 16th it's $65.00. I just bought mine and now i'm kinda wishing I talked to you guys first because if it's 4 or more under the same company it's only $39.00!!! DAMNIT! Do yourselves a favor and get together and make up one company and put all the tickets together.......I mean 6 bucks is 6 bucks lol

[bigirish320]

Im not going to make it, SHYT! i was thinking its a weekend, my bad. maybe next time.

yeah they do this to keep out the homeowners

[401als]

yeah they do this to keep out the homeowners Thats what i figured. I have my little one.

[bigirish320]

babysitter?

[bigirish320]

or bring the little one with ya!

[401als]

or bring the little one with ya! I will see. Long story.

[M & L]

So do any of us rent space or do we all keep it at home?

Mike.

And doesnt any one want the cranston driveway?

[401als]

My stuff stays at home. Im like you ..security:gunsfirin

[401als]

I dont plow. that would be a hike for me.

[FerrisDiesel]

I keep mine at home, but I gotta be honest, I think my neighbor is getting sick of looking at 2 trailers, a snowplow and my truck lol

[401als]

I keep mine at home, but I gotta be honest, I think my neighbor is getting sick of looking at 2 trailers, a snowplow and my truck lol:laugh::laugh: I just checked out your site, looks nice man.

[FerrisDiesel]

Thanks man, it's a work in progress. Im going to overhaul it this winter, make it a little flashier!

[401als]

Thanks man, it's a work in progress. Im going to overhaul it this winter, make it a little flashier! Not sure if I would change to much. I like subtle.

[401als]

Thanks man, it's a work in progress. Im going to overhaul it this winter, make it a little flashier!Not that this means much to ya but.. I looked at it all, had it been fireworks and a lightining shower. I would have left right away. See I try to see it as a senior citi.. I dont want to scare them away.:laugh::laugh:

[FerrisDiesel]

Haha ok I gotcha. I just want to change the text on some of the pages and maybe the colors, add some more pics. No fireworks, or hurricanes or thunder and lightning lol

[401als]

Haha ok I gotcha. I just want to change the text on some of the pages and maybe the colors, add some more pics. No fireworks, or hurricanes or thunder and lightning lolIm new to the game. But I see the elderly as constant business, I dont want to scare them:laugh::laugh::laugh:. My web site is being done by yellow book. Within the month.

[nepatsfan]

Hey just so everyone knows buy your tickets to NE Grows before Januray 16th, 2012 while it's still $45.00........after jan 16th it's $65.00. I just bought mine and now i'm kinda wishing I talked to you guys first because if it's 4 or more under the same company it's only $39.00!!! DAMNIT! Do yourselves a favor and get together and make up one company and put all the tickets together.......I mean 6 bucks is 6 bucks lol

Talk to your vendors. I get free tickets every year. You could have got them even cheaper than 45....they sent a letter like two months ago for an even better rate. Even at 65 bucks though it is well worth it. Pick and choose some classes and it's amazing what you can learn. Some of the classes you will wish you brought a pillow but there are some people that bring a wealth of knowledge.

Bring a notebook and take the classes seriously. Every year I learn stuff that I didn't know or I get new perspectives on things. Also tons of equipment to check out. It really get's me excited for spring.

[nepatsfan]

Im new to the game. But I see the elderly as constant business, I dont want to scare them:laugh::laugh::laugh:. My web site is being done by yellow book. Within the month.

Bill them weekly....you never know what tomorrow will bring or if it will come:laugh:

[FerrisDiesel]

NEPatsfan, I gotta be honest I have gone prob 5 times and never taken a class. The guy I used to work for would take us, and it was more to check out the new gear, and trucks and tractors. I always wanted to go to some of the seminars, but he was never into it. How do you expect your business to stay fresh and up to date with the times if you're not constantly learning? That's why when I started my company, I told myself that I would take all the classes that would benefit us, as well as the seminars at the expo!

[nepatsfan]

NEPatsfan, I gotta be honest I have gone prob 5 times and never taken a class. The guy I used to work for would take us, and it was more to check out the new gear, and trucks and tractors. I always wanted to go to some of the seminars, but he was never into it. How do you expect your business to stay fresh and up to date with the times if you're not constantly learning? That's why when I started my company, I told myself that I would take all the classes that would benefit us, as well as the seminars at the expo!

I try to get in as many as I can. Most are only about an hour and it's included. I take all the classes I can and fill the down time with roaming around the floor. I try to get my guys to take the more technical stuff and I try to take a mix of that and the business oriented stuff. It's fun to look at the stuff but you aren't gonna get anything out of that.

[FerrisDiesel]

Bill them weekly....you never know what tomorrow will bring or if it will come:laugh:

I love my elderly clients, they pay me cash and they pay me when im done, no waiting! Wish all my other customers were like that, I got some that haven't paid me since OCT!!!

[ralph02813]

Just in case anyone is interested, the next Pesticide Safety Training is Schedule for Feb 2 and the 16th, the March Schedule is 1st and 8th, the cost is $275.00
Also, the RINLA meeting at the Crowne Plaza is jan. 24th and 25th. Its pricey at $60.00 a day but that includes lunch, tradeshow and seminar. The first day seems beyond my need to know, but the second looks pretty good.
9:00 gardening with a purpose - dealing with clients with unrealistic expectation, too much too little rain , insects. at 10:30 URI updates lunch at noon, political expectation, 2:30 mammal control and low chemical lawn treatments

[bigirish320]

Good luck with the pesticide class. Bring a HUGEEEEE coffee cause its insanely boring! But its pretty easy so nothing to worry about.

Wahoo!! My 500th post :cool2::cool2::cool2::cool2::drinkup::drinkup:

[ralph02813]

Good luck with the pesticide class. Bring a HUGEEEEE coffee cause its insanely boring! But its pretty easy so nothing to worry about.

Wahoo!! My 500th post :cool2::cool2::cool2::cool2::drinkup::drinkup:

Thanks -- ain't you be styling!:walking::walking::walking::cool2:

[bigirish320]

Thanks -- ain't you be styling!:walking::walking::walking::cool2:

stylin and profile'n

[M & L]

might make it to the ne grow show after all?

and im intersted in the crown plaza seminars

greg you going

[ralph02813]

Here is the info for the Plaza


Creating Opportunity: Surfing the Wave of Change with Resilience
Winter Meeting Schedule:
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
9:00 a.m. Welcome: Janet Coit, Director of RI Department of Environmental Management
9:15 a.m. Scientific Foundation of Sustainability: Tom Wessels
For 3.5 billion years life has not only sustained itself, but has thrived on this planet. To create sustainable systems we don’t need to reinvent the wheel, we need only to embrace the foundational scientific principles that govern sustainability in all living systems. This presentation covers three of these foundational principles: the law of limits to growth, the second law of thermodynamics and its relationship to entropy, and the law of self-organization. Examples of how these laws work in the natural world will be used to show how they can be applied to human systems like a community or an economy.
Tom Wessels is an ecologist and founding director of the master’s degree program in Conservation Biology at Antioch University New England. He is the current chair of The Center for Whole Communities that fosters inclusive communities that are strongly rooted in place and where all people, regardless of income, race, or background, have access to and a healthy relationship with land. Tom has conducted landscape level workshops throughout the United States for more than 30 years. His books include: Reading the Forested Landscape, The Granite Landscape, Untamed Vermont, The Myth of Progress, and Forest Forensics: A Field Guide to Reading the Forested Landscape. Pesticide credit, NOFA credit, RICH Credit
10:30 a.m. Growers Panel Growers share what they are doing to survive this economic down-turn. Pat Hogan graduated from the URI Turf School in 1998. He has worked with SODCO Inc. for the past 30 years, the last 10 years as sales manager. He is a past president New England Sod Producers, past president RINLA, member of GCSACC, GCSA-NE, RIGCSA, MNLA, MLCP, CCLA, NESTMA, NE Grows and also serves on the RI Turfgrass Foundation’s Advisory Board.
Alan Muoio is owner of Forest Hills Nurseries in Cranston, RI.
Harry Chase is Sales Manager of Chase Farms in Portsmouth, RI. He attended Wentworth Institute of Technology. He is the founding chairman of the RI Greenhouse Growers Association. He served as RINLA Education Committee Chairman in 2000.
Noon Lunch and Presentations
1:00 p.m. Marketing in a Time of Change: Nick, Ron and Pete Cardi of Cardi’s Furniture
Nick, Ron and Pete Cardi (NIROPE) will have a short discussion about marketing and the history of Cardi’s Furniture. They will then open the session for questions to help attendees market their businesses successfully.
Cardi’s Furniture has been in business since 1928 and is owned and operated by the 3rd generation of the original founder. Nick, Ron and Pete Cardi have kept the company growing at an aggressive rate despite the economy.
2:30 p.m. Social Media Ed Forer will discuss building your company’s Web site
Katrina White will discuss guerrilla marketing techniques
2:30 p.m. Storm water regulations, NEMO: Caitlin Chaffee, CRMC
3:45 p.m. Reception and RINLA Annual Meeting
Wednesday January 25, 2012
9:00 a.m. Gardening with a Purpose – C.L. Fornari
As landscape professionals we deal with clients with unrealistic expectations, a hectic planting season, too much or too little rain, and the latest insect invaders. Given all of this, it’s easy to lose track of what our business truly means. From beautifully designed landscapes to the ways we solve problems, this talk celebrates the reasons our work is important. C.L. Fornari is a landscape consultant, author, speaker, and host of GardenLine heard on WXTK every Saturday morning. She runs the design and garden coaching services at Hyannis Country Garden, an independent garden center on Cape Cod, and oversees their event planning and educational programs.
10:30 a.m. URI Updates Peggy Siligato will discuss chemical storage, record keeping. Kate Venturini will discuss Rhody Native, professional trainings (Residential Rain Garden Training, Invasive Plant Management Certification Program, etc.) Dr. Richard Casagrande will give an insect and disease update
Heather Faubert will talk about the new insect pest spotted wing Drosophila and how this pertains to landscapers. She will also give an update on winter moths and winter moth biological control.
Pesticide credit
Noon Lunch and Presentations
1:00 p.m. ‘Policy and Politics’ – Discussion of legislation concerns
Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, RI District 37 Ken Ayars, RI DEM Div. of Agriculture Al Bettencourt, RI Farm Bureau
2:30 p.m. Mammal Control – Mammal identification and control in the landscape.
Peggy Soligato, Narragansett Pest Control, Pesticide credit
2:30 p.m. Low Chemical Lawn Treatments and Using Natives
Wendy Ferguson, Save the Bay Pesticide credit

[bigirish320]

Hey guys just wanted to throw you a heads up before i put it on CL. I have a 60 watt hide a way strobe system for sale, 4 bulbs with cables. Everything works i just decided to get a 6 head unit instead. $150 let me know if anyone is interested

Greg

[nepatsfan]

Hey guys just wanted to throw you a heads up before i put it on CL. I have a 60 watt hide a way strobe system for sale, 4 bulbs with cables. Everything works i just decided to get a 6 head unit instead. $150 let me know if anyone is interested

Greg

What brand is it?

[bigirish320]

What brand is it?

Crime stopper. Its a nova with a different label on it

[lmlawn]

hey if anyone is interested in a landscape trailer I have a 6x12 for sale...it has a custom box that just needs the expandable metal installed, it also has a trimmer rack that holds 2 weed wackers....I am looking for $900

but if anyone has a wright stander 48 or 52 inch I am willing to trade the trailer and a 48 inch lesco hydro walk behind.

let me know, I can send/upload pictures

[ralph02813]

hey if anyone is interested in a landscape trailer I have a 6x12 for sale...it has a custom box that just needs the expandable metal installed, it also has a trimmer rack that holds 2 weed wackers....I am looking for $900

but if anyone has a wright stander 48 or 52 inch I am willing to trade the trailer and a 48 inch lesco hydro walk behind.

let me know, I can send/upload pictures

does it have brakes!

[lmlawn]

no is single axle

[ralph02813]

no is single axle

Thanks!~ I was hoping it did!

[nepatsfan]

I'll add something to the for sale list

2001 f250 xcab short bed 8'fisher. I bought this for another plow truck but it won't be much good to us come spring time without the dump and I already have an xtra cab short bed for my personal truck. Willing to trade for a ford dump preferably diesel. I know it would be older than the truck I am trading.
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/2798554479.html

[lmlawn]

just wondering what all of you other companies in RI are doing for moarketing this off season?

I am new and seeing what works and doesnt work

[rlmlandscape]

just wondering what all of you other companies in RI are doing for moarketing this off season?

I am new and seeing what works and doesnt work

I had pretty good success with getting post cards made and using them as door hangers last year. If you look at my photo thread I have them on there.

[rlmlandscape]

Hey guys just caught up on the thread since I was away last week. Saw some of you guys discussing where you keep your equipment and I'm gonna throw an idea out there. Dunno if it would be more trouble than what its worth. But I know of a piece of land for sale in Saunderstown asking price is 29k for 3 acres zoned commercial. Might be something worth while for stocking materials/dumping and its already approved for a 3 bay garage. Just an idea.

[ralph02813]

Hey all,
Looking to have a lawnsite day at a local watering hole to do a little networking. Let me know if you are interested and as a group we can work something out and make this happen!

Hey! Hope all is well. I was just browsing around looking at suff and I decided to check out: http://www.crb.ri.gov/index.php

This is the contractor registration board, I was amazed to see it covers power washing. I think everyone in RI should read this law. In this time of the government looking to collect money from people, guys need to be carefull.

I don't know how to send it out to everyone, hoping you did.

[FerrisDiesel]

Hey guys just caught up on the thread since I was away last week. Saw some of you guys discussing where you keep your equipment and I'm gonna throw an idea out there. Dunno if it would be more trouble than what its worth. But I know of a piece of land for sale in Saunderstown asking price is 29k for 3 acres zoned commercial. Might be something worth while for stocking materials/dumping and its already approved for a 3 bay garage. Just an idea.

Wow that's a pretty good price for a commercial lot in NK, where abouts is it?

[FerrisDiesel]

Hey everyone, just wondring what day everyone is going up to NE Grows? I will be up there on the 2nd day to take a couple classes. Anyone interested in meeting up before hand or afterwards, maybe grab a couple beers?

[rlmlandscape]

Wow that's a pretty good price for a commercial lot in NK, where abouts is it?

Miner rd off of 1a in saunderstown

[401als]

How goes it guys? Havent stopped in for a while now.

[401als]

We gotta make this thread happen.. come on guys

[rlmlandscape]

Slackers hahah... Hope everyone is gearing up for the white stuff tonight.

[FerrisDiesel]

Whats goin on man! Just resting up for the big day of plowing ahead!

[bigirish320]

Plowed all night and day, resting for a little and then back out all night and day tomorrow. Should be a blast
Posted via Mobile Device

[FerrisDiesel]

Plowed all night and day, resting for a little and then back out all night and day tomorrow. Should be a blast
Posted via Mobile Device

Holy Crap man how many accounts do you have?............im part time so I have about 30, but it stresses me out when I get ordered to stay at work and then have to worry about getting my driveways done.:hammerhead:

[rlmlandscape]

Ferris if you ever need a hand with your accounts give me a call. I only have ten resi and 1 commercial this year so far.

[401als]

:waving::waving:

[FerrisDiesel]

Thanks Ryan I may do that, this storm kicked my ass lol
Alan

[M & L]

Yo

so im going to ne grows with big irish. i thing we are taking the train from tf green. there is a park and ride on airport rd if we want to meet there and pay for one vehicle to park at the new train station.

I missed the crown show, any body go?


As far as the RI contractors board. the way it was explained to me by two people in the office was = if you do anything other than mow trim blow prune or maintain what is there you need to be registered. I asked well what about mulch. they said if you cut new or create mulch beds you have to be registered as its considered contruction.

Im registered, i think it helps sell when you can tell people you are registered.

Is that property the same ne as the guy on CL trying to rent open space down there? Sounds good. Could be a co-op thing.....


Al, i think i was in your hood the other day droping off some ice melt to one of my customers. whats wit that big chunk of land off nl tp. old sand pit?

Ferris, hows that email list coming?

Mike.

[FerrisDiesel]

Mike,
The sandpit off new london turnpike is owned by Cardi Corporation.....I need to take a ride back there and see what he has. I will work on the e-mail list tomorrow, i've been busy with stuff here at the house, never ending battle! As far as NE Grows, I will be going up there on Thursday with a buddy of mine. We are gonna drive up because we wanna hit up a couple places after the show. Couple pretty good classes to go to, im excited.
How much was it to join the Contractors Assoc?
Alan

[ralph02813]

Yo

so im going to ne grows with big irish. i thing we are taking the train from tf green. there is a park and ride on airport rd if we want to meet there and pay for one vehicle to park at the new train station.

I missed the crown show, any body go?


As far as the RI contractors board. the way it was explained to me by two people in the office was = if you do anything other than mow trim blow prune or maintain what is there you need to be registered. I asked well what about mulch. they said if you cut new or create mulch beds you have to be registered as its considered contruction.

Im registered, i think it helps sell when you can tell people you are registered.

Is that property the same ne as the guy on CL trying to rent open space down there? Sounds good. Could be a co-op thing.....


Al, i think i was in your hood the other day droping off some ice melt to one of my customers. whats wit that big chunk of land off nl tp. old sand pit?

Ferris, hows that email list coming?

Mike.

I pretty sure you can cut new beds, technically the problem comes in if you put timbers in to line the bed or some other kind of edging - it was explained to me by the same office that if it grows, you can touch it.

[401als]

How goes it??

[ralph02813]

How goes it??

Good you! :cool2:

[401als]

Good you! :cool2: Hanging in there my friend. Waiting out the winter.

[rlmlandscape]

Aren't we all haha. What are some of you guys doing to prepare for the upcoming season. Right now I'm trying to figure out advertising and working on building a website. Like to hear what other guys are up to.

[bigirish320]

Hey Ferris I know your truck fits the model year, not sure if you need this or not but incase you do

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=369365

obviously id workout a better price with you

[ralph02813]

Aren't we all haha. What are some of you guys doing to prepare for the upcoming season. Right now I'm trying to figure out advertising and working on building a website. Like to hear what other guys are up to.

I'm mostly resting, but I almost have my letters ready to go out with new pricing and my new fertilizer program, got new biz cards ready - content to build word of mouth.

[401als]

Small website done, new business cards my fliers are ready to go. And just keeping my fingers crossed for a great season.

[ralph02813]

Small website done, new business cards my fliers are ready to go. And just keeping my fingers crossed for a great season.

Hey kiddo, nice job on the website!!! Just one little thought. The whole site seems to personal and professional, I really like it, clean and neat just like the way you leave someone yard - think about changine our contractors to our personal.
Ralph

[A&Jlandscapingllc]

Anybody going to the grows show this week

[401als]

Hey kiddo, nice job on the website!!! Just one little thought. The whole site seems to personal and professional, I really like it, clean and neat just like the way you leave someone yard - think about changine our contractors to our personal.
RalphThanks for the input much appreciated. Just trying to get most things wrapped up so I can spend more time cosentrating on my customers.

[ralph02813]

Thanks for the input much appreciated. Just trying to get most things wrapped up so I can spend more time cosentrating on my customers.

man oh man just rereading what I sent to you wow I can't spell to save myself sometimes I meant personnel, not personal - geez am I bad - have a gret day!

[401als]

man oh man just rereading what I sent to you wow I can't spell to save myself sometimes I meant personnel, not personal - geez am I bad - have a gret day!lol, I cant spell eathier(honestly posts and texts, I dont care) if im sending a email to a customer, well thats totally different. No worries lol. Have a good day.

[rlmlandscape]

Hey guys would like some of your feedback on my website that I'm building. I don't have it up and running yet but have the pdf's of how I wanted it laid out that I sent to the guy who is building it for me. I still gotta go back and re-work the text and grammar I was just trying to get my ideas down on paper the other night.

[M & L]

Anybody going to the grows show this week

Yes, big irish and I are going and a couple others as well.

Web site stuff looks pretty good guys.


Ill throw this out = i have 2 great dane super surfers 1 48 18 hp with 550 hrs? and one 52 23 hp 320 hrs. What do you guys think they would be wrth ???
both are maintained by mike at precision in warwick. Nothing wrong with these at all.....

I ask because I am planning/hoping to get a 52 scag turf tiger, but just found out i will have to pay some hefty taxes. Dont want to, but might have to sell.

[bigirish320]

Hey guys would like some of your feedback on my website that I'm building. I don't have it up and running yet but have the pdf's of how I wanted it laid out that I sent to the guy who is building it for me. I still gotta go back and re-work the text and grammar I was just trying to get my ideas down on paper the other night.

Website looks good but the cursive writing is a little tricky for people with bad eyes so either make that font bigger or change it, be careful with that fisher website pic you have incase someone says something but otherwise I think it looks really really good.
Posted via Mobile Device

[FerrisDiesel]

Website looks good but the cursive writing is a little tricky for people with bad eyes so either make that font bigger or change it, be careful with that fisher website pic you have incase someone says something but otherwise I think it looks really really good.
Posted via Mobile Device

I agree, the cursive is a little hard to read, other than that it looks awesome! Who are you using for the web design Ryan?

Mike, got any pics of the great danes? Im looking for a rider or a stander this year, need to work faster than last year!
What time are you and Irish headin up there tomorrow?

[M & L]

I have some pics in my pic thread try this ..

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=335814


I dont know what time we are going....greg any idea?

Also, anyone else maybe looking for a scag...thinking multi purchase equals better pricing?

[ralph02813]

I have some pics in my pic thread try this ..

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=335814


I dont know what time we are going....greg any idea?

Also, anyone else maybe looking for a scag...thinking multi purchase equals better pricing?

Anyone taking the train up!

[M & L]

Anyone taking the train up!

we are on friday.

[ralph02813]

we are on friday.

Ah shoot, Friday is going to be a ***** getting out of Boston in the afternoon. I guess I will go up tomorrow. Train from kingston $40 round trip. We will have to compare notes afterwards.

[FerrisDiesel]

Ralph,
My buddy and I are heading up to Boston for a 0900 class. See ya up there~!

[nepatsfan]

i went today. Will be there tomorrow and friday too.

[M & L]

thinking about a few different classes...

the tree one, the lyme one and one of the biz ones?
no idea for driday yet? all the ones with NE in the keycode will count towards your one hr for fert license continuing ed...(i think)

going to talk to scag too

if anyone wants to meet up for lunch- four zero 1 five 27- 5572

[nepatsfan]

Did anyone do the marketing seminar at 2 oclock today(thurs). That was one of the best seminars I have ever been to.

[M & L]

Yes. The one with the guy throwing frogs.

Yeah it was all old stuff I've heard before

We left early
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigirish320]

Did anyone do the marketing seminar at 2 oclock today(thurs). That was one of the best seminars I have ever been to.

the Jon Goldman one?

[nepatsfan]

Yes. The one with the guy throwing frogs.

Yeah it was all old stuff I've heard before

We left early
Posted via Mobile Device
You should start doing your own seminars then. I am not saying I haven't heard any of that stuff before but I definitely took a lot from it and he certainly wasn't boring in my opinion.

the Jon Goldman one?

That's the one.

[ralph02813]

You should start doing your own seminars then. I am not saying I haven't heard any of that stuff before but I definitely took a lot from it and he certainly wasn't boring in my opinion.



That's the one.

Maybe another good reason for us all to figure out a way to get together!

[M & L]

My days of teaching are over!! One of the last kids I was mentoring on here turned out to be $@@://@"

So nope no more for me. Besides I don't know anything more than most of the rest of you guys know.
Have some confidence, pride, and quality in what you do and you'll do well.


I think a lot of common sense gos a long way.
If it doesn't pass the grandma test you shouldn't do it!

Let me know if we r getting together

Mike
Posted via Mobile Device

[FerrisDiesel]

Come on Mike you don't wanna teach the young guys on here how to run a profitable business? That's just plain selfish lol Im kidding. Nothing worse than teaching someone the ropes and having them stab ya in the back!
Lets plan our Lawnsite day for the last week in February. That way it's before we have to do Spring clean-ups and we are not scrambling around to do work, we can just chill and drink some beers! Like I said earlier maybe do this one down the south end of the state to start, Im thinking Caseys Bar and Grill in Wakefield. The next one in the Kent County Area. and so on
Lets hammer out the date and time and get this thing rollling!!!:drinkup:

[ralph02813]

Come on Mike you don't wanna teach the young guys on here how to run a profitable business? That's just plain selfish lol Im kidding. Nothing worse than teaching someone the ropes and having them stab ya in the back!
Lets plan our Lawnsite day for the last week in February. That way it's before we have to do Spring clean-ups and we are not scrambling around to do work, we can just chill and drink some beers! Like I said earlier maybe do this one down the south end of the state to start, Im thinking Caseys Bar and Grill in Wakefield. The next one in the Kent County Area. and so on
Lets hammer out the date and time and get this thing rollling!!!:drinkup:

That sounds good to me!!!

[M & L]

Sounds good to me. Should be back from key west by then

Sitting in the red sox turf class now. Should be good
The god of sod!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[ralph02813]

[QUOTE=M & L;4296403]Sounds good to me. Should be back from key west by then
I;m jealous, I lived in the keys for 2 yrs

[nepatsfan]

My days of teaching are over!! One of the last kids I was mentoring on here turned out to be $@@://@"

So nope no more for me. Besides I don't know anything more than most of the rest of you guys know.
Have some confidence, pride, and quality in what you do and you'll do well.


I think a lot of common sense gos a long way.
If it doesn't pass the grandma test you shouldn't do it!

Let me know if we r getting together

Mike
Posted via Mobile Device
You know after reading this and the other comment about leaving Jon Goldman's seminar I looked over your page to sort of see your operation. I kind of expected to see a large company. If you already knew all the stuff from the seminar, what have you implemented to try to grow?

If you don't want to grow then why would you sign up in the first place?

Serious questions as I am always looking to learn. We have been stagnent for a few years only running two full time crews plus part timers and myself helping out in the field when I can and doing hardscaping. I am really trying to get to the next level with a field supervisor to take my position and a secretary to free up some time do billing for meand having a dedicated hardscaping and irrigation crew. I am not at that point yet.
Which of the mailings have you tried if any and how have they worked for you?

[rlmlandscape]

End of the month sounds good to me. Lets try to get a date set before we all forget and end up being busy. I'd really like to see this happen before the season starts. Looking forward to it.

[M & L]

You know after reading this and the other comment about leaving Jon Goldman's seminar I looked over your page to sort of see your operation. I kind of expected to see a large company. If you already knew all the stuff from the seminar, what have you implemented to try to grow?

If you don't want to grow then why would you sign up in the first place?

Serious questions as I am always looking to learn. We have been stagnent for a few years only running two full time crews plus part timers and myself helping out in the field when I can and doing hardscaping. I am really trying to get to the next level with a field supervisor to take my position and a secretary to free up some time do billing for meand having a dedicated hardscaping and irrigation crew. I am not at that point yet.
Which of the mailings have you tried if any and how have they worked for you?


Hi Nepats, I want to start out by saying dont read into anything I say! As ive said I dont know anymore than you guys already know!

With that said I will say this I have been in this for aout 20 years on and off. I worked on the cape of cod ! and in va for other people/companies.

So yes when you look at me you "dont see much" What you do see is what i need to handle what i have. Its not that I dont want to grow. We all do i think?
But my point was that he seemed like someone who gets rich by telling you something you already know....

The info from his course is stuff that ive heard before, and its stuff that ive heard in some of my leadership and management classes. So since ive heard it in those classes it seemed very generic to me.

Not trying to insult anyone . just my perception, and perception is reality.

As far as what works for me is no credit, reasonable growth, and Quality of service/delivering what you say. I spent 275$ on lawn signs - i didnt get a single phone call....... But i grew last year by 5-7% residential and another commercial of 10 acres. Its slow and steady. What works for me IS and only IS my customer referals. However in an effort to grow i decided to spend "advertising" money again and printed up 2500 double sided door hangers from ADEAS printing on here. This worked for me when i started so im going back to the only thing other than word of mouth.

I will say this, the other biz class i took there with big irish, had one thing stick. And if you talk to him hell tell you the first thing i said.
He said repitition..
His example was
first =2%
2cd = 2%
3rd= 6%
4th= 12%
5th= 80%

these numbers are not acurate but it indactes the more you try the better the results. The thing i said to big irish was That you are still in biz! your still around.

Im fortunate that i have two other good frinds that r doing this as well and i can and do ask for help. One has about 200accts and is going crazy. the other refuses to go over 75 accts. I take something from both of them. one is in south county and one is in warwick. both completly different areas so things dont work the same for them. the south county friend just mow and gos because he has weekenders who come up and dont want to do the grass versus the warwick guy who has to do full service or the will drop him..

and then you have me in the middle who just walks away from stuff. like the 80% of your crap from 20% of your customers. I recognize this right away when i talk to people now. took me about 6 months to figure those types out.

Do you know what your biggest headache is? Mine is labor, it will kill you quick!! Yours might be something completly different.

I used this example with someone the other day.
Its like the restraunt that starts out good, then after 6 months shows a little dip. the owner maybe cuts somewhere which effects something somewhere, or he hires cheaper labor which pisses off customers who never return.
this is the downward spiral that has to be recognised and broken...

I go by a couple of things
1. the grandma test= if grams wouldnt aprrove you shouldnt do it!
2. dont feed the hog= s2!{ in equals Sh1} OUT!
3. do it likes you live here.

AT this point your probably saying what the....He hasnt said anything...
And the reality is- I havent told you anything you dont already know.

Go back to basics, look at what works for you and do it! Work what works for you in your growth.

Sorry if I dont look like your expectation of me.

[nepatsfan]

Hi Nepats, I want to start out by saying dont read into anything I say! As ive said I dont know anymore than you guys already know!

With that said I will say this I have been in this for aout 20 years on and off. I worked on the cape of cod ! and in va for other people/companies.

So yes when you look at me you "dont see much" What you do see is what i need to handle what i have. Its not that I dont want to grow. We all do i think?
But my point was that he seemed like someone who gets rich by telling you something you already know....

The info from his course is stuff that ive heard before, and its stuff that ive heard in some of my leadership and management classes. So since ive heard it in those classes it seemed very generic to me.

Not trying to insult anyone . just my perception, and perception is reality.

As far as what works for me is no credit, reasonable growth, and Quality of service/delivering what you say. I spent 275$ on lawn signs - i didnt get a single phone call....... But i grew last year by 5-7% residential and another commercial of 10 acres. Its slow and steady. What works for me IS and only IS my customer referals. However in an effort to grow i decided to spend "advertising" money again and printed up 2500 double sided door hangers from ADEAS printing on here. This worked for me when i started so im going back to the only thing other than word of mouth.

I will say this, the other biz class i took there with big irish, had one thing stick. And if you talk to him hell tell you the first thing i said.
He said repitition..
His example was
first =2%
2cd = 2%
3rd= 6%
4th= 12%
5th= 80%

these numbers are not acurate but it indactes the more you try the better the results. The thing i said to big irish was That you are still in biz! your still around.

Im fortunate that i have two other good frinds that r doing this as well and i can and do ask for help. One has about 200accts and is going crazy. the other refuses to go over 75 accts. I take something from both of them. one is in south county and one is in warwick. both completly different areas so things dont work the same for them. the south county friend just mow and gos because he has weekenders who come up and dont want to do the grass versus the warwick guy who has to do full service or the will drop him..

and then you have me in the middle who just walks away from stuff. like the 80% of your crap from 20% of your customers. I recognize this right away when i talk to people now. took me about 6 months to figure those types out.

Do you know what your biggest headache is? Mine is labor, it will kill you quick!! Yours might be something completly different.

I used this example with someone the other day.
Its like the restraunt that starts out good, then after 6 months shows a little dip. the owner maybe cuts somewhere which effects something somewhere, or he hires cheaper labor which pisses off customers who never return.
this is the downward spiral that has to be recognised and broken...

I go by a couple of things
1. the grandma test= if grams wouldnt aprrove you shouldnt do it!
2. dont feed the hog= s2!{ in equals Sh1} OUT!
3. do it likes you live here.

AT this point your probably saying what the....He hasnt said anything...
And the reality is- I havent told you anything you dont already know.

Go back to basics, look at what works for you and do it! Work what works for you in your growth.

Sorry if I dont look like your expectation of me.
Dont take what I said as offensive. I didn't intend it to be. I can be blunt at times. I respect everything you just said. I just wanted to see your perspective. I don't know what the right answer is to anything. I have been in business 11 years....I learn every single day. Is a 3 man operation better than a 1 man or a 30 man? That depends on the company....thanks for your input. My perception based on your responses were that you were a larger company....thats all. My perception is wrong all the time:dizzy: I take what is said with a grain of salt but I enjoyed the seminar and felt like I got something out of it, thats all.

What did you think about the david mellor seminar? I thought that one kind of sucked to be honest. I have both his books and have read them a couple times. Most everything he said was in his books. I thought it was kind of a waste of time.

[M & L]

None Taken. And you are correct it is always a learning enviroment or should be. Its good that we all talk local to see what does work for us.

Is mellor the one on the last day? if so yeah he was kinda the same not so much. thats the one i was refrencing about marketing percentages.

Also, I just got home and gotta tell ya i broke my own rule!!! :hammerhead:

just did the 0% for 48 months financing with scag for a tiger cat 52....
yikes!! always paid cash before!!

[401als]

I would still like to venture out and meet you guys for a drink and lunch. I think it would be cool. like meeting new people. If thats cool with you guys.

[M & L]

looks like the end of the month.

[FerrisDiesel]

Mike where did you buy the Scag from? I was talking to the Ferris guy at NE Grows about RI Grinding and him selling Ferris. He said he actually sells alot of mowers out of his shop, I never would have thought to buy a mower off this guy.

[bigirish320]

None Taken. And you are correct it is always a learning enviroment or should be. Its good that we all talk local to see what does work for us.

Is mellor the one on the last day? if so yeah he was kinda the same not so much. thats the one i was refrencing about marketing percentages.

Also, I just got home and gotta tell ya i broke my own rule!!! :hammerhead:

just did the 0% for 48 months financing with scag for a tiger cat 52....
yikes!! always paid cash before!!

Mellor was the Red Sox groundskeeper

[M & L]

He is actually one of the messiest shops ive ever seen!!

he does do a lot of work though.

I got the scag over at precision in warwick. When Great Dane went away he picked up scag. he also has toro but no big machines. He can get them for demo or purchase but you might have to wait a little bit.

Mellor...he did have some pretty cool pics. oohh shiny things... ok im back..
yeah not much there in that one.

[nepatsfan]

He is actually one of the messiest shops ive ever seen!!

he does do a lot of work though.

I got the scag over at precision in warwick. When Great Dane went away he picked up scag. he also has toro but no big machines. He can get them for demo or purchase but you might have to wait a little bit.

Mellor...he did have some pretty cool pics. oohh shiny things... ok im back..
yeah not much there in that one.

I mean Mellor does have cool pictures and stuff but I go there to learn....I mean the show part is cool, playing on all the toys and stuff but I want to learn when I go to the seminars. He had most if not all the stuff that he talked about in his books. Its kind of cool stuff but it isnt really helping me knowing how to put a 100 on the field at fenway out of a bat and a couple baseballs.

[rlmlandscape]

Do we have a day for this meeting yet. I know we all discussed the end of the month and that's coming up quick. February 24 work for any of you guys?

[FerrisDiesel]

Do we have a day for this meeting yet. I know we all discussed the end of the month and that's coming up quick. February 24 work for any of you guys?

Im down for the 24th, who else is in? Maybe make it a lunch?

[ralph02813]

Im down for the 24th, who else is in? Maybe make it a lunch?

Friday @ highnoon on the 24th works for me!
R U still thinking Caseys

[rlmlandscape]

Caseys is good for me at noon.