October 21, 2021 – Houston TX Landscape & Outdoor Spaces

Landscaping Improvement

STIHL unveils new battery-powered equipment

October 21, 2021

Husqvarna, Briggs & Stratton reach settlement

READ MORE: Previously, Husqvarna filed a lawsuit to compel to deliver all engines in its orders. Learn more about it, here.>Husqvarna Group previously communicated a potential negative financial impact in 2022 as a result of a lack of engine supply. The settlement means that the lawsuit against B&S is withdrawn, and that Husqvarna Group no longer anticipates a material financial impact from this issue.”We have achieved a satisfactory outcome that allows us to secure products for our customers in 2022,” said Glen Instone, acting president Husqvarna Division and CFO Husqvarna Group.For more information,>click here]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=618
Bobcat expands E-Commerce platform to Canada

WEST FARGO, N.D. – Bobcat’s Canadian customers will now be able to order select parts, accessories and attachments directly from BobcatParts.com, the company’s E-Commerce platform. “Having easy access to high-quality, genuine Bobcat parts is critical for owners to maintain uptime and optimal productivity, and we are thrilled to now offer our E-Commerce option to our Canadian customers,” said Adam Collins, director of strategic Sales at Doosan Bobcat North America. With over 20,000 items available through BobcatParts.com, owners will find the products they need, delivered directly to their door in a timely manner. In addition, BobcatParts.com features a variety of remanufactured parts which provide just-like-new performance and reliability.“We are always looking for new ways to better serve our customers, and online ordering provides added convenience and efficiency, as well as a real-time view of parts and attachment availability,” Collins said. Canadian customers can now order Bobcat parts, filters, fluids, tracks, tires and maintenance kits, as well as bucket and pallet fork attachments through BobcatParts.com with an introductory offer of free ground shipping on all orders over $99.]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=615
Ford launching VIIZR

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford has announced the launch of VIIZR, a new field service tool built on Salesforce and designed to meet the needs of the small business owners. VIIZR will help small businesses simplify key commercial activities such as invoicing, scheduling and managing requests, so they can focus on serving their customers from anywhere.“For more than 100 years, Ford has been the backbone of commercial business,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “Salesforce is the global leader in CRM and together, Ford is excited to bring advanced digital tools to the trades to help drive the productivity of their business.”The market for field service management is estimated at $3 billion annually in the U.S and is expected to double in the next six years as changes to consumer behavior brought on by COVID will drive high demand for trades.VIIZR is built on Salesforce Field Service, a complete solution for managing mobile workforces and providing onsite support, and was developed specifically for trade businesses by Ford. There are currently 675,000 small and medium business in service & maintenance and construction vocations in the U.S.“Small business owners are the foundation of our communities, and every day across America plumbers, electricians and landscapers step into their Ford vehicles to build our economy,” said Marc Benioff, chair and co-CEO of Salesforce. “We’re thrilled that our incredible new partnership with Ford will help energize millions of entrepreneurs in the trades with the power of Salesforce so they can deliver for their customers and take their businesses to the next level.”A recent study found that only one in five small business owners are satisfied with the way their businesses managed customer and employee relationships. Only 10% believe today’s business productivity software tools are designed for businesses of their size, with most believing that such solutions are built for much larger companies. Salesforce Field Service already helps companies around the world realize significant productivity gains, with customers reporting 36% improvement in scheduler and dispatcher productivity, and a 28% decrease in work order scheduling time. “Ford Pro helps commercial customers maximize productivity,” Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis said. “We know the back office is a major pain point for tradespeople, who are often writing up paperwork from the cabin of their truck or van. VIIZR gives that time back, providing greater returns to these businesses and better service to their customers.”For businesses with less than 20 employees, VIIZR could reduce back-office work by more than 40% or about 25 hours a week. VIIZR provides affordable, advanced field service tools with subscriptions starting from $39 a month per user, which enables trades to:Stay on Track: Digitize everything – quotes, work orders, invoicing and job management. Connect with Customers: Manage customer relationships and jobs through an all-in-one customer profile, making it easy to communicate with them and improve the overall experience. Streamline Operations: Scheduling, dispatching and coordination of field technicians for greater efficiency and a more profitable business.As part of Ford Pro’s ongoing efforts to evolve with the requirements of their customers, VIIZR is looking for trade businesses to pilot the platform on a complimentary basis ahead of its official launch in the first half of 2022. To learn more about the Early Access Program and to be considered for inclusion, visit VIIZR.com. ]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=612
Submit your business to win Best Company recognition

“Best Landscape and Lawn Care Companies to Work For – 2022” study yet? The study, being conducted in partnership with the research company Best Companies Group, acknowledges those landscape and lawn care businesses that are creating great workplaces for their employees in the competitive landscape contractor industry.”With a market as big as the green industry, I’ve encountered a number of companies who have all the makings of a top-notch company,” said Lawn & Landscape Editor Brian Horn. “Now, we want to shine a light on those companies for their own recognition and so others can learn from them.” Ranking as a “Best Landscape and Lawn Care Companies to Work For” can give you a significant advantage over your competition in attracting top talent.If your company meets the following requirements, then you are eligible to be ranked among the Best Landscape and Lawn Care Companies to Work For:50% or more of revenue comes from landscaping services, which includes maintenance, chemical lawn care, irrigation, design/build, hardscapes, tree care, interior landscaping and landscape lighting Be willing to be featured in Lawn & Landscape magazine in print and/or online, if your company ranks on the Best Landscape and Lawn Care Companies to Work for lists. Be a publicly or privately held businessBe a for-profit or not-for-profit businessBe based in the U.S. or CanadaHave a minimum of 15 full-time or part-time employees working in the U.S. or Canada Be in business a minimum of 1 year ]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=606
Equip Exposition reveals details for 2022 show

READ MORE: OPEI launches Equip Exposition, opens Louisville offices | Read our 2021 show coverage hereThe Expo will open earlier Wednesday — at 9 a.m. for dealers and 12 p.m. for contractors — as well as feature a TurfMutt Foundation 5K at the Louisville Downtown riverfront and across the Ohio River pedestrian bridge. The show closes Friday with a networking breakfast and keynote.“We’re excited to provide new and enhanced experiences for attendees and exhibitors in 2022,” said Kris Kiser, president of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which owns and manages Equip Exposition. “This show is the industry’s family reunion, and events like our Welcome Reception, Mulligan’s 5K, and new networking breakfast Friday all bring attendees together to connect.”More details on the show include:The show’s premium concert event featuring country star Trace Adkins moves to Thursday evening at Fourth Street Live!Equip Expo keynote speaker golf and television personality David Feherty shifts to 11 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition CenterAll show attendees are welcome to connect with colleagues at the KEC Friday morning for a networking breakfast and closing keynote address from National Geographic’s Photo Ark creator Joel Sartore.Attendees can also expect updated landscape contractor education, as well as irrigation and tree care classes at the Kentucky Exposition Center at the 2022 show. Hardscape North America will again co-locate with Equip Exposition in 2022.“As we take on full ownership and management of the show, we brought over many of the longtime staff to continue the successful management of the industry’s largest event,” Kiser said. “We also are integrating the show’s operations into the association’s structure to provide more value for members and the industry.”]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=603
Kubota names new president, CEO

GRAPEVINE, Texas Kubota Tractor Corporation has announced the appointment of Shingo Hanada as the new president and CEO of Kubota Tractor Corporation and Kubota North America, based in Grapevine, Texas, effective Jan. 1, 2022.Hanada is a 32-year Kubota veteran who most recently held the position of executive officer, Kubota Corporation, and president of Kubota Holdings Europe B.V. and Kverneland AS in the Netherlands and has previously spent time in the U.S. in various roles.In conjunction with this announcement, the current president and CEO Haruyuki (Harry) Yoshida will retire from the role of senior managing executive officer, Kubota Corporation, Japan, and the position of president & CEO of KNA and KTC. Yoshida took the presidency of KNA and KTC in January 2019 and has successfully built and enhanced the regional functions and operations of Kubota North America as the company continues on its high-growth trajectory.“Kubota Tractor Corporation will celebrate 50 years in the U.S. in 2022, and I’m honored to join KTC as we celebrate our history and our 50th anniversary,” Hanada said. “I am eager to continue the tremendous momentum Kubota has experienced over the last several years under Mr. Yoshida’s leadership. We are committed to expanding our product lines and building our infrastructure to better meet the needs of our customers and dealers, and I am confident we will continue to further strengthen the Kubota brand in the U.S. marketplace and throughout North America in the process.”The executive leadership announcements include a promotion for Todd Stucke, VP, sales and marketing, KNA, and senior VP, marketing, product support & strategic projects, KTC, will be promoted to executive officer of Kubota Corporation, Japan, serving as senior VP, sales and marketing, KNA, in addition to maintaining his role as senior VP for KTC. Stucke will be involved in Kubota Corporation’s operations and focus on building a robust business structure for the North American market, as the company continues to invest and grow in the U.S. and Canada. ]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=585
Heritage acquires SBI Materials

MCKINNEY, Texas — Heritage Landscape Supply Group, Inc., has acquired SBI Materials, an independent distributor of natural stone, manufactured stone, pavers, bulk materials and other related outdoor living products and accessories.Headquartered in Windsor, California, SBI operates two locations in Sonoma County that service Northern California and beyond. The company was founded in 1982 and currently employs a team of more than 60 people. Rod Matteri, Jeff Knepper and the entire SBI team are staying with the company to help expand the operations going forward. SBI will maintain the same brand and reputation for exemplary service going forward, ensuring continuity and consistency for customer and supplier partners.“SBI is a truly special business that we have admired from a distance for some time,” said Matt McDermott, president of Heritage. “The company’s experienced and passionate team is a perfect fit for our growing hardscapes platform. We could not be more excited to execute on their vision and growth strategy in concert with Rod, Jeff, and the rest of the SBI family.”“We chose Heritage because of their reputation for allowing the companies they acquire to remain entrepreneurial. We are exceptionally proud of the legacy we have built at SBI, and more importantly the partnerships and friendships we have developed over the years. Heritage plans to invest heavily in both our business and the surrounding area and we look forward to the great opportunities and benefits that Heritage will provide for our long-time employees and loyal customers,” added Rod Matteri and Jeff Knepper, owners of SBI Materials.]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=579
Takeuchi’s Caldwell, Padgett take on new responsibilities

ATLANTA — David Caldwell and Lee Padgett of Takeuchi-US have expanded their product manager responsibilities to encompass new duties that take advantage of their unique expertise in the compact equipment industry.© Takeuchi-USDavid CaldwellCaldwell is now Takeuchi’s national product manager. In his new role, he will oversee new product development and rollouts to the company’s North American distributor network, as well as national sales training events. Caldwell will continue to be involved in Takeuchi’s compact excavator product line by developing training courses, conducting sales training events, overseeing the product department and assisting with its development and management. He will also provide competitive compact excavator product and market analysis materials. Caldwell joined Takeuchi-US in 2010 as a product and training manager, working his way up to become the excavator product manager before taking on his new national product manager position. He has more than 20 years of experience in the equipment industry, including six years with Mitchell Distributing Company and seven years with Komatsu America.Lee PadgettPadgett is now the product manager for Takeuchi’s compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders and attachments. In his new role, Padgett will assist in the development and management of those product lines, including developing training curriculums and conducting sales training events. He will also work with distribution and customers to better understand customer needs and use that knowledge to enhance future product development. Padgett will provide competitive product and market analysis materials for both the track loader and wheel loader product lines, and he will source, test and on-board new attachments for the Takeuchi Attachment Program.Padgett joined Takeuchi in 2014 as an inside sales representative before moving into his product management role. “David and Lee have proven themselves during their tenures here at Takeuchi,” said Jeff Stewart, president of Takeuchi-US. “Not only do they exhibit an innate understanding and knowledge of our equipment lines, but they’re also excellent instructors who can quickly and effectively train our dealer sales partners. Furthermore, they continue to build positive relationships within this industry that will help us grow our business here in North America. We couldn’t be more pleased to have David and Lee on the Takeuchi team.”For more information on Takeuchi dealers, visit the Takeuchi dealer page. For more information on Takeuchi track loaders, excavators and wheel loaders, click here. ]]>
Upcoming webinar to focus on growing a business

Tampa, Fla. — Tony Ricketts, CEO of a marketing agency for the landscape industry, and Jeffrey Scott, an industry consultant, are teaming up again to deliver an interactive webinar focused on building a turn-key landscape business. The webinar will be hosted live on Dec. 14, 2021, at 1 p.m. EST. This webinar will focus on building the right customer base, removing the owner from day-to-day operations, outlining what makes a company valuable when it comes time to exit, and when/how to sell a landscape company. For the first time, attendee microphones and cameras will be enabled for audience participation. To register for this webinar, click here. ]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=572
Craig Ruppert honored by Washington Business Hall of Fame

Craig Ruppert, founder and chief executive of Ruppert Companies, was recently among the 2021 Laureate class inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.This year’s class of distinguished honorees was celebrated for their professional and philanthropic contributions to the quality of life in Greater Washington through the private sector economy. Ruppert was inducted alongside three additional 2021 Hall of Fame Laureates:Virginia Ali Owner, Ben’s Chili BowlRuss Ramsey – Chairman and CEO, Ramsey Asset ManagementDeborah Ratner-Salzberg – Principal, Uplands Real Estate PartnersThe 2021 Hall of Fame was a hybrid experience dedicated to connecting the best in business to inspire the next in business through a full day of programming. The virtual experience included a town hall moderated by Leon Harris of NBC4, a series of master class presentations led by business and community leaders, and a virtual Laureate Induction Ceremony. Attendees gathered to personally congratulate the 2021 Laureates at a Laureate Celebration Reception at La Vie located at the District Wharf. Over $1.25 million was raised to support Junior Achievement’s work to prepare young people to be future-ready.“I am very honored to be sharing this recognition with Virginia, Debby and Russ — who each in their own way have helped shape their respective industries — and am grateful to be following in the footsteps of past laureates who have made their own indelible mark on this region’s business community,” Ruppert said. “Most of all, I want to commend Junior Achievement and their volunteers for all they’re doing to inspire students and prepare them with the tools and experiences they need for a fulfilling and productive future.”]]>Did you miss our previous article… https://houstontxlandscapeandoutdoorspaces.com/?p=554