Landscape Association

NasConst_land

Hey everyone, I was just wondering what everyone else thought about this idea. Something Ive been thinking about doing for awhile but never got much farther then that. I know their are Landscape associations out there, just dont know much about them. I will tell you my idea.

In my area there are about 250 Insured Landscape companies, thats alot. This doesnt include the ones that dont pay taxes, or insurance. You have your large companies, that run 17-20 crews every day then the medium ones and then the companies that are just either starting.. or are single guys making a living. My company is probably in the top 50 companies in the area... maybe.. so not huge.. but not small. What I have always thought about doing is forming an association with other companies. Big, small, or medium whoever wants in.

Now you say why, well my biggest reason would be marketing. If people had their pick out of 30 landscape companies in the area.. the chances of getting someone that will be able to do exactly what they want are much better. Now of course there would be requirements to be in this association. Another big reason would be to stop under bidding.. say.. I have a bid in on a large contract, and the other companies know about it, they would not bid agaisnt you. Also say someone calls the Northwest Ohio Landscape Association, well then the call is refered to someone on the list... you go in order of who gets the call, whether it turns into a job or not.. Theres so many good and bad sides of something like this I realize this, and there are so many more things to go into then what i have mentioned.. Just let me know what you guys think, good bad... give me ideas.. tell me its stupid.. im just looking for advice before i go out into the area here trying to get guys to join this thing and make a fool of myself if it is a completly horrible idea. Thanks ahead of time

jmic

Nas,
Imo (I'll try to be nice) It's back to the drawing board, just don't think it would take off .
Joe

chriscampbell

I get together with some of the local company heads on a somewhat regular basis near me to brainstorm with different ideas and concepts. If there is a demand for a product then someone will find a way to supply it. If you can get some of your competition intrested, i can see it working. I am the member of a few of the chamber of commerces in the area and i get a few referals from them each year. I would maybe plan it with a meal... breakfast/lunch/dinner each month and maybe a happy hour each month. Then have speakers for each event, maybe sales reps who will buy the food or a member to give a presentation about a problem/solution and brainstorm for solutions. just a couple quick ideas i had.