ND Landscape has been in business for 33 years in Georgetown, Mass., providing design/build, maintenance, enhancement and snow removal services for both residential and commercial customers. The company does $8.4-8.5 million annually and has spent the last two years focusing on its commercial maintenance division, which brings in $1.3-1.4 million, and the enhancement side, which does about $1 million. “That’s absolutely our weakest link right now,” said co-owner Nick DiBenedetto.
It took ND Landscape 18 to 20 years to break the $1 million mark, which they did by taking a hard look at who was owning each area like sales and management. They put systems in place to keep things moving smoothly, which helped them stay on track, DiBenedetto said, but it was “really tough.”
The company uses BOSS Landscape Management software to track jobs, materials and man-hours. The software will spit out a job ticket telling crews what materials they need, where they’re going and how much time they have to complete the project.
That way, if a project uses too much material or takes too much time, managers can see the pain points and ask the right questions.
The system didn’t work well for them for two years but then they brought in a consultant who taught an employee how to best use it. “You really need a power user,” DiBenedetto said.
The software tracks hours live and ND Landscapes uses tablets to help crews stay on track. Getting some of the older crew members on board with the new system has been tough, DiBenedetto said, and the company has lost a few foremen because they didn’t want to deal with the new regiment.
Station 1: Off-loading
Station 2: Truck washing
Station 3: Vehicle and equipment service
Station 4: Communications
Station 5: Bulk loading
Station 6: Equipment loading
Station 7: Parking
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Grassmaster, which separated from ND Landscaping last year has done $1.5 million so far this year.
The company works with ND, along with five other firms to provide lawn maintenance services to both residential and commercial clients.
