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EP Henry Distributor that you purchase your material from: |
Angersteins(Elsmere) |
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Average Job Size: |
2 |
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Types of Jobs: |
Pavers,Walls |
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Business Services Offered:
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Hardscape Design,Landscaping,Landscape Design,Lighting,Waterscapes,Cleaning & Sealing,Grounds Maintenance |
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Brand of Equipment and Tools Utilized: |
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John Deere ,CST laser levels, bomag 5000lb. tamper, Probst tools |
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Most Essential Tool or Piece of Equipment: |
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Skidsteer and laser level |
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Describe your favorite or most unique project you have completed and any obstacles you encountered.
The worst project we ran into was a simple walkway and a 2 ft. high retaining wall that was being built on a house that recently had its water pipe reinstalled. We explained to the client that extra excavation was necessary. We installed two feet extra base where the new pipe passed through to the house. It sunk significantly for 2 years and had to be fixed 6 times. In hindsight I think a jumping jack would have helped significantly with the settling instead of a vibratory tamper.
Describe any business model, installation technique or other practices you have adopted that have had an impact on the success of your company.
The best tool I ever bought was a 5000 lb. tamper for bigger lifts and better compaction diminishing the number of call backs.
What is the biggest challenge facing your business in 2008?
The biggest challenge is of course the H-2B workers. We depend on them to be here when the season starts in March, but every year it's getting more difficult to obtain returning workers. The other challenge that has always been around is the low-ballers. I am sick of these companies lying to customers who are not in the know about how much time goes into base construction and trying to justify our price with the workers comp and overhead these small guys don't have. The should be some kind of hardscape union or something, there are requirements that certified contractors have to meet. I've even seen companies who are not EP Henry authorized that have the logo on their trucks. The last of course is the current housing market which I'm affected by.
What has proven to be the most successful marketing technique for your business?
The most successful marketing tool for me is a referral program where I would give clients money for their referrals. $50-$200 depending on the project size. They have extra money and I couldn't get that from any advertising. I have not yet found that advertising method that gives a high return on our investment.
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