Building a hybrid permeable project

Contractor Jeremy Martin says this property was graded so that nearly all the runoff – from the driveway, the entire backyard and pool area – was all directed to where the patio is today. First step in fixing the drainage was raising the patio area about 2’ providing enough slope to carry all that runoff into the grassy area at the far end of the backyard. Then they installed a permeable stormwater management system... MORE

Hey! Where’s the gas for the compactor?

If you work year round and your crew takes about 7 days to complete jobs you estimate at 6 days, that’s 52 days of lost income every year. At 26 work days a month, you’re losing 2 months of income annually. You’re basically spending all of January and February finishing up last year’s work! If you’re not rewarding crews for finishing jobs on time or ahead of time, chances are they won’t. And your profits will suffer... MORE

Hardscaping, my how you have grown

This is the start of our 38th year in business. When I look back at my career in this industry it amazes me how our industry has evolved and changed. Back then, we used tractor trailer loads of pressure treated timbers each summer for our retaining wall installations. Today, we have so many product choices that the hardest part of my job is getting my client to make their product selection... MORE

Better leadership means better employees

Believe it or not, being a better leader as owner or upper management in your company is one of the most valuable things you have to offer as a small business. Management is about control. It is about staying on the top of the day-to-day details required to run a business. Leadership is about people. It is the skill of influencing people to build a common commitment to organization goals... MORE

Combating the labor shortage

As a hardscape installer for the past 34+ years, I have experienced the trials and rewards of working with employees. As a contractor we were one of the fortunate ones who crossed paths with Charles Vander Kooi in 1988. He taught us the valuable lesson that we are in the “people” business. As owners, how do we fulfill our role to motivate, groom and support those that work for us so that we don't experience the labor shortage?... MORE

Contractor Profiles

A big beautiful wall

April/May 2019

A big beautiful wall

Overbuilding a residential retaining wall with lots of curves and lots of cutting. MORE

Awards aren’t everything; but they help

February/March 2019

Awards aren’t everything; but they help

Awards boost employee morale, build credibility with prospects and inspire employees to produce award-worthy work. MORE

Empowering employees to buy the company

December 2018/January 2019

Empowering employees to buy the company

Giving people real responsibilities allowed John Cottrell to grow his company and sell it. MORE

Learning to share

October/November 2018

Learning to share

Contractor Josh Jones is all about learning and sharing what he knows with other contractors, even local competitors. MORE

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