Going into Hardscape Rehab

20 years after starting up Northern Lights Landscape, Doug Capodanno sold the company this past winter. He sold it so he could work full time in the new company he started a few years ago, Hardscape Rehab, a cleaning, re-sanding and sealing business that also does minor repairs. With Northern Lights sold and no longer a distraction, Hardscape Rehab was running full steam ahead by the spring of 2019... MORE

1-crew company permeable experts

Competition was crazy in lawn maintenance to the point where Key Landscape gave it up in 2006. They’ve done well in hardscaping by becoming experts at it in a market that didn’t have any. Today, Steve Key estimates hardscape accounts for about 90% of their non-snow work. 75% of that is permeable paver driveways. Not what you might expect from a small company with a single 3-man crew... MORE

Success has little to do with luck

Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s was credited with saying, “Luck is the dividend of sweat. The more you sweat the luckier you get.” I have led a successful life but I think it has more to do with hard work, curiosity, a willingness to change and taking advantage of opportunities, than mere luck. Don’t underestimate how little things and a willingness to change can dramatically impact your success... MORE

10 tips to build your crew with Gen Z

I hear lots about how young people don’t want to work. I disagree. I’m a millennial, and my hardworking crew is 100% Gen Z. I love their energy and passion for life in general, and joke that they keep me young! Currently, we are in a better position for labor than we have ever been for my entire career. Here is a list of 10 factors that I credit for that... MORE

Plan for your future

About the time [our son] was born we decided we needed help with planning for our goals in life. The first order of business was to get disability and life insurance. This is something a lot of young people don’t think about. Look at my case though. Out of nowhere I had a stroke and was out of work for an entire season. Thank goodness I had disability insurance and savings... MORE

Contractor Profiles

Biggest challenge is minimizing challenges

August/September 2019

Biggest challenge is minimizing challenges

Months of planning allow paver specialists to complete large projects to near perfection with minimal issues. MORE

Building a hybrid permeable project

June/July 2019

Building a hybrid permeable project

Hybrid permeable construction provides drainage by a pool while meeting local regulations. MORE

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

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