Mike Ferro, operations manager for applications at Tomlinson Bomberger Lawn Care & Landscape, Lancaster, Pa., says the most rewarding part of his job is developing and maintaining client relationships. “We refer to our customers as clients. We have come to believe that the word ‘client’ represents an ongoing and long-term relationship,” he explains.
“With about 85 percent client retention, we feel that we are doing the right things to satisfy their needs and meet their expectations,” he adds. “It gives me great satisfaction to be able to answer a client’s question or resolve a concern. Keeping each one happy and on board with our company is the most fulfilling part of my job.”
Prior to joining Tomlinson Bomberger three years ago, Ferro held a similar position at a J.C. Ehrlich branch located in Montgomery County, Pa. With his customer-oriented attitude and more than 15 years of experience in tree and shrub care, lawn care and vegetation management, Ferro has become a “go-to” person for professional advice on any lawn or landscape issue.
Founded by business partners Clark Tomlinson and Dave Bomberger, the full-service company remains steadfast in its philosophy built on honesty, trust and complete client satisfaction. Located in the sprawling Lancaster farm country, Tomlinson Bomberger is locally owned and operated, and has been since its inception in 1981.
This rich farmland country is home to many rambling lawns and beautiful landscapes. During the warm season, common weed pests, including white clover, oxalis, dandelions, smartweed and mile-a-minute, quickly spread across entire lawns and often “pop” along driveway and sidewalk edges. “An ongoing challenge in maintaining these properties is finding the best, most efficient ways to keep them weed-free,” explains Ferro.
MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS. Ferro is responsible for ordering all application products and materials, scheduling deliveries and overseeing production. A large portion of his time is spent researching and selecting products from the huge assortments of chemical formulations offered by multiple distribution companies.
“My biggest business challenge is staying on top of what is going off the market and learning about new products being offered,” he explains. “It is my responsibility to maintain our high standard of quality products.”
While some products have been quickly replaced due to ineffectiveness or inefficiency, others have endured. For 10 years, Ferro has used Finale herbicide and Roundup® grass and weed killer for fast-acting, postemergent control of annual and perennial grasses and tough turf weeds.
Depending on each customer’s needs, Tomlinson Bomberger technicians usually begin postemergent applications of Finale herbicide in April, providing either blanket, spot or edging treatments. Finale is an excellent tank mix component, compatible with many popular herbicides, and can be applied through a wide range of spray equipment.
“When our clients see weeds, they want an immediate solution. It’s very hard for them to be satisfied when they still see weeds on their properties,” Ferro says. “We’ve really come to rely on the convenience of the Finale herbicide and Roundup combination because it provides quick, visible knockdown within one to four days. And that is what our clients are looking for – fast results!”
A KEY PLAYER. From selecting the most effective, quality products to providing knowledgeable advice to fellow coworkers to extending excellent customer service to clients, Ferro continues to play an integral part in the success of the thriving business. “I love my job,” he says. “I work with a great group of people and interact with a wonderful client base. I’m looking forward to many more years at Tomlinson Bomberger.”