To create the “turnkey” business he wanted to run, Mike Kukol knew he had to add irrigation installation to his service mix. Owner of the then two-year-old Horizon Landscape – now Horizon Landscape & Irrigation Company – based in Wyckoff, N.J., Kukol first offered irrigation system maintenance services, and then moved into the installation side of things. Twenty-five years ago, irrigation was a relatively new thing, so he adapted a “learn as you go” approach.
“Back then there weren’t a lot of sprinkler systems, so the service wasn’t in high demand,” he says. “But to me, it was a necessity to become the full-service company I wanted to become.”
While being a full-service company has increased his client base Kukol acknowledges that adding irrigation installation to his business wasn’t exactly easy.
“If I were to do it today, I would probably break into the irrigation business by hiring someone who knew the trade,” he says. “Starting out with an experienced person would have made things much easier.”
Kukol also suggests contractors look in to their state’s licensing requirements prior to making an investment, and also become involved in their state’s irrigation associations. Establishing supplier relationships is a good way to get the help you need when you need it.
“Get friendly and build an alliance with your supplier,” he says. “They can get you up to date on trends and even make client referrals. My supplier and I work hand in hand.”