Safe service

Improved customer service and productivity, and reduced drive time for workers means money saved for Gary Kott, owner for Go Green Lawn Care, based in Walled Lake, Mich. With routing and mapping software, he's able to do all three.

“We’re saving money on labor and essentially, we’re more productive all the way around. I’ve lived the old days with the map booking a truck,” he says, noting that he has been routing since the late 80s. “We can produce maps and it will give you turn by turn directions along with maps accordingly.”

All of his nine service trucks are equipped with tablets so that drivers can hear step by step instructions on their route, which promotes safe driving. “It’s driving you to every stop,” he says. “The guys aren’t looking at a map while they’re driving. They keep two hands on the wheel.”

And it helps with customer service as well. Kott is able to keep the same technicians on the same route every season, making sure that clients see a friendly face.

“They build a rapport with the customer; they know the customer’s wants and needs, and they’re able to see the progress and/or regress on a customer’s lawn,” Kott says. “And the biggest is the rapport with the customer. I’ve got guys that have been here since day one. They build that rapport, so their recommendations go a long way. That way, they’re seeing problems that arise and the customer is going to feel good about it.”