Because Wayside Landscape Services, Asheville, N.C., performs a lot of specialized hardscape services for its clients, it uses a good number of subcontractors for this work.
But how can contractors get subcontractors to represent the company in a proper manner? Company President Andrew White looks for recommendations and interviews subcontractors thoroughly, making sure he sees some of the work they’ve done. Then he has them sign contracts or subcontractor agreements saying they agree to represent Wayside in a proper manner. “On the contract, we even list specifics, such as they won’t use bad language on the job, they will use common decency, they will treat clients like they do a member of the family,” White said, adding that he also obtains certificates of insurance from all the subcontractors he uses. “We look for subcontractors with uncommonly good sense who are professional or are good craftsmen who love their craft.”
In addition to employees and subcontractors having the right work attitude and ethic, White spreads the company name by using red trucks with a bright white Wayside Landscape Services logo with green holly leaves to catch potential clients’ eyes.
White also distributes the company newsletter, Wayside News, to clients twice annually, offering plant care tips, book reviews and maintenance and construction articles.
Additionally, the company Web site is a great client builder and educational tool, White said. There, the company has a frequently-asked-questions section outlining the business’ services and explaining in detail how it charges design fees and how the design and installation processes work.
The author is Managing Editor for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@lawnandlandscape.com.