July/August 2016 |
17
"The timing was perfect for us in the
South since spring was beginning,"
Keith Francies, Residential/Commercial
operations manager for Davey's
Southeast operating group, said. "We
brought plant health care to the fore-
front of our arborists' minds – when it
was the prime time to talk to clients."
There are five more workshops on
the books this summer as well.
Specifically, the workshops focus on
refreshing employees' understanding
of the PHC program by providing
technical, sales and marketing training.
In the workshops, Zwack and his team
highlight tree care truths, so arborists
can provide solutions to their clients'
most common challenges. Topics
range from lack of natural mineral
recycling, compacted soils and
restricted root space to opportunistic
pests and mechanical damage.
"By and large, I've also heard
tremendous positive feedback from
workshop attendees," Houston
said. "They found it beneficial and
enlightening. PHC is an area they're
extremely interested in and want to
know more about."
Francies agreed. "We create a
powerful force when we bring together
sales arborists, district managers and
the Davey Institute," Francies said.
"The questions, discussion and inter-
actions we had at our PHC workshop
will propel us forward."
Already, the impact of these workshops
is evident. Houston has seen an uptick
in PHC service sales in his regions.
"Right now, PHC is exactly what
consumers and clients are looking for,"
he said. "Landscaping and gardening
is the second most popular hobby in
America. Our clients are craving our
knowledge and expertise. They want
to learn more, and these PHC work-
shops help us better deliver."
Zwack is excited about the evolution
of the PHC program this year.
"This is just the beginning of our
sustained efforts," he said. "We want
to grow recurring PHC services. It's
serving as a compass for the future
of R/C growth."
Plant Health Care focuses on arborists sharing their knowledge of the entire landscape with their clients across the country.
