Learn about the relevance of a product's carbon footprint to the environment, and how Unilock is utilizing the information from their Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Working hard to keep their businesses running smoothly, landscape contractors are often forced to balance many roles throughout each day. When the heat is on and the season is at its busiest, the landscape construction industry can be demanding to say the least. Unilock Territory Managers help keep business operations moving smoothly. Let’s have a look at some of the contractor support services that Unilock offers day in and day out.

During the Contractor Advantage Seminars this past year, I asked a question of the attendees. It was a simple question, but a telling one: “How many of you have a training system in place at your company?” I wasn’t expecting so few hands to go up; out of over 1,000 people, approximately 5-10% raised their hands. Although I was somewhat surprised and a little disappointed, I was encouraged because of what I was about to present.

Contractors have a tendency to describe themselves as equipment “junkies,” “collectors,” or “enthusiasts.” Yet, most contractors rarely have the equipment on hand to back that claim up, let alone to adequately handle the demands of their projects’ needs. Understandably, many contractors are reluctant to purchase the equipment they truly need, instead choosing to make do with what they have. The prospect of steep monthly payments scares many away from making a large investment. However, the costs of using subpar tools add up and equal far more than the cost of purchasing the right equipment.

Shortly after Unilock began manufacturing concrete paving stones and retaining wall systems nearly 50 years ago, we determined that offering contractor training was essential. Our Contractor Advantage Seminars were born from the deep respect we have for the manufacturer/installer partnership that is part of our DNA. So each and every year, we work hard to produce seminars that bring real value to our customers, as well as drive the overall industry forward. It’s not just something we do each year; it’s something we are determined to do better each year.

The hardscape industry has undergone major growth over the last few years, with purchases shifting from being mostly utilitarian to luxury in nature. For those landscape contractors that have been selling hardscapes for over a decade, the days of installing 10’x10′ patios featuring a single-size, 4″x8″ Hollandstone paver might not feel so far away. This kind of purchase was made for simpler reasons, such as needing a flat surface on which to set patio furniture. Today’s hardscape customer has more extensive plans in mind.

The use of drone technology has quite literally elevated landscape project photography. Providing the ability to capture an entire project in one photo with aerial angles, drones also allow photographers to zoom in on specific details of a project with ease. They are sweeping through the landscape design/build industry with trending force.

A major portion of the landscape construction business is selling the right products for the right projects. When it comes to pavers and retaining wall systems with higher square foot prices, however, some contractors shy away from pitching them for fear of scaring away the customer. Unilock products like EnduraColor Plus pavers, while costing more, are actually very sellable to homeowners when presented in the right way.

Owners of landscaping businesses across the U.S. and Canada are often on the lookout for growth opportunities. But ambitious small-business owners can easily find themselves spending days (and nights) working to grow their business, taking precious hours away from day-to-day business operations and even personal and family time. Finding new ways to increase sales in the landscape industry with minimal additional work is not an easy task, but it may not be impossible.

There’s no more efficient or productive machine than a crew that’s worked well together on multiple jobs. There’s a mutual understanding that forms — of work styles and of each individual’s strengths and weakness. A common language develops, making every subsequent job run more smoothly.

A meticulously hand-rendered landscape design plan is incomparable to anything else. The ability to draw every detail, from the smallest plant to the largest water feature, is a skill that creates functional works of art that, up until recently, drew customers. Today, however, landscape design has joined the rest of the design world: technology is king. As competition in the landscape industry becomes fiercer, owners are looking for anything that can help set them apart. 3D design is a great opportunity to do just that.

In your leading lawn maintenance company, you’re likely often looking for ways to increase your bottom line.

Like most pool construction companies, you’re always looking to increase your bottom line. Maybe you’ve considered hardscape installation in the past. Maybe you’ve even tried it, only to suffer losses and issues.

As an excavation contractor with an established foothold in your region, you have proven your company’s worth for preparing properties for landscape renovations or solving drainage issues, but the limitations of the business model may have you considering an expansion.

As an established concrete contractor always looking for ways to increase your bottom line, you could be facing an opportune time to expand your offerings with concrete pavers and segmental retaining walls. From outdoor kitchens with all the amenities, to elaborate patio settings that resemble indoor gathering spaces, contractors who leverage their existing skills, tools, equipment, and resources to capitalize on this market stand to see a fruitful payoff as a result.

As a home builder, you are in a unique and opportunistic position to expand your business in the hardscape industry. Increasing saleable square footage with hardscapes can boost your bottom line and provide numerous benefits. And Unilock can help you with the process.

For commercial contractors facing headwind pressure as property owners rethink their commercial development and leasing strategies, there is opportunity in becoming known as a trusted expert in the materials and methods that will deliver on every customer’s expectations for safe, attractive, welcoming, and functional outdoor spaces.

The bad days are few and far between, but they do happen in this business. When the heat is on at the height of summer, when equipment fails, a crew member calls in sick, or a delivery is late—particularly when those things happen all at once—that’s right about the time you forget about why you went into hardscaping. It’s those times you forget about the wonderfulness of working outdoors, of having your own crew, and of all the effort that went into building up your expertise and skills.

While the world has gone more digital than ever before, there are many aspects of the landscape contracting industry that still depend upon meaningful business relationships. For the average landscape contractor, creating a strong relationship with a local dealer is crucial to maintaining job efficiency and a competitive advantage in their area. This relationship can also lead to referral generation as well as easier control over the details of each order. When this relationship exists between your business and a local supplier, it helps appeal to homeowners, as well as ensure preparedness when challenges arise. Let’s dive deeper into the importance of positive, strong dealer relationships for contractors.

Modern style is taking over the landscape design industry. Homeowners are asking about bringing clean edges and a simplified look to their outdoor living spaces, and manufacturers are responding with a myriad of related cutting-edge products. The missing piece could be landscape designers and installers if they’re not prepared to fulfill homeowners’ requests for modern designs.