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In my years of experience in the landscaping industry, I’ve learned that effective communication between landscape contractors and property managers/homeowners is the cornerstone of successful partnerships.

Landscaping projects, whether they’re for a small home garden or a large condominium complex, involve numerous details and variables. From the initial design phase to the final implementation, each step requires clear, concise, and consistent communication.

Understanding the expectations, preferences, and concerns of property managers and homeowners is crucial. It’s equally important to articulate the capabilities, limitations, and vision of the landscape contractor. This two-way communication helps avoid misunderstandings, manage expectations, and ensure that the final result aligns with the client’s vision.

I’ve been a part of some challenging situations where communication gaps led to disagreements and dissatisfaction. However, these hardships were not roadblocks, but stepping stones. Navigating through these challenges required patience, understanding, and most importantly, open and honest communication.

In one instance, a property manager was initially dissatisfied with our team’s work. Instead of letting this disagreement strain our relationship, we opened a dialogue, sought to understand their concerns, and worked collaboratively to address them. This experience not only resolved the immediate issue but also strengthened our partnership. ( FYI---The issue was over a car parked in a snow piling zone leading to a new temporary snow storage area )

Experience has taught me that conflict is not a dead-end, but an opportunity for growth. It’s through resolving these conflicts that we learn, improve, and build stronger relationships.

Successful partnerships often lead to future sales. A satisfied client is more likely to recommend your services to others, expanding your network and opening doors to new opportunities. One referral can change the outlook of the entire season. This will be even more important in 2024.

Greg Cranford

Please enjoy this weeks guest contributor.

Decision Maker:

Elliot Shermet CEO and Owner of Green Brick Property Management Ltd

Let’s keep it simple: show up, fix mistakes, value the relationship.

The most unique aspect of being a service provider in the condo world is treading the line between business and relationship. Unfortunately, this appears to be exceptionally difficult for landscapers and lawn care/property maintenance professionals, who are sometimes viewed a bit distrustfully from boards and owners alike.

Show up: follow the contract, understand the contract, and deliver. If your staff do any extra work at all, or are ahead of schedule, make sure you put it in the invoice as a complimentary item! Skeptical we read service reports? Fair. However, every manager and board member will scrutinize the invoice, this is a clever place to show great value of service.

Fix Mistakes: no one expects you, or your staff, to be perfect - mistakes will always happen. However, a community does expect to have mistakes resolved in a timely manner. Don’t make excuses, as there is more value in simply fixing a problem than telling a story.

Value the relationship: your condominium client isn’t just a job. This is a community that you are working with. Commercial or residential, there are people watching your staff every time they are onsite. Board members take lack of care personally because it is their home, business, and investment! If a board feels they are only a pay cheque, they will always shop for the lowest bidder.

I highly recommend that business owners schedule a spring or fall walk around to review the property, understand expectations, and get a feel for what the focus this board or manager has for the season. This moves your contract towards a mutual partnership that will enable these community leaders to vouch for you and your company. Don’t let a manager be a gatekeeper or control narratives - having time with the board is invaluable. If you demonstrate you care about this community, you will be in a position to have a long-lasting relationship because value is valuable. Demonstrate that you value the effort, the client, and the community.

Elliot Shermet , OLCM, CEO

Green Brick Property Management Ltd

Thanks to Jeremy Kirkham ASM of Clintar Commercial Outdoor Services - Ottawa for submitting this weeks maintenance spotlight.

mowr notes

We’re always looking for fresh perspectives and insights from our community, and we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re interested in contributing to our future newsletters, please don’t hesitate to direct message Greg Cranford . We’re also interested in submissions for our “Maintenance Spotlight” and “Project Spotlight” features.

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