Kicking Off '07
A Message From Steve Christie
Happy New Year!
Welcome to another season in the green industry. Every year at this time, we take the opportunity to reflect on the previous season, recharge our batteries, and plan on how we may be better able to serve our customers in the new season... whenever it decides to officially start!
Our entire team is excited about what the coming year holds for all of us. Last year's season seemed to end a little early with inclement weather in September and October, but then finished strong with temperatures well above normal during November and December.
Late last year, we did a significant amount of market research in Indiana, Western Michigan, and Western Kentucky. We contacted irrigation, lighting, and landscape contractors with a web-based survey on green industry distributors. We were looking for how our company stacked up when compared to our competitors and, more importantly, what was important to you and your business. The information we gathered will be used to improve our offering to you and to develop more customer-focused marketing programs.
We were pleased to find that our company was highly rated in a number of categories that were very important to you. The survey indicated that we were considered the most honest and ethical company. This was very important to us, as we strive to be fair and honest with our customers!
We were also given high marks for not only having product in stock, but for having the extra "sometimes unusual" products it takes to get the job done. It became very obvious that no one wants to go to a supply house trying to buy something to finish a job only to find the product "out of stock".
We discovered we're not perfect, however, and that there were a couple areas in which we can improve. We're going to work diligently to show significant improvement in these areas... thanks again to those of you who participated in our surveys!
Another item we found to be very important to you was continued education. To further address this need, we're doing two things: First, we've expanded our seminar offering, both in locations and in subjects. We're also using recognized experts within the industry as instructors. Dates, locations, seminar descriptions, and registration information is on our website.
Second, we've created our Green Business Innovation Expos, scheduled for March 1st in Indianapolis, and March 8th in Grand Rapids.
Our guest speaker during the seminar portion of the expos will be Jeff Carowitz of Strategic Force Marketing, and formerly Vice President of Marketing for Hunter. I have personally attended Jeff’s seminars and they are outstanding! Jeff has vast experience in the contracting business, and I guarantee you will leave the expo seminar with lots of ideas you can't wait to implement. We feel so strongly about this seminar... if you're not completely satisfied, we'll refund your money!
In addition to the seminars, we will also be having our free Green Business Innovation Trade Shows, in both Indianapolis and Grand Rapids. Our goals in creating these expos are to help you be better at what you do, to help your business to be more successful, and to further increase the professional aspects of our industry. Complete event information is available on our website.
Look for more information in future issues of our "Automatic Announcements"... please check for, and read, your email from AIS! We look forward to seeing each of you either at The Green Business Innovation Expos, at an upcoming AIS Training Seminar, or at the counter placing an order.
2007 is shaping up to be a great year for us all... thanks for your business and for letting our company be a part of your success. Have a great year and may God bless you and you families.
We look forward to kicking off the season with you soon!
Jim Hoffman's Sons is a third-generation landscaping, nursery, and irrigation company owned by David and Tony Hoffman. David and Tony's grandfather started the business in 1917. Their father, Jim Hoffman, was given the business in 1973. David and Tony bought the business from their parents in 1995.
We are pleased to bring you this new feature of our "Automatic Announcements"... a Technical Tip by AIS' John Modglin: