EXPERT ADVICE
Winter and the change of years does get people reflective . Shannon Hemsink , development director for Neyra Industries , Cincinnati , Ohio , stated : “ The season of reflection should get you asking : How did the past season go ? What are the company ’ s strengths and weaknesses ? What can we work on to get better ? Where am I going to take my business next year ?”
Hemsink added : “ If you plan on growing your business next season , you may need more equipment so this would be the time to be looking for new machines . You will also need to hire more workers . I would suggest planning a job fair as it gets closer to the season start . Looking for employees too early won ’ t work . Wait until there are some signs of the weather turning .”
If acquiring a new piece of equipment is in the growth plan , the experts recommend placing an order now .
“ Equipment manufacturers are usually busiest this time of year and lead times can get long ,” Jason Mixell of Nealco Equipment , LLC , Shippensburg , Pa . said . “ Unless you buy an assembly line entry model or recreation machine you will have a lead time to consider .”
There are a number of possibilities on how to best take advantage of the slow down .
Phil Brown , sales manager with STAR , Inc ., Norwalk , Conn . offered a list of suggestions , one of which every busy sealcoating contractor would love to take advantage of but probably can ’ t : “ Kick your legs up and relax after a long sealcoating season and get rested for the following year .” Other suggestions from Brown include :
• Pick up a seasonal job to gain additional income .
• Move your business to a warmer climate during the winter months , so you can sealcoat all year .
• Plan out your marketing / promotional activities for the upcoming year .
• Pick up snow plowing as a source of winter income or seasonal work such as holiday decorations , tree-trimming , or donating a few hours to a local charity .
• Review your past year and determine how to grow going forward .
• Look at ways to become more efficient--learn from mistakes in bidding , crew efficiency , or technical issues leading to performance problems .
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