November Updates from MPR Supply
Close Out the Busy Season
What’s next?2022 was an incredible year. Strong demand for landscape services boosted the profits of every contractor. But high workloads also stressed everyone all season long.
With the season fresh in your mind, now is the time to make a list of strategies and operational improvements to work on this winter to make your company stronger.
If you plan carefully, you’ll be better prepared for softer demand from a changing economy. Here are some areas to focus on:
Turn the surge into ongoing revenue. Convert newer customers into an ongoing annuity by enrolling them in service agreements for irrigation, lighting and more. Maintenance and repair business adds stability and predictability to your operations.
Get going on collections. It’s no fun to pester customers about outstanding invoices, but it must be done. With more time available now, you’ll be able to focus on the laggards with a personal touch.
Upgrade your software. Get a solution made for your business that can help you implement and automate your processes – and make more money. Whether it’s LMN for landscape construction or Hindsite for irrigation, you’ll want to choose a package that’s tailored to our industry’s unique needs.
Share your 2023 plans so we can recommend resources for you.
The Team at MPR Supply
The Growing Trend of Permanent, Invisible Holiday Lighting: Why Your Customers Want Infinity Lighting
We're proud to announce the availability of new permanent roof-line lighting here in St. Louis.>Why Your Customers Want Infinity Lighting
It's Holiday Decorating Season! We're Stocked and Ready for You
This will be a record-breaking holiday lighting season. Take advantage now.MPR is ready with the best products (lights, greenery, RGB, and more) for your residential and commercial projects. Between our stock on-hand and quick-ship supplies at our supplier partners, we're ready to tackle your needs. Please call us with your requirements.
Ask us for holiday lights pricing and new products for this season.
Earn $100 Gift Cards with Your Kichler Stock-Up Purchases
Reward yourself. Reward your team!MPR and Kichler can make your holidays a little brighter.
With every $2,000 in Kichler that you purchase (on a single invoice), you'll receive a $100 gift card.
Program effective dates: October 3 to November 11, 2022
Choice of gift cards for Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Sugarfire BBQ and Honeybaked Ham.
Limit 10 cards per company. Hurry, strictly limited to Kichler stock on-hand.
Sign up for LightPro rewards, if you are not already a member, to be eligible.
How to Prevent a Poacher from Stealing Your Best Employees
It is much easier to keep a good worker than to find a new one.The common myth is the key to retention is better pay. Sure, compensation is important, but it does not solve all problems. And conversely, employees won’t look for better pay unless they’re unhappyoverall.
Poaching will happen. You can’t prevent competitors from attempting to poach your people, but you can reduce the likelihood they will be successful.
Increase engagement by investing in your people Engaged employees are much less likely to leave. Un-engaged employees will leave for an small hourly increase. The best way to engage an employee is by investing in him - developing his skills and knowledge. Workers who see a future with their employer are less likely to be poached. It’s that simple.
Looking to build a full retention strategy? Download this free guide for landscape pros.
Protect Backflows from Unexpected Freezes
The Zurn Wilkins ZWFR Freeze Relief Valve is designed to prevent freeze damage for backflow devices, and requires no periodic maintenance. The ZWFR can protect pressure vacuum breakers, double-check and reduced pressure principle assemblies, as well as the detector assemblies on large backflow products.How does it work? The ZWFR operates on the principle of detecting the difference between outside air temperature and inside water temperature. The ZWFR senses when water temperature approaches near-freezing (35° F) and opens to draw warmer supply water into the system. As the system reaches equilibrium (40°F) the valve closes. This venting process protects the backflow from catastrophic freeze damage.
How is the ZWFR installed? The ZWFR is easy to install and maintain. Simply thread the ZWFR device into a standard test cock - no shutdown or system draining required. Its compact design is compatible with most backflow preventers. The corrosion resistant bronze body requires no periodic maintenance.
Where do I install the ZWFR? The ZWFR device is ideal for regions where occasional (and unexpected) freeze/thaw cycles occur, yet winterization (e.g., draining the system) is not common or required. Regions such as the south and west, where backflow preventers and equipment are typically installed outdoors, are particularly susceptible to system damage from a freeze.
Watch our ZWFR video on our OneZurn Youtube Channel, and click here for additional information on the ZWFR. Don't wait - install today before it's too late!
Get to Know Bend-A-Board Recycled Plastic Edging
We offer professional grade edging that provides a lasting border for lawns, gardens, and work sites in commercial and residential projects. Epic Plastics recycled thick plastic wood-like edging sets the standard for quality and durability. Made from 100% recycled plastic, Bend-A-Board provides a durable edging solution while retaining flexibility for creative landscape designs. Invented as a superior alternative to natural wood edgings, Bend-A-Board will not rot or splinter. Epic Plastics is a true end-to-end manufacturer utilizing 100% recycled plastics to produce this edging. The use of recycled plastic to make edging is truly "eco-friendly". They divert over 16 million pounds of post-consumer waste from landfills.
A Better Way to Install Tree-Mounted Lights
Creating a down-light or moonlighting effect with tree-mounted fixtures is a popular and impressive technique. When mounting fixtures, consider the environmental impact the mount will have on the health of the tree.
The perfect solution is the TreeLight Mount™ by King Innovation. Watch the video.
The single point installation of the TreeLight Mount™ makes it less likely to infect a tree. Additionally, the 3.5-inch stand-off bolt allows for tree growth. The mount is made from 100% stainless steel with a bronze powder coat finish for a maintenance-free, tree-safe installation. Compatible with most brands, this product is a must have for any installer.
Install the TreeLight Mount™ in three easy steps:1) Using a 5/16" hex drive socket, drive the TreeLight Mount™ into tree until the threaded/uncoated area is no longer visible2) Thread your preferred landscape light fixture to the ½" NPT threaded female fitting3) Affix lead wire to tree using desired method
Flint & Walling Smart Technology Improves Your Level of Service
Imagine knowing there is an issue in a system you installed before the homeowner knows. We're talking about a new generation of Smart Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) that are rapidly increasing the service level contractors can offer to end-consumers.If you're not a regular VFD installer, you may not be aware how quickly this technology has evolved. Traditionally, the VFD's primary selling feature has been constant pressure. Without a VFD, a pump operates ON at full blast or completely OFF, and nowhere in between. A VFD allows the pump to start with a low rush amperage and slowly ease into its cycle, extending the life of the pump.
Recent advances have added smart technology to VFDs. This typically takes the form of an add-on device that links to your VFD via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. System professionals can gain access to various features of the installed VFD. At the most basic level, the system will send alarms via email or text message when the drive is in a fault condition. On more advanced devices, you can remotely access the VFD with an app to monitor or change settings - from anywhere in the world, in real-time.
Interested in learning more? Visit www.GetCommanderPro.com