oc vision - january 2012
DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association magazine, the OC Vision, is a place where a landscaper or Green Industry professional can see all the issues.TRANSCRIPT
Issue #1 • Volume 15 • January 2012
Official Publication of the Orange County Chapter of California Landscape Contractors Association • www.clca-orangecounty.org
OC Vision
Cover Photo: Jon Alsdorf working on the 2011 Landscape Industry Show Entryway in Los Angeles, Jan. 2011. Jon, who passed away Nov. 2011, will be missed and remembered for his many Green Industry contributions.
We are shaking things up this year. New faces, new meeting topics, and we’re bringing back an oldie, but goodie...HAVING FUN!
Mark Your Calendars Now!Find our 2012 Roster of Events and Meetings Inside on Page 3!Featuring New Meeting Locations and Times...Did Someone say Happy Hour?
New Regular Column: “Water Wisdom” featuring Direct Communication from Water District Authorities
2
2012 Orange County Chapter CLCACoaching Staff Inside This
Issue:OC Team Member News...................7
CLCA Insurance Update....................8
Cover Feature Story: Jon Aldorf......10
Tips to Keep you in the Game..........17
Green Industry Coming Events........18
Inside Every Issue:
OC Chapter Calendar of Events.........3
A Note from the Team Manager........4
Upcoming Speaker.............................6
OC Champions...................................9
Heavy Hitter Feature........................12
Water Wisdom..................................15
On the Legal Field............................16
Get Connected:
For information about what we’re doing in 2012 or to work with Orange County colleges and universities,
contact Angelia.
PresidentANGELIA WOODSIDE-BECKSTROM
Angeffects, Inc.(949) 768-8710 • Alt.: (714) 608-9723
For answers to general inquiries, contact Dave.
Immediate Past PresidentDAVID ELLIS
Ellis Landscape(949) 497-8754 • Cell: (949) 300-6196
For records of the Chapter Board meeting minutes, contact Judy.
SecretaryJUDY ROSE
Custom Writing & Writing Repair(714) [email protected]
For anything Chapter finance related, contact Steve.
TreasurerSTEVEN BECKSTROM
Tierra Verde Landscape(714) 379-1140 • Fax: (714) 379-1145
For questions relating to our OC Champions program or inquiries related to our Annual Golf Tournament,
contact Oscar.
For questions relating to our annual events, or to learn about CLCA’s State mentor program,
contact Richard.
V.P. EventsRICHARD COHEN
Richard Cohen Landscape & Const.(949) 768-0599 • Fax: (949) [email protected]
AM RepresentativeOSCAR MONTANO
Oak Creek Insurance Agency(949) 419-6226 • Fax: (949) 891-0279
For information about becoming a CLCA-OC Chapter member, contact Marc.
For questions relating to our monthly Chapter meetings, contact Judy.
V.P. ProgramsJUDY CASANOLA
Classic Coatings Systems(714) 720-6953 • Fax: (951) 371-0817
V.P. MembershipMARC MASON
Marc Mason Landscape Services(714) 549-9433 • Fax: (714) 549-9433
For legislation information, on both the state and local level, contact Bob.
For inquiries relating to Chapter communicaitons, both print and online, contact Bronwyn.
Chapter Editor/WebmasterBRONWYN MILLER
Eyescapes(949) 466-1222 • Fax: (413) 215-7081
V.P. LegislationRobert Wade
Wade Landscape, Inc.(949) 494-2130 • Fax: (949) 252-5319
For answers to general inquiries, contact Cyndi. For answers to general inquiries, contact Kevin.
DirectorCYNDI SMALLWOOD
Diversified Landscape Management(866) 979-9229 • Fax: (951) 734-6565
DirectorKEVIN FAIRCHILDIllumiscapes, TLC
(714) 541-1000 • Fax: (714) [email protected]
OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
CLCAOCChapter
California Landscape Contractors Association - Orange County Chapter
CLCA Orange County Chapter
3JANUARY 2012 WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG OC VISION
Team Playbook
2012 CLCA-OC ChapterCalendar of Events
Mark Your Calendars & Save These Dates Now!
Jan. 11
Feb. 1-2
Feb. 8
Mar. 14
Apr. 11
May 9
June 13
July 28
Aug. 8
Sept. 12
Oct. 10
Nov. 7
Dec. 1
Kick-Off Chapter Meeting, 2012 Economy Forecasted, Daytime.Where: Equinox Sports Clubs (formerly The Sports Club/LA - Orange County): 1980 Main Street, Irvine.
CLCA Landscape Industry Show. Where: LA Convention Center, Los Angeles.
Social Media: Using Facebook to Grow your Business, Evening. Where: Soon TBD.
Seasonal Color, Daytime. Where: DM Color Express, 31461 Avenida de la Vista, San Juan Capistrano.
How to Manage your Water, Evening. Where: Soon TBD.
Business Efficiency: Getting Things Done on a Skinny Budget, Daytime. Where: Equinox Sports Clubs (formerly The Sports Club/LA - Orange County): 1980 Main Street, Irvine.
Landscape Plants that Combine Beauty and Water Economy, Daytime. Where: Equinox Sports Clubs (formerly The Sports Club/LA - Orange County): 1980 Main Street, Irvine.
Orange County Chapter Beautification Awards. Where: TBD.
Organic Fertilizer, Evening. Where: Soon TBD.
Website 411: Internet and SEO, Daytime. Where: Equinox Sports Clubs (formerly The Sports Club/LA - Orange County): 1980 Main Street, Irvine.
Workplace Safety, Evening. Where: Soon TBD.
How to Make a Professional Sales Presentation, Daytime. Where: Equinox Sports Clubs (formerly The Sports Club/LA - Orange County): 1980 Main Street, Irvine.
Holiday Party.
Daytime Meetings Start: 11:30 a.m.; Evening Meetings Start: 4:30 p.m.
4 OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
Whoah! Happy New Year, and many blessings of joy and
prosperity to each of you in 2012!
Before us today is a new year, a new beginning…and a fresh start. CLCA is moving forward in Orange County this year. We
are throwing out a “change up” pitch to awaken the spirit of our entire Orange County “team” of members in our Chapter.
“Your Success Is Important To Us!”
This is the unified message that all of the 2012 members of the Board join me in announcing to each of you reading this message. No matter how big or small your company is, no matter how “old timer” or “rookie” you may feel, you matter to the professional fiber of our local industry, and you are a valuable part of the “team!”
As a “team,” it is our job to cover the marketplace in Orange County with a higher level of landscape contracting professionalism. Together we need to make sure that our “home field,” our home turf, is dominated by our team players and not those operating under sub-par standards of landscape contracting practices. Working together, we can establish the CLCA Brand of landscape contractor, as the leading choice for all land owners, developers and managers.
Throughout CLCA history, there have been numerous remarkable members who have contributed greatly to the development of the landscape contracting industry, right here in California. For the past 58 years, a Chapter of landscape contractors have assembled together regularly here in Orange County, to embrace and promote a higher level of professional ethics and standards of practice in the landscape industry, as well as to establish a strong unified voice in Sacramento to protect our legislative interests.
CLCA has helped to shape the landscape industry across the United States, not only in California. California is known nationally and worldwide as being a place that is gifted with creative business minds and entrepreneurs who have a passion for innovation. Our California Landscape Contractors Association has been gifted with such leaders as well.
The CLT (Certified Landscape Technician) Program was conceived and birthed in 1984, from the minds within CLCA, and has spread across the United States to what is now the international standard for professionalism in the landscape industry, thanks to PLANET. In 2010, the globally recognized brand name for the CLT program changed to Landscape Industry Certified Technician. This new name is associated with a logo that signifies the authentication of skills proved.
The CWM (Certified Water Manager) credential, also conceived by CLCA, has earned the endorsement of
A N
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We are ‘Major League Professionals’
...Continued on Next Page
Angelia Woodside-Beckstrom
Angeffects, Inc.C27, LEED AP
Chapter President
We are ‘Major League Professionals’...Continued from Previous Page
5JANUARY 2012 WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG OC VISION
the Environmental Protection Agency allowing CWM companies and professionals to affix the EPA Water Sense seal to their business cards and websites.
No other landscape trade association across the country has contributed to the development of the profession of landscape contracting like CLCA has.
Every CLCA member operating in Orange County is so very valuable to the management of local landscapes and the development of our profession. We need your support during this coming year as we take on the task of broadcasting the value and facts about our CLCA professional difference to the commercial and residential public of this region.
A CLCA Professional is a “Major League Professional.” Other landscape contractors and unlicensed operators definitively practice in the minor’s, without any support from an authenticating body of industry experts to verify any of their skills.
Listen up Team! Our monthly meetings are going to be more like “pre-game huddles.” We are going to give you some real meaty content at our meetings this year so that you can improve your “batting average” at the negotiating table and on the playing field. We are setting out to help you sharpen the saw of your business skills so that you can cut through the competition and win more business.
This year we have a power packed line up of presenters “on deck” to bring up your “stats.” We are also taking steps to help you take more of the learning back to the office by publishing “preparing for” and “following up” articles that will be written by the speakers you will be witnessing and meeting at our monthly meetings.
If You Want To Hit a Home Run, You Have to Take a Swing!
This year we are bringing you tools to help all of you “take a swing” at the competition. BUT… you have to show up to even get into the game and take a swing at all. I need each of you to win the fight of getting up out of your chair and out of your truck to put your feet on the playing field and attend the monthly meetings. You need to hear these speakers in person.
Economic challenges have put many of us back in the field, and our elbows deep in dirt, at lunch time. We know that it is difficult for many of you to come to a meeting in the middle of the day, so we are going to make a change to fix this problem. Every other meeting will alternate from the lunch time slot to a “happy hour” time slot in an effort to make it easier for you to attend. The meetings later in the day will also end early enough to make sure you are home to have dinner with your family.
Don’t even think for a minute that we are going to force bigger Chapter crowds into that side room at Marie
Callender’s in Irvine either (no disrespect to Marie Callendars which has tirelessly, and graciously,
served CLCA-OC for the past few years); we are moving the team to a spacious new “dug
out,” where there will be plenty of room for everyone to attend with a bigger meeting space. NOTE: The afternoon meetings and the happy hour meetings will be in different locations!
Listen Up Team! We will not allow economic challenges to weaken our
foothold on the professional success of our team in Orange County. It’s “RALLY
CAP” time in 2012. We have so much in store for you – don’t miss a meeting. We are
also bringing back FUN!
Come and see what all the hub-bub is about, and go home with a hand full of cards from fellow team mates who can support you in the field, with a head full of new ideas to improve your business results, and a heart full of motivation and support to take on the days ahead! “PLAY BALL!”
FYI: If you are a Landscape Industry Certified Technician (CLT), be sure to post the logo on your website and marketing materials to stand up for your skills on the team.
A N
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“A CLCA Professional is a ‘Major
League Professional.’ Other landscape contractors and
unlicensed operators definitively practice in the minors,
without any support from an authenticating body of industry experts to verify
any of their skills.”
Most business owners thoroughly understand their business and the
industry in which it operates. They know their customers, suppliers, competitors and industry trends. They know their own company’s
strengths and weaknesses, and their business model takes advantage of the former while mitigating the latter. They also follow the economic news and they believe their strategy is the right one for creating value in the economy that lies ahead. But is it really?
At a time when economists and politicians totally missed the breadth and depth of the pending 2007 recession, how can you feel comfortable that your strategic plans are adequate for the volatile, risky and opportunistic environment that lies ahead? Do your strategic plans take into account the long term impact of deleveraging in a balance sheet recession? Do you have scenarios for both secular deflation and cyclical inflation? Do you identify the various systemic risks inherent in the global system and do you have scenarios for each of them? o you take into account the five or six global forces that will shape all industries in the future and the companies that compete in them?
Our keynote speaker, finance expert Howard Fletcher, has done research that indicates that most companies do not understand, or adequately plan for, systemic risks and global trends and are therefore ill prepared for the
threats they pose and the opportunities they produce. This is because most business owners have little training or experience in dealing with these large issues and therefore do not fully understand them. But these issues are real and it is foolhardy to ignore them.
If you want your company to grow and prosper between now and 2020, you must understand and plan for the risks and opportunities inherent in today’s volatile and unpredictable economy...and that starts with attending our Jan. 11 lunch meeting. Howard’s executive and international experience, expertise in finance, knowledge of economics and geopolitics, and understanding of the global forces that will impact even the smallest businesses in the future make him uniquely qualified for this role.
Cost: $25 RSVP to Bronwyn Miller at (949) 466-1222 or [email protected]. Equinox Sports Clubs is located at 1980 Main Street, Irvine.
OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 20126
Upc
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Get an Economic Forecast for 2012 at the Kick-Off Chapter Lunch Meeting
Wed. Jan. 11 at Equinox Sports Clubs in Irvine
Howard FletcHer
• Have the skills of your employees validated for your clients by April!
7JANUARY 2012 WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG OC VISION
1) Changing meeting times and locations. We want to make it easier for you to attend and provide plenty of room for everyone.
2) Giving you real connections. Connecting you with subject experts that can help you hurdle current challenges facing you in business is a big priority of ours. We plan to do this by introducing you to new speakers and affording them space in our magazine to reach you with more tools and insights to help you take their insights back to the office with you.
3) Opening up the lines of communication with local water district authorities. All of the landscape contractor specific news that the water districts need to tell you will be published in this very magazine, just for our OC team, to keep you in the know and operating at your highest water awareness.
4) Accessing the talents of the “farm team.” This year we will be establishing relationships with Orange County colleges and universities that teach landscape related subject matter. We will be inviting these future landscape professionals to join us at the table and fuel the future growth of our association and our businesses.
5) Removing the cone of silence. CLCA-OC will be taking steps this year to publicize the value and importance of CLCA’s credentialed contractors. This is our home field, and we need to claim our turf and speak up for our collective strength and worth to the Green Industry initiatives that have captivated the attention of popular media outlets.
OC-CLCA Team Member BulletinThe following is a list of changes
that CLCA-OC is making to support your “Come Back” in 2012!
OC
-CLC
A Team
Mem
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Become a Landscape Industry Certified Technician
Written Test Opportunities in 2012 for OC Members
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 1-4 p.m.Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CADeadline to register: January 18, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012, 2-5 p.m.Cuyamaca College, San Diego, CADeadline to register: February 24, 2012
Hands-On Test Opportunities in 2012 for OC Members
Saturday, March 31, 2012Cuyamaca College, San Diego, CADeadline to register: February 24, 2012
For study materials visit: www.clca.us/certification/seminars.html. To Register visit www.clca.org/clca/education/download/CLT_test_registration_2012.pdf
Differentiating the level of your skills and abilities from your competitors’ is an excellent place to start when you want leverage with your client at the negotiating table. A client is much more likely to buy from a company that can validate the skill level of their employees on the jobsite.
It is important to earn the Landscape Industry Certified Technician credential. To achieve this in 2012, here are the dates available for testing.
• Have the skills of your employees validated for your clients by April!
8 OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
CLCA just signed an agreement to endorse Networked Insurance Agents as the official provider of insurance services to its members, according to 2011 State
President Bob Wade. “The board is eager to begin working with Networked,” says Wade. “We’re impressed with the breadth of services they provide in addition to offering the insurance coverage our membership requires.”
Networked has been in business since 1991, serving more than 60,000 policy holders in 11 western states. “Our 1200 affiliated insurance agents have access to 65 A-rated carriers and a complete line of insurance products,” explains Networked chief operating officer Melissa Masles. “Our team places millions of dollars in premiums every month. I’m pleased to report that our sales have grown in 2011. Our association with CLCA allows us to demonstrate to your members our strong financial foundation.”
Nationally-known carriers that Networked can access include Hartford, Wesco/AmTrust, Golden Eagle, Travelers, Liberty, Chubb, Ace, Safeco, Chartis and Fireman’s Fund, among others. “CLCA members can also access a strong California regional carrier, Sequoia Insurance Company,” says Masles. “Their insurance products are top-notch, as are their Risk Management services.” CLCA’s agreement includes access to Sequoia’s loss control online service SmarTrac. In addition, policy holders may use their carrier’s safety tools.
“We’re confident members will see a decrease in their insurance costs with Networked,” says Wade. “Plus, they can use these educational tools to avoid accidents - a great way to keep down costs.”
Networked specializes in business owner’s policies, workers’ compensation, contractor’s liability, property, auto, umbrella, employment practices liability and surety bonds. In addition, the company offers insurance from six Excess and Surplus carriers including Capitol, Century, Surety, Northfield and Lloyd’s of London.
“Our membership may find it increasingly difficult to find adequate and affordable insurance coverage in 2012 because of all the weather-related losses nationwide. Aligning our association with Networked means members can take clear advantage of their experience with finding the best rates,” says Wade. “Networked is as proud of their record serving each individual business owner as they are of serving Boards of Directors. Networked will design services that pertain directly to landscape contractors’ challenges and offer them alongside services that address business ownership issues.”
Among the other services included in the CLCA agreement with Networked are claims support, online access to applications and certificates, education and marketing. Members will see Networked’s newsletter articles, offering insurance ideas and news for landscapers.
“I look forward to working with 2012 State President Eric Watanabe, Executive Director Sharon McGuire and the folks at Networked in the next few months to iron out the details of this exciting new opportunity,” said Wade. “I encourage our members to read our newsletters and visit our website for new insurance contact information. Remember, check your policy expiration date and start thinking about getting a new quote about two months in advance.”
CLC
A I
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• Local & State Magazines• Group Insurance • Awards • Political Advocacy
• Networking• Certification • Education • Expert Advice Program • And More
Benefits of CLCA Membership
Platinum – $1500•Hunter/FX •Sebco
Contractor – $400•Land Mechanics, Inc.•Glen’s Landscape•Richard Cohen Ldscp. Const.•Marc Mason Landscapes
The benefits of becoming an OC Champion, plus the added benefits of being a part of this great organization, are growing each year. This year, the
Orange County Chapter has made some modifications to its very successful OC Champions sponsorship program. We’re excited to introduce “Flex Points” to the program. Now, the OC Champions Program covers your expense for attendance to general meetings throughout the year and, from there, you can use your “Flex Points” to select the events you’re most interested in participating in.
The Orange County Chapter appreciates any and all sponsors and welcomes our growing list of sponsors for 2012. For more info., or to become a Champion for 2012, contact Oscar Montano at [email protected] (949) 419-6226.
Our 2012 OC Champions...
Become an OC Champion Todayby Calling Oscar Montano at
(949) 419-6226!
Thank you for your continued support of our CLCA Orange County Chapter!
About the Champions Program
9JANUARY 2012 WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG OC VISION
2012 OC
Cham
pions
ATTENTION OC CHAPTER CHAMPIONS AND ADVERTISING SUPPORTERS!
Advertise your educational opportunities in our calendar of events. We will include them in our March, June, September and December issues. Contact Bronwyn Miller at (949) 466-1222 or
[email protected] for more info!
Excerpted from a write-up in the Dec. 2011 issue of the Cutting Edge newsletter.
Long-time CLCA member Jon R. Alsdorf, CLT, passed away in November 2011 after falling victim to a catastrophic tree-trimming accident in early July. Jon was helping secure a large branch from a very tall pine tree. When the branch was being cut, it broke loose, and Jon’s arm was caught in the rope. He was thrown 10’ feet up in the air, and landed on his head 30’ away. He shattered his skull and suffered a number of broken bones, leaving him in critical condition. He passed away from a cardiac arrest while recovering from those injuries.
Jon, the founder and owner of Jon R. Alsdorf Landscape Contractor of Fresno, had a long history of service to the California Landscape Contractors Association and the Green Industry. He received the Allegiance Award, the most
prestigious honor the association bestows, in 2003, and was CLCA’s 2007 Regular Member of the Year.
He joined the association in 1977, and has served eight terms as president of
his chapter, San Joaquin Valley. In 1984, he was CLCA state President. He rejoined the Board of Directors in 2004 as Director of Education, and served through 2009. He chaired the Golden Oak Cooperative in 2005 and 2006. He co-founded the Landscape Industry Show in 1979, and has served on the LIS Committee pretty much ever since.
Remembering Jon AlsdorfFrom a letter to friends and associates by Michelle Sykes
It is with great sadness that I send this update. Jon Alsdorf passed away Saturday afternoon after fighting a long, difficult battle. The incidents that occurred after Jon was discharged to a nursing facility and then readmitted through emergency were too much for him to bear after everything else he has gone through over the past four-and-a-half months.
I know that many of you have known Jon for many years and know how huge his heart is, how generous, strong, and passionate he has been…a remarkable individual with a totally unselfish character. He is a man who will leave a legacy no one I know personally can match. Very few know how much he has given of his time, labor, and love to make life better for many – not just friends and family but his community as well. His loyalty, integrity, intellect, spirit, sense of humor, and passion for life and everything in it have earned him many lifelong friendships.
The world lost and Heaven gained much when Jon left. For those of you who are client-friends, please know JRA Landscape will
continue, through the efforts of Jon’s administrative staff, managers, supervisors, and loyal employees, to provide services that will make Jon proud of the legacy he has built.
As one of his friends expressed in a card to him – we have lost our “rugged warrior.”
With much love to all…Michelle
10 OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
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Remembering a CLCA Legend
Michelle Sykes and Jon Alsdorf at the 2009 Landscape Industry Show Entryway.
Jon Alsdorf receiving CLCA’s 2007 Regular Member of the Year Award from
2006 recipient Bill Schnetz.
Jon Alsdorf and Pete Dufau working a CLT Testing in April 2008.
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“All members of the California Landscape Contractors Association
owe a debt of gratitude to Jon Alsdorf for all that he has done for the betterment of the association and California’s Green Industry.” ~ CLCA 2011 President Robert
Wade, CLP, CLIA
“Jon was a pillar of CLCA and the essence of what
teamwork is all about. Jon was a remarkably creative founder,
leader and dedicated member of the Landscape Industry Show Committee. No matter what
challenge the team faced, Jon accepted it, actively participated
in developing a plan to address it, and he worked with great passion
to make it happen. He always was a joy to be around, usually cheerful, or at least able to find
some element of humor in the ups and downs of life. Jon was one of the treasures of life and he will be
sorely missed.” ~ Jerry Sebby, President of
KRC Rock, Inc.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jon Alsdorf. Jon was
an amazing person who was committed to making a difference
in CLCA and worked tirelessly in many positions throughout
the years to make things happen. He has provided tremendous leadership, support, guidance,
and championed many programs for CLCA and has touched the
lives of many. Jon was a very dear friend, and I will truly miss him,
his talents, humor, energy, passion, and the drive to be the best in all
of his many endeavors.” ~ CLCA Executive Director
Sharon McGuire
JANUARY 2012 WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG OC VISION
On his Linked In profile, Jon summarized his life as follows:
“I had a neighborhood gardening route since the age of 10 and then formalized it into an actual business with an old ‘beater’ 51 Ford pickup and a trailer when I turned 16 in 1962. Worked my business through high school and college, even keeping my route the one year I worked in the K-Mart Garden Center in 1967. Finally got drafted in 1969. Was fortunate enough to be pulled out of line while shipping out of Ft. Belvoir [Army Corps of Engineers] and was being sent to Okinawa. Was then asked if I would be interested in staying at Ft. Belvoir and taking over the grounds at Quarters One. Simple answer to that one. Wound up at Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C. When I got out of the Army in February of 1972, I drove back to California and was back in business in three days.
Simply stated I believe, ‘If there is no wind, row.’
I also emulate John J. Kelley, winner of the Boston Marathon. ‘The things we do should consume us...if they don’t, our lives won’t have
any meaning.’”
Jon R.Alsdorf
Dec. 16, 1946-to-
Nov. 26, 2011
Forever in our
Hearts...Rest in Peace Jon!
Barbara Alvarez, Pete Navarro and Jon Alsdorf discussing politics at CLCA’s
2008 Legislative Conference.
Jon Alsdorf installing the 2011 LIS Show entryway.
12 OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
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In just their second year of entering projects into the Orange County Beautification Awards, CCR Landscape took home three awards from the July 30, 2011 event; one of which was the esteemed President’s Award. We asked business owner Cherie Ciotti-Roco to describe the project in more detail.
The homeowners wanted a Mediterranean low water garden to complement an existing Olive tree in their landscape. The creation of this themed garden required removal of the entire existing landscape (except for the large Olive tree). This also made them the only property on the street without turf in the front yard.
They are on a corner lot and wanted to turn an unused side yard patio area into an entertaining area for friends and family. This was accomplished by pushing out the perimeter wall to give them more space. Two 6’ pilasters were built to accommodate a new custom gate and a large BBQ island was added near the kitchen, with a firepit and bench added near the master bedroom. Stone ledger panels were added to the pilasters, BBQ and firepit, and we used low voltage
LED lighting from FX on the trees, pathways and under the BBQ counter.
Throughout the landscape, the concrete was given an elegant treatment using 16” borders with diagonal scoring. The borders were sandblasted to soften the edges and the plantings include
various low water plants such as Anigozanthos, Agaves, Dianella and Artotis. The parkway turf was replaced with a combination of Dymondia and Helictotrichon.
The color palette was selected to complement the colors on the house. The pilaster and firepit caps were ordered in a custom color so as to match the poured-in-place countertop and bench seat. Two tall pots, echoing the trim color on the front of the house, flank the entrances to the house.
As far as hurdles, when we began the project, there was no drainage on the property. A previous contractor installed the patio and walkway with the wrong slope, so water entered the home/garage when it rained. Our installation of new drains and concrete solved this problem.
OC Member CCR Landscape Wins Big at 2011 Beautification Awards
Winning the President’s Award for best landscape installation project is CCR Landscape, Miguel Vega and Cherie
Ciotti-Roco; presented by John Domenici for sponsor Southland Sod (center).
BeFore
aFter
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Heavy H
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PAUL GAUDET(951) 943-1817 • (800) 233-5254P.O. BOX 130 • Perris, CA 92572
WHERE QUALITY GROWS . . .
Growers of Quality Fescue & Bermuda Sod
CCR Landscape, based in Corona del Mar, was established by Cherie Ciotti-Roco in 2002.
OC Vision: What inspired you to work as a landscape contractor and start your own company?
Ciotti-Roco: Landscape contracting is actually my second career. My Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s work was in engineering. But, after years of sitting in a cubicle, I realized that I was happiest when I was outside in the garden.
As I was growing up in Ohio, I remember my mother winning awards for the gardens she created at our home. She inspired me to start gardening in college as a hobby. The university gave the students a 40x40-foot plot to grow vegetables and flowers. I was hooked. When I moved to California, I struggled with the soil and different plant varieties so I became a Master Gardener through the University of California to learn about local gardening. That program (and the people who ran it, especially John Kabashima) inspired me to go back to school and learn about landscape design and ornamental horticulture.
Three years later, I quit my engineering job and started designing landscapes full time. Immediately, my clients started asking me if I could install the designs. I found that I loved the building process and seeing my designs become reality. Eventually, I obtained my contractor’s license and my father, who is a retired general contractor, helped me with my first few jobs. He taught me about drainage, masonry and electrical and has been my greatest encouragement and inspiration.
OC Vision: What were some of the initial hurdles you had to overcome in building your company? Ciotti-Roco: I would say that there were three major hurdles. The first hurdle was sourcing materials and finding skilled craftspeople. Where do you find the right vendors and suppliers for the items you need, and how do you connect with good subcontractors/workers for building specialty elements in the landscape? When you first start out, you don’t know where to go or who to trust. My second hurdle was business start-up challenges. Everyone has these, I’m sure, but I never had any business classes, so this was particularly difficult. Finally, my third hurdle was feeling a little out of place. I used to get strange looks while shopping at several of the supplier locations and equipment rental yards. They’d look at me like “what is ‘SHE’ doing here?” It has taken time for them to get to know me, but now I feel very welcomed. In fact, they are always willing to volunteer free help and information.
OC Vision: During the course of your business, what has been your most proud moment?
Ciotti-Roco: I don’t know if I can pinpoint one exact moment. Instead, it seems like there have been many proud moments, each one a milestone, including: the day I turned in my resignation from my “corporate job” to start landscaping full-time; when my first client hired me to remodel her backyard; when I passed my contractor’s license exam (on the first try) and received my contractor’s license in the
mail; when I inadvertently overheard a client telling someone that they “just had to” hire me to landscape their property; and the first time my actual cost and estimate were within $50 of each other. In general, I’m proud that I have completed every job on time and on budget, and that I have been able to meet, and usually exceed, my clients’ expectations for their landscapes.
OC Vision: What was the most important lesson you learned while operating your business? Ciotti-Roco: Document everything with clients and keep good records. My project management training has helped me immensely. Creating estimates, project schedules and change management – these help me stay in control and help the client understand their status at any point in the process.
OC Vision: What do you think has been important to your success? Ciotti-Roco: Communication with clients/subcontractors/vendors and my attention to details. As contractors, we build unique landscapes that are designed to meet the individual needs of each client. We listen to our customers and turn their ideas and requirements into a space that they can enjoy for many years to come. We strive to be responsible stewards of the land by focusing on the use of organic products and state-of-the-art landscaping techniques. We believe that any style of garden can be built and still minimize its impact on the environment. We focus on educating our clients and engaging them in the design and build process so that they have a greater appreciation for their finished landscape.
OC Vision: What advice would you give to other contractors in the business?
Ciotti-Roco: Treat every client’s yard/property as if it were your own. To me, this means buying good quality materials, building things properly, fixing anything that breaks, and keeping a neat work site.
About CLCA-OC Member CCR Landscape
cHerie ciotti-roco
ccr landscape
ADVERTISERS INDEX
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2012 OC VISION ADVERTISING RATESSIZE 1 Year 12xBusiness Card $ 4401/4 Page $1,0751/4 Page (Color) $1,3451/3 Page $1,5001/3 Page (Color) $1,8751/2 Page (B/W) $1,8501/2 Page (Color) $2,400Full Page (B/W) $3,500Full Page (Color) - Back Cover $4,500Full Page (Color) - Inside $4,250Inserts (8 1/2” x 11”) $325 (1x)(Single or Double Sided, advertiser provided) (11” x 17”) $425 (1x)(Folded, advertiser provided)
Size - Width x HeightBusiness Card (3 5/8” x 2”) 1/4 Pg (3 5/8” x 4 5/8” 1/3 Pg horizontal (6 1/8” x 3 3/8”)1/3 Pg vertical (3 5/8” x 7”) 1/2 Pg horizontal (7 1/2” x 4 5/8”)1/2 Pg vertical (3 5/8” x 9 1/2”)Full Pg (8 1/2” x 11” + 1/4” bleed all around)
All advertising is to be paid in advance unless otherwise arranged with Editor.
For more info. about advertising in the OC Vision, contact Bronwyn Miller at (949) 466-1222/[email protected] or visit the Chapter’s website at www.clca-orangecounty.org.
Note: Deadline for stories and advertising materials is the15th of the month prior to publication. Articles submitted are subject to approval and modification. Chapter or Editor are not liable for misprints or errors, and do not necessarily agree with opinions expressed in byline articles.
NEED A PRODUCT OR SERVICE?CALL OUR ADVERTISERS FIRST!
A-G Sod Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Artesia Sawdust Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Bamboo Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
BEST/Simplot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Birch Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Briggs Tree Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DM Color Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Ewing Irrigation Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Focus Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Gro-Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Horizon Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
KRC Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Landscape Contractors Insurances Services. . . . . . . . . 7
Performance Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Redwood Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
S & S Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Southland Sod Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Southwest Boulder & Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Superior Sod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tri-State Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Vista Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
West Coast Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
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Keeping the “LID” on Stormwater Pollution
Land development can increase rainfall runoff from a property and contribute pollutants to waterways including trash, pesticides, fertilizers, metals and dirt/
sediment. On August 17th, 2011, new regulations took effect for the region of Orange County, north of El Toro Road, that require priority development projects incorporate Low Impact Development (LID) best management practices (BMPs) into project design. These requirements will take effect for areas south of El Toro Road in 2012.
Priority development projects for the area north of El Toro Road include projects that create 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface, significant redevelopment projects that include the addition or replacement of 5,000 or more square feet of impervious surface, parking lots greater than 5,000 square feet and hillside developments greater than 5,000 square feet. Other categories of priority development projects are specific to the type of development or proximity to sensitive environmental areas; these include (but are not limited to) restaurants greater than 5,000 square feet, retail gasoline outlets and automotive repair shops.
LID is a stormwater management strategy that emphasizes runoff retention and focuses on project site design to achieve strategic stormwater management and resource management objectives. Fundamentally, LID design seeks to more closely mimic natural water flow patterns of undeveloped sites. The benefits of LID include:• Local augmentation of the groundwater basin (where applicable)
• Water conservation through use of rainwater for irrigation• Reduction of stormwater/urban runoff and pollutant loading• Reduction of erosion downstream• Improvement of community aesthetics
There are many creative ways project designers can comply with LID requirements. Landscape designers and contractors will be essential to the proper design, function and maintenance of these landscapes and LID BMPs. Categories of LID BMPs included in new development or redevelopment projects may include:• Infiltration (e.g. permeable pavement/pavers, vegetated swale*)• Harvest and use (e.g. cisterns and other onsite storage for irrigation and/or toilet flushing)• Evapotranspiration (e.g. ponds and vegetation)• Biotreatment (e.g. vegetated swale*)
*A vegetated swale is a landscaped area that collects water runoff and allows it to percolate into the ground or evaporate. Vegetated swales can include both biotreatment and some infiltration.
The Orange County Stormwater Program is a joint program of the County of Orange, Orange County Flood Control District and all 34 Orange County cities. To learn more about the Orange County Stormwater Program, LID and the land development process please visit www.ocwatersheds.com/PublicEd/residents/green-living.html.
Water W
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2012 CLCA STATE BOARD• PRESIDENT - Eric Watanabe (818) 993-0200
Signature Pools and Landscape • [email protected]
• PRESIDENT-ELECT - Frank Niccoli (650) 592-9440 The Village Gardener Inc. • [email protected]
• IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT - Robert Wade, CLP, CLIA (949) 494-2130 Wade Landscaping Inc. • [email protected]
• SECRETARY-TREASURER - Ted Sandrowski (530) 345-6101 Sandrowski Landscaping, Inc. • [email protected]
• ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIR. - Rick Zinn (925) 864-1088 Horizon Products • [email protected]
• DIR. OF CHAPTER SERVICES - Shari Collins (805) 552-9457 Verdant Landscaping • [email protected]
• DIR. OF COMMUNICATIONS - Chuck Carr (818) 300-0176 Carr Landscape Management Inc. • [email protected]
• DIR. OF EDUCATION - Steve Jacobs, CLP, CLT (760) 945-4321 Nature Designs Landscape • [email protected]
• DIR. OF LEGISLATION - Pete Dufau, CLT (805) 642-1239 Dufau Landscape, Inc. • [email protected]
• DIR. OF MEMBERSHIP - Javier Lesaca (661) 836-0229 Lesaca Landscape Company • [email protected]
• DIR. OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Tom Noonan, CID, CLIA (916) 812-5034
Ewing Irrigation Products • [email protected]
• DIR. OF CHAPTER PRESIDENTS COUNCIL (SOUTH) Rene Emeterio, CLT (805) 823-5603
Specialized Landcape Management Service • [email protected]
• DIR. OF CHAPTER PRESIDENTS COUNCIL (NORTH) Aaron Huxley (408) 824-0181
Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire • [email protected]
• EXECUTIVE DIR. - Sharon McGuire (800) 448-2522 x 13 CLCA Headquarters • [email protected]
By Jenna Voss, Environmental Resource Specialist, OC Public Works - OC Watersheds
After serving a Stop Notice, follow the suggestions below to make sure your
Stop Notice is Collectible!
1. Act quickly. Do NOT pro-crastinate. The deadlines for a
Stop Notice lawsuit are explained below.
2. Verify the information on the Stop Notice is accurate. You forfeit all right to any distribution of funds or to lien if you “willfully” give a false Stop Notice or bonded Stop Notice, or if you include in your Stop Notice labor, services, equipment, or materials not furnished for the property. A Stop Notice should not include interest, attorneys fees, lost profit, consequential damages or delay damages.
3. Confirm the Stop Notice was properly served. The Stop Notice must be served on the owner, construction lender, or anyone holding construction funds, such as a fund control. Service must be by registered mail, certified mail or personal delivery. If service is by mail, an affidavit is necessary along with the mail return receipt, keep all deliv-ery receipts.
4. Monitor job progress and completion dates. Deadlines are critical to your ability to collect! A lawsuit to enforce a Stop Notice must be filed no later than 90 days after the period to record a Mechanic’s Lien expires, which period depends on whether a Notice of Completion or Notice of Cessation of Labor is recorded.
If a Notice of Completion/Notice of Cessation Is NOT recorded, all claimants, including the General Contractor, Subcontractors and Suppliers have 180 days (90 days + 90 days) from project completion to file the lawsuit to enforce the Stop Notice.
If a Notice of Completion/Notice of Cessation IS Recorded, the deadlines are as follows:• General Contractor has 150 days (60 days + 90 days) from project completion to sue. • Subcontractors have 120 days (30 days +90 days) from project completion to sue. • Suppliers have 120 days (30 days + 90 days) from project completion to sue.
Completion on a public project is acceptance by the owner. Completion on a private project is defined by statutes as follows: “Actual Completion: this means only when all work required by the plans and specifications is completed. When actual completion does not occur, statutes define cir-cumstances deemed to be the equivalents to project comple-tion, including: a) Occupancy by owner, or b) Cessation of labor for over 60 days, or c) Acceptance by owner, or d) Recordation of Notice of Completion.”
The lawsuit to enforce a Stop Notice may not be filed within the first ten days after service of the Stop Notice.
5. Gather key information. a. Name and address of project Owner/Contractor/ Lender/Fund Control b. Project Name/Address/ Assessor’s Parcel Number c. Project status and/or completion date; If public project, the date project accepted d. Payment bond information, if applicable
6. Gather important documents. a. Contract Documents b. Preliminary 20 Day notice, including any amended notices c. Stop Notice(s), including proof of service d. Stop Notice release bond, if applicable e. Pay Requests f. Unpaid Invoices/delivery tickets g. Letters demanding payment h. Conditional/Unconditional Release and Waivers i. Notice of Non-Responsibility (NON) j. Notice of Completion/Notice of Cessation/Acceptance by public entity k. Documents reflecting that the labor, services, equip- ment and materials were actually used/incorporated on the project
7. If you are paid and the check clears the bank, you must provide a Release of Stop Notice. If you receive partial payment, you must provide a Partial Release of Stop Notice. If after providing a Release you perform additional work and are not paid for that work, you may serve another Stop Notice as long as the statutory deadlines have not expired.
8. Consult with an attorney promptly. Stop Notice claims are waived if not timely pursued! An attorney will require about a week to prepare the lawsuit and file it with the court. Do not wait until the last day.
Milene C. Apanian specializes in Construction Disputes, Stop Notice and Mechanic’s Lien Lawsuits. She can be reached at (818)760-2000 or [email protected]. You can also check out Milene’s blog by visiting www.calienlawupdate.com where you’ll find information and updates on California Construction and Lien Law.
This information is the courtesy of attorney Milene C. Apanian and the law firm of Abdulaziz Grossbart and Rudman and in no way creates an attorney-client relationship. It is pro-vided as a service to friends and clients and is not meant to be a comprehensive study of California’s Construction law or contracts. The laws and statutes change constantly and each construction project is unique with its own set of facts and cir-cumstances. If you have questions specific to your project and your Mechanic’s Lien, consult an attorney.
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What To Do After Serving a Stop Notice
Milene C. Apanian, Esq.Law Firm of Abdulaziz
Grossbart and Rudman
WANT INFO ABOUT STATE & LOCAL EVENTS?For information about State CLCA events, call State HQ at
(800) 448-2522, or email [email protected]. Also check their Website at www.clca.org. For more Chapter information, contact any Board
Member, or see the Chapter Website at www.clca-orangecounty.org
16 OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
Focus is pleased to announce the newest addition to their transformer line - the RXT
Transformer. This brushed stainless steel multi volt transformer is perfect for any exterior
lighting job - especially LED. Available in 60, 120, 180, 300 and 600 watts, this compact
transformer comes timer ready with optional Mechanical Timer, Digital Timer, or Astro Timer face plates that can be factory or field installed.
Standard Features include: * Multi voltage outputs of 12.5, 13.5, & 14.5 volts
* Extra heavy duty (80 amp) terminal lugs* LED indicators for instant recognition of
120v and 12v power* Break away bottom panel for easy access wiring
* Removable hinged door is lockable and weather sealed
How to Fire a Client
Even though I’ve been told by my clients how great it was after they fired a client, nobody ever wants to do so. If you’re like most people, you would prefer to keep
the business because you could certainly use the income. You think the relationship might actually turn around at some point. You tell yourself that you are kidding yourself, but you keep serving them.
Ending a business client relationship can certainly have its challenges. Many people avoid uneasy situations to some degree. We live in a certain state of denial hoping the situation will take care of itself. There comes a point, however, when you should really take control of the situation and confront what’s going on.
When your business client relationship has taken a nasty turn and reached “the point of no return”… it’s time to take action. You should do it for yourself and also the client. When you no longer feel that the relationship allows you to provide the best you have to offer, it’s time to cut the cord. If you do it the right way, then it’s possible that you and the client can stay on friendly terms. You won’t have to worry about them bad mouthing you to other people – or having negative feelings about you or your business.
Remember there are always options. You can raise your price to this customer to pay for the headaches and aggravations this client brings your company. But, assuming you’ve already assessed the situation and are ready to end the relationship, here are some steps to assist you through this difficult process…1) Plan to speak by phone or in person. Emails are cold and often tone deaf. Besides, I don’t expect you to write something where you feel compelled to use smiley faces to let the other party know that you mean well. 2) Think carefully and make notes about what you want to say. Chances are, if the situation becomes too emotional,
it will be difficult to remember key points that you want to make. Your notes should include any and all successes you’ve had in working together and ways in which you think you both have grown from working with one another. You want to send them off on a high note – remembering the benefits.3) When you talk with the client, do not come from a place of fear! Speak from a place of genuine concern for yourself and the client. The difference can come across in the tone of your voice. Speak from a place of looking out for the best interest of both parties.4) State your case – be clear, to the point and be honest.5) Ask questions to get their feedback of the situation after you’ve stated your case. Be willing to let them speak and hear what they have to say. See how they are “seeing” the situation.6) Believe and emphasize that you want to create a win-win situation where you both can part ways without any animosity.
The goal is to evolve the relationship into something that’s no longer upsetting for you or the client. This will be a challenging conversation to have, but it would be even more challenging to continue the working relationship that has entered into the “point of no return.” Free yourself and the client to move on to something that works better for the both of you.
For help with firing a client or having a difficult conversation, contact me at (818) 716-8826 for a complimentary coaching session.
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By Jonathan Goldhill, the Goldhill Group
18 OC VISION WWW.CLCA-ORANGECOUNTY.ORG JANUARY 2012
Back in the Game at CLCA LIS Show, February 1-2
This year’s show is titled BACK IN THE GAME and all Green Industry professionals and students are invited to attend! We’ve got lots of NEW at this
year’s show to get you Back in the Game and keep you on your A game!
In addition to the latest and greatest technology the industry has to offer, this year’s show also offers excellent seminars including Introduction to Green Wall Systems, Design and Installation and Dirt – Can You Dig It?, sponsored by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Other seminars include edibles, using social media, money management, pesticide application technology, how to get paid in full during difficult times and much more. So bring your game to CLCA’s show and get the skills you need to set yourself apart from your competitiors and optimize your business operations!
CLCA’s Landscape Industry Show takes place February 1-2, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles. Attendance is free to those who register in advance and is $5 at the door for those who arrive the day of the show. Seminars are a bargain and begin at $40 with unlimited classes for $120.
For free registration go to www.clca.us.lis. You can even register from your smart phone! You don’t need an app for that!
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Irrigation Conference Coming Up in Sacramento, January 30–31
CLCA is once again co-sponsoring the urban portion of the California Irrigation Institute (CII) annual conference, which will take place January 30 and 31 at
the Hilton Arden West Hotel in Sacramento.
In addition to discussions about the latest developments in California’s water policies, the conference will offer several sessions that should be of special interest to landscape contractors and suppliers. Among them are panel discussions on “Drip Irrigation for Turf,” “Adopting the Latest Urban Irrigation Technology,” and “Conducting Water Conservation Programs in a Recession.”
The association is co-sponsoring the event for the second year in a row to advance awareness of the key role that the landscape industry plays in water issues, according to Frank Niccoli of The Village Gardener Inc. of San Carlos, CLCA’s Director of Resource Management.
To see the event program and register for the event, go to http://tinyurl.com/CIIConference. The CII conference is the oldest independent forum on water and irrigation in California and typically features water experts, general agency heads, water district managers, innovative farmers, and vendors with new water savvy products. The theme of this year’s conference is: Back to the Future: The Next 50 Years. Attendees come from all over the Western United States to engage in discussion relating to all areas of irrigation, including water supply, conservation, water quality, and surface and ground water management.