[Candace Mastel]

Hi again Craig,

The company I used to work for had three to four landscape install crews working on different projects similar to your company. Of course, they were all working within a 50 mile radius of each other. So, a bit easier on the coordination, etc. We also had a four person horticulture crew, which I was in charge of. Our crew did everything from bed design and planting to tree trimming, pruning, annuals, etc. Basically a maintenance crew. Our crew often remediated problems or warranty items associated with the install crews and acted as a “follow up” team that targeted issues before they blew up into huge problems with large warranty price tags. We also were able to keep clients happy by paying attention to them after the install and maintain a line of communication with the owner/general manager

 

You might want to consider adding a float crew that does this and offers maintenance service as a intermediary between your install crews and the overall long term viability of the landscape. In addition, some others who posted here suggested hiring an assistant that can tag team with you and cover you so you can take a day off and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

Also, I took a look at your website. I was surprised to see it was very cutesy and kind of “busy” graphically. Your company’s work however is amazing. I would suggest a rework of your website to reflect the professionalism of your installs and how well they are photographed.

[Candace Mastel]

Having worked as a foreman for a medium sized landscape company I can attest that as soon as the crew leaders got enough experience and backing to start their own company, they did. If you are a good boss and a good man they will probably want to stick with you. However, they aren’t you. They won’t be able to necessarily see your vision. They might not have your training. Or, they might just want to bring home a paycheck and don’t get emotionally invested in the outcome of the project. Lots of variables here. You went big with your business and lost some day to day oversight. I agree with some of the posts below that encourage you to hone in on providing clarification to their role, their continuing ed and their ability to reinforce the mission of your company.

[Candace Mastel]

Hi Pablo,

I haven’t posted on this forum for awhile but I thought I’d respond to your post because resumes are kind of an area of interest for me. I’ve always struggled with how personal to get on a resume…there’s a fine line, depending on what you know about the firm/organization and what the vibe is if you’ve been in contact with them. Networking and getting to know people is always a smart idea but I would advise keeping your personal pics out of the resume and electronic portfolio.

 

As far as the content of your resume and cover letter, I just had some input for you. Take it with a grain of salt. Please don’t be offended. I look at alot of these as a project manager reviewing proposals from firms, in which they place detailed resumes and backgrounds for their designers.

 

In your resume: 1)You use the word “I” alot. Avoid this at all costs. 2)Use more flattering, but honest, descriptions of your work experience. 3)Your experience is gapped from April 2011 to current…what did you do then? Employers are going to want to know. If you were unemployed, be prepared to show that you were diligently pursuing other career opportunities in the realm of classes, certifications, etc. if you feel that might help.

 

In your cover letter: 1)Again, avoid starting sentences with “I.” 2)Play around with breaking up your intro and your main body into two or three smaller paragraphs to balance your text on the page better.

 

And lastly, your portfolio images: 1)Your computer graphics are strong. Hand drawn not as much. Maybe focus on balancing your computer images with some “as-built” photos showing implemented designs. Before and afters are telling. It also speaks to how well you can manage the installation of one of your own projects. 2)I remember from school long ago that if you can’t print exquisitely, use alternative printing methods. I would suggest you either hammer home excellent hand printing or substitute it on your portfolio with computer generated text/font that accentuated your images.

 

Good luck and keep on riding dude!

[Author]

Posts