Landscape Management, June 2017

business insider Case study our Way H aving seen event trailers in action at some Arizona Cardinals football games John Garigen and Robert Clinkenbeard co owners of Integrated Landscape Management ILM started thinking about implementing a similar idea for their business The company which has locations in Phoenix Las Vegas and Tucson Ariz often entertains prospective and current clients The partners thought adding an event trailer could enhance the experience so two years ago the company invested in one and its been a success Of course it wasnt exactly a small investment At approximately 30000 the towable trailer was a big chunk of change But Clinkenbeard says the response the company has gotten has made it well worth that cost The trailer makes an impression and therefore has helped land jobs as it makes its rounds to various events at the companys three locations The trailer folds out and contains games like ping pong and corn hole Theres also a full bar two flat screen televisions a stereo system and lots of chairs available to set up around the trailer Its the life of the party and Clinkenbeard says it brings events to the next level Weve gotten really great feedback on the trailer he says In fact companies in similar industries that we network with have asked to rent it out for their own events We dont do that very often but it just goes to show how useful it has been During the busy season the trailer goes out for events at least once or twice a week Clinkenbeard says These events include sponsoring a hole at golf tournaments pulling into clients offices to host a meal entertaining prospective customers and even serving staff parties at the companys different branches The ILMs business development team helps Clinkenbeard coordinate the trailers ongoing schedule Clinkenbeard says the maintenance on the trailer has been minimal Of course it does need to be cleaned after events so that its ready for the next one And food needs to be stored properly but he notes that was an events related concern before ILM had the trailer Now there is the benefit of having access to refrigeration in the trailer for food storage Clinkenbeard says the decision to add a trailer is similar to buying any vehicle or piece of equipment My best advice to other companies that might be considering something like this is to do the research and find the trailer that Integrated Landscape Managements party trailer has made a splash with clients at local sponsorship events works best for you he says Youll need a plan in place regarding transportation and maintenance Besides that the biggest factor is having a good scheduling process so you have the trailer scheduled out regularly but with no overlap By planning ahead its easy to ensure the trailer is getting regular use and therefore paying for itself While Clinkenbeard doesnt have exact return on investment figures he says its value in keeping people happy is hard to beat From existing employees to potential customers the trailer makes an impression Clinkenbeard adds And that alone is worth the investment Payton is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia Portable party With its towable event trailer one landscape companys staff can entertain clients anywhere By Casey Payton Business Breakdown Photos Integrated LandscaPe ManageMent LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET June 2017 60 Company Integrated Landscape Management Headquarters Tempe Ariz employees 320 annual revenue 203 million serviCe mix 50 percent maintenance 35 percent enhancements 15 percent tree and plant health care Client mix 100 percent commercial