Outfitting your technicians for success is more than having the right parts. Here are the 7 things you should remember to have on hand:

The “Non Standard” List

1. Clean, dry socks (look, there’s nothing worse than wet feet)
2. Knee pads (give ‘em a break!)
3. Backup Gatorade (a quick hit of sugar and electrolytes)
4. Protein Bars (snack time on the go) 
5. Branded door hangers (“sorry we missed you!”) 
6. Branded stickers with your phone number or QR code (to put on those controllers)
7. An extra pair of sunglasses. 

But of course, there’s some clutch equipment that you shouldn’t forget about as well

• Wire tracker/fault tracer (like the Armada 900D)
• A multi-tool that’s right for you (like the King Irrigation I-tool)
• Valve box pump (you can go old school with a manual utility hand pump, or get crazy with a drill operated one)
• A good mud-releasing shovel (Seymour Midwest makes a good one)
• A universal controller key ring (like the Uni-Key)
• and don’t forget a riser extractor!

At the end of the day - and especially when labor is in short supply - you want to get the most out of every hour in the field.

Locate Wire Faults and Buried Valves The new Armada Pro900 is a digital "Cadillac" wire and valve tracker/locator with enhanced capabilities not possible on an analog version. 

First, the digital microprocessor rejects 100% of AC interference. This is commonly known as buzz and sounds like a swarm of bees coming through the wand speaker. This buzzing sound can drown out the actual signal to be traced, rendering the locator useless. The Pro900 eliminates 100% of this background noise, leaving a clear signal to track.  

Second, the inductive clamp. The benefit of an inductive clamp is that it allows a tracing signal to be put onto a cable without disconnecting or shutting things off. It is easy.

The third most popular feature is the wand sensitivity. Analog is nice, but digital allows sensitivity to the point where you can actually find good splices or, more precisely, pinpoint cut wires. Digital allows sensitivity that will surprise you.

For these reasons and more, the Pro900 digital locator is the best locator. If you use locators more than just occasionally, it will pay for itself quickly through increased productivity and faster locates. 

Landscape lighting has gone mainstream. But some contractors still think of it only as a sideline or specialty.

National consumer studies show homeowners are more familiar with the benefits of outdoor lighting than ever before. They want it in their new landscapes. And they will buy it when a professional proposes it as part of their overall project.  

Many contractors think too narrowly about selling lighting.  Every customer wants lighting. Why are you not offering it to all of them?  If you find yourself agonizing over fixture selection or overthinking system design, you're missing the bigger picture.

"Keep it simple." said one industry expert. "Customers just love great lighting from good looking fixtures.  Don't get too elaborate with your designs. It gets in the way of making your customer happy and running a profitable business."

Smart contractors have learned to offer a basic package of fixtures with every landscape project they quote, usually a combination of accent lights and path lights. They aim to offer a basic lighting package at a price to which every homeowner will say "yes".   It's an easy add on sale that dramatically enhances the customer's enjoyment of the landscape.   

If the property offers additional opportunities for creativity, and if the client's budget might allow, additional options can be added to the main package for lighting of other landscape features.  Offer every client the "basic package" and then tailor it from there.

Blu-Lock 3X is the newest innovation in the irrigation field. With it's powerful push-lock technology, your job will be done in record time. No clamps, no torches. 

Blu-Lock® 3X takes installation speed and ease to new heights. Insertion force has been reduced by half to make installation even faster. And now, it works with all 80# and 100# SIDR 15 and 19 pipe. Finally, all ½", ¾", and 1" fittings are releasable and reusable with the Blu-Lock® release tool or collar. Simply stated, Blu-Lock® 3X is the fastest, greenest, irrigation installation method in the world. Learn more.

Let us help you grow your sales with a proven sales method.

We have a fantastic kit available that makes demos easy for you. It has everything you need to create an eye-catching display that will close the sale.

An effective demonstration will help the client become comfortable with lighting effects and illustrate the impact that lighting creates within a portion of the landscape.

Ask your store manager for more information.

Download Free Guide to Growing Your Lighting Business