A 30+ year veteran of the trade.
For National Lawn Care Month, we’re looking at the ins-and-outs of lawn care through the lens of industry professionals. To kick off the series, Pro-Lawn-Plus, Inc. President Mark I. Schlossberg is sharing his industry insights, personal victories and advice for the upcoming generation of lawn care professionals.
Mark’s always been interested in plant growth and management. He recalls spending his preteen years assessing and diagnosing his parent’s lawn and finding products to cure its ailments, so naturally he attended and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1977 with a B.S. in agronomy and returned home to Baltimore to continue his fascination with the science behind crops and soil. Looking back at more than 30 years in the industry, he says he is one of the lucky few to have a job that feels more like a hobby.
Here’s more from Mark about his 30+ years in the lawn care industry:
What would you say is key to your success?
Lawn care is what I would be doing for a hobby, if I hadn’t made it into a business, so what I do is very important to me. I’ve found hiring good people who have a passion for the business makes for a great work environment and keeps customers coming back. At Pro-Lawn-Plus, Inc., we value honesty and integrity when taking care of customers and employees, and simply do things that go above and beyond to show we care.
With technology, the art of customer service has turned digital, but we still see the importance in on-site assessments and quotes to give the customer the individualized treatment they deserve. We do utilize technology to help with efficiency, but without sacrificing the quality of our work.
What is the value in taking care of your outdoor spaces?
I remember as a child playing outdoors until it was time for dinner. These memories are a large part of my childhood, and I want the next generation of homeowners and families to be able to relax outside and enjoy their outdoor spaces as well. Your outdoor space can be a place for you to enjoy, but it also can increase the value of your property. And of course, there are many environmental benefits of maintaining green surfaces.
What would you say is the biggest misconception of your industry?
I think the general understanding around the necessary licensing requirements for employees. Our employees are required to go through many trainings and receive certain certifications and recertification to do the work they do for our customers. Professionalism in the industry is of the utmost importance, and our team is focused on maintaining professionalism in all aspects of our business.
What advice would you share with someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the lawn care industry?
First off, this is a great industry to go into. As I said before, I am lucky to have a job that is both my hobby and my career. It is important to get a good technical background, but to also have a background in business as well—that way you can provide the best services, while also understanding how to run your business efficiently and professionally. In this industry, it is also important to pay attention to environmental issues so you can provide resources and guidance to those who have questions about products or need help caring for their lawn.
A special thanks to Mark for his service to the industry and in helping keep the places where we work and play safe and healthy! To learn more about Mark or Pro-Lawn-Plus, Inc. visit: https://www.prolawnplus.com/ or follow them on Twitter @ProLawnsPlus.
Be sure to keep up with the conversation this Lawn Care Month by using the hashtag #LawnCareMonth and visiting us on Twitter @DebugtheMyths.
