A question we get asked a lot is how U.S. Lawns differentiates itself from its competitors in attracting customers and employees. With decades of experience, the power of a national network and national branding, we pride ourselves on the many competitive advantages that set our brand apart from other landscaping service providers. We discussed this topic with U.S. Lawns president, Ken Hutchison. His take is very well summarized in our brand mantra “close to the customer and close to the employee.” This dual focus creates a symbiotic relationship that creates opportunity for all involved.
Close to the customer
Through building relationship through solid and reliable crews and local owners invested in their communities, the foundation for staying close to the customer is laid. According to Hutchison, “U.S. Lawns crews work to master the language of the business and learn priorities, creating a custom service package like none other. We keep their timeline in mind. If they have a board of directors meeting once a week, we’ll make sure they have the reports they need to make them look good.”
Hutchison adds, “We want to get behind the eyes of the customer and think like their customer thinks. If I’m talking to a hotelier, I want to speak the language of a hotelier, not the language of a landscaper.”
Building a strong partnership with our customers and understanding their service needs and goals is a top priority for U.S. Lawns. We strive for 100% customer retention, and we know this cannot be done with out one of our greatest assets, our crews. There is a symbiotic relationship between a crew that feels valued and a customer that feels valued. This is woven into our brand DNA in addition to our mantra, and it sets us apart from our competitors.
Close to the employee
We believe the best way to develop long lasting relationships with customers begins with valuing and developing our employees, positioning them to provide the excellent customer service of which U.S. Lawns is known. Because of this, U.S. Lawns is dedicated to being an employer of choice in the communities we service.
As a national brand, U.S. Lawns can provide programs and perks that small business can’t. Hutchison says, “We can provide uniforms, safety programs, education and advancement opportunities so they can look forward to growing professionally- that’s not typical of local landscaping companies.”
Hutchison goes on to say, “Employees and their families are interconnected with the team; they are valued. They are treated with respect. By improving their lives, that then improves the community. They can make a good living with fair pay and fair benefits – usually above the industry standard. We respect each individual that’s working for us.”
Employees who feel valued and given opportunities for development perform better and are less likely to leave. Less turnover means you have employees who know your customers and are better able to partner with them to meet their service needs and goals. Empowered crews mean better results for your customers.