Stewardship Beyond The Call Of Duty

One of the greatest qualities all U.S. Lawns franchise owners share in common is a deep commitment to caring for our communities. It’s reflected in our daily actions and planned events throughout the year. But sometimes, it's the unexpected which really makes our dedication shine.

Today we’re proud to share one such story—that of Baton Rouge’s U.S. Lawns-Team 533 franchisee, Alex Carruth.

It all began on August 13, 2016, which marked the start of a four-day rain event resulting in devastating floods. As rivers overflowed their banks in southern Mississippi and Louisiana the record-breaking deluge continued. People quickly became dangerously stranded. As the deadly flood waters Rose at an alarming pace, emergency responders become overwhelmed, without the resources to handle all necessary evacuations.

Fortunately, the region is well-known for its large population of courageous hunters, fishermen and salt-of-the-earth people who genuinely care about the safety and welfare of their neighbors. Recognizing the need for assistance, these generous men and women organized a grassroots rescue effort affectionately known as the Cajun Navy.

Even though Alex had only been a part of the U.S. Lawns family for approximately one week, he didn't think twice about it. He immediately jumped into action along with many other locals, and turned his flat bottomed boat into a search and rescue vessel. He spent long hours working beside fellow citizen sailors and first responders to deliver supplies and help people and their pets escape to safety.

We Salute The Cajun Navy

Thanks to the selfless acts of Alex Carruth and so many others like him, the tragic loss has been far less than it would have otherwise been. We’d like to salute all who serve in the Cajun Navy. And here's a special shout out to you, Alex. You exemplify the values that make U.S. Lawns so great. We’re honored to have you as a member of our Network!

If your irrigation system has a leak, it's likely related to either valves, pipes, or joints. Valves can leak, or "weep", if there is a failure with the solenoid. Solenoids can fail due to age, if there is too much heat, or if they are compromised by debris. Damaged pipes or joints, on the other hand, are usually a result of invasive tree roots, freezing and thawing, a shovel or mower, or simply from wear and tear over time. There are a few visible warning signs of a leaky pipe or broken joint, including flooded turf or areas that are much greener than other areas. Sometimes, however, the leak is so far underground that the only way to detect the problem is to start digging. This can be disruptive to your guests' stay, be expensive to fix, and cause a mess while the problem is being addressed.

Read U.S. Lawns President Ken Hutcheson’s article, “How to Overcome Common Irrigation Challenges” in Hotel Executive. View full article

Read U.S. Lawns President Ken Hutcheson’s article, “How to Create a Comfortable Landscape Environment for Guests” in Hotel Executive. View full article

All successful companies know that rebranding involves more than creating a new logo, messaging, or an ad campaign. It requires a compelling story that can be understood by all. But while most companies focus their time and money on marketing and public relations initiatives, they often forget about another factor that can help them accomplish their goals — their employees.

Creating brand ambassadors from within your company will not only boost employee morale and get them excited about a re-brand, but it also works to engage clients and inform potential clients about the company’s new direction. In order to grow employee brand ambassadors, companies must take the necessary steps to prepare their employees, empower them, and plan future initiatives to keep the momentum going.

Read tour article published for: Young Upstarts (Voice of a New Generation).  View full article.

Read U.S. Lawns Vice President Mike Fitzpatrick’s article on Attachments, Power Sources, Stand-on Models Maximize Mower Versatility published by Facility Maintenance Decisions. View full article.

Read U.S. Lawns President Ken Hutcheson’s article, “Preparing Your Hotel Landscaping for Spring” in Hotel Executive. View full article

Ken Hutcheson, President of U.S. Lawns, participated in a live chat and provided 8 perfect answers to questions from LawnSite.com users. View full article.

Read our article on Utility Vehicles: Proper Inspections and Maintenance Help Deliver Performance published by Facility Maintenance Decisions. View full article.

Read our article published for: Young Upstarts (Voice of a New Generation).  View full article.

U.S. Lawns Franchisee Ronnie Christopher was featured in Lawn & Landscape’s Clean Slate article focused on Formulas for Success. “I strive to improve my life one percent each day,” he said. One of his business goals is to come up with 10 ideas per week for other business owners in his area. “I’m a believer that if you help others grow their businesses, you’ll grow your own.”  See pages 31 & 32.  Click here to view full article.