IN TURNING GREEN INTO GOLD

“We’re a conservation-minded company,” said Mike Simon, owner of Landscape Care Company in Madison, Wisc. “The bottom line is that my generation is a product of the ‘60s. At Landscape Care, we’re green oriented in everything we do.”

Together with his wife, Simon has found that green business is big business. The pair has succeeded by promoting the company’s commitment to the environment— including marketing their use of environmentally responsable outdoor power equipment.

“When our outdoor power equipment dealer switched to the STIHL brand, so did we,” said Simon. “Now, our equipment is more ergonomic, efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Environmentally Responsible Equipment
Prior to making the change, Simon’s crews were restricted in the times they could service some properties. One of its largest clients, a university medical clinic, allowed work only outside of normal business hours or on weekends due to highly sensitive emission sensors onsite. And, the crew could not work in many other areas of the city until after 8 a.m. due to noise ordinances.

Because of the reduced noise levels from their new STIHL BR 500 leaf blowers and noticeable reduction in exhaust emissions from their low-emission STIHL equipment, Simon’s team is now able to be more productive and eco-friendly on the job site.

“The response from our clients has been overwhelming,” Simon said. “Plus, our crews have noticed the benefits as well—they don’t have to shout over loud engines or use hand signals to get each other’s attention. And, the equipment is even more powerful than traditional units, so we work more effectively.”

Looking to the Future
With crews that run equipment up to 55 hours a week, Simon is always on the lookout for products that help them work more comfortably and efficiently. Likewise, many consumers are seeking professional quality products with high performance features.

“It doesn’t cost much to recycle, care for the environment or use green equipment,” Simon said. “At the end of the day, we’re just following our conscience. And there’s no doubt that’s the right thing to do.”

Thanks to their commitment to the environment and a line-up of low-emission STIHL equipment, Landscape Care Company is turning “green” into gold—enjoying double-digit revenue growth that comes from building strong customer relationships and employing ecologically friendly business practices.

STIHL BR 500 FACTS

Features include:

• Lower vibration
• Increased power and torque
• More pleasant engine sounds – the STIHL BR 500 backpack blower is a low-noise model rated at 65 dB(A), measured per ANSI B 175.2 standards.
• Reduced emissions
• Environmentally responsible – low-emission STIHL engines are some of the cleanest running engines in their respective classes (Class IV engines between 20 and 50 cc, and Class V engines greater than 50 cc) according to data posted on the EPA Web site for October 2008. (For more information on EPA emissions testing, visit www.epa.gov/ttn/emc.)