To thrive in the wood waste recycling and composting industry, contractors need to make smart, informed decisions to keep their operations running efficiently. Nimble operations are the name of the game when selling bulk mulch and compost. To make that happen, successful companies do research and vet dealers, as well as manufacturers before adding new equipment. As part of the process, they seek out advice on ways they can continue to improve and grow their companies.
For many recycling and composting companies, sometimes the best person for advice are the individuals calling on them about their equipment needs.
Serving the industry
Some manufacturers that serve the recycling and composting industries, like Vermeer®, recognize that their role extends beyond just building and selling equipment. Instead, they invest in educating the specialists that serve at the dealer level so that the whole industry can grow together.
“Our dealers throughout North America and around the globe understand their contribution to the growing recycling and composting segments is more than selling equipment — it’s about being a resource for companies,” explained Steve Heap, vice president of commercialization for Vermeer. “Vermeer recycling and forestry specialists serve a much broader role than selling equipment. They are part of a group employed by the local dealer, but also work closely with customers and the team at Vermeer. Through the work they do in the field, regular training at the Vermeer headquarters in Pella, Iowa and a vast network of peers, these individuals are constantly learning about industry best practices, which helps them be an excellent resource for contractors.”
From a tree care company in California and a wood waste recycler in Illinois, to composting facilities like MW Horticulture Recycling Facility Inc. in Fort Myers, Florida, consulting with a Vermeer recycling and forestry specialist has helped many contractors grow their business.
Eliminate fees
When Jesse Montoya started Your Way Tree Service in Los Angeles, California in 2008, he went door-to-door drumming up tree care work. Today, he’s grown his business to 48 employees and a fleet of equipment that includes a Vermeer TG5000 tub grinder.
According to Montoya, as his business grew so did the amount of money he was paying in dumping fees. “I was paying $30,000 a month,” he explained, “One day I was expressing my situation to a couple of specialists with Vermeer RDO, and they helped me come up with a way to turn an expense into a profit.”
The recycling and forestry specialists with Vermeer RDO helped Montoya determine the right machine to operate at his facility and recommended which type and size of material would sell the best in his area. “They set us up and helped dial in everything from the right teeth, hammers and screens. With their help, I’ve been able to expand my clientele.”
Tom Ruegemer, Vermeer recycling and forestry specialist with Vermeer RDO, said he feels like it is his job as a specialist to help contractors grow their operations and be a resource along the way. “When recommending equipment, I work with customers to make sure they get the right machine for their needs today and for the future.”
Like family
US Composting Council member, Denise Houghtaling, and her family-owned business, MW Horticulture Recycling Facility Inc., is another hard-working organization focused on growth. After Hurricane Irma swept across southern Florida, the recycling and composting business saw a significant uptick in the amount of waste material they were taking in, which led to adding another Vermeer tub grinder to their operation.
According to Houghtaling, having the quality equipment and support has been important as her team processd all of the material brought in after the storm. “Before getting into this business, we didn’t know much about the different manufacturers that produced machinery for the composting industry, but through the support of local equipment dealer representatives, we learned quickly,” she explained. “The team at Vermeer Southeast has helped us learn this business and hone our processes. They have also provided service when we need it and are available around the clock — they operate the same way we do.”
That point was further affirmed after Houghtaling took a trip to Pella, Iowa, to see the Vermeer manufacturing facilities and meet the Vermeer family. Houghtaling was inspired by how much her family and theirs have in common. “Quality is important to them; they don’t take shortcuts. We don’t either because that’s what it takes to be successful and to feel good about the products we produce.”
Support after the sale
Service support is one of the values that the team at Homer Industries in Lockport, Illinois said they receive from their local recycling and forestry specialist with Vermeer Midwest. “When the business started, it was a constant struggle to keep up with demand, so we didn’t have room for downtime,” explained Todd Hahn, COO of Homer Industries. “Vermeer Midwest’s Aurora location is just 20 minutes from our facility, and I really could, at times, get a mechanic from there to the yard quicker than I could get one of our guys. So, service has been over-the-top.”
Understanding their role
According to Vermeer Texas-Louisiana recycling and forestry specialist, Ryan Andry, his top priority is to help contractors be successful. “My role is to help a contractor maximize their productivity, which means advising them on everything from the machinery in their operations to suggesting more efficient methods of doing certain tasks. I’m communicating with other specialists on a regular basis and am in constant contact with the team at Vermeer. It’s that level of networking that I think is important to my customers. For me, it’s not just about selling machines; it’s about bringing value.”
In an industry where profits are so dependent on operating at peak efficiency, having an extended network of reliable partners can have a significant impact on growth. Vermeer and its dealers are committed to investing in training knowledgeable people, so they can be a resource to the industry and business owners working hard every day.
To learn more about how a Vermeer recycling and forestry specialist can assist you and your business, visit vermeer.com or contact your local dealer.
This article contains third-party observations, advice or experiences that do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vermeer Corporation, its affiliates or its dealers. Testimonials and/or endorsements by contractors in specific circumstances may not be representative of normal circumstances experienced by all customers.
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