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Greetings!
The summer months can be hectic and stressful for managers in our industry. Here are a few tips to help you manage for less stress and more success.
- Feeling overwhelmed by many small questions and requests from your crews? Remind them of the difference between important and urgent items and those that can wait until a weekly meeting. Use a weekly meeting to recap issues that can wait.
- Frazzled by too many estimates to complete? Do more up front to separate "tire kickers" from real buyers. Say "no" where appropriate.
- Feeling a need to always be the "fixer"? If you're a manager, resist the urge to get "hands on" all of the time. Require team members to take leadership to come up with solutions and fix problems. Good question to ask: "what do you think should be done?" Andrew Carnegie said "No man will be a great leader if he insists on doing it all himself".
- Finding the details get lost as crews rush to finish jobs? Job sites will be cleaner, fewer tools will be lost and paperwork will be done on-time if you create checklists for those repetitive tasks. Everyone should be doing it the right way, right?
Remember we are here to help you reduce the hassles of the busy season. We're committed to your success. Please let us know how we can help YOU.
The REAMS Team |
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July is Hunter Month at REAMS
 Download Hunter's new Smart Irrigation Month Survival Guide to learn how you can profit from selling smart upgrades to your customers. A knowledgeable contractor using Hunter's industry-leading products is the key to an efficient and sustainable system that will save water. The full details are here. Buy a Bag of 10 MP Rotator Nozzles, Get $10.00 Off
 The Hunter MP Rotator is a low precipitation rotary sprinkler the size of a standard spray nozzle.
It is a new water conservation tool for professionals looking to improve the performance of a new or existing irrigation system.
The MP Rotator uses multiple-trajectory rotating streams to provide unmatched uniformity.
The low application rate virtually eliminates runoff by applying water at a rate that can be absorbed by the soil.
To save water, to solve problems and to do a better job of irrigating, turn to the MP Rotator. Nozzle discount ends July 31, 2015
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Handy Products Make Irrigation Service Profitable
 Routine maintenance is part of keeping an automobile in good working order. Changing the oil, wiper blades and brake pads ensures top performance and prolongs the useful life of the vehicle.
Irrigation systems also have components that wear out over time. With the large number of irrigation systems installed in the last 25 years, the irrigation maintenance, repair and overhaul business is expected to grow at twice the rate of installations in the next 5 years.
Smart contractors are increasing focus on the fast-growing service side of the business. These companies can benefit by learning more about the unique products, tools and technology available that can equip an efficient, effective field service team.
We offer a number of handy and affordable products from The Source, Inc. that are particularly helpful in the diagnosis, maintenance and repair of older irrigation systems.  "Universal" Replacement Solenoids Many original manufacturer valve solenoids will have a useful life of less than 7 years, while the overall system is expected to last for over 30 years. Therefore, solenoids are commonly replaced several times over the life of the system. With a wide variety of brands, types and styles of valves already in the ground, it's almost impossible for a contractor to carry an exact fit for every situation. The Source, Inc. offers a universal solenoid kit that adapts to many older brands of valves. Every service truck should carry with one of these kits so technicians can complete repairs to oddball valves without needing to special order parts.  Electric Valve Repair / Rebuild Kits Internal operating parts within irrigation valves wear out with regular on/off operation. With larger-size plastic or brass valves, it always makes sense to rebuild or repair the existing valve rather than replacing it entirely. With a rebuild, there's less disruption to the system and less chance for damage to or contamination of other components. For over 30 years, The Source, Inc. has packaged the well-accepted R Co. comprehensive repair kits that enable the technical to replace all wear-related parts during a rebuild (diaphragm, spring, o-rings). These handy kits are clearly labeled by brand and size so there's no guessing on which parts to buy or replace.  Electrical Diagnostic Tools Many companies are adding new technicians to keep up with customer demand for irrigation service. New technicians appreciate the convenience of jobsite diagnostic tools that point them directly to the problem component. The Source, Inc. offers handy devices especially for irrigation troubleshooting that make it simple to check system components (controller, valve, wiring) with simple pass/fail indicators. These products include the Checkmate III and Checker Jr. In addition, the handy Chatterbox is the most economical tool available to locate unmarked/buried valves. Tap into the growing market in profitable irrigation service with smart solutions that help technicians be more productive and successful in diagnosing and completing repairs. Stock your truck with these important problem-solvers for upcoming jobs.
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New Integrated LED Fixtures from Vista
Industry-first 50 watt equivalent in a handsome, streamlined fixture
 The 3100 Series Up & Accent Fixtures from Vista Lighting are ready to install with factory fitted integrated high density array (HDA) LEDs.
This new line is configured with high-precision optics, integral drivers, and is constructed of die cast aluminum.
These LEDs will be able to deliver comparable light levels in the 20W, 35W and 50W halogen range (400 to 800 lumens) with wattages ranging from 4.5W to 13W.
The 3100 Series are dimming-compatible using the Vista vPRO electronic transformer and most magnetic transformers.
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Quality Tools from the Leader: Corona
 Insist on quality tools that keep your crew productive. REAMS is proud to stock the full range of Corona tools in our stores.
Corona tools were born in the orange groves of California in the 1920s. Since then, generations of gardeners, landscapers, and arborists have turned to Corona for high-quality, premium pruning tools that work as hard as they do.
With decades of tool design and innovation, Corona tools are the preferred choice for skilled professionals.
REAMS offers the complete Corona range. Stop by to learn more.
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Retrofit Traditional Sprays with Rotary Nozzles
 Retrofitting your customers existing spray heads with rotary nozzles can save up to 6,600 gallons per nozzle over a five-year period. Link to study.
Rotary nozzles are an ideal solution for sites where uniform coverage and healthy turf are desired.
Their multi-trajectory, rotating streams apply water more slowly and uniformly than conventional sprays. Independent water audits now document water savings of 20% or more when conventional spray nozzles are replaced with rotary nozzles. Additional water-saving advantages include better wind resistance and less misting. Because water is applied more slowly, there is less chance for run-off in tight soils.
To achieve efficient watering with rotary nozzles, you must:
- Convert all spray nozzles on the zone
- Not mix rotary nozzles with other application types
- Adjust watering run times and cycles at the controller
Offer your customers the option of rotary nozzle conversions. They'll appreciate a greener, healthier lawn with water savings. You'll appreciate the added easy boost to your bottom line.
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When Should You Raise Prices? Here Are 5 Drivers
 Many professional contractors focus on submitting the lowest price among a growing list of competitors. While this is a pricing method, it's not really a strategy. A strategic approach takes into account market conditions and the advantages your company offers.
Here are 5 reasons when raising your price makes sense:
Tough customers. Working for an unpleasant owner, a general contractor who is slow pay or other special "tough buyer"? Charge more. It makes sense to bid higher or charge more with the accounts that make it difficult. If they leave, your competitor gets the grief. If they stay and pay the up-charge, you're rewarded for the extra effort. More importantly, raising price can lead to conversations about how they can make your life easier in order to keep the prior price.
Your excellent reputation. The best contractors always charge the most. You don't need to be the low bidder when you consistently deliver good results. If you have Lexus quality and service, you don't need Yugo pricing.
Your capacity. Why take work at low prices if you're already booked? Ask for down payments against full-price contracts for customers to reserve their place in the queue. With the market coming back, customers who had put off necessary projects are coming back into your market. And many of your competitors can't handle the workload.
You're the expert. If you have unique specialties or knowledge not available elsewhere, market them and charge extra for them. The services and expertise you offer that are not available from others are worth premium pricing. For example, if you're the only drainage contractor with a diagnostic camera, charge extra for the camera service.
Risk. Anytime there are unknowns on a project: soil conditions, unusual job locations, geographic distances, and specialized products, be sure to add a factor to your pricing. The riskiest projects are often the most profitable if you build it into the pricing structure from the start. Developing a reputation for handling the tough ones like central control, pumping systems, large diameter pipe, etc. is a sure path to future jobs and referrals.
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While You're There: Add a Rain Sensor
Here's a quick upgrade that can be added to any irrigation system to gain substantial water savings without a large expense: a wireless rain sensor. We stock the Irritrol sensor because it offers several benefits that set it apart from other wireless units:
- Constant communication between transmitter & receiver assures that even after a controller power outage, the controller is continually updated with the sensor's "wet" or "dry" status
- Versatile mounting options requires no special tools - Quick-Clip gutter bracket and 1/2" conduit adapter included
- Signal strength indicator ensures correct installation, communication link and signal integrity. No guessing if it will work.
Learn more about Irritrol wireless rain sensors.
This month, receive $40.00 off when you purchase 3 Irritrol Wireless Rain Sensors
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