1. Clean and seal decks. Ideally, you'll need three consecutive warm, sunny days. On day one, dry out the deck. Apply
deck cleaner and scrub the deck on the second day and let it dry 24 hours. On the third day, apply deck sealer.
2. Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean chimneys. Doing this task now instead of the fall allows plenty
of time for repairs before the next heating season. It's also easier to schedule a sweep.
3. Wash the exterior of your house, using ordinary garden hose pressure and a mild detergent. Beware of the pressure
washers; they are powerful enough to force water under the siding where it may encourage mildew and rot. Power
washing is a job for a pro.
4. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors. Caulking helps keep your house weather−tight and lowers heating
and cooling bills. It can also help keep insects and other "critters" out of your house. When you caulk before painting,
it eliminates edges where the paint may start to peel.
5. Clean lint from the entire clothes dryer vent system, from the dryer to the exterior vent cap. Because lint is
incredibly flammable it poses a fire risk. If a gas clothes dryer is not properly vented, it can force carbon monoxide
back into the home, and that can be deadly.
6. Check operation of attic fans and roof−mounted turbine vents. Attic fans run on little energy and can greatly reduce
summer cooling costs.
7. Clean Ice−Makers. Debris on or around the condenser coils prevents them from cooling, thereby making the
condenser work harder, wasting energy and shortening its life.
8. Burglarproof your House. Inspect the operation of automatic light timers and motion−detector systems, especially if
you're planning a vacation. Break−ins can be thwarted with security measures that prolong the burglar's time and
effort.
9. Repair cracks in concrete patios and driveways. For most cracks less than 1/4", apply concrete caulk; just clean the
crack out with a high−pressure hose nozzle, let it dry and then apply the caulk into the crack. For larger cracks,
substitute concrete patch for caulk.
10. Increase your pool maintenance. Pool parties and more frequent pool use make chlorine dissipate faster. That leads
to algae build up. Conditioners, frequent cleaning and lengthier filter runs are a must for summer
Steve Hoogenakker, Showcase Landscape, Delano Minnesota, Kirsten Hoogenakker, Teri Hoogenakker, Gerrit Hoogenakker, Paul Hoogenakker
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lawn/Landscape Minnesota
I can help, I've done acquisitions for lawn care/landscaping. If you want a BUSINESS VALUATION, below is a very real formula. If you want a REAL LIFE VALUATION, a lot of times it's two guys over coffee, going over customers and employees, then they agree on a percentage of revenue (20-100%) plus maybe buying out some equipment. Short Answer:I'd start out with a number of mows per client, so I'd offer to pay the previous owner the payments received for the first 2-3 mows. You can do it the week after you mow them, or if you wanna be a nice guy, you could pay them for 2-3 mows once they sign your contract. If that isn't good enough, below is very valuable information on larger business acquisitions:Answer that imparts wisdom for this and future transactions:A REAL VALUATION, which you should run at least once per year so you know what your business is worth goes like this:Technically, it's based on EBITDA, which is Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. If you would like to know more about that, just reply and I'll give you a better explanation that should be useful. It's basically a "cash flow" formlula. You take your profits, depreciation, interest expense, and any of your pay that is "excessive" to what you do. So, if you're running a crew and making $80,000, you could put $40,000 back towards cash flow because a new owner would have to hire on a new foreman to run that crew:Formula works like thisProfit $20,000Depreciation $30,000 Interest Expense $8,000Excessive Owners Income $40,000 Total: $98,000. Then you use a multiplier on this EBIT or EBITDA formula. Something like 2.5 to 3.5, so the business would be valued at $250,000 to $350,000. In this sort of equation, the value of the equipment is negotiated. IT can be rolled into the price, or the net value can be added, or the buyer may ask that the equipment be paid off from the $350,000 and be free and clear. The way to keep this clear is to think from the buyers view is:I'm going to buy a business for $300,000. I expect to earn $98,000 per year or get 33% for my money which is a lot better than Wall Street!Other factors, it's based on:1. Size of company. I would rather buy companies over $750,000 because there has to be some management or systems in place, but a business broker friend of mine says he finds many many more buyers of businesses of around $200,000-$400,000. We think it's because it's easier for another contractor to add that much service to his present line. 2. Type of billing. Since we're in the Lawn Maintenance forum, I'll assume that we're talking about mowing. "recurring billing" is what brings in a bigger amount. When you have solid monthly billing, this is something that buyers can count on more than one time landscape sales. Commercial usually worth more than Single Family Residential. 3. Spread out customer base. A Customer base that doesn't consist of 3 clients that make up half of the billing is going to scare some people away. A base with 50 clients with no one client making up more than 25% is pretty solid. This is also something that banks financing your company, or financing a sale4. Growth. Most buyers prefer some decent, but not excessive growth. A 10 year company growing 15% every year sounds pretty solid to me with probably a solid customer base. 5. Gross Profit margins. Anyway, if you have other questions, let me know, Best of Luck!Steve Hoogenakker
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The first annual Ole Open is being held by Nicole Buzzel on Saturday Feb
16th. Her dad owns a bar in Mora and will sponsor the event. She needs a
head count by Friday this week for people that are interested. T-shirts
are 25$ and sweat shirts are 45$. I believe there will be a bus to
shuttle people from the bar to the golf site. There is a hotel in close
area to the event.
Nicole's number #612-282-2807
Matt Drier
Project Manager
Village Green Landscapes
www.villagegreenlandscapes.com <http://www.villagegreenlandscapes.com/>
Office 651-645-1594
Fax 651-642-9865
Cell 612-369-0166
Steve Hoogenakker
Showcase Landscape
16th. Her dad owns a bar in Mora and will sponsor the event. She needs a
head count by Friday this week for people that are interested. T-shirts
are 25$ and sweat shirts are 45$. I believe there will be a bus to
shuttle people from the bar to the golf site. There is a hotel in close
area to the event.
Nicole's number #612-282-2807
Matt Drier
Project Manager
Village Green Landscapes
www.villagegreenlandscapes.com <http://www.villagegreenlandscapes.com/>
Office 651-645-1594
Fax 651-642-9865
Cell 612-369-0166
Steve Hoogenakker
Showcase Landscape
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Teri Hoogenakker wins Mother of the Year Award
Teri Hoogenakker, of Delano Minnesota, today was awarded the "Mother of the Year Award"
Voting was unusually heavy, and even more improbable, the voting was nearly unanimous, with 4 votes for Teri and 1 vote for Don Aluni. Even though Don Aluni isn't a mother, it is widely speculated that Duke voted for Don because of food bribery. The authorities will be called in to investigate this allegation.
Voting was unusually heavy, and even more improbable, the voting was nearly unanimous, with 4 votes for Teri and 1 vote for Don Aluni. Even though Don Aluni isn't a mother, it is widely speculated that Duke voted for Don because of food bribery. The authorities will be called in to investigate this allegation.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Quiz to See if Your Thoughts Sabotage Your Ability to be Happy
Could Your Thoughts Sabotage Your Happiness? Take this quiz and find out.
Women are conditioned to be people pleasers. Women are taught to be “nice” even if that’s means comprising their happiness, and often times that is exactly what happens. We have a tendency to do, and say things just so the other person’s feelings don’t get hurt. How many times have you wanted to say something, but thought, you can’t say that, they might think you’re too harsh, or unpleasant. Times have changed, and now women are accepting their authenticity with grace and happiness. How did they do it? They changed their internal thoughts to reprogram their conditioning. Are you still playing “old tapes” that are in your head?Take this quiz to find out if your thoughts are sabotaging your happiness.1. You are at a dinner party, and you accidentally spill red wine on your dress and on the carpet, do you:a. Feel like a fool and hide out in the bathroom.b. Immediately get club soda to soak up the stain.c. Apologize profusely saying you are such a klutz.2. You just lost a job promotion, do you:a. Feel frustrated! You are never going to get what you want, it seems like the whole world is against you.b. You feel nothing; you never expected to get it in the first place.c. Feel a little disappointed, but know something better will come your way soon.3. When you buy an expensive item do you:a. Feel awkward and selfish.b. Feel like you deserve it.c. Guilty, because you bought it to fill a void.4. When someone gives you a gift you hate, do you:a. Take it back, it’s no big deal.b. Keep it, just in case they came over and ask to see it.c. Call up a friend, and complain that you can’t believe they gave you such a horrible gift.5. When you make a mistake, does the voice inside your head say:a. I could have made a better choice, oh well, I will do better the next time.b. I can’t believe I am so stupid, I am so mad at myself for doing that.c. Again, I keep making the same mistake over and over.6. When a friend has overstepped your boundaries, do you:a. Get irate and really rip into them demanding that they never do that again.b. Simply call them on it, and explain that is not acceptable to you.c. Say nothing because you really don’t want to start an argument.7. When someone gives you a compliment, do you:a. Graciously say thank you, and feel good about yourself.b. Awkwardly say thanks, and change the subject.c. Say no, and talk about how that statement isn’t true.Results:1. a. Your thoughts are telling you that your sense of self is easily threatened, and you need to start working on your self-esteem. You run away from problems instead of dealing with them.b. You are a great problem solver, and your thoughts will assist you in getting what you want. c. Apologizing is a nice way to say that it was an accident, however profusely apologizing is an indication that you take on more responsible than necessary. Your thoughts are giving you more guilt than needed. 2. a. You must change your thought process now! When your thoughts are negative, and you feel like you don’t have a good support system your thoughts will create that. Keep your thoughts positive!b. Your thoughts are keeping you safe. However staying in a safe mode, and not taking risks will leave you in a rut. Start thinking about a little risk taking.c. Your thoughts are right on target. It’s normal to feel a little disappointed, and it is healthy to get ready for the next opportunity.3. a. Thoughts that make you feel like you don’t deserve will keep you in a guilty mode. Start changing those thoughts to deserving ones. b. You thoughts are saying that you deserve to have nice things. Appropriately staying in your budget, and rewarding yourself now and again is healthy, and keeps you control.c. There is good news and bad news. The bad news is that having thoughts of guilt, and filling yourself up because you “need” something can be very damaging and destructive. The good news is that you now know this and, you can start to do something about it immediately. Change your thoughts to those that bring you a sense of self-worth, and start to see how you can fulfill your needs in the appropriate manner.4. a. Doing what you feel, and acting appropriate is healthy and smart. Why make a mountain out of a mole hill? Take care of the issue, and move forward.b. Your thoughts are keeping you in fearful state of mind. What if they should come by and ask to see their gift? The what ifs in life are very limiting. Release fearful thoughts, and do what is best for you.c. Your thoughts are keeping you in a victim position. Complaining and gossiping are sure ways to remain unhappy, and you can be certain you will get more of the same…negativity. Break that cycle now!5. a. Knowing that you have made a mistake and not “beating” yourself up over it is great! We all make mistakes, and when we learn from them and intend to do better the next time we will actually get wiser and more experienced. Your thoughts are in the right place.b. If you thoughts are punishing you, you will have a hard time learning, and you won’t try something new again for fear of failure. Release those kinds of thoughts and start working on self-confidence.c. Your thoughts are keeping you from learning from past mistakes, and you can be sentenced to a very long time of unhappiness. Observe and learn, it makes life a lot easier.6. a. You have thoughts of rage and anger. This is not necessarily the best way to handle problems. You need to figure out why you are so angry and resolve those feelings. b. Thoughts that help you problem-solve and communicate in a calm and mature way is the best bet. You can save friendships, and enforce your boundaries that will assure you happiness, and you will gain the respect of others too.c. Your thoughts are keeping you from facing the real issue. You don’t like confrontation, and hope the problem just goes away. Unless you start thinking about problem solving methods, the problem won’t go away, it will only get bigger.7. a. Accepting a compliment graciously means your thoughts are giving you a balanced sense self-esteem, humility, and ego. Way to go!b. Your thoughts need a little improvement. Your thoughts are saying thank you which means you believe the compliment; however changing the subject is telling you that you are uncomfortable with the attention.c. You are a willing victim. Your thoughts are keeping you in a martyr state of mind. This is not a recipe for happiness. Change that pattern pronto!
About the Author Steve Hoogenakker provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. Visit: www.Landscape.Pro, or www.MrHomeLoan.com, you can email Steve at Steve@Landscape.Pro or Steve@MrHomeLoan.com. Steve Hoogenakker, Minnesota, Showacse Landscape, MHA, MNLA, CAI, CIC Midwest, Taylor Made Landscape. http://www.showcaselandscape.com, http://www.landscape.pro You may reprint or publish this article as long as Steve Hoogenakker and all contact information and links are included.
Women are conditioned to be people pleasers. Women are taught to be “nice” even if that’s means comprising their happiness, and often times that is exactly what happens. We have a tendency to do, and say things just so the other person’s feelings don’t get hurt. How many times have you wanted to say something, but thought, you can’t say that, they might think you’re too harsh, or unpleasant. Times have changed, and now women are accepting their authenticity with grace and happiness. How did they do it? They changed their internal thoughts to reprogram their conditioning. Are you still playing “old tapes” that are in your head?Take this quiz to find out if your thoughts are sabotaging your happiness.1. You are at a dinner party, and you accidentally spill red wine on your dress and on the carpet, do you:a. Feel like a fool and hide out in the bathroom.b. Immediately get club soda to soak up the stain.c. Apologize profusely saying you are such a klutz.2. You just lost a job promotion, do you:a. Feel frustrated! You are never going to get what you want, it seems like the whole world is against you.b. You feel nothing; you never expected to get it in the first place.c. Feel a little disappointed, but know something better will come your way soon.3. When you buy an expensive item do you:a. Feel awkward and selfish.b. Feel like you deserve it.c. Guilty, because you bought it to fill a void.4. When someone gives you a gift you hate, do you:a. Take it back, it’s no big deal.b. Keep it, just in case they came over and ask to see it.c. Call up a friend, and complain that you can’t believe they gave you such a horrible gift.5. When you make a mistake, does the voice inside your head say:a. I could have made a better choice, oh well, I will do better the next time.b. I can’t believe I am so stupid, I am so mad at myself for doing that.c. Again, I keep making the same mistake over and over.6. When a friend has overstepped your boundaries, do you:a. Get irate and really rip into them demanding that they never do that again.b. Simply call them on it, and explain that is not acceptable to you.c. Say nothing because you really don’t want to start an argument.7. When someone gives you a compliment, do you:a. Graciously say thank you, and feel good about yourself.b. Awkwardly say thanks, and change the subject.c. Say no, and talk about how that statement isn’t true.Results:1. a. Your thoughts are telling you that your sense of self is easily threatened, and you need to start working on your self-esteem. You run away from problems instead of dealing with them.b. You are a great problem solver, and your thoughts will assist you in getting what you want. c. Apologizing is a nice way to say that it was an accident, however profusely apologizing is an indication that you take on more responsible than necessary. Your thoughts are giving you more guilt than needed. 2. a. You must change your thought process now! When your thoughts are negative, and you feel like you don’t have a good support system your thoughts will create that. Keep your thoughts positive!b. Your thoughts are keeping you safe. However staying in a safe mode, and not taking risks will leave you in a rut. Start thinking about a little risk taking.c. Your thoughts are right on target. It’s normal to feel a little disappointed, and it is healthy to get ready for the next opportunity.3. a. Thoughts that make you feel like you don’t deserve will keep you in a guilty mode. Start changing those thoughts to deserving ones. b. You thoughts are saying that you deserve to have nice things. Appropriately staying in your budget, and rewarding yourself now and again is healthy, and keeps you control.c. There is good news and bad news. The bad news is that having thoughts of guilt, and filling yourself up because you “need” something can be very damaging and destructive. The good news is that you now know this and, you can start to do something about it immediately. Change your thoughts to those that bring you a sense of self-worth, and start to see how you can fulfill your needs in the appropriate manner.4. a. Doing what you feel, and acting appropriate is healthy and smart. Why make a mountain out of a mole hill? Take care of the issue, and move forward.b. Your thoughts are keeping you in fearful state of mind. What if they should come by and ask to see their gift? The what ifs in life are very limiting. Release fearful thoughts, and do what is best for you.c. Your thoughts are keeping you in a victim position. Complaining and gossiping are sure ways to remain unhappy, and you can be certain you will get more of the same…negativity. Break that cycle now!5. a. Knowing that you have made a mistake and not “beating” yourself up over it is great! We all make mistakes, and when we learn from them and intend to do better the next time we will actually get wiser and more experienced. Your thoughts are in the right place.b. If you thoughts are punishing you, you will have a hard time learning, and you won’t try something new again for fear of failure. Release those kinds of thoughts and start working on self-confidence.c. Your thoughts are keeping you from learning from past mistakes, and you can be sentenced to a very long time of unhappiness. Observe and learn, it makes life a lot easier.6. a. You have thoughts of rage and anger. This is not necessarily the best way to handle problems. You need to figure out why you are so angry and resolve those feelings. b. Thoughts that help you problem-solve and communicate in a calm and mature way is the best bet. You can save friendships, and enforce your boundaries that will assure you happiness, and you will gain the respect of others too.c. Your thoughts are keeping you from facing the real issue. You don’t like confrontation, and hope the problem just goes away. Unless you start thinking about problem solving methods, the problem won’t go away, it will only get bigger.7. a. Accepting a compliment graciously means your thoughts are giving you a balanced sense self-esteem, humility, and ego. Way to go!b. Your thoughts need a little improvement. Your thoughts are saying thank you which means you believe the compliment; however changing the subject is telling you that you are uncomfortable with the attention.c. You are a willing victim. Your thoughts are keeping you in a martyr state of mind. This is not a recipe for happiness. Change that pattern pronto!
About the Author Steve Hoogenakker provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services. Visit: www.Landscape.Pro, or www.MrHomeLoan.com, you can email Steve at Steve@Landscape.Pro or Steve@MrHomeLoan.com. Steve Hoogenakker, Minnesota, Showacse Landscape, MHA, MNLA, CAI, CIC Midwest, Taylor Made Landscape. http://www.showcaselandscape.com, http://www.landscape.pro You may reprint or publish this article as long as Steve Hoogenakker and all contact information and links are included.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
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