9th GEM Horticultural Business Seminar

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. – Renowned horticultural business consultant Frank Crandall will host the 9th two-day intensive GEM (Growth, Effectiveness, Management) Horticultural Business Seminar on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, from 8am to 5pm at the Kettle Pond Visitor’s Center in Charlestown, RI (snow date Friday, Jan. 20).

Crandall, a Rhode Island Certified Horticulturist, Arborist and NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional, will share methods and techniques he mastered during 38 years of experience running an award-winning landscape firm with $3 million in sales and 30 employees at its peak.

“This comprehensive two-day seminar will provide techniques, forms, and resources to help landscapers improve their business management skills, to become more focused, organized, and profitable,” said Crandall.

Over two days, the seminar will cover the following topics: Estimating, Job Costing, Overhead Calculation, Company Finances (budgets, cash flow, and financial statements), Sales Techniques, Employees (attracting, hiring, retaining, firing, and evaluating), Management Tips, Marketing, Importance of a Handbook, Business Insurance, Contracts and Legal Agreements, Getting Small Business Loans and Accounting Mistakes to Avoid.

The text for the seminar is Crandall’s newly published book, “The Essential Horticultural Business Handbook,” which each participant will receive. Daily lunches are also included.

The seminar is approved for 4 NOFA Organic Land Care Program re-accreditation credits for accredited professionals. The cost is $395 per person; $375 early bird registration (by Jan. 3, 2012); $375 each for two or more employees from the same company. Checks should be made payable to Frank Crandall, GEM and mailed to: PO Box 451, Wakefield, RI 02880.

For more information or to register, contact Frank Crandall at FrankCrandall3@gmail.com or (401) 742-7619.