From Bo Tidwell... a nursery myth

Back in the day, when visiting another growing operation, you could always count on seeing a handful of particular items framed and hanging 0n the office walls:   a nursery license, photos of the wife and children, some older photos showing early stages of the nursery, and possibly a photo of Shug Jordan, Bear Bryant, Vince Dooley, Bobby Dodd, or Woody Hayes, depending on your collegiate affiliation.  But the one thing that you would see with about as much certainty as the nursery license and the family, was a framed quote that stated the following:   "If people only knew how much work,   how much sweat,   how much water,   how much fertilizer,   how much risk, &   how much know-how   went into the production of these plants,   they would gladly pay a fair price."   Just for the record, I beg to differ.  I did not agree with this thirty years ago and I most certainly do not agree with it now.  If there is anyone out there who ever did or does now believe this, it is time you wake up and smell the baloney!   I wish it could be that simple but the plain, cruel fact is that the market does not work this way.  And as we spiral more and more rapidly into the age of instant information (QR Codes) and price shopping on steroids (Bar Code Scanners), the real truth is that the retail customer could give a rat's behind who grew it, how hard you worked, how kind and generous you are to your employees, how many Little League teams you sponsored, or how much you gave at the blood drive last week.    The 2012 retail consumer is after only one thing and that is "bang for the buck" or put more simply: value.  And the key is that the consumer's view of value is not based on ANYTHING the grower did on his end, but rather on EVERYTHING the consumer perceives that he will get out of the deal.  This does not mean that you have to be the cheapest guy on the block, but for every dime that you are higher than your competition, there needs to be a clear justification for how this extra cost will benefit the buyer.  And what about loyalty?  That bus left the station a long time ago.      Light years ago in economic terms, H. L. Mencken was quoted as saying, "No one ever went broke by underestimating the intelligence of the American people."  That was then; this is now.  While this may hold true in some markets today, it certainly doesn't apply to the typical customer in the green industry.  Our end consumers today are smart, well informed, and particularly in this economy, brutally callous about where and how they spend their money.   And by the way, if you still want to continue to cling to the old myth, please contact me;  I don't have time to debate the subject but I do have a great deal for you on some beach front property in Arkansas.

The Secret to Supernatural Provision and Prosperity - Have Revelation will Travel

I don't do this often. I did a few years ago when God showed me what was about to happen in the economy. In February of 2009 I was shown clearly what was about to take place and how that would unfold. I shared the revelation in several places. Those that heard and heeded are today better off for it. It happened as I was shown. Now God has given me a Rhema word about what to do right now, in this economy, in this changing and challenging time. This is an equipping word. A preparing word. It's not a word of gloom and doom, but it is a word that will change your view of living in the fullness of God's supernatural provision. I don''t believe this can be shared in a book. It must be revealed supernaturally. The church is under oppression by a spirit of poverty that must be broken for the next season. IF your congregation, fellowship, meeting, group or organization needs financial breakthrough; among your people, this revelation will release that breakthrough. I am NOT charging for this. I appreciate any help on travel to do this of course. Freely given I will freely give. I am living this right now and believe it is a needed word that God gave me to pass along to those with ears to hear. Here is an outline of the revelation as it has been handed to me: God's purpose is always to provide for his people. It's his will. He loves to get Glory in doing it. God uses supernatural events to facilitate provision, supernatural events that look strange to the eyes of the flesh, but are provision in disguise. God hides access to this because it works every time. He expects us to get this by revelation. There are things you can DO to stop this supernatural activity in your life. Find those, stop doing them. Watch God pour himself out. There are things you can do to release the supernatural. You can't give to get. You can open doors that are otherwise closed without God's supernatural intervention. If you try to do this reluctantly or putting God to the test without faith it won't work. There is ONE essential element to releasing God's provision...just one...one most Christians will say they have, but don't. Absolute obedience to his purposes for YOU is the secret. The devil has perverted this to discourage people. Most are walking in less than enough because of it. Most people do NOT understand the realities of Malachi 3. It has been used wrongly and has impoverished people because of it. God's view of you and your provision is much larger than you can imagine. He WILL manifest himself in 30-60-100 fold increase, but you must be in a position to experience it. Most Christians are not. They have blocked the flow of multiplication. Keeping short accounts with God is a key. How do we do this? Once you begin to grasp the revelation of supernatural provision you will be willing and able to step out in confidence in the plan of God hidden in secret places. A disturbing truth is that most Christians, particularity Pentecostals and Baptists are poor. Many very poor. Well below the norm in earning. It is because we do not understand the principles of provision. We don't know how to tap in to what God has planned for us. We think we have the word of faith for prosperity but we are losing our jobs, houses, cars and income while we declare ourselves prosperous. What is worse, most pastors and senior leaders of churches do NOT understand this themselves. They live far below their economic potential. They live like paupers because the congregation they serve are paupers. The tithe on nothing is nothing. They are trapped and believe the lies about prosperity that have perpetuated the deep poverty they are in and by extension their people are in. IF you aren't paying your bills, and are preaching prosperity, I don't care how nice a car you have leased, or how good your clothes are...they are symptoms of your poverty. It's time for the Sham to Stop. It's NOT God's will. Father is saying it's time to get real about God's provision for his people. It's time to break the poverty cycle in the church. It's time to release the supernatural provision of God for his people. The Church of Jesus has been oppressed too long by a demon called the Spirit of Poverty. It's time for deliverance. When this revelation came a few months ago I didn't do much with it. I let it mature. Now I'm ready. If you want to hear this for yourself, I am willing to come share what God has shown me. It has changed my life. It will yours too. I'm ready to come and release the deliverance the Saints of God need. To see people manifest the supernatural provision of FATHER GOD. If you want me to come deliver this message, please respond via email to generedlin@att.net or if you see me on Facebook, in-box me. I am only going to share this for a few months...and then step back to watch those who get this revelation prosper. I suspect once enough people get this revelation it will spread on it's own. BUT you can't share it if you aren't living it. This isn't a theology or a teaching, it's a lifestyle and it can only be entered into by revelation. Set My People Free from the Demon Spirit of Poverty!

Optimism...maybe a fools folly

2010 turned out OK...not great. OK.

Nursery is driven by construction. There isn't much. So...

I did have a really bad event. I was doing business with Snowden Inc in Escanaba MI and he has not paid me in full for plant material he received for a job he did in Wausau WI.

He is pointing to the fact that the state of Wisconsin DOT is stringing him out to pay him. That's not my problem. I did business with HIM, not the state.

I mention this because a reader of this forum should know that this kind of thing happens, in particular on state jobs. Get your money up front.

I had no information on the terms and conditions of his deal with the state and wasn't interested because it wasn't my business. It has become one now. I will pursue all legal avenues to collect all money due.

I am irritated with policies like the DOT has where they have taken no stand in this. They don't seem to care that a sub to Snowden has been ripped off.

IF you are a contractor or a nurseryman be very wary of dealings with state agencies. Almost every one of them I have been involved in have been painful and in the end not profitable.

I had one with the sanitary district of Milwaukee. It cost me money.

But, for 2011 I have already planted 5000 plants, native, to sell this summer and fall.

If you want a list...I'll send one to you as an excel format.

A review of 2009 and a look forward to 2010 markets and production

It's the 15th of January.  Snow on the ground. Not much going on.  Staying warm and getting some odds and ends done.  It's been a while since I  posted to this blog.  Time to bring you up to date.  I'll do it by category.

 

2009...Started out pretty well.  Went quiet.  Some native plantings.  Some roadside contracts.  But very limited.  But enough to work out. Almost Zero commercial or residential construction to support. 

 

We did OK.  Bare Root worked out OK.  Fall sales were good, but all last minute work.

 

Now we are into a new year.

 

Everyone at the beginning of 2009 hoped that the year would turn out OK.  It did, kind of.  BUT.  Now flat is the new up in Nursery.  So just being equal with former years is growth. 

 

The hope that 2010 will be fabulous is limited. 

 

What we need to recognize is that no one is stocking anything.  Don't expect to sell semi loads of stuff into a market that needs nothing, can buy all they need for any amount they want and have no desire to take a risk.

 

The only real business is governmental.  Obama Money.

 

So, be careful.  There is no real growth anticipated.  But there is "good" news.  Fewer landscapers because of so many bankruptcies and fewer Nurseries because so many have given up, means that the pie is bigger with fewer slices.

 

If you can survive till 2015 you will be OK.  This is going to be a long process. 

Life Turns on a FEW Significant Insights (Wisdoms or Hinges)

I had always heard that big things turn on small hinges.  Today in a conversation with my best friend in all the world who has a new job I told him I would write on what I have learned from life regarding his situation in his new job:

 

From Loehle Gast, "Treat every person as if their heart were breaking because it probably is".  People carry baggage from relationship to relationship.  They have been shamed, pained or severely disappointed.  Until they come to grips with and put these behind them under the blood of Jesus they can never be all they hoped to become.  Life is about getting over our shames, pains and disappointments.

 

From Vance (I don't remember his first name anymore):

Never sanction an incompetent act.  Forgive but don't sanction.  There is a difference.  The  reason: things that are rewarded get done and are repeated.  IF you want to break a dog from jumping on you never pet it or scratch it's ears or even talk to it.  Ignore it and give it a knee in the chest.  It'll figure it out.  Same with people.  Never sanction incompetence.

 

Life's Lessons I have learned:  Struggles people have that others consider weaknesses may not be weaknesses at least to them.  They may just be struggles.  My struggle is not your struggle.  My struggle might look like weakness to you but is not to me.  Your struggle may look like weakness to me but is not to you.  Not all struggles are weaknesses.  In fact what I consider weakness in others sometimes they consider strengths.  I have a friend who's biggest weakness I see is tolerance and compassion.  He thinks they are strengths.  I see them as a lack of a spiritual compass.  I love this brother and I know he sees my passion and single vision a weakness.  I see them as strengths.  So, I have learned NOT to judge others for the weakness I see in them.

 

Be careful in selecting people you invest in, particularly in key positions.  Insecure people are bad team members.  Insecurity is most often demonstrated by talking too much, taking offense easily, being wounded quickly and never able to get past themselves and their self importance.  They just don't work well on a team.  I have been that person.  I work hard to not be.

 

There are Four Levels of Unteachability.  If a person just won't change or seems to resist being instructed there are usually 4 levels.  Each is more difficult than the last.  I find that when I chance upon one of these people and they keep pushing back I determine not to try to teach a pig to sing.  It wastes my time, makes me get down in the mud with the pig and it annoys the pig.

1. They don't recognize there is a problem and therefore don't know why they need to hear what is being said.

2. They don't actually understand the problem and therefore are incapable of being taught

3. Even if they could be taught or are apparently willing to be taught they are not capable of doing anything about the problem and know it, so they remain unteachable

4. They really can't do anything about the problem so to protect their ego they remain apparently unteachable.

WHEN YOU TAKE A NEW JOB

Most people when they come into a new job or even a new position in the company they are in need to be able to process thru until they become productive.  Sometimes to get to step 3 can take 5 years.  Some people never get past step 1 or 2.  There are 3 clear steps in growth when someone takes on a new job.

1.  Familiarity - This includes where's the Bathroom, who are the people, who are the key players, what are the politics of the organization, what are the dynamics, what is the history, why have there been successes and failures before.

2. Efficiency - This is the level at which a person becomes competent in what they do, they learn the procedures and system pretty well.  They need to think about it but they get good results.  They make it all happen.  Efficient in doing what they do according to procedure.

3. Creativity - This is the level, and it takes time to get here, where the ability to do what needs to be done flows out of a creative inner core.  In what ways can we do this better.  Creative discontent drives the person who is in this mode.  Every person should strive to become so competent until they reach this level.

 

Last, there are some truths only experience can teach.  If any person does these five things, they will always succeed:

1. Don't just work at your job, work to be really really good at something.  Not everything, something.

2. Be responsive to those who are above you in the company and do all you can to to EARN their trust.

3. Underpromise and Overdeliver.

4. Be an encourager and a team builder to everyone with whom you work.

5. Keep your word, never lie, let your yes be yes. 

 

I hope that helps, I didn't make any of this up, they have been hammered them out on the anvil of experience and instruction.

In the Cold but not out in the cold

I am supposed to be tagging trees.  I'm not getting it done.

 

It's too cold.

 

But, this is good.  Lots of snow on the ground.  Good insulation.  Plants do well in this kind of weather, even when it's below zero.

 

A New Day Looks Back on the Nursery Cycle

I wrote this a couple of years ago. I was going to change it, but I have discovered that people needed to hear what I said then and is still true now. The rest I have changed and updated. Read on:

We are fooled by market cycles. In agriculture there’s the Hog or Cattle cycle. Outrageous Optimism and then dire despair reigns in the hearts of men. In the nursery business it’s even more pronounced. Every 9 years like a clock it turns. The time of the turn has much to do with the time it takes to produce a mature tree. When times are bad, no one has money to plant trees, it seems like a waste, so in 4 or 5 years there is a shortage of trees. Then times get better and people plant lots of trees, partly to offset taxes they would otherwise have to pay and partly because they are optimistic. So in 4 or 5 years there’s a surplus and prices go down. So people plant fewer trees then there’s a shortage and so it goes. The only ones who avoid this are those who plant the same number every year, and harvest the same number every year. They neither win big nor lose big.

The other thing that drives this voluntary insanity is the nursery market lotto winner who planted Widget Flame Blaze Maples (fictitious name) and sold 100,000 of them to a hungry market at $250 each. So every optimistic plunger believes he will be the next big winner. Winning the lottery is easier than hitting this elusive jackpot.

The problem is, those who now have these huge inventories coming on are about to be hung with them unless they get creative right now, marketing now, making it happen now. The surplus wheel is turning and in a few more years will be tremendous. That’s good for me as a plant seller and bad for the grower who waits too long. I talked to growers who believe in the face of the inevitable they will be exempt. I have never known an economic cycle to exempt anyone. They are the King’s and Queens of D’nile.

These prices on many trees have more potential downward pressure than up. That’s not true of all plants. Environmental issues Matter. Dutch Elm Disease killed the Elm Market. The Emerald Ash borer quarantines have all but eliminated the shipment of ash across state lines. Oak wilt has put a crimp in Red Oak sales. Maples have been suspect because of verticillium wilt. Every tree that is taken off the tree planting palate means we must be more creative about what we do next.

Two years ago we started to know of the Ash issues. Many people held off responding. Now the situation is becoming dire. You will have to be kept pretty warm to use those high priced sticks for firewood. Timing and knowledge are everything.

This market doesn’t care what you have in those trees, how much you paid for the liners, how long you have had them in the ground, or how much you got for them last spring. It only cares about how it wants to pay you right now. I have observed this inexorable cycle for 20 years. Those much longer in the business tell me it has been going on forever. You can run but you can’t hide. The wheel turns.

UPS AND DOWNS

Those plants on the DOWN

There is a huge surplus of Autumn Blaze Maples on the market. Pears still are harder to sell. Crabs continue to be difficult. I have a friend who is selling any crab apple, number ones at any size dug and loaded for $50 each. I think that’s a smart sales move. They are surplus and weeping crabs in particular are hard to sell.

Some of the Norway Maples are soft.

On the UPSIDE

Elms, hybrid and other, White Oaks (Bur, Chinkapin, Swamp etc), Hackberry, Carpinus, London Plane Tree, Ostrya, and others. I have favorites but I see these things more on the list than not.

New Sources

In the last few years I have come across some really good sources for both native plant material and cultivar landscape materials. I would recommend you contact us when you are looking for the hard to find. We are making new contacts every day. Of course we invite new inquiry all the time.

Origins

I am asked all the time where certain plants are grown. Many times they are grown out of our climate zone. This causes some concern by some people. There is a proper botanical and physiological perspective on this. If it is genetically adapted to our region it will grow and prosper virtually no matter where it is grown. If an Autumn Blaze Maple is grown in Florida and is planted early enough to go to sleep in the fall in the same time frame as all the other trees (this usually means spring dug, shipped in and planted later) it will do as well as a tree grown in North Dakota, shipped in and planted here. It’s all in the genes. If the genetics are right it’ll grow here. If the genetics are wrong it won’t. That’s why even some Rhododendron’s that are grown here don’t do well. They grow in a good climate but genetically are wrong.

The reputation southern grown material has to do with fall planted material in a meristomatic state (not yet dormant) that is forced to go dormant faster than it normally would. You end up with damage. Of course, 25 degrees in August can kill a tree or set it back even if it’s fully native here. There are some trees which are genus and species supposedly hardy, but which are adapted to their geography but don’t do well in ours. A prime example is Acer rubrum. A southern native seedling Rubrum will perform poorly in a northern Illinois climate. But a Red Sunset doesn’t care. It’s selected from stock hardy in IL. And, it’s a clone no matter where it’s grown. It’s all in the genes. OK??

Native

This year we have targeted our own production to focus even more on native plants. A few contract growers for us in the Chicagoland area are conducting this. We are convinced that this market will continue to grow. In addition we are in communication with other native growers nationally and are finding additional producers of native product. This is a category that continues to expand. I have created a 100 variety xeric landscape planting in my own yard made up entirely of native plants. I challenge anyone to find it less attractive than any other landscape planting. The Byron Native Nursery button on the left is the Native Plant Production program and prices.

Specials

We always have specials. Deals, clearance nursery cleanups at nearly auction pricing; things need to be sold. Take a look at our specials button. We have some plants at prices that we know will work for you. If you want to be on our instant deals fax list let me know and you can access some short-term huge deals as they come up.

Legal and Technical Expertise

I am employed as a technical expert in horticulture by the legal community. In the last several years I have been called on to testify or arbitrate disputes regarding plant materials, valuation, plant health, plant salability, and plant quality . Mediation is my specialty. I offer my help in whatever way you desire. There is an hourly charge for this expertise but it’s worth what you pay for it. My BS degrees in both botany and horticulture from a university, post graduate work and decades of experience in horticulture both from a production and marketing standpoint make me uniquely qualified to help you settle those lawsuits that can torment you.

Nursery Planning

In view of all I have said what I am about to offer might be considered counter intuitive. In fact, when it comes to substantial returns on investment, when it comes to steady income, when it comes to a solid moneymaking opportunity it’s hard to beat the nursery business.

As a Business Opportunity there are few things you can do which offer a Quality of Life quotient much higher. Add to that the tax avoidance benefits of an agricultural enterprise and I challenge anyone to come up with a better way to make money and legally avoid tax burdens.

Of course its hard, it’s risky, it requires great knowledge, the knowledge is not readily available. But it is available from qualified people. And there are CD’s, books and DVD’s available to those who really want to know. Of course an experienced expert helps. I am one of those people. If you want to really know what could be done, the nursery business deserves a hard look. Don’t expect your future competitors to welcome you in with open arms. They won’t. If you want to explore the potential of growing your own in the nursery trade, Call me. I can help you.

Nursery Auction Alternative

Every year hundreds of nurseries have auction sales. The auctioneer sells the nursery stock for cents on the dollar and takes 15% of the gross sales as commission. The good news, in a nursery auction, it’s quick and painless. That counts only if you don’t care about money and want to get it settled right away. Your get your jolt, you get a check and it’s all over. You left thousands, perhaps millions on the table. But, you are out.

On the other hand, if money matters to you, let me offer an alternative.

I have a friend who’s nursery I helped liquidate in the last year. He did it right. In less than 18 months he sold a couple million dollars worth of nursery stock for 75% of market price. He still paid a commission to me to sell what I sold but he was far better off than he would have been with a liquidation auction. So if you are one of those who is now buried in nursery stock, call me, I am your auction alternative.

Contract Growing

I arrange contract-growing arrangements. We do it every year. Tell us what you will need in the future, we will find someone suited to grow you a quality plant. You pay a little up front for materials, they grow it and you pay the balance upon completion. Your net cost can be as much as a third less than it would be if a normal nursery grew it and you just needed the plants from their inventory. All it takes is foresight. Have the plants on hand when you need them.

I am blessed of God to find myself in a business I love so much. My wish for you, be Blessed Yourself.

Gene Redlin