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Wordsmith-Educator-Idea Generator-Problem Solver-Collaborator
I’m a seasoned storyteller with 30 years of experience as an award-winning writer, journalist, editor, and creative thinker. I've crafted compelling content on countless topics and interviewed fascinating people from all walks of life, but I found my true north in empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses.
I enjoy collaborating with others to develop content solutions for their projects, products, services, and publications. I can unlock your voice to better connect with your audience by composing, editing, and improving content that resonates, builds trust, and drives results. I author engaging articles and social media posts that get noticed. And most importantly, I respect deadlines, so you’ll get exceptional content delivered on time,
Here are some examples of my most recent work, as well as a link to my resume.
Wordsmith-Educator-Idea Generator-Problem Solver-Collaborator
Despite recent success, Prides Corner Farms remains optimistically cautious about spring 2025, with a focus on customer relationships, sustainable practices and innovative plant offerings.
In preparation for spring 2025, Flowerwood Nursery navigates challenges like economic uncertainty, weather and labor with innovation and customer service to ensure a successful season.
Zinc deficiency in almond production creates numerous concerns for growers.
In 2023, I was approached by Chicago-based Global Commodity Distribution Inc. (GCD) to assist in creating engaging content for its website and to develop and manage its social media message and presence across its LinkedIn and Facebook feeds.
Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the snow and ice management industry. Learn how AI can optimize routes, predict weather, improve customer service, and increase profitability for your snow and ice business.
Snow and ice management professionals identify some key financial health trends.
Regular inspection, cleaning and calibration are essential for lawn care professionals to optimize spray equipment efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns and downtime.
Central Ohio's Dutch Mill Greenhouse has enjoyed economic success in recent years. CEO Bob Berbee plans to ride that wave in 2025.
Despite economic fluctuations, Ohio-based Green Legacy has established a customer base, expanded its operations and retained an optimistic outlook for its future.
Your region's ample freshwater supply has historically simplified irrigation for commercial and residential properties.
Trees may seem solid and stoic, but they need some TLC heading into dormancy for the winter season. Tree care pros offer some tips and care suggestions to consider as part of your end-of-summer tree care routine.
Happy clients are your best advertisement, generating repeat business, while easy-to-install systems save time and strengthen a project.
The economic fortunes of growers and landscape contractors are closely intertwined. So, why are they often miles apart?
While zero-turn mowers reign supreme for sprawling landscapes, experts share three key reasons why walk-behind mowers deserve a permanent spot on your landscape maintenance trailer.
Here's what professional landscape contractors need to know about identifying and managing spotted lanternfly.
The path home to Midwest Groundcovers was never a straight line for Christa Orum-Keller. However, once there, her passion for native, sustainable planting and interpersonal collaboration would drive the company and influence the industry in new directions.
We've rounded up some of the best hedge trimmers, along with advice on how to find the right gas or electric trimmer for you.
With demand for workers at an all-time high, green industry businesses may consider formerly incarcerated laborers seeking an opportunity for personal and professional redemption.
Check out our Black and Decker Hedge Trimmer review where we give you the 4-1-1 on this lightweight, powerful and affordable tool.
Mike Zawacki Landscape contractors offer Christmas light installation as an add-on service to existing and new customers primarily to fill in the gaps during their off-season. Here are some things to consider when adding holiday lighting to your operational portfolio. The margins are relatively thin the first season contractors provide lighting services to clients.
Three high-tech tools address turf management challenges and could be game changers for your golf course.
Gotham Greens' Viraj Puri and Jenn Frymark share the grower's formula for successful, calculated expansion.
There’s always some type of renovation going on at Castle Pines GC. Superintendent Trevor Meints shares what’s new and his keys to getting the course into championship condition.
He may be Canyon Meadows’ new turf guy, but Chris Nelson is no stranger to the golf course heading into this summer's Shaw Charity Classic.
Highland Springs CC’s Jonathan Prange shares his keys to preparing the course for this year’s Price Cutter Charity Championship.
Warmer winters have accelerated play at Metedeconk National GC. Superintendent Andrew Mallick discusses the unique challenges this presents and his strategies to ensure he and his crew are ready for mid-August's prestigious Magnit Championship.
Korn Ferry Tour's mid-July The Ascendant takes center stage at TPC Colorado, a course offering more than breathtaking Rocky Mountain vistas. Superintendent Kevin Malloy shares the secrets behind the native grasses that frame the championship course.
Simply put, valves in an irrigation system are like the beefy doormen outside a posh nightclub.
Mike Zawacki There's an adage that tools are only as good as their users. Landscape contractors could go one step further by adding that tools are only effective if you can get them to the job site. This is why an emerging landscape operation must determine whether a flatbed or an enclosed trailer is the best choice for their operation.
Mike Zawacki Whether due to local mandates or an effort to offer clients more sustainable services, landscape pros are integrating more battery-powered equipment into their operations. As a result, it's critical to employ a thought-out charging strategy to support these endeavors adequately. Here are some essential do's and don'ts to consider when establishing your charging solutions.
The best snow removal equipment makes tackling mountains of snow and covered driveways an easy and efficient task-even when you're snowed in.
Heavy snow accumulation and ice damming along your roof can damage your home. The best snow rake can clear accumulation before damage occurs.
How combination products can make your lawn care strategy more efficient Experts share how these products can reduce costs and enhance client satisfaction ...
Is it time to cut the cord on your irrigation system? Industry experts explain why wireless technology innovations can address irrigation shortcomings and ...
Why communication with customers is key to ornamental success Landscape experts offer proven strategies to make intelligent ornamental choices while satisfying ...
Costa Farms' North Carolina operation relies on beneficial organisms for its IPM program, resulting in more sustainable growing practices. Here are the keys to launching a similar program at your facility.
Make your irrigation crews more effective with these tips for keeping irrigation vehicles in proper order.
Windmill Nursery's transition to regenerative agriculture demonstrates the critical role of leadership and culture in driving growth and success.
Consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services has skyrocketed in recent years. If you're starting to meet this demand, organic lawn care professionals offer some insights for managing client expectations with alternative programs. Today's consumers are accustomed to instant gratification, but converting from conventional to organic lawn care takes time and patience.
Widespread periods of no rain and water restrictions are no longer limited to the Sun Belt. Many communities face drought conditions and are regulating water use to preserve local aquifers. Therefore, it's critical landscape and irrigation contractors assist clients in adhering to these mandates, which may differ from market to market.
As landscape pros abandon gas-powered mowers and handheld equipment for battery-powered alternatives, perhaps it's time to consider plugging your maintenance operation into this trend.
Nearly every landscape or lawn care professional seeks ways to improve their services, reduce callbacks, improve client communications and manage their operation more efficiently. Here are some ways scheduling software makes it possible to be more effective, more productive and more profitable.
Fledgling landscape companies often deploy a patchwork of online software solutions to manage their daily operations. This is understandable, especially when operating on tight budgets and tighter margins. However, as businesses grow, it's critical to integrate professional-grade software platforms, especially for fleet management, because the tangible benefits outweigh the costs.
The right software platform can streamline operations, boost productivity, grow the customer base and strengthen client relationships.
The bond that drew Mark and Jolly Krautmann together proved the right combination for success, innovation and environmental stewardship for their nursery, Heritage Seedlings.
Backyard pools provide residential clients with ambiance, entertainment and exercise opportunities, and they potentially increase property values. For the landscape contractor, pool installation is an attractive addition to a company's design/build capabilities. It can heighten a business's professional profile, expand service offerings and meet market demand.
If heavy equipment is in your sights, consider the advantages of owning and renting.
Achieve more success with an organic lawn care program by tempering client expectations from the outset.
Robotic and artificial intelligence technology influences nearly every industry and job function. How is the landscape industry adapting? Insiders share why you should stay with or ahead of the technology curve.
Pressure regulation has established itself as one of the most direct ways to manage water use in an irrigation system.
Simple rain and freeze sensors prevent residential and commercial irrigation systems from running when weather and climate conditions deem irrigation unnecessary. Early versions of the sensors, still in use, are hardwired between the sensor and the controller.
Among outdoor enthusiasts, the term "everyday carry" refers to the valuable and essential items these individuals require on their persons every day. An outdoor enthusiast, for example, may have a compass, a flint and steel, a reliable map, a good wristwatch and a pouch of granola.
A preventative approach is the best approach when selling a green, healthy, grub-free lawn.
The adage "use the right tool for the job" never gets old. Whether installing a new system or troubleshooting a service call, essential tools are linked to a lighting contractor's success.
Learn to leverage Wi-Fi irrigation technology for more opportunities and a robust bottom line.
Pool projects require a team of collaborative contractors. Learn how to get into this profitable business at Equip Expo 2022.
The economy may have you struggling to stay afloat, but there is no need to drown in red ink. Three keys to surviving inflationary business conditions you can employ today.
Providing useful information to the professional snow and ice management industry to improve business operations and boost profitability.
Nursery and landscape professionals have an inherent interest in the environment and all things green. But what if there was a way to focus this interest into a program that not only strengthened your sustainability efforts, but also grew your operation, addressed business and labor challenges, and strengthened your company's bottom line?
Despite lingering uncertainty due to COVID-19 and a lagging global economy, last year was a record year for M&A activity. On a global level, 2021 saw more than $5 trillion in global M&A volume, according to some estimates, which surpassed prior records.
In the snow and ice management industry, the average contractor starts out small tending local gas stations, pharmacies and the occasional church parking lot. But if they stick with it long enough and enjoy success, contractors being to set their sights on more ambitious properties such as HOAs, retail centers and modest business complexes.
There's a monster roaming the equipment yard, and it may be a heavy-metal creature snow and ice management contractors shouldn't fear. Case has uncaged the Minotaur DL55 compact dozer loader, a first of its kind hybrid of a bulldozer and compact loader the heavy-equipment manufacturer says is equipped with 21 patents and field tested for more than 10,000 hours.
The commercial and residential snow and ice removal industry is made up of more than 40,000 contractors, nearly three-quarters of whom work in the lawn and landscape market during the warmer months.