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The Entrepreneurial Agenda by Robb Mandelbaum
March 20, 2008
Turning Threats Into Opportunities and a New Direction
Posted at 12:04 PM
Has your company done a S.W.O.T. analysis? That's a Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats checklist of internal and external factors affecting your business -- what you're good at and not so good at organizationally, where there are opportunities to grow, what threats might keep you from growing. An accurate and evolving S.W.O.T. analysis is a vital tool for any organization to use to influence strategy, focus, and the deployment of resources. If leveraged properly, a S.W.O.T. analysis can create a competitive advantage for you and your business in the marketplace.
Case in point: for a while now, we have recognized water restrictions as a threat to selling water features. But it wasn't until last year that we seriously focused on this element of our S.W.O.T. analysis. Seeing how severely water restrictions affected our customers in the Southeast, we knew it was high time to turn this threat into an opportunity. I'm excited to finally reveal (see When Not Hitting Your Numbers is a Good Thing) our much speculated on, new venture. In 2008, Aquascape is debuting our Rainwater Harvesting system, which is designed to turn a threat (water restrictions) into an opportunity (capture your own water on-site and reuse it). Never have we put more thought and planning into the roll-out of a new product. That's because unlike other Aquascape products and programs, Rainwater Harvesting launches us -- and our customers who choose to adapt their business model -- into a whole new and exciting aspect of our industry.
Two weeks ago, my president, T.D. Decker, and I, along with Ed Beaulieu (in his new role as C.S.O., that's Chief Sustainability Officer), and a select group of CACs (Certified Aquascape Contractors) installed a Rainwater Harvesting system for Disney World's Gardens of the Future exhibit at Epcot. Wow is all I can say! This is the sixth year we have built a display for Disney and the buzz this one has already generated far exceeds any previous exhibits. Disney -- and for that matter the world in general -- is thinking Green. Aquascape has always been a proponent of helping the environment; we build ecosystem water features, after all. When we began designing our headquarters, called Aqualand, in 2003, Green buildings were just becoming vogue. Today, we hope our launch into Rainwater Harvesting will inspire many not only to think about how precious fresh water is but also to create practical options that people can use at home to improve the environment. And by doing just that, we've turned a threat into an opportunity for our organization and the customers we serve.
The Pond Guy, T.D. Decker, Ed Beaulieu, and a select group of Certified Aquascape Contractors introduce the Aquascape Rain Water Harvesting system to the world at Disney's Epcot Center.
But taking an opportunity and actually generating income from it takes work. And the best way to do that for any organization is to align your company's strengths behind your efforts. Aquascape's strength is in its training and education. We're also good at creating simple solutions to complex problems, packaging them, and creating the right marketing to fuel demand.
For 2008 we have a week-by-week timeline to do just that with Rainwater Harvesting. If you couple the leveraging of our strengths with the blocking and tackling of business -- such as trademarked product names and patent-pending applications for the technology we've developed --- you put in place the final pieces of the puzzle of turning a threat into an opportunity.
Now more than ever, if you're trying to succeed in a challenging economy you need to understand your organization's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Only then will you be able to maximize your efforts for the betterment of yourself, your customers, and maybe even the environment in the process.
Finally! Suspected it from the beginning even with the speculations on swimming ponds. Aquascape led the charge with professional water features in the early '90s and if you can do that same thing for Rainwater Harvesting in 2008 your company will definitely ride the "green" wave. Brilliant to launch with Disney! Exciting and opportunity are the first things that pop into my mind after reading this post. Sign me up Pond Guy, I'm eager to learn more. This couldn't come at a more appropriate time for me, my business, Aquascape and the environment. Awesome!
Greg,
It may be possible that you were not the first one to come up with this idea:
The history of rainwater harvesting in Asia can be traced back to about the 9th or 10th Century and the small-scale collection of rainwater from roofs and simple brush dam constructions in the rural areas of South and South-east Asia. Rainwater collection from the eaves of roofs or via simple gutters into traditional jars and pots has been traced back almost 2 000 years in Thailand (Prempridi and Chatuthasry, 1982). Rainwater harvesting has long been used in the Loess Plateau regions of China. More recently, however, about 40 000 well storage tanks, in a variety of different forms, were constructed between 1970 and 1974 using a technology which stores rainwater and stormwater runoff in ponds of various sizes. A thin layer of red clay is generally laid on the bottom of the ponds to minimize seepage losses. Trees, planted at the edges of the ponds, help to minimize evaporative losses from the ponds (UNEP, 1982).
Disadvantages of rainwater harvesting technologies are mainly due to the limited supply and uncertainty of rainfall. Adoption of this technology requires a *bottom up* approach rather than the more usual *top down* approach employed in other water resources development projects. This may make rainwater harvesting less attractive to some governmental agencies tasked with providing water supplies in developing countries, but the mobilization of local government and NGO resources can serve the same basic role in the development of rainwater-based schemes as water resources development agencies in the larger, more traditional public water supply schemes.
The feasibility of rainwater harvesting in a particular locality is highly dependent upon the amount and intensity of rainfall. Other variables, such as catchment area and type of catchment surface, usually can be adjusted according to household needs. As rainfall is usually unevenly distributed throughout the year, rainwater collection methods can serve as only supplementary sources of household water. The viability of rainwater harvesting systems is also a function of: the quantity and quality of water available from other sources; household size and per capita water requirements; and budget available. The decision maker has to balance the total cost of the project against the available budget, including the economic benefit of conserving water supplied from other sources. Likewise, the cost of physical and environmental degradation associated with the development of available alternative sources should also be calculated and added to the economic analysis.
References:
Gould, J.E. 1992. Rainwater Catchment Systems for Household Water Supply, Environmental Sanitation Reviews, No. 32, ENSIC, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.
Gould, J.E. and H.J. McPherson 1987. Bacteriological Quality of Rainwater in Roof and Groundwater Catchment Systems in Botswana, Water International, 12:135-138.
Nissen-Petersen, E. (1982). Rain Catchment and Water Supply in Rural Africa: A Manual. Hodder and Stoughton, Ltd., London.
Pacey, A. and A. Cullis 1989. Rainwater Harvesting: The Collection of Rainfall and Runoff in Rural Areas, WBC Print Ltd., London.
Schiller, E.J. and B. G. Latham 1987. A Comparison of Commonly Used Hydrologic Design Methods for Rainwater Collectors, Water Resources Development, 3.
UNEP [United Nations Environment Programme] 1982. Rain and Storm water Harvesting in Rural Areas, Tycooly International Publishing Ltd., Dublin.
Wall, B.H. and R.L. McCown 1989. Designing Roof Catchment Water Supply Systems Using Water Budgeting Methods, Water Resources Development, 5:11-18.
The post above quoted some good sources of information regarding rainwater harvesting.
The major problem in the Southeast regions of the United States in the past summer has been caused by the lack of precipitation period! Lake Lanier, just north of Atlanta reached record low levels that threatened the water source for the Atlanta area in general.
Here is more info on a large scale collection of rainwater.....no rain,,,no water!
About Lake Sidney Lanier
Nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Sidney Lanier is named after the 19th century poet, Sidney Clopton Lanier, whose admiration for the area's beauty inspired him to write his famous "Song of the Chattahoochee."
Lake Lanier is impounded by the Buford Dam and extends up the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers. It encompasses 38,000 surface acres and 690 miles of shoreline.
Lake Lanier touches seven Georgia counties: Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Gwinnett, Lumpkin and White. The confluence of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers and many creeks and streams provides a continuous flow of fresh water for the lake. As part of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint waterway system, this fresh water then becomes a source of drinking water for millions of Georgians.
The resulting problem would not have been solved by individual homeowners or businesses trying to "catch" rainwater. There was basically none. That was the problem!
Good luck getting real business answers from this blog.
Greg and TD have too much of a God complex to answer to the peasants' managerial questions and I don't really think they have the solid answers that real businessmen who come across this blog are awaiting.
Doug Duval,
As an employee of Aquascsape, can you explain what happened to your entry on this blog (pertaining to the last topic Greg had before today) recently?
Why did it get deleted along with an earlier post that you claimed was written by you in a weekly report(you even stated the month and year you wrote it) that regarded the amount of time left for training in a year? Is this blog now edited?
Ps: Many people that post her gripe that everyone does not post their identity. Well, that also holds true for people like Doug who posted without any identity even though he works for the company?
The picture taken at the Disney pond does not appear to be to revolutionary. It is not too complicated to direct the gutter into a pond. How will this idea help you reach your goal of $100 million in sales? How will contractors be able to charge good money for this to homeowners? My mom could figure out how to do this.
My name is Loren Feldman, and I moderate this blog for Inc.com. In response to the commenter who asked about the post that was deleted, I deleted it. It should be obvious from this blog that we are very reluctant to interfere in the conversation on our blogs, but that particular post contained unauthorized quotes from internal Aquascape documents. That crossed the line.
Could your mom figure out how to get a patent on it though?
Loren,
I appreciate your reply. The post contained a direct report from a current employee who quickly confirmed the date and time of those comments in his own posting.
I do not see any twisting of facts that would result in the entry being edited out. What are your guidlines on when you decide to interfere or not? Is it a phone call from Greg?
My mom does not need to get a patent on a barell, bucket, tub, piece of EPDM liner, or any other object that can hold water. She can figure out how to direct water from the gutter of her house without Aquascapes direction.
Somehow, less inteligent people, than aquascape employees, have figure out this revolutionary idea more that a few hundred years ago?
Have another cup of the kool-aid! Then get your check book out and sign up to learn more from Greg and company.
Loren, thanks for stepping up and removing the post, it was an internal doccument and should have never posted in the first place.
This blog is never going to be without contraversy and everything Greg post will always be scrutinized as for validity. There are some people who are just not satisfied with anothers success (just as in this blog)
To make such judgement regarding the photo of the RWH "SYSTEM" we installed at Disney, it would be more beneficial had they been there to see the "SYSTEM" constructed, and the finished product. Do you really think Aquascape will not turn this into a lucrative business ?
This is just the begining for Aquascape expanding it's role to offer their customers alternative solutions to everyday water feature techniques.
Loren,
Was Doug Duval's post deleted because he provided incorrect information? Or was it because, as a current emloyee, he did not have "the guts as many other posters claim is wrong" to sign his name or identify himself on this blog?
Motel,
How much will you charge a homeowner to direct the downspout to the pond?
If this is such a lucrative idea now, why has it not been so lucrative for the past several hundred years of mankind? Did the amount of available water on the Earth change just recently? Did the Global ecosystem stop working recently? Or does it only work if you install some Aquascape patented product? I suggest you take a trip to Asia or China as mentioned above and get out of the South to expand your ideas.
It all brings back long memories of the economy status of the US, since January when sales were up 40% for Aquascapes, and now Greg is pulling in the "defensive football quotes". What has happened since then to adjust a large companies status in such a growing field of landscaping as documente 500 times by INC.?
"Case in point: for a while now, we have recognized water restrictions as a threat to selling water features. But it wasn't until last year that we seriously focused on this element of our S.W.O.T. analysis."
If your SWOT analysis idea is so good, why did your or your managers not listen to it until sales were lower than the prior year. Water restrictions in different geographic areas of the USA occur each year and are not a new problem for all landscape related businesses. Try Google for: Denver and water restrictions....Water restrictions are not a new problem!
Rain Water Harvesting is a great new idea...I will call my gutter company now!
Motel,
Here is your statement:
"This blog is never going to be without contraversy and everything Greg post will always be scrutinized as for validity. There are some people who are just not satisfied with anothers success (just as in this blog)"
Motel, here is my assesment:
Valid points are now being deleted by Inc. staff even after they are confirmed to be valid by current employees of Greg. Please confirm this by calling Greg or Doug Duval.
Take a spelling class in LA.
Directing gutters into a pond is not revolutionizing anything. Expand upon your thought, that if I had been there, I would have seen how directing a downspout into a pond would be different than what is shown in the picture above?
I would like to learn more about this "system".
Greg:
Great way of demonstrating how a SWOT analysis can come full circle. From seeing it first hand, it's amazing how well your team reacts to change and gets things done. It's apparent the Aquascape team's development and training is never ending.
What's amazing is how they will do anything to get that paycheck, that's OK too, everyone has to work and take care of the family regardless of their real feelings. The ones that love what their doing at AI are silent as they know better, shut up, yes sir and bring home the small pay checks. The ones that know better will eventually see their spirit as being hidden away in their triumph and will walk regardless of the paycheck, money is one thing, souls are hard to buy or sell. Good luck Greg and Co., you're going to need it. Why not just promote this to the irrigation industy? Why did you have to embarrass yourself and the Epcot center with this? Fla get's rain all the time, please do fill the readership in on the filtration and the long term purpose for those that do this and have no rain for several weeks with evaporation. Will your CAC's be running around their towns with water trucks to fill in the unsightly holes they left for their clients?
Sure rainwater has been harvested for thousands of years!
But who ever marketed the process while enhancing the environment and creating the potential for revenue streams that benefit the pond builder, the distributor, the manufacturer, and the economy overall????
Geez, you guys! Get a clue! (and maybe getting a life might help, as well?)
Aquascape is BRILLIANT!
[This IS a blog about Business, right?]
So Scott, Business in the subject right? What's this blog about? Retention ponds renamed in peoples back yards and you think this is good?
fyi for those of you who want to know what a CSO is (Chief Sustainability Officer) check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_sustainability_officer
It sounds like some of you have done your homework, rainwater capture has been around a long, long time and it was successful for those that did it.
The system that we installed at Epcot has been a big hit with the show executives, as you may or may not know they're into educating visitors and the capture of rainwater has a lot more to do with the environment than just having a free source of water. Florida normally does get an abundance of rain but it can also have times of drought, with their poruous soils and intense sun plants can dry out more quickly than in more northern areas. The underground rivers and aquifers in Florida are in severe jeopardy not necessarily from a lack of water but from pollutants that are gettting into the ground water because of the increased storm flows.
For those of you that said it was simple and that it doesn't look like much, that's the point so I'll say, Thank You because we don't want to see how it works. Everything is hidden underground, we have a system of prefilters and piping to route the water to the storage basin which is modular in design so it can be created to meet the demands of the site. Once captured the water is recirculated through another filter to remove pollutants and oxygenate the water.
Our system can be designed to capture enough water to last through long periods of drought but the cost associated to capture, filter and store that amount of water can get high.
Most consumers will probably not install a system of that scale so supplemental water will be required during times of drought. Think of a hybrid car, they don't just run on stored electricity they need supplemental gasoline but the net effect is positive.
Must have missed the post where Greg claimed to have invented rainwater harvesting---otherwise good post, #2 poster. Useful information on this blog is such a welcome respite from the usual infantile prattle.
And Ed, just what do you mean coming on this blog and disturbing our Jerry Springer Show with actual FACTS regarding environmental rainwater harvesting in Florida? It's so much more fun to just kick back and listen to all the fat redneck women on this stage screech hysterically and claw at the eyes of the the man they say "done 'em wrong".
These responses aren't about rainwater harvesting. They're about stale urine collection & recycling.
Greg:
As publisher of a national trade magazine for the landscape and irrigation industry, our March issue features a story on harvesting rainwater. Bloggers are welcome to visit our site, www.igin.com, and read the article
Retention ponds have been around for quite a while in many parts of the country. Your company is taking the lead of being on the cutting edge of what the future holds for us. More importantly is that your company is offering a solution to water conservation.
There was a time, 60 some odd years ago, when the population of this country was 150 million strong. We had all the water we needed and then some. As our population grew (we're now over 310 million), we're still drawing from the same sources of supply, there are no new supply sources. As more people take water from the same source, it is only a matter of time until we will have to limit our usage.
Water for drinking and agriculture will be our first priority. Water for thirsty plants will take a back seat. Yet every property owner would like some sort of greenery and trees on their property, and for a myriad of reasons, one being that green grass and trees help generate oxygen and cleanse the atmosphere.
With this in mind, regardless of how little rainfall we get, if we can recycle this water and use it to water our landscape, we will be using less potable water...thereby conserving water. And every little bit will help.
So keep up the good work you're doing and continue to be a visionary. It will make a better place for us to live. And if you make a profit along the way, all the better, because then you have an opportunity to employ other people.
Sure you're in business, and hopefully it will be profitable. Isn't that what all businessmen want? Someone once told me, "It's one thing to love what you're doing, but it's no crime to make a profit."
Denne,
Does Aquascape pay for advertising in your magazine or on your website?
Here is a short quot from your blog entry above:
"So keep up the good work you're doing and continue to be a visionary."
I did look at your website and it is very informative. I noticed many quotes from Greg in prior articles, but none regarding this "new idea" on how to harvest rainwater that you recently published. Your article talkes about other companies who have been doing this for quite a while and I thought I would share that benificial info to help other businesses. I do not work for or have any vested interest in any of the following companies. I just find it funny that this is a new Visionary idea that was discovered by Greg and his SWAT team! Good luck to the contractors and retailers that buy in to this idea! I hope you all profit from your investment.
www.darcoinc.com Good source of info and diagrams on collecting water for different uses.
www.hydro-environmental.com from Georgia has been doing rainwater collection for quite some time now and even has calculators online to figure storage needs. Those could be very helpful tools for Certified Pond Installers to charge customers to collect rain. Please call and ask for Daniel Brenner for more details.
www.bushmantanks.com They are an Australian company that has produced a wide variety of underground rainwater storage tanks for over 18 years. They also now have a plant in the US.
To the B slapper:
Please use the resources above regarding companies who have been involved in doing the same visionary idea for many years now. I wonder how Greg and his SWAT team came up with this idea? Facts are Facts and this Visionary Idea has been thought of long ago.
Drink up!
If you are so concerned about your environment and you live in a region that does not naturally have sod and lush gardens, perhaps that would be a good indicator of what people should be trying to create and maintain in the first place.
To Ed:
You are a very nice and knowledgable person.
I do agree with you that most people will not have the funds to support an elaborate underground water storing and filtering system.
The fact that supplemental water will still be needed during drought periods kind of defeats the purpose for ordinary people who can not afford a giant storage and filtering system. Those times of drought are when many municipalities issue restrictions on water usage.
So your comarision to a hybrid car is a little different than if you town says you are prohibited from any outside water use period. There is no supplemental water source!
Your comparision woud be true if Sugar Grove said you could not buy gas today! Your hybrid car will still get you around for a few errands.
Have to hand it to you Greg - you just refuse to let the naysayers win.
But I guess in order to show respect for a person and a company that has helped you in life & business you have to be either drinking the kool aid or a suck up - or is it that I'm just smart enough to know to hang with the winning team?
Look forward to learning more about the new intiatives @ AI
Premium hit the nail on the head! Aquascape has allowed me to learn a new profession and meet new friends. For that I will be forever grateful. And for the competitor or whoever you are whos trying to spin what Ed Belieu wrote your motives are obvious. I choose to do business with Aquascape because they have always been innovators who teach everyone. If you choose not to follow their lead thats your loss. Now if you would only get lost from this Blog!
Whats all the drama about? Is the debate over a corporations launch of a new product or the validity of that product? Isnt that what business is all about? Seems like some want to kill the messenger. Why? Let the market decide but seems like the market has already decided which is why Greg has a Blog in the first place. No? Yes? what am I missing here?
I think your still missing my point, rainwater harvesting is just a name, what we're doing has been done in different capacities at different times throughout history. Capturing rain for irrigation is a small part of where the value lies and every little bit makes a difference and if your familiar with watershed dynamics and the scale of it all you'd understand what I'm talking about. Urban runoff is the #1 cause of coastal pollution and we're all to blame.
One rainwater system doesn't do much but 100's or 1,000's will make a difference in not only water usage but it will help alleviate the eutrophication of our water bodies. Speaking of water restrictions created and enforced by various state and local agencies it is our intent to work with them to find the best overall solutions for water resources, some of our water districts are being faced with billion dollar upgrades that can be minimized with the installation of our systems. As I said earlier irrigation is a small part, if any of you have a pond or natural waterfeature you'll know what I'm talking about, natural waterfeatures help ptotect the biodiversity of a given community. In times of drought small backyard waterfeatures act as an oasis for wildlife that will perish without freshwater and for the numbers people out there it has been estimated that biodiversity has a value of over $33 Trillion dollars. This is the combined value of what nature does for free every single day. Economists cannot even calculate the effects of a biological crash, the writing is on the wall how long do you feel we should wait before we look for a solution?
For those people that cannot afford a large system it's irrelevant because they're at least trying to make a differnce and the capture and reuse of 5 gallons is better than none. The very act of just capturing the water for the right reasons speaks volumes that's because they realize the importance of the act.
Hi Ed, I am looking forward to implementing this as am alternative to the concrete seepage pits we currently install. All new construction (& in some towns even additions to existing homes) requires that all roof runoff be captured and retained on site. I think that this may be a great alternative, especially in the higher end price range homes, since it seems that a ornamental aspect can be added as well. I have also been attending courses/seminars about rain gardens to learn more on this subject. While the idea of rain water havesting may not be new I suspect that the sytem that you helped implement will have some added value for the end consumer. I look forward to your upcoming seminars on this.
Speculation regarding consumer demand for your system may become irrelevant. The state of Pennsylvania has made it mandatory to capture all rainwater on site for new construction.As you reference this is in an effort to reduce the influx into overburdened public works.Price point too might become less of an issue when the only way you can get a building permit is to have a plan for controlling surface runoff.
Thank you Ed for your input. The people on this Blog are so content to rip Greg to shreds that they cannot focus on the real issue. I hope that they continue to focus on this Blog while Aquascapes forges ahead into the future. Rain water harvesting is the future. Aquascapes has always led the way and they are doing it again. Watch while the competition scrambles to come up with its own rain water harvesting system. I have watched them do it time and time again and this will be no acception.
Thanks for the positive feedback. It's great to hear the news about Pennsylvania, they're helping us all by forging into new territories and this will set a precedence for other states to follow.
Yo Ed your da man! The difference between Aquascape and "the others" is the people. Isnt it always boil down to the people anywhere. Brian
(redhead) and Jeff Peyton managers are passionate as anyone in this field. People critise Greg but he just laughs. CSO thats perfect fit for you man. This is getting lots of buzz to on CAC listserve. Ed if your behind this it will succeed. Greg knows how to make products sell. Its the people like you that make us all succeed.
Ed you are just a great person period. If there were more of you running around, the world would be a better place to live in.
Keep your dream alive!
The picture seen above is very basic, the magic lies beneath.
Every 'Little Bit' helps, friends.
We started expanding habitat - one back yard at a time.
Now we're capturing the rainwater - one back yard at a time.
Thanks, Ed! (Great to hear from you here!)
Keep it rolling! We are with you!
How cool...save the world and make a living doing it!
I love this country! I love capitalism!
Happy Easter, folks!
He is risen!
I’ll start with my disclaimer, we have installed ADI systems for the last 8 years for our clients. I love the constant improvement they are committed to in their products. Following this blog is both reason for concern and enlightenment.
Those who are being negative in a non constructive way would be told by any performance psychologist they are doing this in an attempt to make themselves feel better by demeaning someone else. Mother Theresa had a great approach to life other than her obvious commitment to humanity. During an interview they asked her why she did not participate in anti war rallies. Her response was, I believe you accomplish more by being for something than against something. If you have a peace rally let me know.
People should be for being healthy not against being fat, they should be for success not against being poor.
With that said, what makes America great is the opportunity our form of government affords us. So if you do not agree with Greg (or insert any boss’s or company name here) either speak up in person and if you still do not agree with how things are run, this is America, go start your own business and be your own boss. You are not doing yourself or your employer any good by doing something you do not like. Life is short, you could be dead tomorrow, so you had better enjoy today.
Any successful company must make changes along the way. If not you will go the way of eight track manufacturers (for those under 50 that was a way we listened to music back in the day) or typewriters or well you get the picture. Overnight your product could become obsolete.
Do people make mistakes, sure everyday. One of my mentors who answered to Jack Welch as a president of one of his companies taught us as long as the mistake does not kill you, consider it another credit in the school of hard knocks.
Buying from our current distributor has improved his sales because instead of just selling us Nightscaping Lights he now sells us ponds. We get great fairly local service and we know our rep much better.
And yes, companies miss sales goals now and then. The challenge with our current economy is that we Americans our consumers, not savers. We want it bigger, better and now. If we would all purchase homes we could afford, have at least a one years emergency fund for both our business and our personal budgets, life is easy. The same mentor I mentioned before, along with my father-in-law have taught us cash is indeed king. We are small, but we are debt free and have a cushion (not a line of credit or home equity) but the green stuff. If we don’t work for 3 months or 6 months we can still live and go on vacations...we would rather be working, but we will be alright.
And that has a lot to do with being debt free as well as selecting customers carefully. we have never done bid work in 20 years, because we cannot provide quality for our customers and a fair profit for us if we are low bidder....numbers don’t lie.
So my hope is the naysayers move on, let Greg talk about his journey and we may all learn something along the way. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fact that you can do that!
Gardenhaus!
Thank you.
VERY WELL SAID GARDENHAUS!
Gardenhaus: Way to be. To all the nay Sayers, go and get a life! If this stuff is so easy where is your multi-million dollar company and your inc.com blog? It is interesting how you continue to say all this negative stuff. Do you think this bothers Greg? I work for Aquascape, and do you think it bothers us as a company?
Absolutely NOT. IT feeds our motivation for success; the very same success that has positioned us as the leaders in our industry and that has made you jealous.
See I look at it this way. If Aquascape is so horrible and we are so stupid with our initiatives and ideas, then why are you negative people so intrigued with our business to the point where you are posting comments on the company's blog 5 times a day?
That is the beauty of this. Success is the hardest thing to accomplish in life. Winning is the hardest and losing is the easiest and you losers have proven that by your obvious envy of what is going here. So swing back like you always do with your anonymous posts while we sit back and smile while we are working towards one common goal of success and you will continue to fail at your goal of trying to bring us down. The only thing you will succeed at is continuing on the path of self destruction. Hide behind your computer and keep harping on the same facts you have since the day the blog has been online. Find a new argument!
Rajan
Gardenhaus: Way to be. To all the nay Sayers, go and get a life! If this stuff is so easy where is your multi-million dollar company and your inc.com blog? It is interesting how you continue to say all this negative stuff. Do you think this bothers Greg? I work for Aquascape, and do you think it bothers us as a company?
Absolutely NOT. IT feeds our motivation for success; the very same success that has positioned us as the leaders in our industry and that has made you jealous.
See I look at it this way. If Aquascape is so horrible and we are so stupid with our initiatives and ideas, then why are you negative people so intrigued with our business to the point where you are posting comments on the company's blog 5 times a day?
That is the beauty of this. Success is the hardest thing to accomplish in life. Winning is the hardest and losing is the easiest and you losers have proven that by your obvious envy of what is going here. So swing back like you always do with your anonymous posts while we sit back and smile while we are working towards one common goal of success and you will continue to fail at your goal of trying to bring us down. The only thing you will succeed at is continuing on the path of self destruction. Hide behind your computer and keep harping on the same facts you have since the day the blog has been online. Find a new argument!
Fifteen more people were let go from Aquascape today. Let's keep this in perspective. Times are tough and there are real people losing their jobs. Get off your soap boxes and start thinking about those people.
Rajan,
Were you one of the 14 people that were let go from Aquascape today? Just wondering if you would be singing the same tune if they stabbed you in the back too.
That was worth saying twice Mr. Patel.
There are excellent reasons why scavengers are carrion eaters instead of hunters; they have neither the speed, power, intelligence, or the endurance necessary to subdue live prey themselves, so they skulk around feeding off the efforts of successful hunters---as has been clearly evidenced here.
Perhaps these internet jackals have slunk quietly away seeking a rotten, putrid carcass which is much more well-suited to their liking and feeding abilities?
Oops! My bad...spoke too soon apparently.
The HSV-2 outbreaks are reoccurring after an altogether too brief period of dormancy.
Did I stumble upon an Animal Planet blog? I'm confused.
Perhaps this is Animal Planet...the 800 pound gorilla seems to be heading towards euthanization.
Why is it considered stabbing someone in the back if they are let go? This is so immature. People are let go from Jobs all of the time. If I was let today or anyother day, I would move with my life and not be caught with the company I USED to work for.
It is always upsetting when we lose a teammates and I know the pain they feel is tough, yet in the REAL world people lost their jobs and people find new jobs.
Corporate layoffs are at an all time high for EVERY corporation. Companies like Apple, Yahoo, Google, MSN, Microsoft to name a few have all had layoffs in the thousands in the past few months. It is an unfortunate time for our nation with the way the economy is so do not come on here saying that Aquascape is stabbing people in the back or is the huge monster because we are having to lay people off. We are not the only corporation doing so.
My husband and I were both let go from Aquascape today. Aquascape has been in our family for the past 8 years. I had hoped my husband would retire from Aquascape, but today, that possibility has been taken away. He is absolutely lost and crushed at the idea of not returning. Out of habit, he began to tell me what shipments were coming in tomorrow and I gently had to remind him that it was no longer a concern. Amazingly, he is not angry with Greg, he is just so shocked and hurt.
It is so hard not to take this personally when we feel like we are saying good-bye to our family, but it is not personal. Like Rajan said, this is a company, and the company needs to do whatever it can to stay a float in such grueling times.
I will say that Greg is the best boss I have ever had. He expects a lot, but at the same time, he shows you what you are made of. Greg believes in me and because of the opportunity I was given, I have more confidence in myself and I know what I am capable of. If I can sit in Kathy's desk for a few days and assist "The Pond Guy", I know I could assist anyone.
For those that think I am writing this for brownie points, I am sorry you feel that way. I am moving on with the same love in my heart for a company that I was able to watch grow and expand. It is only natural to hit this bump, the ride can't last forever, but Aquascape will bounce right back.
Thank you Greg and Carla!
Gina
Gina and Jamie,
Good luck to the both of you. I will miss you. Thanks for writing the truth,
Ashley
Territory Service
"Perhaps this is Animal Planet...the 800 pound gorilla seems to be heading towards euthanization."
Isn't that just what the competition wants and hopes for, since that is the only way that they will be able to stop playing follow the leader. But then how would you, the competition know what products to mimic and market?
Lets see bashing Greg @ every chance you get hasn't stopped him, Bashing the CAC program hasn't stopped Aquascape Inc & the CAC program from the industry recognition that is deserved, bashing new concepts and uses of products hasn't taken wind out of the sails, putting the company down for trimming back employees in a tight market hasn't worked. So whats next, will you be offering Voodoo dolls of Greg and his supporters in hopes of stopping Aquascape Inc? Good luck! If I was you I would get use to playing follow the leader or get out of the game. Your negative attitudes and comments on here just go to prove you will never be industry leaders!
Premium Aquascapes: I'm interested to know what you'd do if Aquascape did go out of business? I've heard customers, suppliers, and yes of course competitors make predictions of Aquascape going out of business anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. What if that happens? What's next for you and the industry? Are there not any other suppliers in this industry that could make up the difference?
Are those predictions based upon the fact that they are going out of business?
I hadn't heard from anyone that things were that bad yet but there are similarities between aquascapes recent issues and other companies who've failed. Aqualand may become the anchor that drowns aquascape in their own pond. Time will tell...
Yes companies lay people off all the time; I don't think that's where the backstabbing people are referring to comes into play.
The three reasons people have such an issue with Aquascape layoffs are: 1. The way Greg talks on this blog one minute (very recently) saying how great sales are and all the great opportunities ahead, then turns around and does a layoff. 2. The people they choose to layoff. People who have worked there for a long time and are better workers than others chosen to stay. I really can't believe they had the heart to layoff both Jaime & Gina; leaving them with no income and two kids to support. That's cold! 3. Before the last layoff Greg actually lied to the employees by telling them just 2 weeks before the layoff that nobody would be loosing their jobs.
Hey Ms. no name "confused" blogger---here's a question for you: What in the world will you do when this blog finally "goes out of business"?
You've probably never had this much attention in your entire life, and it appears that this blog has become your life...or has at least given it the meaning which has been so desperately sought. Are you so unable to be affirmed by other, more normal means, that this is the only way that your emotional needs can be met successfully?
Do you have anyone who cares about you? Anyone to go home to? Anyone who will listen to you? Or are we all you've got?
To the rest of you who continually engage this lonely woman who seeks constant attention through inane and gratuitous controversy, you might consider just allowing her incessant ranting to die a long-overdue death since any responses at all just serve to fuel her pathos and compelling need to be noticed. My advice is to simply ignore her from this point onward.
You are way off base whoever you are. This is my first time EVER posting to this or any other blog.
Hey Dr. Phil,
Isn't a blog a forum for people to post their thoughts and ideas? What gives you the right to be so cruel to someone who is doing just that?
Not to worry "Let go in the first layoff". Your mistake is understandable if you're a newbie to blogging. The posts do not always appear in a coherent order of address like an e-mail thread as a for instance.
This is an exercise in multitracking different conversations simultaneously and it can get confusing and unruly at times.
My remarks were directed to the blogger several posts prior who described himself very appropriately as "confused".
As to the other "no name" who just posted at 10:22, these are my thoughts and ideas too. This blog is obviously no place for the overly sensitive since the very essence of this blog from its inception has been harshly critical from all quarters. "If you can't run with the big dogs...stay on the porch"
Otherwise you may wish to join Ms. "Confused" on Animal Planet's blog where they are currently discussing rainwater harvesting in a much more genteel fashion.
Dear Let Go in the First Layoff,
I'm not sure who you could be, but you obviously once cared about Jaime and I. Please call me or email-gm_beany7@yahoo.com Thank you for your concerns. We did just purchase our first home exactly one year ago and it will be stressful for a while, but like I say adversity has always made Jaime and I stronger.
I can assure you that Greg intended no harm to my family and that we will be okay.
I think that the point you are trying to make is-if this was your company, would you have the heart to do this to a family that put their trust in you? My answer to that would be, no I could never do that to a family. However, on the otherhand, Jaime and I should have known better than to "put all our eggs in one basket".
Only time will tell the future of Aquascape and no matter the speculation, that is just what it is speculation and opinions. Call it what you may, but I have faith in Aquascape regardless of what the psychics are saying on this blog. Let's wait for the facts and then you can sling the mud.
Staying positive in all you do is the only way to succeed in all aspects of life. When you become negative, you pull yourself and the ones you love most down with you.
300!
??
The movie 300
Previously on this blog;
"...I'm just not sure the cuts were deep enough..."
(post no longer available in archives)
And I'm still not sure they are deep enough.
Starting out in 1998, I hired a 'slug' of people to do a lot of work at "low bid" pricing.
AT some point,after actually having looked at my company's financials - I had to apply an old paramedic's instruction to me (way back when I was a 'street pup')(sorry...this is another quote...)
FIRST - STOP THE BLEEDING!
The cost of labor is huge in America, today!
My own company was 'bleeding' money in labor costs! Not so much the pay to hard working (in most cases), compentent people (I paid twice minimum wage to start in the highest minimum wage state in the nation); but the Medicare, Medicaid, Labor and Industries insurance premium, social security, unemployment insurance premium for state, and unemployment insurance premium for federal were additional expenses that were burdensome. (among other chalenges)
Mind you, I had no problem paying well for good work; but the "hidden costs" of having a dozen employees was "bleeding me".
(Accounting hours, reporting hours, bookkeeping costs, interpretation of scribbled timesheets, etc. etc...) I had no "life" as a sole proprietor...I was always working, training employees, and reporting (and paying) the government! 0600 hrs to 2200 hrs six days a week...and I still wasn't showing a profit!
So...I "stopped the bleeding" and quit having employees and started hiring a reduced number of Sub Contractors.
They have their own businesses with ID numbers and a bond and insurance and reporting requirements. I just did the 1099s once a year on them and THEY were responsible for the reporting and payment for the state and federal requirements. (and yes, they are paid very well)
So...Aquascape has laid off some more folks.Good Folks. Hard working, competent folks.
So have I. So have a number of corporations in America and around the world.
WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!
Two of my "best guys" started their own company after their "lay off"; and are regulary rehired as 'subcontractors'... and are doing very well! Better than they were when they worked "for me".
We help each other with mutual referrals. We all prosper in this model. And this is the model that can be replicated throughout the "family" if it is the path chosen.
Gena and Jamie will do well. Wether they work for someone else or choose to venture off into their own endeavor. They will do well because they are GOOD PEOPLE who are not afraid to strike out in a new direction-people who are of good heart and who are willing to devote themselves to a challenge. A hope. A vision.
Sure it hurts to "leave the family"!
But the "family" has become a 'corporation''. (Like Paul said, lo these many posts ago)
Gena and Jamie chose to work at/for AI. Now, that door isn't open.But somewhere, another door is open to them. They will find it because they care. Because they hope. Because they believe. Because the are not bitter and afraid.
As a corporation - Aquascape has to do what is best for Aquascape. Gena and Jamie will do what is now best for Gemna and Jamie.
I can only believe that the best will come to them and the others that AI has determined cannot be 'kept on' in the immediate road ahead.
To Gena and Jamie and the other twelve: Understand it is not you that have failed to be useful or diligent or of value.It is simply a matter of trying to 'stop the bleeding' on AI's part.
It can be in no way construed 'personal'.
A corporation cannot afford to be a "family".
It may 'suck'...but, nonetheless...it is true.
The best toyou all. You have helped me along the way.
Thank you for being part of the old family!
In response to:
Posted by: at March 25, 2008 8:43 PM
"Premium Aquascapes: I'm interested to know what you'd do if Aquascape did go out of business?"
I would take the knowledge & training that AI has freely shared with me to continue in my business.I buy through AI for a number of reasons, the first two are - Better products & educational opportunities then else where, and secondly I support those who support me.
"I've heard customers, suppliers, and yes of course competitors make predictions of Aquascape going out of business anywhere from 6 months to 2 years."
WOW they have a crystal ball! Can they also predict what stock will go up in the next few months and be 100% accurate? People said that I would be out of business within a year when I changed my business model and cut out services that were not profitable for my company and laid off employees. That was 3 years ago! I am running leaner and meaner and more profitable then before. Complacencey kills companies, change and meeting market challenges makes them stronger.
"What if that happens? What's next for you and the industry? Are there not any other suppliers in this industry that could make up the difference?"
I focus on the direction I want MY company to head, I will always have the added knowledge that I learn from AI and my fellow CACs. I will always be able to continue to do what I love doing, just as I have done for the past 30 years.The difference is that I am now more profitable then years past & have expanded my knowledge and sharpened my skills. As for other suppliers - yeah there are some out there, however before deciding on purchasing from AI, I looked into these other companies, made phone calls to them and in most cases never received the info I requested from them or received it months later. I contacted AI and within 2 hours I received an e-mail from them, an aditional e-mail from the distributor who served my area & that was followed up by 3 phone calls from the distributor to me just so he could set up an appointment to meet with me and discuss MY needs. WOW a response from a supplier how innovative - no just good customer service. Which to this day I still receive from AI.
As for what will happen to the industry, I don't speak for the industry, and I don't have a crystal ball. Hopefully one day an independant association will form that truely represents the watergarden industry without bias. Currently that doesn't exist, despite claims from some that they do represent the industry without bias.
In all honesty I do not believe AI will fall. They are going through an adjustment period - just as I did 3 years ago - they are just doing it on a larger scale. Redefining your business model is always a good thing, it is what keeps businesses healthy. Do you really believe that other large companies haven't gone through and are currently going through the same or similar of what AI is doing? Greg just decided to make some of what is happening public on this forum.
To Gina, my hat is off to you and my prayers are with you & your family - you are taking the high road in what is a crises for you & your family, and raising to the challenges ahead for you. You will succeed in life with your positive attitude.
I've been reading this blog with interest. One because I'm in the water feature business, and two because it is entertaining. It is true of all businesses change or die, I also work for a large world wide company they too have made MANY changes this year that many do not like, this company make $20 Billion a year! Some people were told they will be paid $1.30 a hour LESS than last year, Painful? yes! necessary? to the business management and owners (a family owned company by the way) yes!. The truth is the world is changing no company can stay the same as it is and survive. If Aquascape goes out of business the water feature business will still go on, it was in existence before Greg, just not as popular. We will adjust and move on. As will must people including those who were let go.
Thank you Scott and Premium for your kind words.
Jaime and I are not in "crisis" mode. We are not feeling the panic that many would assume. Aquascape is still family, just a changed one. Just like a divorce, you can choose to take the high road and remain friends or the low road and end it all. I chose the high road and I am at peace. I am so excited about Jaime's future and so proud of what he accomplished at Aquascape. This has given him the courage to do what he has always wanted to and through this unfortunate event, he will grow and meet his goals.
I also have left with more confidence. I started at Aquascape one year ago after being an at home mom for about 8 years. I was unsure of myself and what I was capable of. Ben and I butted heads a couple of times and I was hurt, but the advice I left his office with made me more sure of myself and aware of the need to be who I really am at all times. Regardless of personal feelings spewed on this site about him, I leave Aquascape knowing he cares about me and my family. He respects me and I respect him. He gave me what Greg did, more confidence and encouragement and in him I found a great coach. Thanks Ben!
This blog has helped me express what I feel in a public forum. The need to reach out is a great way for me to continue staying positive and I will update everyone on our situation.Thanks for reading:)
Greg,
I would like to learn more from you on how you direct you company and employees on a unified path?
Here are quotes from your blog earlier this month referencing the December layoffs:
The last thing anyone should do in a down market is cut, cut, cut. All you're doing by doing that is hastening the inevitable. But that's probably what your competition is doing, which is a golden opportunity for you if you play your cards right.
It's important to note that when we did the reduction in force, we didn't just cut 15% of the people. Many companies do this, and it is a huge mistake because the remaining 85% of the people are left to do the same amount of work and are told to just work harder. Trying to do more with less is a surefire way to do things wrong, burn out your people, or waste efforts better invested elsewhere.
Greg, can you or one of your Certified installers explain how these comments make sense a few weeks later in the same month?
IF you have over 500 new distributors this year, how are you going to provide them with training and support when your workforce has been reduced by about 1/3 since December?
How will you be rolling out more products and training such as rainwater harvesting with a drastically reduced workforc?
I'm not Greg nor do I want to be, but as I mentioned above, about the "other" company I work for not only did they take money away from some employees they also removed some from their positions. This left 3 people to do the work of 4. This also was 4 months ago, and you know what? production has increased, wasted producted is down, moral is up for some, down for others and what has been noticed is that when times are good there maybe fat and when it's bad that fat needs to be trimmed and you must work leaner and smarter. Could this be happening at Aquascape?
They should have CUT management pay and management period
Using your example Andrew, you are comparing a $20 billion company with one that's not even 1% that size. So when people get cut, you personally may or may not feel the affects of that loss. Many of the people that were cut may or may not have worked together, shared dinners with one another's familys, shared holidays together, watched their children grow up together, or even worked under the same roof. In ADI's case everyone who has been layed off or left the company by other means have.
Conversely, Pieter, your company is maybe 1-2% of ADI's business, so your comparison, although is heartfelt becuase you experienced loss, but you can't really make the comparison. you don't have your own building, you don't warehouse inventory, you don't have departments. I am not trying to personalize what your business goes through, but I am saying that it's hard to compare apples to oranges.
As Scott states we are not a family at ADI anymore. We are a corporation!
I've heard it all before, and frankly can't continue to believe what people tell me anymore. Believe me, i do intend to leave when possible, but I have to find something else first.
Here's a question, why does it matter so much if someone puts a name on a post or not? just becuase you don't use a name, does that really make what you submit less valid? Then most of the people who critique someone directly, it's interesting that you do not use your names on that post, so should we consider your contribution less valid? I just think we should all give up trying to figure out who is posting what, becuase ultimately at the end of the day, does it all really matter.
Gina M.,
Yours is a winning attitude! I congratulate you on your 'decision' to receive the 'letting go' in the manner you have demonstrated on this blog.
It makes me wish to have a larger company so that I could offer you a position - immediately.
People with the heart and mind you demonstrate here are rare, indeed.
Thank you.
Although I have been asked to refrain from quoting the 'more original thoughts of others' on this blog; I'll have to dissapoint those wishing to close their ears to the wisdom of my 'betters' and offer as gift to you and Jamie the following two 'previously stated items'(both from folks smarter than I)
1. "The only two things in life you can control are your attitude and your ethics" [Jerry Nelson - founder of "Ticketmaster" and Troon Golf (?)and developer of Pinnacle Peak out of Scottsdale, AZ]
You are obviously "in control" in this particular arena and are demonstrating as pure and as good a heart as anyone posting here.
2. Today's "Verse of the Day" to which I subscribe:
[Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil
speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God in Christ
forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32]
You're 'living that one out', Gina M.!
You are a rich person.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Scott, you are too kind.
The Pond Guy, TD is the Problem.He has know Idea about the Ponds. Get you Company Back!
PONDS DONE ....
Customer Served ....?
Rember?
I got some info that Aquascape is selling is that true?
Sure - they sell pond supplies!
To the poster wondering how aquascape will handle their business my question to you is why? I think my CAC brother Pieter said it best that he is going to concentrate on using what he learns from Aquascape to grow his business regardless of what Aquascape does. What are you reasons or motives for focusing on what they are doing? Are you going to knock them off like everyone else and manufacture your own rainwater harvesting kit? Yes I am too! Not as a competitor like you but as a customer. Tony Sargents build will find me eager to learn from Ed and other CACs the networking that has helped me achieve so much. Funny how they cant cut that out. Thats because its in me! CACs see ya in Atlanta!
While you are in Atlanta why dont you ask ADI more about knock off product ideas....See LittleGiant.com for more info on wastewater capture systems they have had on the market for quite some time now. They collect water and pump it anywhere you want....Great idea?
The concept may have been around for year - just never promoted! This happens all the time. Look at the new craze - Ethanol for fuel. It's been around forever - but just now there is interest in it.
The fact that fresh water is becoming scarce - people and businesses are starting to find, design new concepts, and rejuvinate old ideas with upgrades of current technologies to help out.
I have looked at documents, etc. from the Little ... company in the past and never saw that concept. Must not have been to important to them - at least at that time. It was probably buried in the back of a catalog for someone that was looking for it. They will probably move that up on their priority list now. Be sure to watch their website and future publications.
Yeah and Aquascapes has all kinds of marketing power to get the word out to the people. Lifestyle magazine for example oh wait they don't have that anymore. What a joke.
Well, everyone reading this blog knows about it - even if some downplay the possibilities.
If you think it was such an amazing magazine - there is your opportunity to get rich and start your own magazine. Personally, I thought it was a great resource for the general public.
KEEP ON BLOGGING!!!!
If Aquascape is able to do for rainwater harvesting what they did for garden ponds, then we will all benefit again from their pioneering marketing efforts.
It wasn't so terribly long ago that the average pond was 500 gallons or less and used submersed, mechanical filters, and contained so many plants one hardly knew it was a pond. Pre-formed polyethylene ponds were still being heavily marketed and the big boxes were just discovering EPDM liner.
Aquascape Designs took this pond model and in just a few short years single-handedly changed the size of the average backyard pond to an 11 x 16 which now included a skimmer, falls, and a much more powerful pump. The average pond now required more liner, plants, fish, water treatments, landscaping plants, lighting, stone, etc.
Pond kits went professional for the first time, and no fewer than 20 competitors have jumped on the skimmer/falls/pro pond kit bandwagon at one time or another.
Everyone in the industry benefitted from this paradigm shift including those of us who competed against them.
The glory days of this industry are long gone and it's becoming tougher and tougher to make money doing what we've always done.
The water garden industry is uniquely positioned for several reasons to effectively participate in the global efforts aimed at rainwater harvesting and conservation, and we're all fortunate that Aquascape is on the forefront of this new frontier for water gardening because they will help open it up for the rest of us.
Drink up and write Greg a check to learn more!
I heard that Aquascape is freeing up cash to buy another major company. Has anyone else heard that?
Posted by: at March 27, 2008 5:57 PM
Drink up and write Greg a check to learn more!
I certainly will drink more kool aid & write Greg another check - hell it's the best investment out there! I pay him a few $$ to learn how to earn a hell of alot more for my family & provide my clients with better service, all while the fools sit and post negative comments on here. Ahh Karma - gotta love it.
Rationale, in fact the cuts that I mentioned where cuts that happened in my department alone, one site was told they had 6 months to turn the site around or it will close.
Pieter, what exactly have your learned in the last couple of years that is so revolutionary? Being a CAC before, I know that I hadn't learned anything extraordinary after the first few trainings and I know that there were whispers, gripes, and complaints that ADI's training had become antiquated. You yourself have stated that all ADI wants is our money. So why now are you beating the drum so loudly in their defense? What support did you receive when you had problems with your Distributor? How many times have i or other CACs heard you bad mouth them time and time again?
So again, i ask you sir, what training do you continue to receive that is so earth shattering? and now that it is not a family company anymore, what special service will you receive? you forget, your distributor is your conduit to the company that you hold so dear.
Could somebody please tell me what is going on in Atlanta at Tony Sargents. That man is an inspiration to me and my business and I certainly would like to be included if he needs help from the CAC network.
To the person that replyed to my Question about if ASD is selling the company.
Your reply was Stuped, I know they sell ponds!
Regards
Another 15 more employees let go this week, and more giving notice before they get let go as well. How will the current customers be served by the staff that remains which I understand were kept over seasoned professionals? Imagine the poor employees left there who must wonder every single day when they will be next..... Personally I'm hoping he sells and whoever buys it will get rid of all the yes-men and rehire all the employees from Nagle Blvd who worked so well together and took such good care of the customers....
"Passionate about Ponds Done Right" - "Customers Served Right" - the Aquascape "family"...... looks what's happening to all that now. Money problems abound from what I've heard these days and that can't be too comforting to distributors, CAC's, employees and customers, let alone those of us that have AI water features in need of repair and no one to stand behind them.
Wishing for the good ol' days when ADi could back up all those claims and had great customer service, loyal, happy employees, and energetic customers.
Well, "Posted By"...
Re:the knee pads...
Only wish I didn't kneed 'em! But, I'm 'still in the ground' - as they say - 'building ponds' and these 56 year old knees kneed a bit of protection so that at the end of the day - I can walk up the path by my lovely little pond and rest in the knowledge that this day, the work of my hands, and my back, and my mind, and my craft, and my heart has blessed somebody out there with a little bit of beauty.
But, hey, "pose-ted-bye", enough about me... have ya heard about those cheek pads that fit over yer gluts? Ya might wanna look into that...save ya a lot of money on jeans! (Don't know if it's a quote or not; but I have been told that if you don't squirm around too much while you're sittin' on yer butt; you can get lots more miles outta yer pants...and hey since yer butt is already showin'pretty darn well...ya might wanna look into that cheek pad thing before yer next pair of pants go threadbare in that region...just a thought for your consideration...)
Posted by: at March 27, 2008 7:43 PM
"Pieter, what exactly have your learned in the last couple of years that is so revolutionary? Being a CAC before, I know that I hadn't learned anything extraordinary after the first few trainings" "
See that's what happens when you develop a closed mind - I still attend basic builds & other seminars, mostly to network with established contractors and everytime I do so I walk away with something that I can put to use in my own company. Whether it's a trick, tip, or idea I learn something. As far as what else I've learned - well instead of sitting here and typing for the next 20 minutes or so creating a list to justify my stance and what I've learned I will be typing contracts for the 2 jobs I sold yesterday using the tools and skills that AI keeps helping me sharpen,that will bring in over $60,000.00 for a few days work.
By the way why are you now a former CAC? I guess you took what AI taught you and thought you found 'greener pastures'elsewhere?
"and I know that there were whispers, gripes, and complaints that ADI's training had become antiquated. You yourself have stated that all ADI wants is our money. So why now are you beating the drum so loudly in their defense? What support did you receive when you had problems with your Distributor? How many times have i or other CACs heard you bad mouth them time and time again?"
New distribution points - I now have a choice of buying from a new distributor and who I buy from, whether it is a 'new' distributor or from the 'old' distributors I can pick and choose who will provide me added value for my money. As for my 'old' distributor - that is between me & him & I will not make it public on this forum - I have my values about certain things and stand by those values.
Yeah I will speak out against what I feel is wrong - when I feel that I have a reason to do so & want to do so - Have you ever seen AI 'censor' me at anytime? NO. I will also step up to defend someone when I feel it is right to do so. Greg as well as many people at AI have taken time to work with me to improve my business.
"So again, i ask you sir, what training do you continue to receive that is so earth shattering? and now that it is not a family company anymore, what special service will you receive? you forget, your distributor is your conduit to the company that you hold so dear."
I have good relationships with a few distributors as well as fellow CACs. As far as 'special' services from AI - I pick up the phone and call my contacts and ask for what I need and to date get what I need 100% of the time.
Pieter you just told a fable. You told me and a few other fellow CACs that ADI told you that if you didn't be quiet about your relationship with GSK that you would be cut off. SO why now are you saying that you were not censored? WHO ORDERED THE CODE RED!!! Don't worry, we can handle the truth, sir. Can you?
Premium, I think that you go the event to overhear what other projects/proposals your bretheren may be working on then under bid them to steal the job away. You have done that on numerous occassions.
GO TD GO!
GO TD GO!
Holy Cow!
I have not ever posted on here but have a few points to address...
Yes, Aquascape puts its name on some superior products compared to some others on the market. Some they have developed, some they have distributed, and some they have stolen the ideas for. I believe it the Aquascape system but I don't need the drama or another family, I need good products, at good pricing, and good customer support. I don't get the last two and with the new round of layoffs I don't expect it to get any better...
They have been oblivious and unwilling to explore other applications of their products even while they have an incredibly intelligent and passionate person like ED screaming for years to tackle this growing problem of storm water management and rainwater harvesting and enter that market. Not until it hit their pocket book hard and they HAD to look at this area did they. Many people have advised Greg to think about the 'real' ecosystem that could be affected by his products, not just the one he 'defined'(ha!). Europe and Australia have already led the way and there are other companies out there such as Brae http://www.braewater.com/ that have been providing great products, service, and training. Just because you haven't heard about it from Greg doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The South is not the only area experiencing drought conditions, it has become standard in many areas of our country and a bigger issue is safe drinking water. Yes, every little bit helps, but Aquascape is not the only fish in the sea and it is only a matter of time until a bigger and better fish comes along... it won't be hard...
As for customers served right - distributors and retail outlets don't see or hear from their TSMs and TSRs for weeks on end and don't return calls. They are stressed and overworked and there is not enough representation and customer support to keep customers happy. It is not their fault - poor planning and big egos are what have led to unhappy customers. Aquascape is under the delusion that its customers should bend over and take it and be grateful that we are allowed to buy their products. If it wasn't for the fact that they have good products, they would already be out of business.
Outside of its contractor base, end user customers have no idea who Aquascape or Greg is nor do they care! The marketing team is a joke and has no idea what 'Brand' is outside of its logo and the colors in it. Right now their 'Brand' from its real customers comprises mostly of high pricing, screwed-up orders, lack of customer support, big egos and lots of drama. I don't care about the pond in front of Aqualand or all the toys inside it! Its a playground that the customers are paying for! Give me better pricing and make it easier to sell the products through customer support and more affordable (or free) catalogs and brochures!
And its not Greg that keeps customers, most people can't stand Greg once they really get to know him. Its good people like Ed and Brian.
I think Aquascape being sold would be the best thing for the industry. Perhaps we could all get out of our very polarized camps and learn to play nice in the sandbox, get reasonable pricing, and better service and availability for products.
This is the one and only time I am posting this Blog - how do the rest of you have time to do this all day long? Wake up, work on your business, and turn off the soap opera!
Pieter - did you know you had your own blog? Greg helped you out again. :-)
Regardless of the fact that the mudslinging continues, there is something to learn from this blog and the comments - The true nature of human beings. I have continued to follow the blog, and the comments and will do so until it is ended. I am not exactly learning what I expected, but none the less, there is some comedy, a lot of venting, plenty of competitors stirring the pot and thowing in a bunch of junk, and even a bit of business info. If nothing else, I would love to see what psychological assessment of the comments on here would look like. And we thought the attack ads for the presidential election were getting bad.
Greg, when can I see some diagrams, and specifics about the new concept? I would love to make it to GA, but will be unable to do so.
Keep up the innovoation, marketing, and other efforts to grow your business and help people around the world get clean drinking water.
"Your reply was Stuped"
I think this statement just about sums it up.
Can anyone out there top this response?
I'd like to think that noone actually hates Gina, Ashley or Scott, but are instead frustrated by their optimism an loyalty.
You can take stabs at Scott H., but if you worked at Aquascapes, you know that Scott can find the sunny side of the black hole. It's pointless.
The anger lies not in the fact that people are getting laid off, but who is getting laid off.
The real anger here is directed at the choice of who was fired. The workers instead of the paper pushers. Now I've been away from the company for some years now, but I don't believe I've heard any management or middle management get the heave-hoe. (I could be wrong, however, since I get third of fourth hand info and still don't know everyone was fired this last time.) That's where the hurt lies.
I'm afraid that some of these angry and bitter bloggers actually do hate Gina, Ashley and Scott. Their pathological hatred is so consuming that they are incapable of exhibiting a shred of empathy or compassion, even for a sweet lady and her husband who just lost their jobs.
It is difficult to comprehend that there are people so emotionally deranged that they could viciously attack such a gentle person as Gina Moreno, but the above post is quite clear. These human train-wrecks hate so much that they will attack anyone and everyone who does not hate the objects of their wrath with equal fervor. This can be seen from any number of blog posts, not just the rather extreme example cited above.
To the previous blogger who appears to be in desperate need of a dictionary as well as remedial English classes; I will attempt to answer your thoughtful questions in order.
"Who are You?" I am Dr. Phil. Who else?
"Do you work for ASD?" No I do not. I am still under contract to Oprah and also maintain my lucrative private practice here in Texas.
"I think your commets are rude!" I will concede that you are quite the expert on this subject.
"Also I'm sure you are a asshole" I will again concede to your obviously superior knowledge of this subject as well.
"Get a LIFE!" I do have one, but thank you for caring enough to bring it up. That was a genuinely thoughtful gesture, and I appreciate it!
I know the "quoting thing" is an aggravation for some; so I apologize preemptively for the following...
SO... if you detest the repeted 'original thoughts' or established 'wisdom' of others; don't read it!
Verse of the Day
Friday, March 28, 2008
…And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose
heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do
good to all, especially to those who are of the
household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10
Have a blessed weekend!!
Hey gang, Jerry Springer here. I'd love to bring this show to TV! I can make you all trailor park stars! Call me!
To the comment about the "butt-kissers"
did it ever occur to you that taking the high road is not only emotionally healthy, but it also provides yourself the opportunity to think of others before yourself. Yes, the company had to lay off people, but imagine what the company is going through. No one can predict the future and Greg has done more than his best w/ the employees.
Gary W. is a sweet man and regardless of his relationship with his son, he still remains what he will always be...a winner.
Greg W. is a smart business man with a big heart. That is his biggest fault if any. He wanted the best for his people, he gave them all he could. In doing so, he may have hurt his business. But, in the end, at least he can get up everyday knowing he is a good person. God had blessed him in manys ways. The pain he has to cause those let go is something he will live with, but he can still hold his head high for what he gave them on the way out.
Thanks Greg for being who you are. Regardless of where Aquascape goes, you will still be who you are and that alone will make you succeed in all you do.
I have been at a "family" company that fell on bad times and was sold. The parallels here are interesing.
The term "to free up cash" means that they are in an asset based lending situation. I suspect that they are right at the top of their availability at a time in the season when they historically have had much more cash available. They probably had to go ask for more cash over and above there standing bank agreement to buy inventory for this season. Keeping this in mind.
I suspect that TD was not hired by choice, he was placed there by the nervous bank. His mission is to fix the P&L short term, no matter what the cost in human suffering, even if it is not sustainable. He will look to find a buyer or investor to relieve the bank of this exposure. It will not matter what the buyers intentions are, he is looking out for the bank's money. He may earn a bonus from the sale, in addition to the $400.00 an hour he's taking now (just a guess). After the sale he will be placed into another company in a similar situtation.
Mean time the company is working on new projects not realizing that they are caught in a perfect storm. New expensive building, waning interest in the watergardening fad, increased competition, and a falling dollar.
The best thing to do is load the warehouse with product, cut everyone bonus and vacation checks and file for protection in bankruptcy court.
That's what I see
The observer
Jerry Springer, go away! I was here first.
My name is Tom Preuss from the Aquascape Tech Department. I posted on this blog a few months back. Today is the first day I've looked at it since. First of all I can't believe that people are still so dedicated to being a negative presence. It seems to me, that the same one or two people who remain anonymous are leaving all of the negative comments. Please, for everyone's sake, especially yours, get over it and move on with your life.
I recently made the decision to take my life in a different direction. I took a new job in downtown Chicago and will be living there. To do that, I will have to leave Aquascape. I decided for my future, that it was the direction I wanted to go. Leaving just before the busy season will leave my co-workers, people I consider friends, in a situation that will make there jobs more difficult. They have been supportive even though this could affect them negatively. I'm not leaving out of fear or anger. I'm leaving to follow through on a dream to live in the city and I want to live closer to my girlfriend. Two things that are very important to me. I think Aquascape will come out of this a stronger company. Only time will tell.
After I put in my two weeks notice, Greg approached me personally. He could have reacted negatively like the anonymous bloggers, but he did not. He cracked a joke, and then quickly offered his services to help me be successful any way he could. He respected my decision. This showed me that Greg is a man of his word. He told me when I started that his goal was to help me succeed in life. He put his money where his mouth is. So just as I'm abandoning Greg, Aquascape, and my co-workers he still offered his help. That is the kind of person I can respect. A person who stands by there word.
This is the point where some anonymous blogger will come up with a reason why I'm a "Butt suck"(that still makes me laugh), "Brown noser", or "Ass kisser". So please, tell me. What is my motivation to "suck up" to Greg now? Am I trying to keep my job? Nope. I gave that up willingly. Am I an employee that was let go and trying to get my job back? Nope. So why am I saying good things about Greg and Aquascape? Because in my opinion it is the truth. The company (and Greg) made tough decisions to do what is best for there future the same way I made the decision to do what was best for my future. We all make mistakes. Greg didn't want to let employees go. He is just making tough decisions to protect his company and the employees that are still working for him.
So please, unless you have CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, keep it to yourself. Someone could come on here and say Greg was Michael Vick's partner in the dog fighting ring. Funny, but not true (I think, haha). To me, anonymous statements are only worth a laugh because I have no reason to believe them. You are entitled to say or believe whatever you want. It's a free country. When someone makes immature and childish comments, in my opinion, they are at the point where they give up and have nothing of value to say. So to build on that thought, I am horrible with spelling and grammar. So save any comments about grammar, I already know it isn't my strong point. Thanks
Observer: Well Said!