THE JP HORIZONS 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION JAM
The Roosevelt Hotel, New Orleans, LA
In our 20-year history at JP Horizons there has never been an event with more significance than the one that took place in New Orleans. Many attendees went into the event with a somewhat blurry vision of what A BETTER WAY was all about and all of us left knowing that together we were about to make some great things happen as ACTIPRENEURStm capturing the business opportunities of today while creating a better world for tomorrow. As A BETTER WAY continues to focus on helping companies achieve success through a Triple Bottom Line Vision of energizing People, growing Profit, and helping individuals create an enriched and sustainable Planet for future generations. . . we know that this vision can be a reality through the tremendous efforts of the members, Smart Company Sponsors, and leaders in A BETTER WAY COMMUNITY.
-Jim Paluch
In the first 2010 Face To Face event, JP Horizons and A Better Way Smart Company sponsors brought ABW Community members together, heard ideas and discussed ways to bring the green back to the green industry. Through a variety of exceptional speakers and interactive activities participants set goals, explored their leadership skills and vision for the future, and explored ways to increase sales by offering new green services that customers are looking for today.
Gregory Inspires Members to Set Goals
The participants were in spired by DJ G regory, a young man born with cerebral palsy who was told he would never walk. Gregory proved doctors wrong by first walk ing, then walking every hole of every tournament on the 2008 PGA Tour. He explained that he was able to overcome his physical challenges by sett ing a goal to complete the tour and persevering every day to accomplish it. To succeed on personal and professional goals, Gregory told the members they must take steps every day. If they fail, they must get back up -- just like Gregory did during his 24 falls on the tour. Even if you missed the event, you can click here for a video of DJ's story.
Rorie Tells Members to Establish a Strong Vision
Mike Rorie, division vice president for the Brickman Group, encouraged each A Better Way owner to develop leaders in their company by establishing a strong vision for the organization. "Make sure the leaders you choose have the core characteristics you want to impose on your company," Rorie said. He passionately shared that a business’ vision should be so ingrained that its competitors could recite it. Once that overall company plan is established, then leaders in the organization can explain the “why factor,” helping them streamline processes. Rorie also reminded ABW members to "Make challenging yourself a way of life." To see Rorie's presentation, please click here.
Bradley Encourages Training and Accountability
Mark Bradley, owner of The Beach Gardener, offered the exciting notion to A Better Way members that their employees can become entrepreneurs and help their companies grow. By implementing increased training and open book management, Brad ley was able to grow his business from $3 million with 30 employees to $7 million with 30 employees. The careers of his employees have been enhanced with widespread systems and training and he now has foreman making more than $100,000 a year. He showed the members how training and accountability can change an organization's culture and profitablility and participants were inspired to learn more. To attend a free follow up webinar with Mark on the Landscape Management Network systems he has implemented click here to register. It will be Thursday March 18th at 3:00 eastern.
Mouzon Says Profit Off Protecting The Planet
The Green Industry should reclaim and OWN the term GREEN, architect Steve Mouzon told the group. By selling green living spaces, landscape Design Build and Maintenance companies can increase their sales offerings and grow their businesses in ways they haven't even imagined yet. Mouzon suggested marketing some of these green living spaces as “gifts to the street,” or landscape that beautifies an entire community. This presentation opened the minds and imagination of members and offered a new way of thinking about the items we sell.
Networking Makes A Difference
The most valuable part of the event was hours of creative discussion and debate as participants interacted on the information shared by our speakers. A Better Way Community members shared their successes, struggles and vision to work as Actipreneurstm in the future as they capture the business opportunities of today while creating a better world for tomorrow. As the community continues to grow, we will continue to connect all members in regional Face To Face events and though the website. Members can access and review actual action plans created at the event. Click here to see group and individual Better Results Campaigns.