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Pondspectives with Mike

Changing Times and Great Expectations

By Mike Garcia

Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, the world of landscaping—of which the pond world is only a slice of a much bigger industry—is changing before our eyes after having been “business as usual” for the past 50 plus years.  Gone are the days of plenty, when electricity and water were viewed as never ending and cheap.  Today’s depressed economy, the Internet and the Green movement swell have resulted in a much different client base. 

It’s not unusual for potential clients to ask how much electricity will their pond cost them to run each month.  Add to this, a more frequent question: “How much water loss will I experience due to water evaporation?”  This results in our having to be much more informed regarding our craft than ever before. 

Imagine advertising yourself as professional and not having this info at your fingerprints.  It could make the difference between you getting the job and not.  Prospective clients want to make sure you are competent.  They want to feel they are getting the best job for the money.

Where do pond professionals go for this kind of vital information?  The Internet is one source.  I feel the best source to keep informed regarding ponds and water gardens is trade events.  The pond world currently has three major ones to choose from.  This year, the National Association of Pond Professionals put on their annual trade show event in February.  Aquascape just had their event and the International Professional Pond Contractors Association will host its Infotanza in early October.

Some contractors try to make all three events.  Some make it to two events.  Some only have the resources to attend one event per year.  Which one do you look forward to attending and why?

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