March 2009 Issue

Water Garden News asked pond professionals how they encourage retention, quality and enthusiasm from their employees. Here are their responses.

“I try to pay employees well. I pay them by the job instead of the hour, which gives them more control over their destiny. It’s a good incentive to get things done quickly.”
Tony Sargeant, president/owner, Aquatic Creations, Grantville, Ga.

"We do infrequent bonuses. We also respect and reward company loyalty. Some of our people have worked with us for 17 years. In the long run, it motivates employees to know that we will not trade them in when someone new and shiny shows up. Investing in their training also helps.

"We ask what our workers’ interests are and send them to classes. We recently offered to pay for a team member’s gym membership to motivate him to quit smoking.

"We don’t treat everybody equal, we treat everybody fair. Each person has different needs and motivations; it’s not one size fits all.”
Cla Allgood, president/owner, Allgood Outdoors, Cumming, Ga.

---

“We treat each other with respect. We learn from one another. We hire bright, trainable self-motivated people and build trust.”
Tom Bordovsky & Donna Naylor, proprietors, Dania Beach Water Gardens, Dania Beach, Fla.

---

“I challenge them and encourage growth. I take them out to events, such as pond builds, so they can learn from others in the industry. On the job site, I give them design freedom.

"Being a smaller company helps create better relationships. I keep them involved. My guys have a say in how we do things. I ask for input about certain company decisions, so they know they have a voice.”
Chris Thompson, owner, Just Add Water, Ankeny, Iowa

---

“Most employees like a challenge and interesting work. They want to feel like part of the company.

“We discover their strengths and encourage them to excel. We also keep employees abreast of what is going on with the company.

We work as a team. If employees know the goal and how they contribute to meeting the goal, it is easier to work as a team and enjoy working together.”
Frank Wietecha, owner, Four Seasons, Camden, Ark.

---

“We conduct weekly staff meetings to bring everyone together for an hour. We discuss what went right and what didn’t in the past week, and we review new products.

“In terms of enthusiasm, it’s best to lead by example. If you’re enthusiastic about the business and the products, they will be, too.”
Margaret Allen, store manager, Depot Home & Garden, Essex Junction, Vt.

 

Money Matters: How do you make sure to get paid? E-mail smeyer@bowtieinc.com with YSI in the subject line with your ideas by March 31. Selected responses will be published in an upcoming issue of Water Garden News.

Tweet

 Give us your opinion on
March 2009 Issue

Industry Professional Site: Comments from non-industry professionals will be removed.