Jason and I had the opportunity to travel to North Carolina June 12 through 14 to visit some of Caterpillar’s facilities. We were given the privilege to speak to a group of engineers and marketing folks at a seminar about the green industry. We were joined by Kent Pelligrini, CAT skid steer and multi-terrain loader industry manager, during our presentation. Kent started the presentation with a broad overview of the green industry – from landscaping and maintenance to nurseries to design/build projects. Jason gave a more in-depth view of our business and what we do as a company. My part consisted of telling everyone what I do in my position as a salesman, designer and project manager to better give them an understanding of my day-to-day tasks and how their machines assist me with my job. Jason finished up the presentation with an overview of PLANET and the beneficial relationships with companies like CAT.

The rest of our day at Caterpillar consisted of a factory tour and some product testing. CAT has started the manufacture of its new product line (the C series) of skid steer and multi-terrain loaders, which be got to see being built in the factory. The factory we toured manufactures every Caterpillar skid loader in the world. Jason and I were able to demo some of the new C series loaders, which was great because they aren’t even on the market quite yet.

Our trip to North Carolina was beneficial to us and the Caterpillar compact equipment division. We learned a lot about each other’s businesses and operations. Even though it was fun to travel and see new places and facilities, there was a valuable and great amount of information distributed between the companies, beneficial to both.

(PHOTO:  Mitch chats with Cat Representatives Kent and Dave regarding the new C-Series, as well as some added features to our Cat machine at their skid steer factory outside Raleigh, NC.)

Earlier this year, we were interviewed by Kansas City Homes and Gardens freelance writer Gloria Gale on some of the high-end swimming pools we’ve constructed and consulted on - here is the article that came out in last months issue.

Making Waves
 
Today’s swimming pools offer functional and creative extensions to your outdoor lifestyle. Dive in and see what’s new.

By Gloria Gale

Once merely a blue box surrounded by blazing concrete, the swimming pool of yesterday is fast becoming as big a relic as bathing caps and Bermuda shorts.

“Finally, technology and design for today’s backyard pool has merged in very creative ways,” says Jason Cupp, CLP, owner of      Highland Outdoor. “What people want is more than a pool; they want to create a resort feeling in their own backyard…a slice of ‘the good life,’ reflecting original design and their own personality.”

It must be contagious. According to the National Spa and Pool Institute, more than 8 million people worldwide are eager to shell out a considerable amount of money to sculpt a backyard into an outdoor living space with the swimming pool as the focal point.

To read the rest of the article, go to the KCHG website, direct link here.

With the weather getting warmer everyday, it is very apparent that summer is here. Many of you will be spending time outdoors enjoying the great weather with your family and loved ones. Beautiful flowers and greenery are sure to catch your eye. However, there are some tiny little visitors that are not so easy to see that are out roaming around. Ticks.

Here are some helpful tips when dealing with the pesky little bugs courtesy of NC State University, A&T State University Cooperative Extension and written by Al Cooke, Agricultural Extension Agent.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

• In woods and parks, stay on wide paths and roads when possible. Avoid brushing against vegetation.
• When practical, layer your clothing; tuck pants into socks, shirttail into pants.
• Wear light colored clothing to make ticks easier to see.
• Use commercial insect repellents on exposed areas (see cautions below).
• Before stretching out for lunch on the ground, drag a piece of white fabric over the grass and shrubs to inspect for ticks
• When in tick infested areas, examine your clothes and body at least twice a day. Frequent examination reduces the opportunity for a tick to attach itself. And a tick must be attached for at least six hours to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Once a tick has attached itself to you, there’s no need for alarm. It happens eventually to most folks who work out of doors. There are some steps you need to take to minimize risk. First step is to not listen to all the home remedies (gasoline, petroleum jelly, hot matches, etc.) Use tweezers or a folded tissue paper to reduce the possible spread of disease organisms that can penetrate even microscopic pores in the skin. Grasp the body of the tick and pull firmly without twisting or jerking. Pull straight away until the tick is pulled free.

• If the tick’s mouthparts break off, remove them with a sterilized needle as you would a splinter.
• Preserve the tick in alcohol for later identification if necessary.
• Wash the area with soap and water followed with an antiseptic such as alcohol.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Note the date of the tick bite on your calendar. If symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease develop, your doctor may want to know the date of the bite.

Last week, I had to be in Chicago for a business meeting, so I flew in the afternoon before my meeting to meet with my friends from CNA Insurance. Highland Outdoor recently rewrote our entire liability, workmans compensation and auto with CNA, who is also a signifcant partner to PLANET, the association I am serving this year as President-Elect.

Tony James and John Tatum and I quickly toured “Big Red” - CNA’s headquarters that is part of the Chicago skyline, downtown in the Loop, then had a great dinner at Millenium Park.

Tony and I then jumped on the Red Line and went to the Northside to attend the Chicago Cubs game. We met a colleague of Tony’s and enjoyed a horrible Cub’s loss. For those that don’t know me too well, I’m a rabid Cub’s fan, and have been a Season Ticket holder for five seasons at Wrigley. (Sitenote: For any client who ever is in Chicago, please send me an email to see if our company tickets are available)

Highland Outdoor is proud to be a client of CNA, and we are excited to have excellent insurance coverage, to protect our company, as well as our clients. Although we strive to never have a claim (we have received GOLD Safety awards the last two years), it is comfortable to know we have an incredible company behind us if we ever do.

If you are a company owner, I would highly suggest CNA as a quality provider of all facets of insurance. Mike Wrenn, of Wrenn Insurance, wrote our policies and would be happy to quote them for you.

(Photo: Jason Cupp, Highland CEO and Tony James, CNA Insurance, at the Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field)

Spring is a wonderful time of year that brings us new blooms and vibrant colors. Unfortunately our spring has surprised and damaged many of our spring flowering favorites with a late freeze. It has been a struggle to bring everything back to health, but it has been worth it. Many of our customers have remarked how well their plant varieties have come back, and are now flourishing. As a company, we like to pride ourselves by responding as quickly as possible to any problem that may affect the appearance of your property.
On a personal note I am new to the development of annual flower beds. I have been coached by our knowledgeable staff to help guide me into making smart, functional, and appearance driven decisions to make any property look as best as possible. As a result I now have the ability to make any property flourish in full sun, full shade, and anything in-between. I am confident that we can answer any question and solve any problem that may arise on any property to keep it looking its best.

Photo: Hydrangea in full bloom that was damaged by the freeze, yet is not flourishing at an estate home in Mission Hills, KS.