Education is the Key to Growth
As a young man newly arrived in Fresno and working on my uncle’s farm, my Tío Rubén gave me some advice that helped set me on the path for personal and professional growth. He told me to finish school and then find a trade in a field of endeavor I truly enjoyed. That’s good standard advice for any profession. But then he told me to learn as much as I could about my chosen trade, and never stop learning about it. “Education is the key to success,” he said. I have adopted that bit of wisdom, and it has never failed me.
After high school, I was offered a scholarship to play soccer at Fresno State. The choices you make define what you are and what you are going to be. As tempting as it sounded, I knew my time would be better spent working on my future, rather than kicking a ball around for a couple of years. My love of landscaping and my need to earn an income won out. I believe I made the right decision.
You may have received a formal education in landscaping related subjects from Pierce, Cal Poly or another college with a horticulture department. Or, like me, you learned and honed your craft via classes at local suppliers’ locations, industry seminars, working your way through the various levels of local landscape companies, or all of the above. Education is what has helped transform us from someone having to use our physical ability – a pick and shovel – into someone who understands the technical and management side of the business. We now pick up a pen, sign the checks, and hopefully shovel some of the money earned toward our company and our fantastic employees.
In a way, our businesses are like the plants we take care of. Either we are growing, or we are dying. It is education and ever-increasing knowledge which spurs the growth that keeps us at the top of our game, and our businesses flourishing. If we quit learning, we quit adapting. If we quit adapting, the industry will pass us by and so will our customers.
I went from taking classes in various aspects of landscaping to teaching them…something I really enjoy. I bring this up, because our newest location, Landscape Warehouse-North Hollywood, located at 11311 Hartland Street, (818) 287-8866, has several large rooms where we plan to offer hands-on classes on important landscape related subjects.
These would include:
• Water Conservation – Drip irrigation from different manufacturers
• Landscape Lighting Installation
• Valve Repair
• Controller Programming
• How to design and build a reliable irrigation system
• And more!
These classes will not only help you hone your skills, but your employees will also learn from them, increasing their capabilities and their value to your company.
Although we are already open in North Hollywood and ready to serve your landscape supply needs. we are planning a future Grand Opening celebration there…and you’re invited. We’ll get you the details regarding the celebration and our class schedule just as soon as available. Looking forward to seeing you there.
– José Robles, owner, Landscape Warehouse