[diablo]

Hello everyone, new member here. I need some advice. I am in North Carolina at the moment but will be moving to Colorado in the next month or so. I have a little time left in the service but once I complete that I would like to start up another landscaping business. I had one before I joined but focused mainly on lawn maintenance. This time around I would like to lean more toward landscape installation. I was curious to see if anyone had gone to any seminars and/or short term schools that they would recommend. I have never installed anything bigger than a small retaining wall and would like to learn more about custom patios, ponds and stonework. Thanks for the input.

[Stonehenge]

Check with your local tech school - they probably have programs that will offer just what you're looking for. Also, check with your local suppliers (whenever you get back to check them) - they usually offer seminars on how to install their stuff. They get more business when they can teach you how to correctly install their stuff, so it's in their best interest to teach you.

[diablo]

Thanks alot Stonehenge, Ill try just that.

[mdvaden]

For the pond part, there may be seminars available to you, but I think reading several to a half dozen books will be a good way to go. One reason, is that the building material - the rock - is not a standard size, and so much is left to artistic ability and ingenuity.

As for the pond habitat and chemical changes, books and online resources have a tremendous amount of material.

[diablo]

Thanks mdvaden, Ive been doing my reading and I have learned quite a bit. I was just trying to see if there are any "hands on" seminars out there. I feel like I know a good bit of what I should from the technical side. Guess we will just have to see if I am artistic or not.

[Inspired]

Just my .02.

If you have maintnance experience, why not build up a few accounts to establish a cash flow, then recommend a few small scale "Up-Grades" to your customers. Keep the jobs small and do them one at a time. Make sure your customers are always happy and stand behind your work 100%. You'll be surprised at how fast you will be getting referals for complete yards.

Do it right though. Don't be in a hurry to bid on or accept a complete yard or a larger remodel until you have a contractors license.

Good luck!

Bill