From the CEO – A Message from Richard Hunter, October 2002

In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to manage your company like an investment. But while stocks and mutual funds have taken a tumble (look at how Wall Street has fared this year), your own company can provide you with a more dependable way to invest your money. And the simple reason for that can be summed up in a single word: control.

With other types of investments you don’t get to control their performance like you can control the performance of your own business. When you invest in the future of your own company, you are the one making the decisions…not some portfolio manager or some accountant who is fudging on the numbers and driving his business to ruin.

As the market tries to right itself, the Green Industry remains strong and is getting stronger. People are focusing on home improvement and that has resulted in more business for those of us in irrigation.

Because we’re all a part of the same industry, Hunter has made it a point to work hard to help the contractor business owner to be more successful in building up the value of their investment. Our Preferred Contractor Program is a prime example of how we do that. The “frequent buyer” program is unlike any other in the industry because it is geared to rewards that help business owners improve their business.

One of the more popular rewards has been our annual business conference for owners, held in San Diego. We also offer a variety of workshops and training classes throughout the year, both on-site at Hunter and at various locations across the country.

Also at various sites are Hunter’s employee and crew training programs. Friendly and knowledgeable Hunter representatives demonstrate the latest products and help you get your crews prepared to be experts in the field.

Our Yellow Pages Program has helped make participating in the nations’ most trusted advertising venue easier – and more affordable – than ever. Preferred Contractors can get up to 50 percent of the cost of their ad covered by Hunter and they can use their Program Points to pay their share!

The Preferred Contractor Program has also proven to be an excellent way for business owners to purchase equipment for their operation. It’s incredible how quickly the Points accrue simply from buying what you were already going to need for your installations throughout the season.

Those who have discovered the “full line” of Hunter products and have made all their irrigation purchases from The Irrigation Innovators™, have been able to maximize the benefits of all our programs. At the same time, they are installing the highest quality, most reliable products available, thus building the value of their reputation in the community.

Are you doing the right thing to make your business stronger? Now is the time to start managing your company like an investment and develop a plan to control your future.