Summer Scoop, August 2024
Are unhappy families REALLY different?
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,” Leo Tolstoy famously penned as the opening line in Anna Karenina.
Respectfully, Mr. Tolstoy, I disagree. Problems tend to have universal themes that can be found in most of the unhappy ones, while the happy ones go about their merry way, doing their own thing!
We find that to be the case with landscaping problems, too. If you think you’re dealing with a unique landscaping issue and wondering how to resolve it, we’ve probably seen it.
In this issue, I’ve compiled a few success stories to offer you insights about some of the landscaping challenges you might be dealing with. These stories are also great examples of how we partner with our clients to get things done.
If you’ve got a landscaping issue you’re not quite sure how to tackle, you might find yourself in one of these stories. If you do, call us! I’m confident we can help you through it.
EE Client Success Stories
Lincoln Property Manager Sees Environmental Enhancements as ‘Part of Her Team’
Two years into her career as a property manager with Lincoln Property Company, Amber Truxell ‘broke up’ with her landscape provider and switched to Environmental Enhancements. Apparently, her previous provider was having difficulties…Read More
QTS Data Center Makes a Strong First Impression
When QTS Regional Site Services Manager Keith Rigsby first connected with Environmental enhancements, he was concerned about the attention to detail and quality of service he was getting from his current provider. “At QTS data centers, we are proud of the looks and esthetics of each of our facilities,” he says…Read More
Trying to evaluate the best landscaping company for you? Use this checklist to choose the right one.
Why One Community Manager Made the Switch
s a brand-new property manager, legume & Norman Associate Community Manager Kelli Lencioni was assigned two small communities in Arlington, VA—with one caveat. On both properties, there were landscaping issues. On average, these two clients were turning over their landscaping providers once a year…Read More
Lincoln Property Company Makes a Smart Decision to Install a Smart Water System
It all started when Lincoln Property Company Senior Engineer Scott Kelly received a $12,000 water bill for Lincoln Park I, a commercial building located on Lincoln Park Drive in Herndon, VA. Trouble was, the building’s irrigation system had been shut off during the entire billing cycle…Read More
One Lincoln Property Manager is Now Confident the Job Will Get Done
When Lincoln Properties’ Tiffany Haller inherited clients as a new property manager, she didn’t have to look far when she needed to find a landscaping provider. Her manager’s entire portfolio was under the care of Environmental Enhancements, so she…Read More
Celebrating Sharon for 18 Years of Service!
A highly-regarded member of our team, our CFO, Sharon Stettner, has been a mainstay at EE for almost two decades. Sharon came to us 18 years ago with extensive experience providing auditing services, accounting training, and financial process development to small businesses, all skills she has applied to her role at EE.
“Working with EE has been a deeply rewarding experience,” says Sharon. “The company’s commitment to a team approach has been particularly satisfying, as it fosters collaboration and a sense of community.”
Over the years, Sharon has forged professional relationships with EE accountants, lawyers, insurance providers and most significantly, EE clients—connections that have been an ongoing source of professional learning and growth.
“While EEI’s revenue has steadily increased, the most notable growth has been in the company’s maturity and organizational structure,” says Sharon. “The adoption of a team approach has been pivotal, creating a cohesive and effective leadership team that truly rocks! This strategic shift has not only made EEI more profitable, it has also cultivated a positive and dynamic work environment.”
Sharon gives a special shout-out to owner Fred Peratt, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in guiding EE to where it is today. “Fred’s dedication and commitment to the company’s values have inspired all of us to strive for excellence,” she says.
Outside of work, Sharon also values learning and growing. She is passionate about cooking, needlepoint, biking, and kayaking, and is a member of three (yes, three!) book clubs.
Thank you, Sharon, for 18 years of dedicated service!
Sustainable Landscaping Corner
Sustainability Creates Value for Property Managers
As you move into budget season, we’d like to offer you a few reasons why sustainable landscaping options could be a good idea for both you and your tenants.
First of all, sustainable landscaping practices—such as using native plants and efficient irrigation systems—significantly reduce maintenance costs. Native plants require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Lower utility bills and reduced labor costs, anyone?
Another ‘plus’ is that in today’s market, sustainability has become significantly more important to many people. Properties that demonstrate a commitment to being environmentally conscious can result in higher occupancy rates and increased tenant satisfaction.
Check out our sustainable options!
Choosing sustainable options also lets you ‘do the right thing’ for your community by supporting local ecosystems and contributing to biodiversity. Features like rain gardens and permeable pavements help manage stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. This not only protects the property but also contributes to a healthier, more resilient environment.
Overall, sustainable landscaping is a smart investment for property managers. You save money, increase marketability, and do your part to contribute to ecological health in your community.
If you’re not sure what sustainable options mean to you, be sure to add us to your vendor list if we’re not already on it! We’d be delighted to answer questions you may have and respond to your 2025 RFP with either conventional or sustainable solutions. We offer both.
Warm Regards,
Kyle Thurman
Design Director
Ask About Organic Options! Environmental Enhancements www.eelandscaping.com 540.764.4433 Did somebody forward you this newsletter and you want more? Subscribe here.