Consulting Firm to Focus on Sustainability, Safety
MAINE–(ENEWSPF)–June 4, 2012. For years they were adversaries, one man helping to grow a huge lawn chemical service company just as the other man railed against it.
Signaling a sea change in the lawn care industry former Scotts Miracle Gro vice president Mark Long and SafeLawns Foundation founder Paul Tukey announced the launch of Organic Green Pros (www.organicgreenpros.com), a nationwide consulting service aimed at helping municipalities, businesses, homeowners and the horticulture industry in general become more sustainable in their landscaping practices.
“Historically, our industry has not always had the best reputation for environmental stewardship, and perhaps deservedly so,” said Long, who was recruited to launch Scotts LawnService nationally in 1997. By the time he left Scotts in 2005 revenues exceeded $150 million, with more than 70 corporate locations and 1,200 employees serving 350,000 customers. “Today the nation is demanding a different kind of approach that considers our impact on the environment, human health and the planet overall. I’m excited to work with the leader in that conversation to effect real change.”
For Tukey, author of the Organic Lawn Care Manual and called “the godfather of the organic lawn movement” by the New York Times and others, working with the founder of the nation’s second largest synthetic chemical lawn care service company represents a huge opportunity, not a change of heart.
“Mark’s 30-year operational track record in lawn care is unsurpassed,” said Tukey. “You won’t find anyone more respected, with more sincerity. He’s a great guy with tremendous family values. Together we’ll show cities how to green their parks and playgrounds safely and affordably. We’ll show lawn care companies how to satisfy customer needs while striving for SafeLawns standards and maintaining profitability.”
Long and Tukey will assist their clients by tapping their international network of industry experts and product sources. They will continue to offer educational and inspirational seminars to municipalities, businesses and civic groups.
“This is an exciting way to give back to the industry,” said Long, who counts a diverse list including HomeTeam Pest Defense, Orkin, TruGreen among many others as consulting clients at Blue SkyGroup, LLC. Tukey, meanwhile, has led a variety of projects with the National Parks Service, the City of Boston and the Glenstone Museum, among many others.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Source: www.safelawns.org
