Even though many landscape contractors have been in business for 5, 10 or even 20 years, they still overlook the fundamentals when it comes to running their businesses. This causes them to improperly price work, month after month and year after year, not knowing whether they made money or lost money until the end of the year.

Whether you're new to the green industry or a seasoned professional looking for a business basics refresher course, you must listen in tonight as Marcus vandeVliet walks us through the five business necessities that you must have to remain competitive and profitable - both now and in the future.

1. Why you must have a business plan
2. How to create a realistic budget
3. The importance of an accurate estimating system
4. Job costing basics
5. What is an information management system

Marcus vandeVliet is the founder of a design build company in New Jersey that he re-directed into a niche business specializing in project management of high-end projects for the residential marketplace. He developed and improved accounting and information transfer systems to help maximize profitability of a large landscaping company with 400 employees and $23 million in revenues. He was President of a residential design build firm, improving profitability from 6 percent to 19 percent while maintaining the company's $7 million in revenues.

VandeVliet is recognized as an expert in bidding and estimating in the construction industry when working with Vander Kooi and Associates and delivered presentations and conducted workshops throughout the United States. He has put his insight and experience to work for a broader swath of businesses by founding MV Consulting, now MV Enterprises. Through Power PlanningTM, Performance Consultation, and Public Speaking, he is dedicated to helping clients improve performance and profitability to realize their potential and achieve long-term growth and sustainability.

For more information, visit MV Enterprises at www.mventerprises.biz.