LLSA Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards: Cornerstone Solutions Group

Date: June 23, 2010
by: Robin Hartill | Community Editor

Pam Lutz is the business and marketing director of Cornerstone Solutions Group’s Bradenton office.

Pam Lutz’s secret to success: Get to know your customers.

As business/marketing director at the Bradenton office of Cornerstone Solutions Group, Lutz knows that her clients need landscaping and maintenance services. Even in a slow economy, they count on these services, because they help maintain property values. But for Lutz, that’s not enough.

“It’s not just a job,” Lutz said. “It’s really important to us that people feel valued.”

Cornerstone’s focus on personal relationships is, in part, what drew Lutz to the company. In October 2008, she gave up her job as executive assistant with the West Florida Chapter of the Community Associations Institute to care for her grandchildren after her son-in-law became ill. When she resigned, Lutz sent out an e-mail to the companies she had worked with, letting them know about the situation. Cornerstone employees stayed in contact with her. Fortunately, Lutz’s son-in-law recovered quickly. In December 2008, she was hired by Cornerstone, which had opened its Bradenton office earlier that year.

For Lutz, the biggest challenge of the job has been building local name recognition for the company.
Cornerstone has offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach, but the Bradenton office is the newest.

But so far, the company has succeeded in building its reputation, in part because of that emphasis on personal relationships. In just two years, the branch has grown from just seven full-time employees and one part-time employee to a staff of more than 35. Business has increased by 100% in the past two years. And Lutz sees success for the company in the coming year.

“I see business continuing to grow and possibly even doubling in the next year,” she says.

BUSINESS BASICS

Location: 2712 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton

Start date: Early 2008

Number of employees when started: Seven full-time, one part-time

Number of employees today: More than 35

Advice: Getting to know your customers and your base is very important.

Biggest challenge: Getting Cornerstone’s name out as a newcomer to the area.

Where do you see your business one year from now? Continuing to grow and possibly even doubling within the next year.

Today Cornerstone was involved with a great Kick-off event for the Tampabay Housing & Community Partnership.

Cornerstone provided all of the mulch for William’s & Grant Parks in East Tampa and had a great crew of volunteers to help spread it around! Martine Gramatica and his brother Bill were there to speak along with other top community leaders.

Channel 8, 13 and Bay News 9 was there to catch all of the action! Please check your 5 oclock and 6oclock news tonight! Cornerstone’s work with the parks will be featured in a segment (Bay News 9 will air their’s Saturday).

It was really neat to see all kinds of people and industry partners have so many good things to say about our company…Even LMP was there and wanted to personally meet me and tell me how great he thought our company was (he was even telling people when I wasn’t around!) I am proud to work for a company who gives back so much of our success.

VICTORY!

What a great way to begin the holiday weekend! 

The Jacksonville Regional Office has just countersigned documents for the new maintenance contracts for the St. Johns Town Center!  This huge outdoor mall is the “flagship” of the Simon Property Group (Simon Malls).  The sales team was anchored by Jim Behrens and Darren Stricklen, but almost everyone in the Jacksonville office was involved.  The team in Jacksonville also would like to thank Julie Kirik, Melissa Garcia, Elaine Eccles, Sarah Beckel, and many other people in Dade City who also helped with all the metrics required for completion of the bid.

ALSO…

The Jacksonville Regional Office has been awarded the new maintenance contract for The Aveunues Mall!  This indoor mall is also a Simon property containing a large number of high-end specialty stores and boutiques.   

And last but not least…

The Jacksonville Regional Office has been awarded a mid-term, two year extension of the maintenance contract for the  Orange Park Mall and Westland Park Plaza!  Currnently, these two Simon Malls are beginning year two of a two year contract.   

Victory!!!  Bring on the fireworks!!! Way to go TEAM Cornerstone!!!

Randy Hicks

• Understand what makes a chemical “hazardous.” A chemical is considered hazardous if it is a carcinogen, is corrosive, highly toxic, an irritant, a sensitizer, or has an effect on target organs (such as the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.)
• Keep your Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) updated and ensure that the applicable MSDS is readily accessible to any employee who may be exposed to that hazardous chemical. It’s a good idea to keep a binder with all MSDSs in your main office — but also require crew leaders or other supervisors to have copies of applicable MSDSs in their trucks at job sites.
• Know that your workers must understand how to read an MSDS and a chemical label.
• Train employees in the importance of properly labeled chemical containers. An improperly labeled container can result in the wrong use of the chemical, a fire or explosion, and injuries or deaths.
• When training your employees, discuss a chemical’s potential routes of entry into the body (inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or injection,) its physical and health hazards, and how workers can protect themselves against these hazards (including use of the appropriate personal protective equipment.) Also, discuss how an employee can detect the presence of a hazardous chemical.
• Know that the Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to notify any outside contractors of any chemical hazards to which they may be exposed.
• Train your employees whenever they may be initially exposed to a hazardous chemical and whenever a new hazardous chemical is introduced into their work area.
• Document all training in writing. Have employees sign a log indicating when and where they were trained. Include the name of the trainer. Keep these logs on file in case you are ever faced with an OSHA investigation.

Each year, workers in our industry die on the job because of contact with electrical current. Most of these incidents are preventable by teaching and enforcing safe work practices.

• Conduct initial and daily surveys of the job site to identify hazards. Implement control measures to address the hazards that are found.
• Never operate equipment around overhead power lines, unless you have been authorized and trained to do so.
• If a machine is in contact with an overhead power line, do now allow anyone to come near or touch the machine. Stay away from it and call the electric power company.
• NEVER touch a power line that has fallen or has been brought down by machinery or equipment. Assume that it is “live.”
• DON’T touch a coworker or other person who is in contact with a live power line. Call 911 for professional emergency medical assistance.
• Be sure to call 811 before you dig so you know the location of any underground utility lines and are certain that they have been de-energized. For more information on your state-specific underground utility notification requirements, visit the call811.com/state-specific.aspx Web site. Note: Each state has its own regulations regarding digging. Some are stricter than others.
• Select and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This PPE may consist of items such as rubber insulating gloves, hoods, sleeves, matting, and/or blankets.
• Use nonconductive wooden or fiberglass ladders when working near overhead power lines. Aluminum ladders and metal scaffolds or frames will conduct electricity.
• Be aware that, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical hazards — while responsible for just a fraction of the total number of workplace injuries — are more likely to result in death than injuries from other causes.
• Know that nonfatal electrical injuries occur most often to those who work with machines or tools and around electrical wiring other than power lines.

Thanks to PLANET for their safety tips! http://www.landcarenetwork.org/cms/safety/general/tips.html

1) Trees & Shrubs
• Preventive pruning is an important tool to minimize the risk and damage from trees and shrubs during a storm.
• A research study in 2006 suggests that pruning trees significantly reduces trunk movement and damage when exposed to 120 mph winds.
• Make sure any loose Palm fronds are removed. If seed pods or coconuts exist make sure to remove them prior to storm.
• Use household twine to tie any loose branches on delicate shrubbery bringing the branches in to the trunk of the plant. This may save your plant from being ripped apart during a storm.

2) Secure loose items/planters/potted plants
• Make sure to bring in any planters or individual potted plants. These can become missiles when the winds pick up and cause unnecessary damage.
• Place all lawn and patio furniture in a secure area.
• Garden hoses with nozzles and sprinkler attachments can whip around in a storm causing damage to windows. Disconnect hoses prior to storm and store in a secure area.

3) Make sure all drainage areas, gutters and downspouts are clear of weeds and debris
• This will allow for rain water to flow freely possibly preventing flooding.

By: Cornerstone
Landscape Solutions
Pam Lutz, Business Developer
2712 63rd Ave East
Bradenton, FL 34203
866.617.2235

The Sarasota/Bradenton Branch of Cornerstone was recently recognized as a finalist in the Longboat Key/Lido/St Armands Chamber of Commerce 2010 Small Business of the Year in the Category of 10+ Employees. Cornerstone will be featured as a finalist in the Longboat Key Observer in an upcoming issue.

Pam Lutz

Business Developer & Marketing Coordinator – Bradenton Branch

     It has recently been brought to our attention that the FDEP now has a full-time stormwater inspector working out of each of its regional offices.  Additionally, they have received funding for 10 more positions within the stormwater division, soon increasing the inspectors to two per region, with 4 additional in processing and enforcement at the headquarters.  The DEP has six regional offices (Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers) in addition to their Tallahassee headquarters. 

     In the past the FDEP’s stormwater program operated almost exclusively out of the Tallahassee office.  Most of the inspections throughout the state were conducted by a subcontractor (also based out of Tallahassee).  Inspections were either generated by a citizen complaint, or (more frequently) were randomly pulled based on the permits submitted for a region.  Because there was a subcontractor rather than a state employee conducting the inspection, notice was usually given 48 hours prior to an inspection being conducted.

     Now, with state inspectors in regional offices, we can all expect inspections to be much more frequent and inspections will be conducted in many cases with no notice given.  In a recent meeting with one regional inspector we found out that he had been on two different sites (for the same homebuilder) conducting visual inspections and documenting potential issues a week prior to requesting to see the SWPPP books!

Here are some of the key points that he was specifically looking for:

1)      SWPPP documentation- SWPPP’s available on site for his review- documentation complete- Acceptance Letters (Permits) posted and in SWPPP, inspections signed by inspector and site superintendent, Site map up- to date, etc..

2)      Evidence of a Consistent Program – inspections being conducted at the required frequency, and any corrections are being made prior to the next inspection.

3)      Concrete washouts- adequate stabilization the entrance to the washout (with pit type or bin type), pit lined with impermeable poly lining, silt fence enclosure.

4)      Curbside BMPs- are the proper BMPs in place to prevent sedimentation off the lot into the streets?

5)      Spoil or dirt piles- if these dirt piles are to be left in place for more than 7 to 10 days then they need to be enclosed with silt fence.

6)      Washout on the lots- washout waters from mortar mixers, paint washout, stucco washout, drywall mud washout, etc. – must be contained on the lots and prevented from entering the curb area.

7)      Portable toilets- Properly placed on the lots- behind the curb and away from storm inlets.

8)      Trash containment- is proper trash containment in place and being used by workers?

9)      Streets- are the street free of excessive sediment and debris?

Here is what you should do in the event of an inspection:

1)       Don’t panic – For our current clients, we already have your sites in compliance.  This is exactly what you have hired us for. 

2)      Call Cornerstone – Call Mark Stukey (727-424-6286) Robb Brown (813-714-2507) or Bill Daly (772-801-1660).  We will make every effort to be present during the inspection.  This is a standard part of our service and is at no additional cost to you.

3)      Provide Documentation – Provide whatever documentation you have that the inspector is looking for.  If there is anything missing, take detailed notes on what you do not have.

4)      Take Pictures – Most inspections will start by looking at the SWPPP and inspection reports, then will move into the site to check out conditions.  Take pictures of anything that the inspector mentions, and especially anything that they take pictures of.

5)      Get Inspector’s Information – Get a card or a name and phone number/email address.  This way we will know how to contact him/her with any follow up questions or remediation.

6)      Over-Respond – If the inspector asks for any changes or improvements, make them quickly and send pictures and written documentation that the changes have been made.

     To all of our current clients, we thank you again for your loyal business over the years.  We will always try to keep you abreast of the changing circumstances that affect how we all conduct our business.

     To our other friends and interested parties, Cornerstone would be honored to have the chance to earn your business and to be your partner in stormwater compliance.  We are able to provide terrific services at competitive prices either regionally or statewide.  Please feel free to contact any of us with questions or to talk about our services.

No. 1: Know Your Grass

Grass usually covers the most area, so it is one of the most important features of your yard.  Be sure to choose the right type of grass for the climate and pest pressures in your region to get a head start on a healthy lawn.

• Healthy turfgrass has a positive effect on the environment by reducing soil erosion and preventing runoff into lakes, rivers, and streams.  It also traps an estimated 12 million tons of dust and dirt released annually into the atmosphere.
• Chinch bugs are one of Florida’s most common lawn pests. They happen to enjoy feasting on St. Augustine grass, which is one of the most common grasses used in Florida lawns. 
• Fertilization is important because it keeps your lawn healthy. This helps to reduce the weeds and pests that may be invading your yard.
• Reducing weed pressure is always important. Without regular maintenance, weeds can take over a lawn. The only remedy to weeds taking over your yard is installing new sod or reseeding the grass, which can be costly.

No. 2: Add Excitement with Ornamentals

“Ornamentals” may sound exotic, but the term refers to any flowers, shrubs or other plants that add an extra touch of beauty to your landscape. Shrubs and flowers add dimension and color to your landscaping.  The key is to pick plants that are easy to maintain and grow well in your area.

• How do you choose? Local nurseries or stores with large garden centers  have experts on hand that can help you decide which ornamentals will work best in your situation. Your local university extension office can also help with selection guidance.
• Ask about plants that grow well in your zone. The Tampa Bay area is split between zones 9a and 9b.
• Choose ornamentals that require the amount of maintenance you’re willing to give.
• Keep in mind where you will be planting your selections – will they receive full sun or little sun? Look for plants that match the sunlight requirements your landscape will provide.

No. 3: Tips for Trees

There are several things to consider when choosing and planting trees on your property.

• Trees are an important part of landscaping because they provide oxygen, improve air quality and help control the climate by reflecting the heat of the sun and providing a screen from harsh wind or rain. Trees also conserve water, preserve soil and support wildlife.
• After selecting and planting a tree, it’s hard to wait patiently for it to grow into the landscape. A few trees that are known for growing a little faster: Royal Empress Tree (grows 12 feet a year), Weeping Willow (grows 10 feet a year), Lombardy Poplar (grows 6 feet a year), and the Thuja Green Giant (grows 3-5 feet a year).
• There are a few key signs to look for when deciding if a tree needs to be removed. Keep an eye out for dead wood, which can break at any time so should be removed immediately.  Distressed trees may also exhibit cracks, weak branch unions, decay, cankers (if a localized area of the stem or branch of a tree is sunken or missing), or root problems.

No. 4: Weed Out Problems

Weeds are an eyesore for any lawn and can spread rapidly, taking over your grass and making outdoor spaces less enjoyable. Keeping your grass properly irrigated and fertilized is key for preventing weeds. 

• Common weeds include poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak and ragweed, which cause allergic reactions for numbers of individuals.
• Weeds such as dandelions and crabgrass compete for the water and nutrients your lawn needs to thrive. Controlling these unwanted plants is especially important with new sod or grass.
• Manual labor is one option for controlling weeds; however, it is difficult to commit the time and effort necessary to keep weeds from growing faster than you can pull them. Unchecked, you may find yourself looking out on a front lawn void of grass due to weed takeover. Many herbicide options are available to stop weeds from taking over.

No. 5:  Small Changes = Big Impact

If planning to do a large-scale complete lawn makeover, it may be best to call in a professional. If you want to take smaller steps to improve your lawn, the plants and products available from local gardening centers are effective and can make a big impact.

• A simple and time saving way for eliminating weeds is using a herbicide and a little sweat equity.
• Learn the best times to plant, fertilize, water and treat your lawn and landscape for pests to make sure your work and the products you use will be effective.
• Adding flowers in large pots around your home is a quick way to immediately bring more color and excitement to your landscape. If you’re putting your house on the market, consider planting yellow flowers, as some claim the color yellow puts people in the mood to spend money.

More information about lawn care and plant health is available at www.debugthemyths.com.

Avoid driving in other drivers’ blind spots— that area of the road that cannot be seen while looking forward or through either the rear-view or side mirrors! Virtually all vehicles have them — even motorcycles (motorcyclists are sometimes limited in how far they can twist their head to look behind them). Yet, some drivers habitually change lanes without checking their blind areas for other vehicles. It’s a good idea to adjust your position relative to other traffic to stay out of other drivers’ blind spots whenever you can.

Where are your blind spots? That depends on the vehicle. A car typically has blind areas at the sides near the rear of the vehicle, meaning you cannot see anything in these areas by looking in your rear-view or side mirrors. Other vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, may be blind to anything that is directly behind them. Vehicles in which the driver sits very high may have forward-quarter blind spots — they may not be able to see anything low to the ground directly in front of them or to the sides near the front.

It is important to check your mirrors every 5–8 seconds while driving, but at the same time, it’s not enough just to check the mirrors. If you’re an experienced driver, you already know the blind areas on most vehicles are large enough to hide other vehicles from your view. Mirrors also will not reveal a vehicle that is changing lanes from two lanes away. For example, you’re driving in the right-hand lane of a multilane roadway and signal to change lanes to the left. Another vehicle in the third lane changes lanes to the right. Both of you may be trying to occupy the same place in the second lane. It is also possible that a lane that was clear of other traffic just a second ago may quickly become occupied — traffic is often fast-moving and fluid, and empty spaces tend to fill up.It is very important to turn your head and look before making a lane change.

Tractor-trailer rigs have their own particular blind spots. These trucks are “articulate,” that is, they bend in the middle. It is possible to “hide” completely behind the trailer of a large truck. Some drivers do this in order to “draft,” using the suction created behind the semi to save on gas. It is not a good idea to drive so close to the rear of a vehicle you can’t see around or when the driver may not even know you are there. When driving near large trucks, try to make sure you are visible to the driver. If you can see his face in his side-view mirrors, then he can see you also.

Finally, remember that even parked vehicles have blind areas. Kids often play around cars. Before you start up and back out, take a quick turn around the vehicle to make sure nothing, living or inanimate, is under or behind your wheels.