THE LEADING EDGE
T H E E M P L O Y E E N E W S L E T T E R O F M I C H A E L H A T C H E R & A S S O C I A T E S A N D I T S S U B S I D I A R I E S
SAFETY 101
MH&A ranked No. 125 on latest LM150
By ginny shikle communications specialist
Michael Hatcher & Associates is ranked
No 125 on a national trade publication’s 2023
List of Top 150 revenue-generating firms in the landscape industry
“We are incredibly honored to once again be included in the LM150,” CEO Russ Sneed said “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are grateful for the recognition.”
The LM150 list, published by Landscape Management, represents approximately the top 1 percent of landscape industry companies and is based on annual revenue
In 2022, Michael Hatcher & Associates reported $22 5 million in revenue, a 4 percent increase from $21 7 million in 2021 Total company revenue was $14 million in 2020, $12 6 million in 2019, and $10 million in 2018.
“Being named on the LM150 list is not only an acknowledgment of
Heat-related illness is dangerous, preventable
By Josh Wilder steff manager
Heat-related illness – also called heat stress – is a dangerous, potentially fatal threat to workers in our industry Physical labor causes the body to generate heat and lose fluid, putting you at increased risk of heat stress compared to people who are just exposed to hot temperatures
Hydration is important to avoiding heat-related illness, which is a series of conditions that begins with dehydration and can progress to heat exhaustion and heat stroke Heat stroke literally is a stroke and is often fatal Progression from dehydration to heat stroke can take hours or as little as 20 minutes, depending on your health, the type of work you’re doing, and weather conditions.
How can you ensure you’re adequately hydrated throughout your shift?
• Be aware that staying hydrated might require more fluids than you think The amount of fluids you need depends on factors such as age, weight, general health, work being performed, and weather conditions, but 1 quart per hour –which equates to 2 gallons per 8-hour shift – is appropriate for most people
• Tell your crew leader/supervisor if you have hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes, or take anti-inflammatory medication These things increase your susceptibility to heat-related illness
• For every three cups of water you consume, drink half a cup of a sports drink in order to replenish the sodium, potassium, glucose, and electrolytes your body needs
• Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine while working in a hot environment or the night before such work These are dehydrating agents
• Don’t wear tight or dark clothing or a tight-fitting hat or rag on your head Snug garments prevent evaporation of perspiration – the process that cools your body.
• Monitor your hydration level by noting how frequently you urinate and
the color of your urine You’re not drinking enough if you aren’t urinating every two to three hours or if your urine is yellow If your urine is dark, you are dehydrated
What are the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness?
• Dehydration: Decreased perspiration, thirst, a cool, clammy feeling, headache, poor appetite, darkcolored urine
• Heat exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, weakness, mood changes, such as irritability or confusion, upset stomach, or vomiting
• Heat stroke: Dry, hot skin, lack of sweating, confusion, bizarre behavior or combativeness, loss of vision or consciousness, seizures or convulsions
What should you do if you experience symptoms of heatrelated illness or notice signs in a co-worker?
• Tell a co-worker or supervisor if you experience symptoms of heat-related illness Go to a cool, shaded area, and rehydrate with water or sports beverages if you are dehydrated You can return to work when you feel better. If symptoms are still present
after 30 minutes, seek medical attention
• If a co-worker displays signs of heat exhaustion, call 911, notify your crew leader, and direct the person to a cool, shaded area Take off his/her hat, shoes, and socks, and provide a sports beverage while waiting for medical assistance.
• If a co-worker displays signs of heat stroke, follow the steps above for heat exhaustion, but also spray or wipe the person’s skin with cool water and fan him/her If a seizure occurs, turn the person on his/her side, tilt the head back, and thrust the jaw forward in order to keep the airway open Get emergency medical assistance immediately!
1 quart of liquids per hour – which equates to 2 gallons per 8-hour shift – is appropriate for most people
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GINNY SHIKLE
Kelly McQuage of White Cap spoke to the Commercial Maintenance team on June 5 about heat stress illness and prevention. She also gave safety tailgate talks June 6 to Commercial Construction and June 7 to Lawn Care.
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JOSH WILDER, STEFF MANAGER
When Junior Account Manager/FOM
Rachel Green of Commercial Maintenance, foreground, needed help with an estimate, Assistant Project Manager Katie Goodwin of Commercial Construction didn't hesitate to pitch in VP of Commercial Sales
Ron Bobal took this photo of the kindness in action and submitted it with his nomination.
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GINNY SHIKLE
Tim Gulvas, left, and Austin Starling of Lawn Care were recognized for helping teammates move into their new offices.
GINNY SHIKLE
BOBAL
Tim Alexander of Commercial Maintenance was Caught Being Kind for turning in a set of keys he found in the parking lot.
RON
June spotlight shines on Shannon Smith
The spotlight for June is on Shannon Smith, a Lawn Care Specialist from our Lawn Care Division.
“Shannon sets the bar extremely high when it comes to his knowledge of the industry and his continuous striving for betterment in his own quality of work,” said Davey Hooper, Memphis Market GM for Master Lawn “He’s always striving to push the envelope for perfection ”
Shannon began working for Master Lawn in August 2021, and during that time he’s helped us grow our residential routes in Bartlett, Arlington, Lakeland, Oakland, Millington, and Atoka
“He was quickly promoted to a ZSpray operator on some of our larger residential/commercial accounts,” Davey said “We couldn’t do what we do for our customers without team
Shannon Smith of Lawn Care is our June Spotlight winner. members like Shannon ”
For his part, Shannon said he loves working here
“I’m not stuck in one place,” he said, adding that he likes working for a company that pays well, shows its
appreciation, and offers training opportunities. “They give you everything you need Here you can actually move up in the company if you choose to ”
Congratulations, Shannon!
By Ginny Shikle, Communications Specialist
MOURNING THE LOSS OF JULIO GUZMAN CEDILLOS
Team,
We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our teammate Julio Guzman Cedillos, who passed away Tuesday, June 27, at a Memphis hospital Our thoughts and prayers go out to Julio’s family and loved ones during this difficult time
We are grateful for the time we had with Julio, a crew member in Commercial Maintenance who first came to work for us in 2014 Julio made significant contributions to our Team over the past nine years, and we will miss him dearly
We will honor Julio’s memory by continuing to uphold the values and work ethic he exemplified, and we will provide counseling services to any of our employees who may need support during this time
Funeral arrangements are pending. In the meantime, we will be taking donations for Julio’s family to help with expenses Please see your manager for details
Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead,
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AUSTIN STARLING
JULIO GUZMAN CEDILLOS MARCH 15, 1962 - JUNE 27, 2023
