The enterprise value specialists at Ceibass help owners buy and sell businesses in the lawn and landscape industry. One phrase that is often used in mergers and acquisitions is that the companies were a good fit because of “shared values.”
“Shared values refer to the underlying principles, beliefs, and standards that guide a company’s operations, management, and decision-making processes,” said Tom Fochtman, Ceibass CEO. “These values can encompass aspects such as company culture, ethics, goals, social responsibility, and commitment to employees, customers, and stakeholders. The benefits include such things as easier integration, synergy realization, cultural compatibility, increased trust and cooperation, enhanced reputation, and long-term stability.”
More specifically, the Ceibass team got together and gave these examples of shared values in the lawn and landscape industry:
- Sustainability: Companies may prioritize environmentally-friendly practices, striving to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize their ecological footprint. This could involve using organic fertilizers, reducing pesticide use, and implementing water-saving irrigation techniques. Also could involve propane mowing equipment, smaller electric equipment like blowers and string trimmers, and big electric mowers as well as light-duty trucks.
- Quality of work: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality work and exceeding customer expectations may be a shared value. This includes attention to detail, regular maintenance, and using the best materials and techniques for each project.
- Customer service: Lawn and landscape companies may share a commitment to providing exceptional customer service, emphasizing clear communication, prompt response times, and personalized solutions for each client.
- Employee well-being and development: Companies that value their employees may prioritize providing safe work environments, offering competitive wages and benefits, and supporting professional growth through training and development opportunities.
- Innovation and continuous improvement: Sharing a commitment to staying on the cutting edge of industry trends and technologies, constantly seeking ways to improve their services and differentiate themselves in the market.
- Community involvement: Companies in this industry may value giving back to their local communities, participating in volunteer projects, sponsoring events, or supporting local organizations.
- Integrity and ethical business practices: Conducting business with honesty, transparency, and a strong sense of ethics. This can include fair pricing, transparent billing practices, and adherence to industry regulations.