If 2021 taught David Drennan, operations manager for Andrew’s Lawn & Landscaping in West Chester, anything, it is that the days of being able to order and get supplies the same day or even next week are gone, writes Seth Jones for Landscape Management.

“In 2021, supply-chain challenges definitely impacted our ability to get products,” said Drennan. “Last-minute problems that arose on properties that weren’t part of your typical program, it would take months for us sometimes to get equipment.”

Another lesson Drennan has learned is that the company had to take the early order purchasing programs much more seriously. While it took more planning, this gives the company the chance to better understand where the company is going. Furthermore, products are now on-hand.

“Before, you could just go to the dealership, pick up two trucks if you needed them, and put it back into play,” he said. “You have to plan out a lot more. You have to be more forward-thinking than reactionary. That is going to be huge for our industry.”

Read more about Andrew’s Lawn & Landscaping in Landscape Management.