Jim Huston

Training Services (also see Consulting Services and Rates)

JR Huston Enterprises, Inc. is a full-service and industry-specific management consulting company, created to serve the needs of landscape and irrigation contractors, vendors and related associations. We provide educational seminars, hands-on training workshops, and a speaker's bureau for dinner talks. These events are designed not only for the contractor but also to assist associations and vendors by

1. Providing additional member/customer benefits.
2. Augmenting membership/customer drive efforts.
3. Supporting educational/training goals by providing cost-effective educational programs.

WORKSHOPS (see rates)

Estimating Workshop

A two-day workshop that trains Landscape and Irrigation contractors and/or key staff how to:

Prepare an overhead and field-labor hour budget Calculate labor burden, average wage, and equipment costs Price/bid projects by the lump sum and unit price methods Measure, allocate, and control overhead costs Understand the total quality management (TQM) process as it relates to estimating Understand the five most common methods of estimating used in the market today And more...

Strategic Planning Workshop

A one-day workshop that will:

• Train landscape and irrigation contractors and/or key staff on how to prepare a Strategic Plan; and
• Train contractors and key staff on how to implement the Strategic Plan as a vital and dynamic management tool.

By the end of the day, each company will have put together their own, specific Strategic Plan.

SEMINARS & DINNER TALKS (see rates)

Estimating System Overview

Either a half-day or full-day educational event that will introduce Landscape and Irrigation contractors to the key components of an effective estimating system.

The pros and cons of each of the five most common methods of estimating used in the market today are discussed in depth.

Those who attend will be provided with a detailed explanation of the key principles involved in:

• The estimating budget process
• Calculating and controlling equipment costs
• Calculating labor burden and average wages
• Measuring, allocating, and controlling overhead costs
• Reviewing a bid
• Determining general conditions costs in a bid
• And more...

Mr. Huston will conclude the day by explaining how to run a landscape and irrigation company directly from the bid sheet.

Preparing for & Responding to a Down Economy

Either a half-day or full-day seminar based on Mr. Huston's book on survival techniques for contractors.

As he dissects and analyzes the four major functional areas of a landscape and irrigation company, Mr. Huston utilizes a unique and industry-specific approach to the philosophies, methodologies, systems, and strategies that every company needs to implement in order to survive.
Those who attend will be provided with numerous handouts and visual aids.

Strategic Planning for Landscape & Irrigation Companies

A half-day seminar based on Mr. Huston's first book.

The seminar will thoroughly explain the Strategic Planning process. Material will be provided (handouts and diagrams) that will help participants to devise their own Strategic Plan for their company or division after they attend the seminar.
In addition, for a period of thirty days after the event, FREE support (via telephone) will be provided to attendees who may have further questions regarding the Strategic Planning process.

Other Seminar Topics and Dinner Talks are available. Please contact our offices for details.

2005 - 2006 Appearance Schedule