Dan Huber
CEO, Alan Horticulture, Warrenville, Ill.
1. Tell me about Alan Horticulture, and how did you get into the business?
Alan Horticulture was founded in 1978. I came in about seven years ago and took over the company. We’re primarily maintenance, enhancements and a snow removal company for HOAs and commercial properties. I got my start mowing lawns with my twin brother, Mike, when we were 10. You know, we just took dad’s lawn mower out of the garage and went around mowing lawns and shoveling driveways.
2. What are some trends you’re seeing in the industry?
It’s pretty competitive; it’s a tight market. It’s all about pricing. It seems like loyalty has become a thing of the past. Most of our clients are big on service, obviously, but price seems to be driving a lot of our HOA communities especially.
3. How do you feel about the state of the economy and the industry in general?
I think the economy has kind of weathered. I think it’s staying strong, and I anticipate it to stay strong with some tax reform and some other things that this new presidency will probably pass down. I think it should be a good couple years. And the industry? I think the industry is strong. I think it’s a solid industry. I don’t anticipate any real drop off in sales in the next year or so. We’ve had a lot of growth since 2017. I do see us kind of leveling off a little bit — we’ll focus more on internal growth. But I think it’s going to be a solid 2025.
4. In this issue we’re debuting our first ever “Pro’s Toolbox” feature. So let me ask you — what’s your favorite tool to get the job done?
Our company rolled out and implemented Aspire in 2022 and I think that’s our biggest asset right now — running that software. If you’re not on a CRM program like that, you got to get on one. It’s been huge for us, and it’s really added to our success. The data that we’re getting from it and having it at our fingertips versus having to dig for it and spend days and days trying to understand the numbers and the costs that go into our projects — we’ve really been able to hone in on our margins. It’s amazing.
5. That’s great news! Let’s get to know you personally … do you have a family and what do you all do for fun?
My wife and I have been married almost 14 years, and we have two girls; an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. For fun, I like to think I know how to play golf … I’m learning. And I’m a big boater. I love boating, I love being around water. My wife’s in the survival swim business. So we have water in our blood.
