A new playbook

At press time, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros had just begun the fight for the World Series title, with the Dodgers taking game one. Eight members of the Sports Illustrated staff picked the Dodgers to win it all. But like one famous baseball player said, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”

The Dodgers’ history dates to 1890 in Brooklyn (known then as the Brooklyn Grays). During the next 100 years, they’d win 21 National League pennants. Greats such as Johnny Podres, Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, Don Drysdale and Orel Hershiser donned a Dodgers uniform. They enjoyed many wins and playoff games in Brooklyn and in Los Angeles.

Despite such a storied history with incredible players and managers, the Dodgers fell short over and over again. They won pennants in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953, but lost to the Yankees in the World Series during each one of those years. Those losses led to the unofficial slogan of, “Wait ‘til next year!” (I think Cleveland Indians fans have adopted this slogan now, no?)

Dodgers fans have chanted that phrase for the last 29 years, which marks the last time their beloved team went to the World Series.

Do you find yourself saying, “Wait ‘til next year,” season after season? If so, it’s time for a critical review of your operation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Confide in a trusted colleague, or contact your state nursery association or a representative from AmericanHort for help. Find a small-business support group in your area or get help from SCORE (score.org). Look into LEAN. Dig into consumer trends.

Check out our State of the Industry research and get a snapshot of how nurseries are performing across the country. The data starts on page 15. Or get to know Chris Uhland, CEO of Harmony Hill Nursery, and this month’s cover story. See how price increases and product changes helped him realize double-digit sales growth for the last four years. (Starts on page 8.)

You may have the makings of a World Series team, but need to make a few key substitutions.