What's one Jobber feature you wish you had started using sooner?
I've been exploring how different home service businesses use Jobber, and it's interesting that two companies can use the same software in completely different ways. What's one feature, workflow, or habit that made you think: "I wish I'd known about this six months ago." Whether it's scheduling, quoting, invoicing, client communication, reminders, or something else, I'd love to hear what's made the biggest difference for your business. Hopefully this thread helps newer members discover some hidden gems too.Roll call! Meet & introduce yourself to other Green & Exterior Service pros
If you’ve ever thought, “How are other businesses like mine handling this?” you’re in the right place! This space is for Green & Exterior Service pros to connect, compare notes, and talk shop with others who understand the day-to-day realities of running your type of business. 👋 Introduce Yourself Drop a comment and tell us: Your name Business name Industry Years in business Location (City/State/Province) Let us know if you’re joining us for LIVE networking on March 17 (more details below) The more context you share, the better connections you’ll make. 🙌 Pro tip: Search your city or state in the forum to easily find other pros in your area. 📅 Want to connect LIVE? We’re running a pilot to host virtual weekly LIVE Industry Networking starting on March 17, running until April 7. If you’d be interested in joining for the first or following sessions (don’t need to commit to all but you're welcome to join!), make sure to let us know in the comments. 🤝 Culture of this space Think of this forum board like a room full of peers who understand your world. Share what’s working. Ask real questions. Talk through challenges. The goal is to power your success and raise the standard of home service industries together. 💬 Looking for conversation starters? This space works best when conversations are industry-specific and experience-based. You might jump in with something like: “How are other [industry] pros pricing this service right now?” “Is anyone else seeing this shift in their market?” “What’s been working for you when it comes to ____?" 🤔 Why are industries grouped together? We’ve intentionally clustered similar industries to keep conversations active and relevant. These groupings reflect shared business models, operational challenges, and pricing conversations so you can learn from peers who “get it,” even if they’re not in your exact trade. If your question applies to all home service businesses, feel free to post in our broader forum boards. Pro tip: Check out the industry tags to get even more specific Looking forward to seeing this space come to life. 🚀
What Do You Do To Minimize Workers Comp Claim Exposure?
I had an employee that was with me for maybe 5 weeks that I was going to let go (wasn't meshing well with the team, not very coachable) and then he "pulled his back" on a job site picking something up incorrectly. He even said he went to pick up a heavy object sideways and with one arm. He's been on workers comp 10 months and between treatment and his compensation, the claim is over $100k! My company is in California so we probably have the least favorable laws for companies. My insurance guy said we did everything right. Sent him to a facility right away to be evaluated, called workers comp. Since then we have implemented a "buddy lifting" training. My insurance guy also told me that even if we documented that he has a history of doing things incorrectly, that he would still be in the workers comp system. So my question to you guys - what measures do you take to prevent something like this from happening? Do you have regular safety meetings? Trainings? What do those look like?Selective Planting: A Natural Alternative to Insecticides
Not every customer wants insecticides applied to their property, and not everyone is interested in introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or praying mantises. Fortunately, there is another option that can help reduce pest pressure while adding beauty and functionality to the landscape: Selective Planting. Selective planting involves choosing plants that naturally deter certain pests, attract pollinators, or contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem. While no plant is completely pest-proof, strategic plant selection can help reduce common landscape problems and minimize the need for intervention. For example, peppermint is known for its strong aroma, which may help discourage certain insects and rodents. Lemongrass contains citronella, a natural compound often associated with repelling mosquitoes, Ticks and Fleas. Thyme is a hardy herb that attracts pollinators while helping diversify the landscape. Hostas provide texture, color, and shade tolerance, making them an excellent companion plant in many garden designs. The benefits of selective planting extend beyond pest management. Diverse landscapes are often more resilient to disease, drought, and environmental stress. They also provide habitat and food sources for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for healthy ecosystems. As landscapers and gardeners, we often focus on solving problems after they appear. Selective planting encourages us to think proactively by designing landscapes that naturally support plant health and reduce pest pressures before they become major issues. How do you overcome pest and landscape challenges in your region? Do you rely on beneficial insects, selective planting, traditional treatments, or a combination of methods? I'd love to hear what's working in your region.Good Bugs vs. Bad Bugs: Not Every Insect in Your Landscape Is the Enemy
When most people see insects in their yard, their first thought is often, "How do I get rid of them?" But a healthy landscape depends on a balance of both plants and beneficial insects. Good Bugs (Beneficial Insects) These insects help control pests naturally and reduce the need for chemical treatments: Ladybugs – Feed on aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests. Green Lacewings – Their larvae are voracious predators of aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and mites. Praying Mantises – Generalist predators that feed on many garden pests. Parasitic Wasps – Tiny, harmless wasps that target whiteflies, caterpillars, and other destructive insects. Ground Beetles – Feed on slugs, caterpillars, and various soil pests. Bees and Butterflies – Essential pollinators that help flowers, fruits, and vegetables thrive. Bad Bugs (Common Landscape Pests) These insects can damage plants, turf, and ornamental landscapes: Aphids – Suck plant juices and weaken new growth. Whiteflies – Damage plants and leave behind sticky honeydew. Scale Insects – Attach to stems and leaves, draining plant health. Spider Mites – Tiny pests that cause leaf discoloration and stress. Japanese Beetles – Feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit. Termites – Damage wood structures and can cause costly repairs. Finding the Balance The goal isn't to eliminate every insect—it's to encourage the beneficial insects that naturally keep pest populations under control. A diverse landscape with healthy plants, proper maintenance, and limited pesticide use often creates the best environment for nature to do the work for us. My Question to all the professionals on here is: What Good Bugs do you introduce to help manage Bad Bugs, to keep the eco system healthy?
