You're a Vietnam vet, a retired police officer, and you've worked hard your entire life. What are you doing mowing lawns for a living? That's the question Walker Talk asked Vernon Henderson, owner of V. Henderson Landscaping, Washington, D.C.

If you're like most lawn maintenance professionals, you started your business using one or two walkbehind mowers. And if you're like most successful entrepreneurs, your business has grown to the extent you now need to purchase additional mowing equipment. Should you buy more walk-behinds, or is it time to consider one of those expensive riders you see some of your competitors using? The answer may surprise you.

When Pierre S. du Pont bought Longwood in 1906, initial plans didn't call for developing his new property into the world's premier horticultural display gardens. Today, however, Longwood Gardens is just that. 

There is a shift these days toward throwaway or disposable products. Mass merchandisers have emerged to sell these products and it works. They essentially tell the customer, "You don't need service. If it breaks, just throw it away and buy a new one. Or we'll give you a new one within the warranty period." It is clear that the traditional dealer providing dealer services is not needed in this scheme. Some have foretold the demise of the independent dealer network as a result of these changes in products and retailing.

Sandy Weaver, owner of Albuquerque Grounds Maintenance, is feeling pretty good these days. After all, this is her company's tenth year in business. AGM has an excellent reputation as well as a good mix of commercial business. And it's backed up by a cadre of loyal, hardworking employees. In Sandy's own words, "I'm glad to be where I am. But it sure wasn't easy getting there."

Few environments are more demanding for a mower than a school. Trees, hills, entrance ways, ball diamonds and football fields require machines to mow on a variety of landscapes with equal agility. For Humke Elementary, in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, the demands are even more challenging since the school grounds are open in the summer to host baseball leagues.