To All Authorized Members,
I am happy to report that tree removal sales by members of our network continue to track on a record pace this year. If you read my previous letter, you know that HMI posted its second largest Q1 in the company’s history this year. Last quarter was even more impressive. Q2 2024 was 50% higher than Q2 of 2023 and is now the single largest quarter in HMI history. Accomplishing this feat in a quarter outside of hurricane season is impressive and a testament to the growing demand for quality workmanship, good customer service, and professionalism in tree care.
Continuing the trend, we just closed our books for July and the Members of our network generated more tree removal sales last month than in any prior month in the company’s history. Certainly, Hurricane Beryl made its presence felt, but less than half of the work sold by our Network was related to the storm. With August also off to a fast start, this quarter will almost certainly break Q2’s record. For those of you who were on the receiving end of this activity, we appreciate your commitment to the HMI program. Collectively, we are making a difference.
Congratulations to the top closers from Q2, including Arbor Masters in Shawnee Mission, KS, Davey Tree in West St. Louis, MO, and Shults Tree in Louisville, KY. Thank you for your professionalism and exceptional service.
Also, I’m pleased to report that we recently wrapped up our second edition of the HMI Pro-Tips series, focused on how to successfully respond to Allstate assignments. Our goal with the Pro-Tips series is to provide best practices when handling HMI leads, so future Pro-Tips will include sales strategies, interpreting coverage, and other topics. We would love to have your feedback, click here to share your thoughts.
The early portion of the hurricane season has already produced a historic storm with Hurricane Beryl becoming the earliest CAT5 hurricane to form in the Atlantic. As we enter the peak of what is still projected to be a very busy season, it’s likely we will have deployment opportunities this summer/fall. If you have not yet done so, please contact Gretchen Piechottka to let her know if you are interested in deploying. She’ll make sure to get you on the list of companies we reach out to first for deployment opportunities.
IMPORTANT POLICY CHANGE - Effective Q1, 2025
“If there isn’t a picture of it, it didn’t happen!”
You may remember this phrase from our Pro-Tips campaign. For years, HMI has been trying to get our Network to improve the quantity and quality of photos submitted on all referrals. Poor photographic documentation is a constant complaint filed against HMI by our clients. This issue is causing significant approval delays, outright rejections, and slow payments.
Therefore, in Q1 of 2025, HMI will be implementing a new policy whereby an incremental fee may be charged on files that don’t contain sufficient photos. The fee is intended to offset the additional costs HMI incurs to get files audited/approved/paid when they don’t contain the required photos. You will be hearing much more about this policy before it goes into effect, but now is a great time to start taking more photos and emphasizing it with your teams. Rest assured, HMI hopes never to have to charge this fee. And remember, it’s easy to take and upload pre-labeled photos into the RMS using the HMI Connects mobile app. Download for iPhone or Android 100% free of charge.
Thank you to all of our members. Stay safe!
Regards,
