Earth Day 2013 - Your part starts at home » Finding small, yet significant, ways to conserve, reuse, protect and sustain the environment, and the place you occupy in it, can be easy. Just start at home. The planet will thank you.
For Earth Day, Halogens Are Phased Out by SOLitude Lake Management » In support of Earth Day (April 22, 2013) and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 legislation phasing out the use of inefficient incandescent light bulbs to bulbs that require 25 percent less energy, SOLitude Lake Management will no longer offer halogen fountain replacement bulbs to their clients, effective immediately.
We at SOLitude Lake Management, the leader in residential and commercial lake and pond management, are pleased to offer references to interested parties. We stand behind our work and are confident in our clients' satisfaction. Satellite branches of our organization have won awards attesting to our commitment to quality. To learn more about our services, please contact us today at 888-480-LAKE.
Brad Harris works with us to find solutions
I was recently elected as the Landscape Chair on our HOA board and was suddenly thrust into unknown territory – Pond Management. Fortunately for me, and for our community, Brad Harris was the Service Agent with SOLitude Lake Management. I met with Brad early on and was delighted to learn an immense amount of pond management and problem solving from him. Brad is an active manager and keeps us informed of our pond’s health and works with us to find solutions to our pond’s needs.
Being on an HOA Board can be stressful and time consuming; but with Brad on our team, I never have to worry about caring for our Pond, which is the beautiful focal point of our neighborhood. Brad’s got us covered. All we have to do is enjoy the scenery!
Connie Harris, Candlewyck Community, Charlotte, NC, April 4, 2013
John Phelps impresses clients with his knowledge
Hi John,
It was good seeing you on Saturday. Your presentation was excellent. I am so impressed with your knowledge about ponds, swales and buffer zones. We so appreciate your time with us and for all the information you have secured about our "gem." The commmunity was likewise impressed and pleased.
Elizabeth Fields
Reserves Homeowner Board, October 23, 2012
Shannon Junior hits a homer!
Kevin,
Thanks for the nice follow up card. It’s very nice to see some people still take the time to write and mail hand written notes.
I should have mentioned this sooner, but Shannon did a terrific job. She was impressive. She spoke intelligently about what she was seeing, but didn’t “guess” at possible solutions. She seemed to have a solid grasp of the situation, but was not pushy when it came to obtaining a decision from the customer, which increased her credibility with them.
All in all, I’d say she hit a home run.
Whenever I’m dealing with contractors and vendors regarding the needs of our customers, I always look for those that want to create win-win situations. That’s how you build long term relationships. Shannon seems to “get it.”
Well done and thanks again for the note.
Best,
Jim Foley, CMCA, AMS
President/Partner, National Realty Partners, LLC, AAMC, July 23, 2012
Teamwork!
Greg and John,
I just want to let you guys know that it has been a pleasure working with the both of you in dealing with our storm water ponds and swale. Any time we have had to have work done, or had a question about normal maintenance, you guys have had the time for us. We are very pleased with how our ponds look and appreciate the effort that goes into keeping them looking that way. I know sometimes people only hear when there is a problem, but I wanted to let you know we as a board and community appreciate your expertise, professionalism, and knowledge.
Thanks,
Mike Coumatos
President, Bayview Landing HOA, Selbyville, DE, June 26, 2012
John Phelps - A Great Choice
Just wanted to say that you made a great choice in employees with John Phelps. He not only did an outstanding job of clearing our lower lake of weeds, but he has been wonderful to work with. Soooo responsive and caring and knowledgeable!! You should be very proud of the job he has done and the way in which he has represented your company!!!! Thanks,
Ned and Sally Ward
Dushore, PA, June 19, 2012
Nothing Short of Fantastic!
“Kevin Tucker and his staff have been nothing short of fantastic to work with. I approached Kevin for his professional opinion and insight about the needs of lake and pond owners specifically relating to habitat a number of years ago. With his approval and advice, he and his staff have continued to offer professional insight of the growing need to improve habitat diversity to their clients. His company's desire to offer their clients an honest, unbiased opinion of available products and practices driven by results not profits, have made them the leader in the industry up and down the east coast. The staff Kevin has put together displays this friendly and helpful attitude in all aspects of their work. The best employees are driven to the best companies, not only because of their work ethic, but by the way they are treated. It is apparent that all of the staff love the work they are in and who they work for. Some of the best minds in the industry have become one large and growing family known as SOLitude lake management. Because of Kevin's goal to treat not only his clients with respect and honesty, but his employees as well, this is a happy and helpful group of professionals. The upbeat attitude and friendly advice comes along with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your water resource. This company truly wants to help their clients succeed with their goals, improving water quality and aquatic life, cost effectively. You will be hard pressed to find a staff of professionals who enjoy their work more than the folks at SOLitude Lake Management. Great people attract the same and Kevin has achieved this in spades. It should be no surprise that State and Federal agencies as well as private lake and pond owners continue to look to Kevin and his staff for advice and products to achieve their goals. If you want the best minds and service available, you want SOLitude Lake Management.”
Above & Beyond...a note from a homeowner in Heritage Shores
I just want to give Kudos to the fountain people. When they were putting our fountain in on Hole #12, I ran out and asked the gentleman, from across the pond, if he could move it more towards the middle since I can't see the fountain anymore from my breakfast nook like I could before. He tried to explain but I couldn't hear and just went back into my house. He took the time to figure out what house I was in and came to the front door, rang the bell and explained that the cable had been cut by the lawn mower awhile back so they can no longer put the fountain in the middle, the cable is just too short....and they are very expensive to replace. I thanked him for coming to my front door and explaining the situation. He said he would let you know to put a longer cable on the wish list :) I love our fountains and am sorry we can't see it from our house anymore but I do understand. If they could ever switch it out for a longer cable, that would be terrific. But, I thought the young gentleman went above and beyond the call of duty to explain the situation and wanted to let you know.
Kathy Harrigan
Heritage Shores resident, Bridgeville, DE March 26, 2012
A Special Thank You from one of our Clients
Speaking on behalf of their community Governor's Land and all of its inhabitants, even the Swan! Watch The Video Here
Look at what folks are saying about John Phelps, latest addition to our Staff
I personally contacted and met with several companies to discuss issues and infractions regarding our pond. After meeting with your Environmental Scientist, John Phelps, I together with our board president decided to retain your company to address the issues that were highlighted by NCC. John was very concise and informative in describing the issues and solution to each. He has a very courteous approach in talking with potential clients and his dialogue is as such that a lay person can walk away from a discussion with him with a clear understanding of what is needed to properly address issues concerning the ponds. He is very prompt in attending personal meetings regarding the issues and patient with the lay person's questions and concerns. The quality of contracted work was not only timely and professional but far exceeded the expectations of our board. I have had numerous e-mail correspondences with John and each e-mail was answered in a timely manner.
I have a lengthy background in management in the Oil & Chemical industry and John is the type of person that we pursued in our Environmental Engineering group.
Robert E. Bailey
Woodland Run Maintenance Corp., Newark, DE
John Phelps-Developing a Program that Fits the Needs of Your Community
John Phelps has been working with me as the Sunset Meadows Maintenance Organization President to help us maintain our water run off pond for the past 2 years. The company has helped us establish a baseline of what we will need to do annually to keep the pond up to the county and our own expectations. The pond has just gotten to a maturity level where some regular care is needed that we may not have needed before. I don't have any experience with ponds, and John was a big help in pointing us in the right direction and helping us to establish a good foundation. He worked with us to develop a program that fit the needs of our community. Our development was not in need of a very agresssive program like some of the other companies were trying to sell us. That was important to me. John always did what he said he would do, that is also important to me.
Greg Ruhland
Sunset Meadows Maintenance Organization President, Bear, DE
A Reliable, Knowledgeable, and Experienced Company
Berkeley Realty Property Management works with some fifty communities in the James City County and Williamsburg area. Many of these communities have ponds or lakes for which the community is responsible. SOLitude Lake Management has been providing aquatic management services for a number of these communities and has done a commendable job through the years. Kevin Tucker and his staff have consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of properly maintained lakes and ponds. SOLitude Lake Management provides periodic preventative maintenance for both the water within the ponds and also the mechanical components as well.
I have personally worked with the staff at SOLitude Lake Management since 2003 and have been very impressed with the service they have provided over the years; from the field crews to the office support staff. SOLitude is very active in the community association industry and has often participated in workshops and seminars to help keep their clients better informed and to equip them with the tools they need to make decisions that will benefit their communities.
I would recommend SOLitude Lake Management to any community or property that is looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced company to assist with pond or lake maintenance services.
Sincerely yours,
C.J. Jones CMCA AMS PCAM
Association Portfolio Manager, Berkeley Realty Property Management, Inc., Southeastern Virginia, December 22, 2011
Recommendations from the City of Newport News
and also...
SOLitude Lake Management Company has been managing our lake fountains since 2003.
We have utilized their services and have been very pleased with their work.
Kevin Tucker and his team have always been reliable and quick to respond to any issues. They are all very knowledgeable, able to explain what is happening with any situation, and find solutions to problem as they arise. Overall I have been very pleased with their work and would highly recommend them to anyone with lake, pond, and other BMP management needs.
Sincerely,
Andy Wilks
Andrew S. Wilks, Property Manager, Department of Development, City of Newport News, VA, December 28, 2011
Recommendations from the City of Chesapeake
SOLitude Lake Management Company has been managing our lake/ storm water pond, and fountains since 2005. Kevin Tucker and his team have always been reliable and quick to respond to any issues. They are all very knowledgeable, able to explain what is happening with any situation, and find solutions to problem as they arise. Overall I have been very pleased with their work and would highly recommend them to anyone with lake, pond, and other BMP management needs.
Sincerely,
Joan M. Fowler, P.E.
Development Services Coordinator, Economic Development Department, City of Chesapeake, VA, December 28, 2011
Over-the-Top Great!
Kevin,
You know I am very happy with SOLitude and that I speak your praises when (and sometimes not!) asked, but I felt this particular situation was a just a little better than the rest….
Ellen is just fantastic and I can't say that enough. She's always great, always quick to respond, always informative, but now she's just over-the-top great!!! Late this afternoon I emailed and asked if someone could reset the timer on the Willow Lakes fountain as it's not coming on until a few hours after dark. Her response is below….she didn't really have anyone in the area but has offered to take a look herself. Talk about full-service!!! It's a few days before Christmas and I know that everyone is busy and there is tons of last minute things to get accomplished for your clients (who I am sure want everything done, and done before the Holiday!). This attention from your staff just shows how much you all care about your clients, and about your managers.
Anytime you need a letter of recommendation, etc. I am here and waiting to oblige. Thank you all for all that you do! Merry Christmas! I've copied Ellen on this email as I think she so deserves to hear the positive feedback that I've got to offer. J
Susan G. Berger, CMCA, AMS
Regional Association Manager - Chesapeake Bay Management, Inc., Hampton Roads, VA December 21, 2011
Recommendation from the City of Virginia Beach
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend SOLitude Lake Management Company to anyone with lake, pond, or BMP management needs.
Not only have we been using them for several years to manage and maintain our lakes, ponds, and fountains, but we have also used their services for algae and weed control. Their expertise, problem solving ability, and willingness to help have been invaluable. Kevin Tucker and his staff have been outstanding and I thoroughly enjoy working with them.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Buddy Gilbert
Operations Coordinator, Public Works/Building Maintenance, City of Virginia Beach, VA January 4, 2012
"A Pleasure..."
Working with SOLitude Lake Management has been a pleasure. The staff is extremely responsive and is excellent at serving the client. A recent experience has proven to me the value not only of the service they provide, but proved to me the company cares for the clients they serve. We had experienced horrible shipping delays and other issues with a pump that was out for repair – most of the problem being with shipping from the factory repairing the pump. Following many issues the idea was given to the Association to upgrade the fountain just a slight bit early (especially due to the recent failures) with an different brand fountain. The spray pattern was much prettier, but that was just aesthetics. SOLitude installed the new fountain, and any other that year that the Association wished to replace, for no labor cost at all. They did this because the Association was sure to see further failures and this was the best way to service their client.
I receive feedback regularly about contractors inside the Associations that I manage. Rarely is it neutral, and very rarely is it positive as most don't take the time to give those much needed and deserved "kudos!" I did, in the past month, receive a response to a rather large repair estimate from a committee chairperson in a community with not one, but FIVE lakes that SOLitude expertly maintains.
The Committee Chairperson said, "Our community has worked with Kevin Tucker and VLM since before I moved in around 1999. They have always provided good service and advice. Understand the name has changed from VA. Lake Management to SOLitude Lake Management but the people appear to still be the same team so I would respect their advice."
I wanted to send you a note to thank you for the services you have provided thus far to my company. I have been very impressed. Specifically, I have to compliment Greg, who has been the face of your company at Canal Corkran and Cape Shores, where the owners see and interact with him on a regular basis. They are truly impressed with his knowledge, his timely response to even the smallest of problems and most of all his pleasant personality. We don't feel like he's trying to sell us anything, which is a welcomed change from what we have unfortunately become accustomed to…not sure you guys will appreciate that from the business end!!! Just kidding, of course. But he has solved our problems, listened to our concerns and acted professionally in every aspect of the word. He is an asset to your company and you should be very happy to have him represent you here in Delaware!!!
David Ewald of Fishiding.com Compliments the SOLitude team:
Kevin, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy working with your company and the fine staff. The personal service and upbeat attitude of all the folks we work with at your company are a joy to do business with. Congratulations on putting together a one of a kind winning team. Once again, thanks for your support and continued faith in our products.
Thanks, David!
SOLitude Lake Management Wins National Environmental Leadership Award
Virginia Beach, VA – Throughout the 13-year history of SePRO Corporation's Preferred Aquatic Applicator program, only the top companies in the aquatic plant management industry from around the country have gained and maintained membership in the distinguished organization. Companies who are invited to become SePRO Preferred Applicators receive specialized training and access to product and service information directly from SePRO and are required to complete several annual industry building and training activities in order to become and remain a part of this exclusive association.
SOLitude Lake Management, a SePRO Preferred Applicator company since 1999 recently attended SePRO's 2009 Advanced Seminar on Aquatic Plant Management, which focused on the latest advances in sustainable practices and technical solutions for aquatic ecosystem restoration. The seminar featured techniques through which a SePRO Preferred Applicator company can maintain long-term success both as a business and as a cutting-edge, technologically advanced aquatic plant management enterprise.
SOLitude Lake Management was honored with additional recognition at the seminar as a recipient of the 2009 "Sustainable Leadership" Award. The winner of this award was recognized for overall excellence in programs and management solutions that work in conjunction with government agencies, lake associations and private property owners to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems. SOLitude Lake Management was lauded for its continued leadership in sustainable management practices, which protect aquatic environments and advance a sustainable future for its business and employees as well as the entire aquatics industry.
All SePRO Preferred Applicators are committed to protecting, restoring and enhancing valuable water resources, an essential element of a sustainable global future. Their dedication to serving the aquatics industry and the environment is reflected by a shared interest in utilizing the latest advances in training, technology and sustainable solutions. SOLitude Lake Management is proud to be part of a select group of professionals throughout the United States whom SePRO has recognized as the very best in the industry.