In college, Emilie Steinauer was undecided about her major until she took a landscape appreciation course to fulfill a core credit requirement. Before taking the class, she had no idea the landscape industry existed as a career path.
“That class opened my eyes to the world of horticulture, and I quickly realized my passion for the green industry,” Steinauer says. “From that moment on, I was committed to pursuing a career in this field and never looked back.”
After working as a summer intern at CM’s A Cut Above, based in Omaha, Nebraska, Steinauer returned to work for CM’s full-time following her graduation. She had been there for just over a year before CM’s merged with Ryan Lawn & Tree, based in Merriam, Kansas.
“The transition was relatively smooth,” Steinauer says. “Chuck Monico and Larry Ryan did a great job of preparing us by clearly explaining the changes and answering all our questions to ensure we felt comfortable. A key factor in the seamless transition was the alignment of company values — both organizations had the same business practices in terms of open-book management, workplace culture and how to care for customers.”
Steinauer says her favorite aspect of working at Ryan Lawn & Tree is the people she interacts with, both the community members and her co-workers.
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by some of the most talented folks in the industry,” Steinauer says. “We genuinely look out for each other, and that sense of camaraderie is what makes RLT special.”
She says she’s also lucky to work for a company that offers full-time positions with benefits.
“If the industry can create more stable career paths, it’ll help attract and retain more great people and create a better space for everyone who works in it,” she says.
Steinauer says many individuals have shaped her professional development, but two who stand out in particular are her college professor, Kim Todd, and Ryan Lawn & Tree CEO, Chuck Monico.
“Anyone who’s had the chance to learn from her (Todd) knows how knowledgeable and respected she is in the industry,” Steinauer says. “She sets high standards, leads by example, and has been an incredible role model as a strong female in this industry.”
Steinauer encourages other women who love being outdoors, creating beautiful spaces and making a difference in the environment not to be intimidated by entering the industry.
“Find a good mentor, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” Steinhauer says. “You belong here just as much as anyone else.”
She notes that the more women come into the industry, the more we can change the outdated perception that landscaping is a ‘man’s job.’
“Women bring different perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and skill sets that make teams stronger and the industry better as a whole,” Steinauer says. “If we want to see real change, we have to actively recruit, support, and promote more women — representation matters, and when people see women thriving in these roles, it encourages even more to join.”
Steinauer says Monico has helped her grow in industry knowledge as well as a leader, shaping how she approaches her work and career. She says finding her voice was a challenge.
“Even though I had the education and experience, I struggled with confidence in the beginning,” she says. “Whether it was because I was young or new to the industry, I often hesitated to speak up. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my knowledge, share my ideas, and contribute with confidence.”
Over her six years in the industry, Steinauer has held a number of roles, from working for a retail greenhouse to being a landscape maintenance foreman. She has managed the annual color program and done landscape design as well. She says her field experience has made a huge difference in her landscape designs.
“My hands-on experience helps me think through the installation process, product limitations, and site challenges ahead of time,” she says. “Considering these factors early on helps prevent unexpected issues during installation and ensures the final project comes to life just as it was envisioned.”
She says one major concept she’s learned over the years is the importance of really listening, whether it’s with co-workers or homeowners.
“A homeowner might not know exactly how to describe what they want, so it’s up to us to really hear them and translate their vision into reality,” Steinauer says. “The same goes for working with a team; being able to understand different perspectives allows for a more cohesive work environment.”
Her current role as forestry supervisor includes managing Omaha’s pruning and plant health care departments. She loves how no two days are the same.
“Some days I’m overseeing crews, scheduling jobs, or visiting sites,” she says. “Other days, I’m designing projects or working on annual plantings. Depending on the season, I might be working on budgeting, weeding, or even snow removal.”
Steinauer loves seeing a project come to life and finds fulfillment in creating an outdoor space that people can enjoy for years to come.
As for where she sees herself in the next five years, she says her main goal is to keep growing learning and seeing where new opportunities take her. She notes that you shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way or try things that interest you, as this is how you find your place and grow into the career that is meant for you.
“Whether that means taking on new challenges, mentoring others, or stepping into a leadership role,” Steinauer says. “Whatever it is, I hope to keep making a positive impact in the industry.”
This article was published in the May/June issue of the magazine. To read more stories from The Edge magazine, click here to subscribe to the digital edition.
