A successful business is often equated with how profitable it is, but this isn’t the only lens you can view your company through.
When it comes to success, the measuring stick is whatever you choose it to be. If you haven’t taken the time to consider what makes you feel truly successful, below are some of the different aspects that matter the most to different landscape professionals in the industry.
A Strong Reputation and Satisfied Customers
For many in the industry, being known for their quality work is how they know their company is successful.
Bill Bumgardner, owner, president and CEO of Bumgardners Landscape, based in Medford, Oregon, says he wants to be acknowledged as the best landscape service provider in the Rogue Valley by their clients, staff, and peers.
“Success for us is when you shake the hand of your client and your team performs at the level that was expected, and 95% of all of our business, maintenance, construction, everything is repeat clients,” says Guy Artigues, owner of Pleasant Places, Inc., based in Charleston, South Carolina.
Many businesses also take pride in the clients they are able to make happy.
Andrew McCurry, owner of Father Nature Landscapes, based in Birmingham, Alabama, says he wants his clients to find value in their services, enjoy the spaces created for them and know the money spent was well worth it.
Sustainable Growth
Other owners are focused on not just growing but ensuring it is growth they can sustain.
“At Timberline Landscaping, we define success as consistently delivering exceptional quality and service that results in complete customer satisfaction and enthusiastic referrals,” says Josh Pool, COO of Timberline Landscaping, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “Our team is highly trained and well-equipped to meet the high standards our clients expect and value. We prioritize safety and operational excellence while maintaining the profitability essential for sustainable growth.”
Jason Mathers, president of Monarch Landscape Management, based in Houston, Texas, says success for them is 95% client retention and a consistent and predictable growth rate year-over-year, all while promoting from the bench.
Impacting Industry Practices
Jennifer Nichols, president of GreenWeaver Landscapes, based in Media, Pennsylvania, views success by changing how landscaping is done in their region.
“We are beginning to see more competition in the ecological landscape space, which is welcome competition!” Nichols says. “We believe with enough successful examples of ecological landscapes, some of the worst practices in our industry will no longer be acceptable to the public.”
A Happy Workforce
One of the most common ways landscape company owners define success is in the achievements and happiness of their team members.
“When I measure success in the business, what I love is seeing employees that were here from the beginning, now their kids work here,” says Brian DuMont, CEO of Yardnique, based in Morrisville, North Carolina.
Wendell Furtick, owner and founder of Saluda Hill Landscapes, based in Lexington, South Carolina, says success is more than just revenue for them. They’re looking to fulfill their mission and foster a thriving team.
“A growing customer base is important, but true success comes from creating opportunities for our team, maintaining strong relationships, and making a lasting impact in the industry,” Furtick says
Similarly, Andy Blanchford, CEO of Blanchford Landscape Group, based in Bozeman, Montana, says success is not about top-line or bottom-line revenue, even though it’s important.
“It’s creating a community of people who loves what they do and loves the outdoors and loves connecting with nature and connecting with people and creating good lives for the people that work here,” Blanchford says. “That they can make enough to afford to live here. They have a life balance that their work contributes to their health and well-being, not detracts from it.”
McCurry also wants his team members to be able to leverage their strengths and make enough money to pursue their dreams.
Chris Senske, acquisition ambassador for the Senske Family of Companies, headquartered in Coppell, Texas, admits in the past he defined success by getting a new customer and getting through all his scheduled work.
Now, he finds success in watching team members grow in their positions or advance within the company.
“I take great pride in seeing their families grow up, all the activities they do – the sports they and their families show images of on our company social media site – all the things that they are interested in,” Senske says. “Success is more about our teammates’ success in life.”
