Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/106599
landscaper of the year finalist walls. Tools and equipment are stacked neatly in the workshop. All is orderly, a testament to Katz's attention to detail. As a self-avowed perfectionist, Katz founded his residential design-build company based on several beliefs that have guided everything he's done for the past 28 years: Focus on customer service, creativity and good design to exceed customer expectations. It's a mantra that has served him well. The beginning With a mother who gardened and a grandmother who raised spectacular African violets, Katz grew up with an appreciation for plants. After taking an architectural drawing class in seventh grade, he became fascinated by design. Combining these two passions, Katz decided at an early age he wanted to become a landscape architect. Katz earned a degree in landscape design and ornamental horticulture from Cobleskill State University of New York and then went on to study landscape architecture at Syracuse. He attended for a year but became disillusioned: "We weren't designing landscapes I could relate to," he says. He quit school and began working as summer help for a local nursery. Katz's enthusiasm for the job soon evolved into management. "I'd seen managers come and go and convinced the boss to give me a chance," Katz says. He began designing landscapes for clients before and after his regular workday. During the next five and a half years, Katz gained invaluable experience with plant materials, vendors and clients. Going solo When a foreman asked if he wanted to go into business together, Katz felt the time was right. He started with two partners, who balked at the long hours and left him as sole proprietor within six months. With a new baby and two $25,000 jobs scheduled, Katz had to act boldly. He placed This new-construction house includes a stamped concrete drive and walkways, patios, irrigation, lighting, fencing and lush plantings. Wherever your business takes you, we're there to help. At Progressive Commercial Auto, we know your business depends on your vehicle. For over 40 years, we've been offering Commercial Auto insurance designed specifically for small business owners. And with 24/7 live support and expert claims representatives, we get you back on the road fast. On the road with you. Now that's Progressive. Call for a Free Quote 1-888-375-7905 Find an Agent ProgressiveCommercial.com Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. 12B00197.L03 (01/13) Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com 12B00197.L03_TLC_7x2.75.indd 1 3 4 To ta l L a n d s cap eC are.c om TLC0213_LOY.indd 34 1/10/13 9:14 AM F E B R U A R Y 2 013 1/24/13 1:40 PM