Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/267037
landscaper of the year finalist someone else, Joe estab- lished Ross NW Watergar- dens in 1999. Making a name In the beginning, it was about finding the right people and connections for the business. Through these lasting relationships, Ross NW Watergardens started to take off with a variety of jobs in the area. With the help of a design- er from Bowen's old work- place, the company entered the high-end residen- tial market. "He was the one who encouraged us to hire Ephrain, our stonemason," says Ben Bowen, landscape manager and Bowen's son. Both Bowens believe having Ephrain Gutierez on the team is crucial when it comes to creating natu- ral, unique elements, which the company prides itself on. "Ephrain is a stonemason, and it's not just a skill to be a stonemason," Joe says. "It's a mind- set because it's the way you look at everything. That's the kind of stuff that we're good at." The company has grown to employ 10 people and, only in the past couple of years, added a maintenance division, which Ben manages. Specializing in construction at the time, the Bowens were approached about purchasing a lo- cal maintenance company. However, it took about four years for Joe to be convinced to make the plunge. It was not until Ben went on a jobsite with the seller where he mentioned he only wanted $25,000 for the business. "It was a business that grossed $125,000 the year before we bought it with little effort and two trucks, trailers and all of the mowers," Joe says. "The equipment was worth $20,000 by itself, so it was really a no brainer." What eventually turned into a profitable decision for the company initially created a stressful spring. "It was a struggle at first, but looking back on it, we might not have made it out of the year without it," Ben says. The maintenance division provides mowing, edging, weed and leaf removal, fertilizing and pruning to residential and commercial clients. Ross NW Watergardens also offers design/build, 3 2 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m M A R C H 2 014 Located on Lake Oswego in Oregon, this project features a front yard made of a deep-shade garden with walls of reclaimed stone and gravel paths. The backyard (top photo) incorporates walls made from local basalt and concrete stairs with slate insets.