landscaper of the year finalist
time and resources into their 47
employees.
When they hire a new employee,
they base their decision more on the
candidate's personality, instead of
their industry knowledge. "If they
have a good heart and are will-
ing to learn, you can teach them
anything," Mark says.
But hiring the right staff
members can also be a struggle,
he continues. "It takes a while
to get to know them. Sometimes
it's difficult to tell them the truth
without making them fearful of
losing their job," Mark explains.
To help with this process, they
hold meetings for employees
to teach them how to excel at
their jobs – such as how they
should interact with customers
in the garden centers and on
the jobsite.
"People are your best assets,
but they are also some of the
most difficult," Mark says. "You
need to understand how God
has uniquely wired them."
What's next?
While they have already built
a thriving company, which had
$1.85 million in annual revenue
last year, the couple continually
wants it to expand and improve.
Going forward, Kay says she
would like for them to grow
more in the nursery – some-
thing that can keep employees
busy during the winter months.
Mark says he wants to look
into subcontracting lawn main-
tenance services, something
they don't currently offer.
But no matter the company's
size or list of services, one
thing's clear: Nothing is impos-
sible for this mustard seed.
View more project photos
from The Mustard Seed at
totallandscapecare.com/
the-mustard-seed.
A P R I L 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 3 9
AND GET UP TO $1,000 PER MOWER TO PROVE IT.
Take part in our Propane Mower Incentive Program and get $1,000 back for each new
qualifying propane-fueled mower purchase, or $500 back for each qualifying mower
conversion. In return, you'll tell us about your experience for one mowing season.
For more information, see your mowing equipment
dealer or visit poweredbypropane.org.
CUT YOUR
MOWING COSTS
WITH PROPANE.
Some restrictions apply.
See rules at poweredbypropane.org.
Text
INFO
to
205-289-3796
or
visit
TLC
request.com
To enter to
be Landscaper of
the Year, visit
totallandscapecare.
com/loy.
