Total Landscape Care Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/335708
landscaper of the year finalist she laughs. Obviously, he turned out to be much more, and the couple ended up launching Green Dreams together in 2005. Now, their services include lawn care, chemi- cals, design/build, irrigation and water features. For cutting down large trees or cleaning gutters, they hire subcontractors. They also manage about 20 homeowner associations (HOAs) every week and 1,100 households a month. Beating the odds Since 2006, the company has experienced a 30-percent growth each year – even during the recession. "We've been very blessed," Shook says. "God has looked out for us." When they saw the economy changing in 2008, they moved their install team to maintenance. "We have a lot of retired clients, so we thought this was the direction to go," Bennett says. "We decided to put all of our chips in the maintenance team." Their decision has paid off. The couple hasn't let anyone go because of a lack of work. And while many companies closed their doors, Green Dreams actually bought out another busi- ness. In 2008, they purchased equipment and accounts from a local landscaper who had a lot of HOA customers. While running their thriving business takes up much of their days, the couple makes sure to sepa- rate their work and personal time. "We try to shut off work talk at home," Bennett says. "If not, the job becomes your life." Spreading the word Part of the reason for the company's continued growth stems from their marketing efforts. They started running daily radio ads about two years ago where they not only advertise their services, but they also encourage community members to check other landscapers' licenses and certifications before hiring them. Green Dreams offers website estimates, attends Chamber of Commerce meetings, sends mail outs, holds Facebook giveaways and hosts customer events like their annual Pig Pickin'. This fun-filled day includes live music, drinks and Southern cook- ing for customers and some of their dealer reps. "We really get to know people at the Pig Pickin'," Shook says. "We become their friend – not just their contractor." This BBQ-filled day has also brought in addition- al business for Green Dreams. One year, they made a connection with an attendee that resulted in a $180,000 yearly commercial maintenance contract. Family affair Green Dreams has a true family atmosphere, with both Shook and Bennett's parents working for the company. Their moms help with the front desk, and Bennett's dad serves as their in-house mechanic. Altogether, they have 32 employees and a dog "mascot" named Frank. But finding good employees has been a struggle for Green Dreams. If a current employee refers someone and that person stays with the company 2 8 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m J U LY 2 014 Green Dreams' residential maintenance services include mowing, trimming, debris removal, pesticide management, tree/shrub care, mulching, pruning, irrigation, snow/ice removal, seeding and fertilization.