landscaper of the year finalist
Unearth calling
An Atlanta native, Reister
worked for a landscape group
during high school and into
college. Continuing to follow his
love for the outdoors, Reister at-
tended the University of Georgia
where he earned a bachelor's
degree in landscape architecture.
After graduating, he went to
work for a landscaper in Rock
Hill, South Carolina, who focused
on land planning and design.
But when the recession hit in
the early 1990s, Reister decided
his true calling was in landscape
construction. "I had a heart for
that," he says.
So, Reister and a business
partner set out and created Two
Guys & a Rake in 1991. "We
didn't have two nickels to rub
together," Reister says with a laugh. They started
out offering maintenance services, but after six
months, they were able to stop mowing and focus
solely on design/build projects.
His business partner later left the business to
pursue other interests, and Reister abbreviated the
company name to TG&R.
Three years after starting the business, Reister
4 0 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m O C T O B E R 2 014
By adding lighting to their clients' projects, like these along the stairs, TG&R allows the
homeowners to enjoy their spaces even after the sun goes down.
Reister says he especially enjoys installing fireplaces because they create an inviting space that friends and families can enjoy.
