President
2 Crazy Gardeners Landscaping
Type of Business: Landscape construction design/build and maintenance
Based in: Reno
Hails from: Reno
Years Org. has been in Nevada: 19
Years as an Executive in Nevada: 19
Employees in NV (approx.): 12
How did you get into your profession?
I always liked construction, plants and mowing lawns. I did yard maintenance and construction projects to pay for college and after graduation put all my efforts into building 2 Crazy Gardeners.
Who has been instrumental to your success?
My son and my mom have inspired me to work hard every day to build the best life I can.
What career advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
First and foremost, have a business plan. Second, don’t give up when it gets hard. It will get hard, but if you embrace failure and learn from your challenges you will come out better on the other side.
What is an issue currently facing your industry that an outside observer might not be aware of?
Competition among un-equal businesses. Many businesses look the same from the outside and consumers often choose on price, but the results aren’t comparable. Educating the customer about licensure, level of service, and quality of work is a major hurdle.
What metrics do you consider important when hiring employees?
My employee’s character is most important. We need hard working, honest people on our team. When hiring new employees I utilize recommendations from previous employers and their experience.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Anyone else would’ve given up”
What has been the most difficult experience you encountered as a leader?
Employees are definitely the most challenging part of running a business. Hiring good ones, keeping them throughout seasonal ups and downs and ensure everyone is functioning well and producing good work.
What is your favorite business book?
“The E-Myth” – This book helped me build consistent systems and processes to help my business run beyond producing an exceptional product for my customers.
If you were going to teach a college course, what would you teach?
Accounting. If you can’t do the books, you won’t survive.
What do you hope future generations can learn from your professional journey?
I hope I inspire my son to work hard and never give up.
