The landscaping industry is ever evolving, shaping our surroundings with innovative ideas that contribute to a greener world. One thing that has not changed is the perpetual need to continue to grow and develop the landscape workforce. Many of us have a unique story about how we entered the industry. Some of us were born into it and some of us developed a love of land stewardship at a later age. One thing that holds true for all of us is that we were all as green to the industry as the plants and properties we work on.
My first foray into professional landscaping came as a teenager growing up in central Maryland. I distinctly remember calling landscape companies in search of summer help using my flip-phone and printing out directions to locate their offices. As a young person looking to enter the workforce, all I wanted was an opportunity. That opportunity was provided to me by Mark Storch, founder and owner of Outdoor Architects (Elkridge, Maryland). It was through this opportunity that I had the privilege to learn about the landscaping industry. From installing patios, decks, drainage systems, water features and landscape enhancements in residences ranging across the Baltimore/Washington suburbs, I developed the hands-on skills to succeed. I learned how to work on a team to take a design and put it into reality, while installing beautiful features the right way.
Photo courtesy of ©Outdoor Architects Inc.
Constructing landscapes was not the only set of skills I built in my time with Outdoor Architects. Storch’s mentorship extended into several sectors of the industry. From business management to client interactions, balancing budgets to sourcing supplies, managing people and managing projects, I had the opportunity to learn what it takes to become successful in this industry. As my fledgling interest developed to a fully formed desire to make this my career, Storch enlightened me about the educational options to achieve these goals. Storch graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture and suggested that an academic program focusing on landscaping would be a valuable venture in my pursuits. It is through his suggestion (and kind letter of recommendation) that I applied to and was accepted into the Landscape Contracting program at Penn State University. While dedicating my education to landscaping and horticulture was originally intended to be for just a few years in the pursuit of starting my own company, that path obviously changed to a different destination within the green industry. However, the mentorship and invaluable insights that I gained while working with Outdoor Architects most certainly shaped how I approached everything. I recently had the chance to reconnect with Storch, where once again his insights to guiding the next generation were at the forefront.
While many entering the landscape business came from a place where plants were the primary interest, Storch was quite literally drawn to the industry through his interest and aptitude for drawings. Growing up, Storch was an avid artist and enjoyed drafting images and designs. Originally his intention was to study architecture for designing buildings; however, this instead shifted toward outdoor designs. From this, Outdoor Architects was born in 1989. Storch started his company while also working for commercial landscape companies, honing his skills in developing designs. After spending the next few years continuing to develop his skills and his company, Storch spent some time overseas before going all-in toward growing Outdoor Architects.
Developing a landscape company from the ground up was an intensive process. One of the major challenges comes with finding clients. The initial clients were often friends and family, hiring Storch to install plant materials and redesign their home landscapes. This work accounted for roughly half the year, covering the planting season; however, hardscape installations started to become another offered service, expanding the scope of work and the schedule to new lengths. As more and more installations went into the landscape, client referrals and word of mouth helped increase the customer base.
When it comes to advice for new people getting into the green industry, Storch suggests identifying one’s skills and honing them—for artists, developing skills in Computer Aided Design or mechanical drawings are a great way to further oneself educationally. Storch also highlights the value in learning from hands-on experience.
"Summer labor jobs working in nurseries
are a great way for people, especially those
of high school age, to learn plant material."
When asked what traits he looks for in prospective employees, Storch emphasized the importance of reliability and self-sufficiency. Showing up on time and being responsible is essential to success, and being able to make decisions in the field without having to call supervisors for every small detail is key. Storch has had several long-term employees working with him since the early days of Outdoor Architects, where he has invested in English lessons for some of his Spanish-speaking crew. “Helping the crew learn enough English so that we can have conversations over the phone saves time and makes it easier to get the job done correctly,” he says.
Photo courtesy of ©Outdoor Architects Inc.
Those intent on achieving success in the landscape industry should look to continue honing their personal strengths and interests toward finding their respective roles. Developing effective communication skills, taking pride and ownership in installations and being responsible and a self-starter are skills that will not only help them in the green industry, but also in many arenas of life.
Dr. Damon Abdi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Landscape Horticulture at LSU Ag Center
Email: dabdi@agcenter.lsu.edu