How to Build a Landscape Company People Want to Work For | Hiring, Retention & Culture
This episode breaks down one of the most misunderstood growth levers in the landscape industry:
Building careers — not just filling jobs.
Alex sits down with Chris Mace (VP of Construction & Design) and Lisa Riess (HR Leader) from Gelderman Landscape Services to unpack how intentional people strategy drives profitability, retention, and long-term growth.
They dive into:
Why consistent, guaranteed pay is a competitive advantage in a seasonal industry
How clear career paths unlock loyalty, performance, and leadership from within
The real cost of employee turnover — and why most contractors underestimate it
How training, communication, and culture outperform “quick hires” every time
What small and mid-sized contractors can realistically implement without a full HR department
If you want to grow a stronger company, execute better work, and stop losing your best people — this episode lays out the blueprint.
😎 Enjoyed this episode?
Chris and Lisa share exactly how Gelderman built a culture that fuels growth — and these are the kinds of conversations we’re bringing live to the Hardscaper Showcase 2026 Tour.
🔗 https://events.hardscaper.com/
Learn more about Gelderman Landscape Services:
🌐 https://geldeman.com/
🎧 Listen now — because the next generation of great landscape companies will be built by leaders who take care of their people.
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