Photo by Justin Kase
This year they are celebrating their 40th anniversary as one of the most successful and recognized exterior design/build/manage landscape firms serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The oldest of four children, Landon has come a long way from his days on a farm in Monkton, Maryland passing out postcards to neighbors for summer work that read “Will work odd jobs for $1/hour.” And despite the advice of his high school guidance counselor who told him to be a teacher or an engineer, Reeve decided to follow his love of horticulture.
As founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Chapel Valley Landscape Company he has been instrumental in the growth of the company and its successful role as a full-service landscape firm. Chapel Valley provides high-quality landscape services from design through installation, management, irrigation, and water management.
What got you started in the landscaping industry?
I got started as a teenager doing summer work for neighbors. I also worked for a local nursery wholesale grower of perennials on weekends. I continued to work there during college and became interested in growing and handling plants. I really enjoyed the people I came to know, and I liked the whole experience from seeding to planting to watching the plants bloom. It was rewarding to watch them grow, and I got to work outside. It was hard work, but it was good work.
What do you love most about your job?
I like working with people. I like to see the satisfaction of people growing in their own experience and growing better. It is really rewarding to see a team of people feeling good about what they do. Our teams create beauty from failing or non-existent landscapes every day.
If you could change one thing about your industry what would it be?
Industry professionalism has come a long way from a few guys and a pickup truck. It is up to our industry to continue caring about the environment by using it better. We all have to do our little piece and as a large landscape company, using plants that adapt better to growing conditions is just one of the ways we can help.
What accomplishment of yours makes you the most proud?
I think being able to build an organization that has established a good reputation and presence in the Mid-Atlantic area. I feel particularly proud of the strong relationships weÍve built over the years. WeÍve enjoyed positive recognition for what we do, not only for me but for many of the great people in my company.
Who in your life was most instrumental in helping you get started with your career?
I have been very lucky to have two women in my life. My first wife, Janet, was very critical to my success. She was a very strong person and helped me from a support standpoint. Up until four or five years prior to her death in 1994, she was my sounding board.
What was the biggest challenge you had to face to get to where you are today? How have you managed to overcome it?
I think the biggest challenge was learning how to get better, to know more about plants and keep up with technology. Having a degree in horticultural from University of Maryland was helpful, but no one prepared me for the business side. I learned that the old fashioned way from the school of hard knocks.
If you could do anything other than what you are doing, what would it be?
I started out my career involved with perennials; then I really became a businessman and got away from the plants. IÍd like to become more involved with the plant world and the American Horticultural Society.
What advice can you offer someone wanting to get started in your field?
First, learn as much as you can in school. Second, get some practical experience while you are in school. We offer student internships here at Chapel Valley and many times it can determine where you end up. Finally, try to focus on what you really like to do. Be yourself and follow your passion.
Contact:
Chapel Valley Landscape Co.: chapelvalley.com or 301-924-5400
