APHIX acquires Common Grounds Landscape Management

APHIX has acquired Common Grounds Landscape Management, a full-service grounds maintenance provider located in Knoxville, Tennessee. This purchase adds a second office in Tennessee as the company grows its presence in the Southeast U.S.

Founded in 1989, Common Grounds Landscape Management opened when John and Suzanne Watson purchased a division of Jim McClain Nursery, where John worked for eight years after his graduation from the University of Tennessee. Its customer portfolio includes office parks, hotel/ hospitality clients, multi-family properties, government facility maintenance and other commercial landscaping.

John will continue to lead the Knoxville team as branch manager.

“We started Common Grounds 34 years ago with three employees plus myself. We’ve grown to almost 50 including two of the original three. As I got closer to the next chapter in my life, I’ve realized in order for my team to expand and benefit employees, who I think of as family, we needed to go to the next level. The APHIX partnership gives us the tools to do that. I’m excited for the future of this partnership,” John says.

“We are excited to have John Watson and the entire Common Grounds team part of the APHIX brand,” says Allen Sweeney, CEO of APHIX. “Their people and culture first approach aligns with the mission of APHIX and we look forward to growing in the Knoxville market.”