Sometimes you win big, and sometimes you win small by doing little things right. Such is the case for Apex, N.C.’s fourth-largest employer, Bland Landscaping.
The Apex Chamber of Commerce recently awarded Bland Landscaping one of its highest honors as the 2008 Large Business of the Year.
Expert landscaping is just the tip of the green iceberg for Bland. Company employees involve themselves in a host of community activities, mostly through area schools. Mentoring, career expos, weekend speaking engagements and volunteer projects are all a part of the “modus operandi” at Bland.
Several new and existing environmental programs aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint added to the Apex Chamber’s decision.
“In a world of bad news, it’s great to be noticed for doing good things”, says company controller, Matt Bland. “Being a part of the community for 33 years, we realize that you not only have to do things that give back, but also improve the way you operate from a community perspective.”
It’s a philosophy that has worked well. In the past year, the company has added at least 25 employees, gained 110 new accounts and now employs over 190 people during peak season.