Powered by good people

Finding good people is never easy. Brandon Granger, owner of Granger Landscapes in Florence, South Carolina, shares the feelings of other green industry professionals who say, “It’s such a labor-intensive job.”

Not everyone is to the challenge of performing landscape installation and maintenance. However, Granger says his company has been fortunate to have low turnover. He believes this is the case for a few reasons

Setting the tone. Granger spends his days in the field working alongside crews. “I see what their needs are,” he says of supporting his team. He can also manage quality this way and ensure that clients are getting the service they were promised.

Rather than moving back into the office while growing the business, Granger has chosen to enlist in trusted people to manage the books and other administrative needs. “We outsource bookkeeping to a local accounting firm,” he says. Granger’s wife assists with office management needs as well.

Hiring slow. “We try not to hire with a quick reflex just because we need someone,” Granger says. He might spend a couple of weeks talking to a prospective employee. “We make sure they are the right fit in terms of personality and work ethic.”  

Maintaining consistency. Granger Landscapes employees are full-time year-round. “We keep the same crew, and being in South Carolina with mild winters, there is plenty of work to do in winter,” Granger says. By offering steady, long-term employment, he can attract employees who are interested in careers, not just jobs.