Schill Grounds Management acquires Begonia Brothers Services, Atlas Outdoor

Schill Grounds Management has acquired Begonia Brothers Services and Atlas Outdoor, marking its expansion into Southeast Michigan and strengthening its ability to serve commercial clients with multi-site properties.

These are Schill’s first acquisitions in Michigan. With 19 acquisitions completed, Schill now operates 34 branches across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Schill ranks No. 30 on Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list.

Begonia Brothers Services brings nearly 30 years of experience providing landscaping, lawn care, snow removal, and related services throughout Southeast Michigan. Led by owners Peter and Ann Bonde and founder and commercial division leader Mike McDonald, the company serves both residential communities and commercial properties across the Metro Detroit and Northville areas. The company employs 45 team members.

Atlas Outdoor, founded in 2011 by Sam and Brandi Gembel, provides landscaping, lawn care and snow services with branches in Flint and the Greater Detroit area. The company employs more than 110 team members and serves residential communities and commercial clients throughout the region.

Customers of both companies will continue working with their existing teams and contacts. Operations will be supported by Schill’s centralized systems across its 34-branch platform. The acquisitions bring Schill’s total headcount to more than 1,500 employees.

As part of the partnership, Sam and Brandi Gembel will remain actively involved in Atlas Outdoor, and Peter and Ann Bonde and Mike McDonald will continue to lead Begonia Brothers.

“Atlas Outdoor and Begonia Brothers are well-run businesses with strong leadership and local reputations,” says Jerry Schill, founder and CEO of Schill Grounds Management. “Their teams share our focus on service, accountability, and long-term relationships, and we’re excited to support their continued growth in Southeast Michigan.”

“This partnership feels incredibly natural,” says Sam Gembel. “Jerry has been a friend and mentor to me for years. We’ve learned so much from the Schill organization, and we share the same belief that business should ultimately create opportunity for people.”

“Begonia Brothers is excited to partner with Schill and continue building on what we’ve created,” Bonde says. “By joining an organization that shares our commitment to quality and service, we can bring even greater value to our customers while preserving the culture and relationships that define who we are.”