Working to Heal

For more than half of his life, Chris Reese struggled with an overpowering drug addiction. As a result, when he sees individuals suffering from similar drug or alcohol dependencies today, his heart automatically goes out to them.

In 1996, Reese recognized that his overwhelming compassion could be put to good use – to help rehabilitate fellow addicts who had a strong desire to turn their lives around. With landscaping experience dating back to 1973, Reese had a sudden revelation – why not combine the two? "I had a knowledge for landscaping and a heart for seeing men have their lives changed," he said.

While tackling his addiction, Reese completed a Christian discipleship program that helped him focus on the important aspects of his life and the need to stay clean and sober. Reese was so impressed by the success of the program that he decided to incorporate its teachings into his own employee structure. "We want employees to grow so they can go out on their own; so they have a marketable skill," he said. "Our motto is 'growing men in a growing industry.'"

Based on his belief in this program, Reese hires men and women tackling drug and alcohol addictions, hoping to provide inspiration and support as well as a paycheck "We invest a lot in the employee," he described. "Employees who come here are ones seeking a change in life, and they can earn a living feeling good about themselves."

Today, Carolina Gardens is a $3.2-million landscaping firm based in Simpsonville, S.C., with about 20 employees hailing from backgrounds similar to Reese's – about 70 percent have battled some type of addiction in the past, he figured. The company specializes in commercial and residential design/build and landscape construction, although it has started to move toward maintenance in the past three months. "We just ventured into maintenance this year, and we're already at $250,000 for the year," he said proudly. Carolina Gardens also services surrounding areas such as Atlanta, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., accounting for a varied and widespread client base.

Reese feels much of his success can be attributed to his faith, especially business integrity. A spiritual focus throughout the company thus allows employees to develop confidence and trust within, which translates to positive client relationships in the field. "We don't go and broadcast our programs, but once we build a relationship with the client within five minutes our employee is that client's best friend, telling the client about our philosophy," he said.

Carolina Gardens' unique employee focus has caused the company to become the talk of the town, which only translates to heightened visibility and better business for the company, Reese admitted. "Employees come looking for us," he said. "The guys that come to work for us generally have a heart for our company." Word has also spread locally because of Reese's involvement in a community discipleship and rehabilitation program.

Of course, rehabilitation presents challenges, and Carolina Gardens' road to success has been as bumpy as an addict's road to recovery. "Our biggest challenge has been to continue the work with integrity," he said. "Sometimes, integrity costs you money." In addition, the company struggles with rising prices for materials as the economy continues to fluctuate.

But Carolina Gardens continues to strengthen its position in the market, with a plan to grow about 10 percent during 2002. Reese is humble in the face of his success, understanding that his belief system has been the true catalyst for professional, as well as personal, development. "We feel like we're a solid company," he related. "We've been blessed spiritually in the business, and that's how our business has grown."

The author is Assistant Editor – Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine.