Jason Walker, CIC, owner of Pate Landscape Company in Montgomery, Alabama, was one of the four winners of the 2022 Watch Us Grow program.
Walker started at the company by working in the field after he graduated with his degree in horticulture. He joined the company in 1994, connecting his learning to hands-on practice, and eventually purchased it in 2021.
“That experience is tremendous, it’s one of those things that you don’t want to repeat but you’re glad you did it,” he says.
Now, a year after the win, Irrigation & Lighting asked Walker how the Watch Us Grow program has impacted their business.
What made you initially enter the 2022 Watch Us Grow program?
I was interested in the program because I am always looking for opportunities to showcase our company and the level of professionalism that we bring to the landscape community. Every project that we work on gets the same level of attention, whether it’s a $1,000 job or a $1,000,000 job. I tell our staff that we are on a job interview every day. All I have is my name and reputation, and we have to perform daily.
How has being a winner of the program made an impact on your career?
We are highly respected in our local community, and now we are venturing out into neighboring communities, so yes, being published in a national magazine is a huge plus for us.
How has business been generally so far this year?
2023 has been great for us. We had a strong 2022, and that momentum has carried forward to this year. The commercial market is still very strong in our area.
What would you tell someone thinking about entering in the program this year?
If you are an up-and-coming company or an established one, please let others know that if you are running your business with honesty and integrity, success in this industry is quite attainable. Be willing to share with others so that they can see the path to a sustainable business model.
The Watch Us Grow: 2023 Industry Standouts program sponsored by Heritage Landscape Supply Group celebrates irrigation and lighting service providers that have had a successful year and shares their stories in a feature both online and in Issue 2 of the print edition, to be released in June. Not only does it spotlight success stories, being recognized can boost business even more.
As an incentive, those who complete the application will be entered into a drawing to receive a Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit, supplied by Heritage Landscape Supply Group. All entries must be turned in by April 1, 2023.
