Chris Heiler

I’ve been in the lawn and landscape industry for over 25 years, starting in high school working at a local resort during summers. From there I earned my bachelors degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design from Michigan State University which ultimately led to my first real foray into entrepreneurship and business ownership in the form of Fountainhead Gardens, a residential landscape design firm in west Michigan.

In 2011 I started Landscape Leadership, a marketing agency specifically for lawn and landscape service companies. Since then our team has worked with dozens and dozens of the largest and most successful companies in the lawn and landscape industry. I’ve consulted in peer groups, written for all of the industry trade magazines, and have spoken at most every major national and regional industry conference. I don’t bring this up to brag, but instead to point out something critically important: I understand the numerous challenges you face as the owner of a service company – large or small – in the lawn and landscape industry.

Perhaps like you, I didn’t start in this industry because I was wild about being a business owner and wearing an entrepreneur hat. I liked plants. And, I figured, I could work outside all day and get a sweet tan. Marketing? Selling?? Not my thing 25 years ago. Thankfully I’ve evolved somewhat (the sweet tan turned into a sore back).

I love sharing the experiences and insights I've gained over the years through my writing.

I now live in Austin, Texas.