In honour of International Women’s Day, I want to recognize the impact women have had on the success of the landscaping company I started nearly three decades ago. At Creative Roots Landscaping, we’ve always kept things simple: we hire the best person for the job, regardless of gender. From front-line technicians to management and ownership, women have consistently played vital roles in our success.
This isn’t about ticking boxes or optics—it’s about the unique skills, perspectives, and strengths women bring to our projects and company culture. Their contributions have not only improved how we operate but also how we think.
The Role of Women at Creative Roots Landscaping
While our design/build division remains predominantly male, our maintenance division has long included women who handle all the equipment and tasks required. Their efficiency, adaptability, and approach to teamwork have consistently challenged outdated industry norms and proven that landscaping isn’t just a man’s game.
We don’t run targeted recruitment campaigns for diversity or inclusion. We simply hire based on merit. If a role opens up, we post it, and we hire the best person for the job. That’s led to a naturally inclusive workforce.
How Diversity Drives Real Results
Our open-book management system encourages input from all employees, regardless of role or tenure. By sharing financials and strategic decisions, we foster an environment where every team member feels invested in the company’s success.
Having women in leadership and ownership positions has brought fresh perspectives and balanced leadership styles that drive innovation and deepen trust throughout our company.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Colette joined us a decade ago in an admin role. Today, she’s a certified organizational coach, a triathlete, and owns 15% of the company. Rebecca joined with her husband three years ago and quickly earned a reputation for building strong client relationships. Dannielle’s meticulous accounting has strengthened our financial backbone, and Rhian brings daily positivity and potential.
Then there’s Alysha and Lexi—two multi-talented team members who run equipment, jump between divisions, and contribute to big-picture initiatives. Lexi recently led our People Development Initiative and now owns our Strong Relationships initiative. Alysha manages our nursery and facility, and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty—she even fixed the shop bathroom sink.
Women like Tracy, Heather, Ran, Louise, Kelly, Sam, Kat, Jessica, Priscilla, Alyssa—and many others who have moved on—have all left a meaningful mark. Whether they managed Scoreboard line items or organized company events, they proved the idea that at work, one plus one equals a lot. Inspired by Ari Weinzweig’s philosophy, we believe diverse contributions lead to outcomes far greater than the sum of their parts.
The Business Case for Inclusion
We avoid drawing gender lines in business—but it’s clear: diversity strengthens us. Different perspectives enrich our culture, and that culture enhances the experience we deliver to clients. I can’t imagine running a company any other way.
Explore More Insights:
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- Talking Business With the People You Are in Business With
- With Every Set of Hands I Get a Free Brain
About Me
I’ve spent the last 30 years learning how business can improve people’s lives—from time on the shovel to building a culture of ownership. Today, I coach landscaping business owners to work on their business, increase profits, and enjoy the ride.
If you’re ready to grow your business by growing your people, Book Some Time With Me to Talk
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