Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Wells.
Patrick, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 1977, Piedmont Landscape Management opened its doors in Athens, GA and quickly began taking on clients in both the Athens, GA and Augusta, GA marketplace. The owner was a fireman and preformed landscape maintenance services on their off days. The business quickly grew and in the 90’s we opened a full-time office here in the Augusta market so that we could better serve our clients.
Over the past four decades, we’ve seen what gorgeous landscaping can do for our clients and their businesses. We strive to promote the same core values that we started with. This was to “treat our clients like they are our only customer.” We are proud to have some clients that have been with us for many years and some decades.
Our clientele is large commercial. We are able to have large crews that can ensure quality every time. We have a commercial maintenance division and a landscape architecture division that serves both residential and commercial clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have been very blessed over the years. As we all know there are bumps along the way. Hiring new personnel is always a hard struggle. We do not want individuals working for us if we do not feel that they are in line with our morals and values. Training is extremely important and we are able to teach the new and remind the old weekly on how they should represent themselves and the company when on a job site.
One plus has been that we are unique in our marketplace because our managers are Landscape Architects, Chemical and Horticultural Specialists. This is important because we do not have to look outside of the company for answers on a regular basis. We are able to talk and provide a solution to our clients quickly and efficiently.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Piedmont Landscape Management story. Tell us more about the business.
I hated laying straw as a kid and swore that I would never do it again. However, as I got older I realized the importance of the natural environment. My father taught me from childhood how to respect nature and what it means to have a good work ethic. I stumbled upon Landscape Architecture and realized that this would allow me the opportunity to work outside and to create a built environment to bring people outside.
As someone once told me…. “come alive outside” I am now a certified Landscape Architect and we are able to pursue and design work that others would have to hire an engineer.
What makes Piedmont stand out? We are not individuals that bought a truck and trailer and decided to start mowing lawns. We are a team of professionals that have pursued our dreams to grow a company through education and real-world experiences by making sure that we stay true to our values and morals in all aspects of our work. We have been voted Best of the Best 2 years in a row.
I enjoy the culture that we have established here. Always striving to hold a high standard so that everyone understands how to work hard and become better men, women, fathers, mothers etc. It is also important that we have the resources to get work completed.
My job is Landscape Architect/ Bidding and Construction Manager. I receive all phone calls for bids (maintenance, construction and irrigation). Then I meet with the client, promptly provide them with a proposal and then process the job if selected to preform the work. Since we all work as a team the job is never passed off and never looked at again. We ensure that all of the client’s expectations are met. As all jobs, mine does not stop when the work is completed. I am in charge of monitoring profit/loss, job costs etc.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Trends are changing. We have noticed that we have all been in this fast-paced world for many years and people want to step back and relax. This is true for outdoor renovations. Clients want the outdoor living area or the oasis to escape after a long day at work.
Also, the good old fashion phone call is becoming more important than an email in today’s world. Relationships are key for us and we know that an email is great for quick information but a phone call allows you and the client to create a bond that will last for decades.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2013 Franke Ct, Augusta, GA 30909
- Website: www.piedmontaugusta.com
- Phone: 706.860.8260
- Email: patrick@piedmontaugusta.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plmaugusta/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
