In the dynamic world of the landscaping business, the key to sustained success lies in our ability to adapt, innovate, and invest in training our most valuable asset: our employees. At Environmental Management Services Inc. (EMI), a privately-owned landscape company in central Ohio, we take immense pride in our people and their development through both initial and external training initiatives. We have forged strong relationships with local educational institutions, which not only facilitate knowledge exchange but also attract students who are passionate about growing their careers in our industry. In this article, we delve into the significance of training and development of our landscaping employees, highlighting the fruitful partnerships we have established. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of orientation and hands-on training that every employee undergoes on their first day, setting the stage for their growth and success.
Training and Development:
Training and development programs at EMI equip our employees with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. By investing in their professional growth, we empower them to deliver high-quality work, demonstrate efficiency, and adapt to evolving industry trends. Our customized training programs ensure that employees receive relevant and practical training that directly contributes to their job performance and overall growth. We also provide mentoring and coaching opportunities, fostering a sense of community and knowledge transfer within our organization. Leadership development programs help identify and groom individuals with leadership potential, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent to drive our company’s success.
External Partnerships:
Through partnerships with local trade schools, career centers, colleges, and universities, we actively engage with students pursuing a career in the landscaping industry. These collaborations provide opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training, enabling students to gain practical experience and understand the nuances of the profession. Our internships are tailored to the students’ areas of interest, encompassing all areas of landscaping, including design, installation, landscape management, and water management. These partnerships not only attract ambitious students but also strengthen our industry reputation.
Success Stories
Nate Showalter, a student at The Delaware Area Career Center (DACC), entered the Diesel and Powersports program to expand his knowledge of equipment mechanics. With a desire to learn more about mechanics and the ability to work on equipment should he ever establish his own business, Nate joined EMI on an internship in the shop. This opportunity allowed him to further his education and gain practical experience. Upon completion of his internship, Nate decided to stay on as a Mechanic at EMI. He recognized the value of continuing to work in the shop with steady pay while simultaneously growing his small mowing business. Nate found it to be a successful path, allowing him to apply his skills and knowledge while building his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Elmer Hernandez, a student in the Landscape, Architecture, and Construction program at DACC, discovered his passion for landscaping. Under the guidance of his instructor, Mr. Kessler, Elmer honed his skills and developed a love for the industry. After graduating, Elmer joined EMI as a crew member. In just six months, his dedication and leadership on the job allowed him to take the lead on projects, paving the way for his promotion to the role of crew leader. Elmer’s ability to excel in various areas of landscaping, from design to installation to landscape management, sets him apart as a well-rounded professional within the company
Quinton Chalfant, joining EMI during the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrated remarkable growth and commitment. Beginning at EMI as a summer job during his freshman year of college, Quinton’s strong work ethic and proficiency in operating equipment quickly caught the attention of the team. After just one year, he became a crew leader responsible for overseeing a mow crew. Quinton’s dedication to excellence and desire for continuous learning led him to switch to the irrigation department. As an irrigation tech, Quinton now works independently on various projects and assists in training new technicians, leveraging his diverse skill set and knowledge.
Andrew Nesselroad, starting at EMI during his freshman year of college, began as a summer employee to supplement his income while pursuing a degree in Education. Initially working with the floral department, Andrew installed and cared for floral displays. When he returned the following year, he transitioned to working with the Construction and Installation department, joining a crew to gain hands-on experience. Andrew’s dedication and hard work earned him a promotion to the position of crew leader after another year. Recognizing his passion for landscaping, Andrew made the decision to switch his career focus from education to the landscaping industry, seeking a full-time role within EMI. With his exceptional leadership skills and experience, Andrew excelled as a crew leader for an additional two years before being promoted to the position of Site Superintendent. As a Site Superintendent, Andrew manages multiple crews and job sites, overseeing operations and ensuring the successful execution of projects.
These success stories highlight the transformative power of training and development at EMI. We provide an environment that nurtures individuals’ potential, allowing them to explore new career paths and thrive in their chosen fields. Nate Showalter’s entrepreneurial journey, Elmer Hernandez’s well-rounded expertise, Quinton Chalfant’s adaptability and growth, and Andrew Nesselroad’s transition to leadership exemplify the opportunities available for personal and professional development within our company.
Training and development are integral to the growth and success of Environmental Management Services Inc. (EMI). By investing in our employees’ professional growth, fostering a culture of learning, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions, we cultivate a skilled workforce that excels in all areas of landscaping. Our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services is driven by the belief that excellence is the only acceptable outcome.
Through inspiring success stories like Nate Showalter, Elmer Hernandez, Quinton Chalfant, and Andrew Nesselroad, we see the positive impact of our training and development programs. These individuals have not only grown professionally but have also found fulfillment and success within the company. We take pride in their achievements and are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes growth, learning, and opportunity.
At EMI, we believe in the potential of our employees and are committed to providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. Through our training programs, partnerships with educational institutions, and a culture of continuous learning, we are shaping the future of our company and the landscaping industry as a whole. With a focus on excellence and a dedication to the growth and development of our employees, EMI is poised for continued success in the dynamic world of landscaping.