According to Service Canada trends are very positive in landscaping and mixed in construction and horticulture. Given the fact that landscaping accounts for the largest number of workers in this occupational group by far, it is expected that the number of landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists will rise sharply over the next few years.
That statement is verified at Gelderman Landscape Services, where as of April 12, there are 11 job opportunities available.
Chris Mace, Gelderman’s VP of Landscape and Design, says, “Gelderman offers great opportunity for your career path with lots of opportunity to grow and move up in the organization.”
Company president Nathan Helder says, “We are looking for motivated people. When we say that caring is in our nature, it doesn’t just refer to our clients and their properties. We care about the people that make up our team and helping them be their best.”
Nathan runs his company through the philosophy of famous English business magnate Richard Branson: “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
This company philosophy was part of why Gelderman Landscape Services received the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Employer of the Year Award on April 7.
“Our tag line – Caring is our Nature – starts with our staff,” says Nathan. “We are committed to creating an environment in which people can learn and grow.” It’s become known as the Gelderman Way.
The philosophy has even spread to other landscape companies in the U.S. After attending a peer group session, where Nathan talked about Gelderman’s policy with employees, Leigh Townsend, president of J.W. Townsend Landscapes in Charlotteville, Va., said, “When we heard about The Gelderman Way from Nathan Helder, we knew it would be a good fit for our company.” He now calls it The Townsend Way.
Roy Hummel, Gelderman’s Director of Quality, who has worked for the company for nearly 40 years, says, “Employees now see the company’s vision. The good people stay because they see a career here. They’re not just in for a summer and then gone.”
Gelderman prides itself on open, family atmosphere and culture of trust, accountability and learning. “We empower our staff members to excel and to build their careers with us. The result is quality workmanship, clients and properties treated with respect, community involvement and a great place to work,” says Nathan.
If you’re interested in joining the Gelderman team, check out our opportunities.
