Rooted In Growth | Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions
By CORINN GUEMMER | Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Brandon Moore and Aaron Jones started mowing lawns as teenagers, just trying to earn cash and stay busy. By 2002, they had committed to running the business full time.
Four years later, Brandon’s father put his house up as collateral so they could buy their first landscaping company. The deal included three employees and guidance from the former owner.
“We didn’t have much, but we had a solid team and a strong work ethic,” Aaron said, adding that the challenge of the first four years often felt like survival mode.
“We didn’t really think of it as a company,” Brandon said. “It was just work we liked to do, and it kept us busy. But over time, we realized we could build something bigger if we stuck with it.”
Those early years meant long days while they learned the business from the ground up.
CUTTING A PATH
In 2011, Brandon and Aaron were introduced to Brent Boles, the owner of a large pest service company at the time. The three quickly realized their strengths complemented one another and together, they formed Schendel Lawn & Landscape. Partnering with Brent allowed the company to expand their services and create new systems that supported long-term growth.
“Brent really helped us grow up as a business,” Brandon said. “He brought structure and systems we needed. Having him as a partner made a huge difference.”
“We had the drive, we just needed someone to help steer the ship,” said Aaron. “We wanted to build something that wasn’t just successful for us, but something that could support families and create opportunities.”
Each partner brings unique strengths to the table.
“I’m creative and visual. I like the people side of things and building relationships, both internally and externally,” Aaron said. “Brandon gets the numbers and the production side, and Brent provides experience and guidance. That balance has been critical to our growth.”
They didn’t stop at landscaping. The team added Green Pest Solutions, expanding their services to include pest control. The addition strengthened the company, diversified services and created new revenue streams.
Over the years, Brandon, Aaron, Brent and now Cassidy Roberson, their newest partner, have acquired additional pest companies and landscaping businesses, integrating them into Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions while striving to retain staff and customers.
One of their most valuable lessons came from acquiring Ozark Integrated Pest Services, Cassidy said.
“We did not have a takeover approach. It was about keeping the staff and the customers,” she said. “Internally, it was tough at first. We had coworkers working in two different systems and following different processes, but it was worth it. We retained 95% of customers, and that was a big lesson for us in how to do acquisitions the right way.”
GRASSROOTS GROWTH
Cassidy’s journey with Schendel Lawn & Landscape began six years ago. After graduating college and gaining corporate experience, she joined the company and worked her way through inside sales, marketing and management roles. Now a partner, Cassidy oversees customer service, marketing and many responsibilities her father, Brent, has passed along as his role has evolved.
“I’ve watched Brandon, Aaron and Brent grow this company, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas while maintaining the foundation they built,” said Cassidy.
“Cassidy looks at customer experience, marketing and internal processes differently than we do. Having that energy at the partnership level is a huge asset,” said Aaron.
NURTURING THE ROOTS
Quality and employee engagement are at the heart of their business.
“What motivates me the most is coming in and wanting to make the best product possible for our customers and the best jobs possible for our coworkers,” Brandon said. “We want to be better at the end of each year than how we started.”
Aaron agrees, noting the importance of strong relationships.
“Our team is everything. Strategy and planning matter, but without great people, nothing works. I’m always so proud to introduce new staff members to our team. Without fail, each new person is blown away by how incredible our coworkers are.”
BRANCHING OUT
Brandon, Aaron, Brent and Cassidy all grew up in Topeka and say they’re deeply committed to giving back to the community. They support the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center through Bug Day and Bug Week events, Project to Restore, Big Brothers Big Sisters and many other organizations.
“If it wasn’t for the community,” Aaron said, “we wouldn’t have the growth we’ve seen. Giving back is just part of who we are.”
“We participate in a lot of family-oriented events because we believe community engagement is about enriching the lives of families in the community,” Cassidy added. “Many of the services we provide touch people’s homes and families directly, so it’s important to support the community in meaningful ways.”
As the company grows, the team says they’re always looking for ways to improve their operations and create more value for customers.
“We’ve been doing this a long time, and there’s always something to improve,” Aaron said. “We’ve seen rough economies and tough projects, but that’s what keeps us learning and getting better. Growth is a journey, not a destination.”
Cassidy says one of their biggest motivators is the customer base they’ve built.
“It holds all of us accountable,” she said. “Every decision we make affects so many people, and that drives us to get it right.”
Today, Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions has nearly 200 employees serving thousands of customers across the region. Brandon compares the work to building a house.
“Every day we lay bricks to build a great place to work and a great service to provide. That mindset ensures we keep improving year after year,” he said.
Cassidy says she looks forward to the next chapter.
“I want to honor what Brandon, Aaron and Brent have built while also pushing the company forward,” she said. “There’s still so much opportunity, and I’m excited to help shape the future of Schendel Lawn & Landscape and Green Pest Solutions.”
