Get To Know

Get To Know

Quick Interviews with People in the Landscaping Industry

Samira Damiscar, Landscape Architect for Strang Design LLC.

What inspired you to get into the industry?

I would say my childhood home. It was and still is the place where I have the best memories of being surrounded by landscape because of my dad’s work (he’s an agronomist ) and my mom’s love of plants. Landscape architecture made sense to me when I understood what it was going into it for grad school. Nowadays, the more I learn about what we can accomplish, the better I feel about my decision.

What’s the best part of your job?

I think of work as a puzzle, especially in my firm where every project is different and requires something specific.

What would you blow your money on?

Travel, learning about new cultures and visiting new places.

What’s the key to great design?

Listening to the user’s need and demand, not just what you think would be best.

What are you most proud of?

Being able to handle a department a bit on my own for awhile. I was doubting myself, but with encouragement of my coworker it was possible.

Cindy Whitt, Freelance Content Writer

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is writing about the passionate people doing amazing things in the green industry.

What advice would you give to someone entering the green industry?

As a communications professional, I have talked to many people in the industry and have found they are always willing to share their knowledge. The advice I would give to someone interested in the industry is to reach out to people working in an area that interests you and see if they will provide insight into their career. Chances are, they will be happy to help.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

I visited Iceland a few years ago and was blown away by the incredible natural wonders and their commitment to environmental sustainability. (Their heat and electricity come from renewable sources!) Plus, the people were extremely nice and accommodating to tourists.

What are you most proud of?

Being able to handle a department a bit on my own for awhile. I was doubting myself, but with the encouragement of my coworker It was possible.

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

I would take a Kindle full of books I have not read, an iPod (yes, I still have one) full of my favorite albums and lots of sunscreen.

Douglas D. Conley, Chief Compliance Officer for Action Visa Assistance, INC.

What’s the best part of your job?

I’m torn between three things. First is that my company appreciates me and values the work I do. Second is being able to tell understaffed employers the help they so desperately need is on the way, and third is a client walking away unscathed from a USDOL H2 Wage and Hour Audit.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

What would you blow your budget on?

Wife, grandkids and a really nice acoustic guitar.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Transforming a non-compliant training department/program.

What’s your best childhood memory?

Barefoot “surfing” down the spillway of a local dam.

What is something not many people know about you?

At one time, I wrote, produced, directed and emceed “Murder Mystery” theme parties at hotels in the Tampa, St. Pete/ Clearwater area.

Bobby Gordon, Area Manager for Kane Landscaping, Inc.

What’s the best part of your job?

I really appreciate being able to work with my clients over a long period and see how the work we do enhances the beauty of their landscapes.

Who do you admire most in the industry?

Although he’s more in the arboriculture industry than the landscape industry, I truly admire Ron Rubin of Savatree. He’s proven time and time again how developing long-term relationships with clients benefits not only clients, but also business and the industry as a whole.

What’s one thing that would make the industry better?

Our industry is generally technology adverse. I’d like to see more companies be a bit more forward-thinking when it comes to using technology to both improve production and strengthen client relationships.

What’s your ideal Saturday?

Virginia has many great vineyards and breweries. Visiting one or two of them on a cool spring or fall day makes a great Saturday for me.

Where’s your happy place?

Anywhere with my fiancé Renee and our two Coton de Tulears, Mochi and Sherbet.

Phil Graves, Director of Sales for Xterior Program at Daltile

What inspired you to get into the industry?

I joined the hardscape/landscape industry over 20 years ago after leaving the Army and not enjoying my first couple of desk jobs.

What’s the best part of your job?

Educating field salespeople, dealer staff personnel and installers on products and installation … as well as continuing to learn new things myself.

What’s the best advice you have received for your career?

Never stop learning and growing and to network with industry experts. It’s fun and has allowed me to meet lots of great people I can turn to for help.

What advice would you give to someone entering the green industry?

Never stop growing your education base and your skill set. Network within the industry. Identify trustworthy vendor reps and pick their brains regularly. Stay abreast of current and emerging trends while working on improving your company’s efficiencies on the tasks you perform regularly. Keep learning!

What is your favorite phrase or slogan?

“Let’s take it outside.”