Richard Bare
President
Arbor-Nomics Turf
Norcross, Ga.
Education
Chaney High School
Youngstown, Ohio
Class of 1966
The Ohio State University
Bachelor’s of Science, Ornamental Horticulture
Class of 1970
Work Experience
1960-1966
Worker bee
Terrace Gardens Nursery, Youngstown, Ohio
“I had a very rich upbringing at my father’s nursery. Not monetarily—but with experience.”
1970-1973
Owner
Fern Hill Landscaping, Columbus, Ohio
“When I graduated I started landscaping and doing mowing/maintenance with our Volkswagen Bug. I sold Encyclopedias in college, so I learned about selling door-to-door.”
1974-1977
Sales
Karl Kuemmerling Associates, Columbus, Ohio
“They bought me out, and I cleared $8,000 after the sale. I went out and bought a house.”
1977-1978
Branch manager
ChemLawn, Chicago
“(ChemLawn’s) Dick Duke got a flier of mine out of a store in Worthington, Ohio. We got along famously. They offered me a job and I went to Chicago.”
1978-1980
Sales manager, tree care tech
ChemLawn, Atlanta
“I didn’t know what I was doing running a branch. So, they demoted me to Atlanta, and I became a worker bee. I really got knocked off my high horse, but it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
1980-Present
President
Arbor-Nomics Turf, Norcross, Ga.
Did You Know?
Bare and his wife, Sharon, have five kids and 11 grandchildren with one on the way. His son Josh (pictured with two of his kids) is CIO for Arbor-Nomics.
“My wife and I love to travel. This October, we’re planning to spend a whole month in Europe and go live someplace like Bath, England.”
Words of Wisdom
“It’s very important for company owners to be inventive all the time.”
“Grow size and profits as quickly as possible without going under. Size matters in lawn care—the bigger, the better.”
“Hire consultants, and consult with leaders in the industry to pull yourself up.”
“The money doesn’t matter. Your family, friends and fellowship, that’s what really makes you happy in life. And your health.”
Photos: richard barei; ©ISTOCK.COM/mtcurado/flukesamed
