Eight landscape companies from across the United States and Canada were honored with the 2025 Mighty Oak Award, recognizing their exceptional leadership and success in the landscape industry.
These awards were presented at Jeffrey Scott’s Leader’s Edge Peer Group meetings held throughout North America. Each year, a member from each group is selected by peers to receive this recognition.
Winners have demonstrated growth across four key pillars:
1. Financial performance: Increasing revenue, building bottom-line profitability, maintaining cash flow and ensuring long-term sustainability.
2. Company development: Investing in people, building efficient systems and shaping the future of their business through bold, strategic decisions.
3. Professional growth of owner: Stepping outside comfort zones, pursuing coaching, reading and peer learning to continually level up.
4. Personal growth of owner: Prioritizing family, health and personal goals alongside professional success to live a balanced, fulfilling life.
This year’s winners:
Kristi DeLima, SNIPS Landscape – Fenwick, Ontario, Canada
DeLima stood tall through one of life’s greatest storms — facing a stage four breast cancer diagnosis while continuing to lead her business. Through grit, vision and the support of her family and team, she kept the company profitable, improved systems and deepened her leadership. DeLima’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, purpose and strength.
Matt Knick, WillowGrove Landscape – Mandeville, La.
Knick achieved a 58-percent profit growth index in 2024, far exceeding the peer group average. He is known for his clear vision, quick implementation of new ideas and a strong team culture. Knick’s willingness to share both challenges and wins makes him a pillar in his group. As one peer said, “Matt fully embodies the spirit of this group.”
Tommy Thornton, Southern Eco-Scapes – Gray, Ga.
Thornton’s transformation story is remarkable. In just a year, he turned his business around— acquiring a company, narrowing focus and turning underperforming teams into high-morale contributors. He improved system adoption, delegated more effectively and embraced data-driven leadership. Personally, Thornton overcame burnout by trusting his team and recharging. His grit and growth are truly Mighty Oak worthy.
Kurt LaButte, Todd’s Services – Hamburg, Mich.
LaButte led his company through rapid growth while maintaining strong profit margins and expanding into new markets. He has implemented succession planning and shown calm, strategic leadership. LaButte’d humility, discipline and insightful contributions strengthen both his business and his peer group.
Blake Goodfellow, The Burns Co. – San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Goodfellow grew profitability and successfully added maintenance services to his company’s design-build foundation. He also navigated a challenging partnership transition with grace. Personally, Goodfellow stays grounded in his faith, committed to family and active in community support through foster care. A quiet leader, he models excellence across all four Mighty Oak pillars.
Larry Gilling, Landscape Environments – Oxford, Mich.
Gilling’s smart, strategic model — using subcontractors for hardscapes and a skilled in-house team for high-margin plantings — has driven more than 30-percent net profit. Since joining the group, he’s also rebalanced his life to focus more on family. His financial savvy, team development and personal growth reflect the full spirit of the Mighty Oak.
Nick Marsden, River Heights Outdoor Solutions – Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Marsden made big strides this year, hiring key leaders, promoting from within and aligning his team with long-term goals. His calm, confident approach and humility set him apart. Marsden is deeply committed to family, faith and personal development, making him a respected example in both business and life.
Scott Hartmann, Scott’s Lawn Care – Maple Plain, Minn.
Hartmann is known for steady growth, strong systems and active industry engagement — even at the policy level. He gives honest, constructive feedback and always looks for ways to help others improve. His team runs a tight, well-organized operation and his dedication to learning, time management and leadership makes him a true Mighty Oak.
