Adam Dukes
Owner
GrandScapes
Charleston, S.C.
1. Tell me about GrandScapes and how you got into the business?
GrandScapes is based in Charleston, S.C., and we launched the business back in 2009. We focus on both design/build work and maintenance for commercial and residential properties. I’ve always loved being outdoors and was drawn to landscaping from a young age. My brother and I had a landscaping business together growing up, and that passion stuck with me. I eventually went on to study landscape architecture at the University of Georgia. We’ve built an incredible team and a strong family environment at GrandScapes, and we truly love what we do.
2. Do you have a most memorable day at work?
There have been a lot of standout moments over the years, but one that really sticks with me is when we recently moved into a new facility. It was amazing to see our team come together to make it happen. It marked a new chapter for us, something we’d been working toward for a while, and when we finally set the date, everyone jumped in and got it done. Seeing that kind of teamwork and energy, especially heading into the busy season, was really inspiring.
3. What is your favorite tool to get the job done?
It’s not a physical tool; it’s the team. I learned early on how valuable a strong team is, especially through some peer group experiences. Building a great team is absolutely core to what we do. You can hire talented people, but it takes real effort and intention to bring them together and create something cohesive. I’m constantly working on building and developing our team so that we can grow together.
4. Tell me about your family, and what do you all do for fun?
Family is everything to me. I’ve been married to my wife, Kelly, since 2013, and we have two daughters. They are 6 and 8 now, which is such a fun age. We love being outside together, especially at the beach or out on the boat. The girls are also really into sports and dance, so a lot of our free time revolves around cheering them on and spending quality time as a family.
5. What team do you root for?
Georgia Bulldogs all day long! I’ve been a fan my whole life, and I am a fifth generation Bulldog. We live in Charleston now, so we do not get to games as often as we’d like, but we still root for the Dawgs! I’m hoping as the girls get older, we’ll be able to take them to Athens and catch a few more games in person.
