DOUG MCDUFF HONORED WITH BEACON AWARD ( continued from p . 1 )
On MLP ’ s behalf , Rich Clark , owner of Clark Farms in Wakefield , RI , presented the award . Doug and Rich are longtime friends and colleagues who connected while serving together on the New England GROWS board of directors .
Rich ’ s heartfelt and humorous speech was filled with accolades and anecdotes that highlighted Doug ’ s achievements in founding and building Landscape America , Inc . into the successful business it is today and , perhaps more importantly , the countless ways Doug has given back to his community and the landscape industry .
In his acceptance speech Doug said , “ I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition . Over the years , I ’ ve looked up to our association ’ s Beacon Award winners . Many have guided me along my journey in this industry and have helped me to improve professionally and personally . I ’ m so glad I answered Virginia ’ s call to join the MCLP committee early in my career — and I encourage everyone to get , and stay , involved !”.
A quick “ sit down ” with Doug McDuff
Doug is a 2004 graduate of Stockbridge and UMass . He started Landscape America , Inc . with his brother Andy in 2006 . The company employs 60 people and specializes in commercial and residential outdoor spaces including design / build , maintenance , and snow and ice management . We sat down to asked him a few questions about his business philosophy :
What do you like most about what you do ? I love giving people the opportunity to grow and enjoy their work life . Seeing our team buying houses and new vehicles , getting married and having kids , is the most rewarding part .
What ’ s the best business advice you ever received ? Culture will eat strategy for breakfast . It ’ s a living breathing thing and it requires continuous improvement .
What advice would you share with people starting a landscape business today ? Either run it like a business or go get a job that you love with another landscape company . If you don ’ t enjoy the business side and choose to ignore it , you ’ ve created a job , not a business .
Know someone you ’ d like to nominate for the Beacon Award ?
MLP members are encouraged to nominate colleagues for Beacon Award consideration . Please write a letter to the MLP board of directors with the name of your nominee and include the reasons why you believe he / she should receive the Beacon award . Take the award ’ s purpose and title into consideration when crafting your nomination letter . Be specific , cite examples , include details and , if possible , ask for letters of support for your nominee from other MLP members . The deadline for nominations is September 10 , 2022 .
Nomination letters may be sent by mail to : Beacon Award , MLP Board of Directors , 67 West Street , Medfield , MA 02052 or email : info @ mlp-mclp . org (“ Beacon Award ” in Subject Line )
In general , find a mentor , get involved in MLP and network as much as you can . Keep up with your horticulture knowledge , and don ’ t dismiss learning soft skills and leadership .
What have you enjoyed most about being part of MLP ? I ’ ve made so many friends and learned so much from my peers in MLP . The education is great and getting the chance to meet industry leaders and learn from their experience has been a game-changer for me .
MLP Newsline | Spring 2022 5