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24 Business Profiles 2016 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com F or Kevin Young, owner of Young Landscapes, his business is not only about designing and installing outstanding backyard retreats and eye-catching landscape projects; but rather, it's an exercise in relationship building. Throughout his high school years, Kevin Young worked at a local greenhouse where he indulged his passion for working outdoors. In addition to man- ning the garden center, he assisted with landscape instal- lations. This hands-on experience formed the founda- tion of his company. Focused predominantly on residential work, Young Landscapes offers a full range of services. "We aim to create tranquil backyards where people can relax after a hard day's work," says Young. The initial meeting involves an inspection of the space to be recreated and a conver- sation with the homeowner to determine the goal. "I listen to what they want and we talk about ideas – theirs and mine – to create a design. I want to develop some- thing they'll enjoy for years," he notes, always working within the client's budget. The best part of the project comes when the home- owner views the completed work and expresses his plea- sure. Young reports that while engaged in these projects, he frequently develops a personal relationship with his client. "I often get invited back to their July Fourth cook- outs. The homeowners bring in family and friends to show off the projects," he says. Young Landscapes has created many backyard proj- ects, some involving outdoor kitchens, granite walkways, ponds, waterfalls, swimming pool features, patios, fire pits, walls and planting designs. "My work involves any- thing to do with the outdoors," Young says. Two of his most challenging, but successful, projects can be seen at Mount Wachusett in nearby Princeton. Young Landscapes designed a beautiful 4,900 square foot patio with gas fire pit, an ideal venue for weddings; the firm also created a 2,600 square foot heated patio for Ski Watch. During the winter months, Young immerses himself in learning as much as he can about new installation techniques and also takes business seminars to hone his skills as a business owner. His efforts – both in-season and off – have provided big benefits as his business con- tinues to grow. Young prides his company on its green practices. He uses permeable pavers, which allow rainwater to pass through without collecting debris from rain and pollu- tion. "The water filters back into the ground and doesn't deposit debris into the storm drains. They also reduce washout during storms," he says. Young is an authorized contractor for Unilock interlocking pavers. Although Young Landscapes does not provide mainte- nance, the company has completed projects across Central Massachusetts, east into the Boston suburbs and down to the Cape Cod area. The company also gives back to the community. Young built and maintains the traffic island in Sterling, which features a retaining wall and raised bed filled with flowers. "We wanted to beautify the area," Young says. His company also sponsors a Little League team and donated a new sign for the ballpark. Young Landscapes donates to YAHOO (Young Adults Helping Others), a non-profit organization in Sterling that helps the elderly with outdoor chores. "Ten to fifteen kids rake flower beds in the spring and then again in the fall. They do the yard cleanup," Young says. Since launching his business ten years ago, Young has grown by at least 30 percent every year. You could say business is blooming. n Young Landscapes: Creating Backyard Retreats H U B B A R D S T O N , M A Young Landscapes Address: 47 Healdville Road, Hubbardston, MA 01452 Phone: 978-870-3974 Website: www.younglandscapes.com Product or Service: Landscape Design and Installation Number of Employees: 5 Head of Company: Kevin Young, Owner Year Founded: 2006 P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y