Landscape Management, November 2014
INtErVIEW BY marIsa PaLmIErI Donna DJ Wood I went school to be a dental technician After a few months I realized I didnt want to spend my life with my fingers in other peoples mouths tierra MaDre LanDsCaPe serviCes Bourgade Catholic High School Desert Landscape School Desert Botanical Garden WOrk EXPErIENcE Receptionist Production Manager General Manager B C Cabinets Project Service Manager Project Manager GCI Construction Director of Facilities Energy Tierra Madre Landscape Services LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET November 2014 56 Here in Phoenix we have inversions which are where the climate traps all the pollution down right over the valley We came up with the idea that maybe we could offset some of the carbon by planting trees with the Arizona Tree Mission Its a reward to our clients Based on how long theyve been with us and other factors well plant up to 12 free trees for them per year Ive been a Buddhist for about 25 years Meditation is something I do every day It keeps me from blowing up on a daily basis from stress I helped set up construction land acquisition and property management It was crazy We went from 35 to 500 stores in six years I was really burned out and basically quit I wasnt sure what I was going to do I worked in commercial construction for many years I took a job as a receptionist and through on the job training I worked my way up PresiDent CeO PHOENIX EducatION Phoenix 1975 GED Class of 2008 1977 1980 Meyer Lundahl Phoenix 1980 1983 Reno Nev 1983 1986 Sierra Elevator Reno Nev 1986 1993 Phoenix 1993 1999 PetSmart 1995 Present President CEO You cannot be a slave to technology I started checking email only three times a day so I can avoid distraction and stay focused My ex husband whos an amazing horticulturist wanted to start his own business As it grew it became evident he was better off in the field and I got involved with the business side When we divorced we decided if the business was going to continue I was the one who would run it He was into plants not lawyers and banks WOrds Of WIsdOm What I like to say to our employees is I cant guarantee that youre going to have fun but Id like to contribute to you going home and feeling proud about what youve accomplished When people feel good about their work they take that home and it affects their lives Embrace co opetition theres enough work out there for everybody I have no problem sharing my knowledge or information When we do that we make our whole industry better PHOTOS iSTOck cOm markc212 weSvandinTer eldadcarin
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