Landscape Management, November 2016
backstory John Puryear In 2014 I made the decision to step away from design and focus on working on the business rather than in it I had to give up what I loved the most in order to create the best future for everyone in my organization In addition to landscaping I wanted to farm the land thats been in our family for almost 100 years We planted our first crop of tree and shrub liners in 1991 The deer harvested much of it a month later but we kept at it Words of Wisdom Understand your purpose Everyone knows what they do and most understand how they do it But few really understand why they do what they do to quote simon sinek You should communicate your purpose and vision to everyone in your organization and attract those who share the same core values and vision The primary responsibility of a good leader is to be a servant to those you wish to lead A good leader is a coach and a mentor and one who genuinely wants to see people grow and develop into the best they can be Growth is a tool to provide opportunities for success among every member of your organization LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET November 2016 60 President Puryear Farms GAllATin TEnn inTErViEW BY mArisA PAlmiEri An avid walker Puryear logs about 20 miles per week I am involved with the local historical society My daughter Anna Lee Puryear and I performed a speaking role in the annual candlelight cemetery tour PHOTOS jOHn Puryear iSTOck cOm Pearleye EdUcATion Friendship Christian High School Lebanon Tenn Class of 1984 University of Tennessee Knoxville Tenn Bachelors of Science in Ornamental Horticulture Landscape Design minor in Business Class of 1989 WorK EXPEriEncE 1989 1991 J W Custom Landscaping Sales Design Gallatin Tenn 1991 present Puryear Farms Founder President Gallatin Tenn 2005 Present Planning Commissioner City of Gallatin Tenn 2011 Present Municipal Board of Zoning Appeals Member City of Gallatin Tenn It was a very small company with under 10 people I brought professional design skills to the table and helped to grow that business Puryear spends 25 percent of his time serving on local boards and committees and volunteering That desire to serve the community has become a part of the company culture weve built here at Puryear Farms he says The Tennessee Nursery Landscape Association named Puryear Farms its 2016 Landscape Contractor of the Year Puryear says its an honor for the company which marks its 25th anniversary in 2016
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