Green Industry ECOnomics - LandcareNetwork.org

cially if these services cost them more money than the services his company
traditionally offers. His take on the results of the survey — customers already
perceive what his company is doing as being environmentally responsible.
But is that the case across all markets
Brad Wolfe is an example of how green services can make an impact within
a specific regional market. Wolfe started his company, Organo-Lawn, in 1997
shortly after graduating from the University of Colorado because he couldn’t
find a lawn service in Boulder, Colorado, that was responsive to his concerns
about the environment. Sensing a business opportunity in his city, which is
located near Denver on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, he began putting
together a lawn care company built mostly on the use of natural products.
As the company grew, he incorporated even more ecologically friendly initiatives,
including a range of proprietary natural products that his technicians
use to improve customers’ lawns. He also points to the company’s fleet of
biodiesel-fueled service vehicles, its company-wide recycling efforts, the energy
generated by wind that powers its shop and office, and the organically
grown cotton shirts its employees wear.
It’s a beginning
“Organo-Lawn understands that these steps are very small in comparison to
what can be done,” said Wolfe. “Rest assured we are continuing to grow and
are always looking at ways to become even more sustainable.”
In the decade since he began the company, it has grown to be the dominant
lawn care company in Boulder and its surrounding communities, and he’s eyeing
the Denver market as he contemplates franchising the Organo-Lawn model.
Dean DeSantis, DeSantis
Landscapes
DeSantis and his senior staff receive a plaque
recognizing the company’s certification for the
Marion County Earthwise program, which recognizes
businesses that have made a commitment
to environmentally friendly practices.
26 Green Industry ECOnomics