Success Story: Accounting
Details Make the Difference
ECO-SCAPES, a local landscape maintenance company owned and operated by Ed Bartz, specializes in all phases of maintenance of both commercial and residential properties. Ed focuses on the market niche of the maintenance of existing properties rather than new construction. That enables him to focus on acquiring the expertise, education, and experience necessary for improving and maintaining the health of landscapes rather than having to spend the bulk of his time with design and construction issues.
A unique aspect of ECO-SCAPES is the all-natural approach to maintenance. According to Bartz, virtually 100% of the over 20,000 pounds of fertilizer they apply in a busy month is comprised of all-natural ingredients. He is quick to point out that in some instances there is no substitute for synthetic product applications. ìIf we have a yard full of weeds to eliminate and control, we have to use Round-Up or a similar product to begin our program, but in most cases there is no good reason to stray from organics in the routine maintenance schedule of a healthy lawn. In the long run, thatís better for not only the particular lawn, but for the environment in general.î
Prior to establishing ECO-SCAPES in 1993, Ed was involved in a variety of enterprises. He began his professional career as a police officer in Houston, Texas, but gave that up to move to Bend in 1989. He then worked for Mt. Bachelor in maintenance and operations before starting his own business. He chose landscape maintenance because of his desire to relate to the customer in a service capacity. He is certified as a Landscape and Irrigation Auditor and as a Turfgrass Professional.
Partnership with SBDC
Ed has completed his second year of involvement with the Small Business Management Program at COCC. Working with SBDC advisors he has learned the importance of giving the appropriate attention to the details. ìIt is attention to the little things that make a business successful.î He learned how important an investment of time is in a service business like his. ìSuccess is a long-term development, not an overnight accomplishment.î
Our Greatest SuccessóìEven though ECO-SCAPES has had many successes from a business standpoint, I am most proud of our involvement in the community. For a business of modest size, we have been able to have a relatively large impact in terms of what we have given back. Itís that achievement I consider to be our biggest success.î
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