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In the vibrant green spaces of Maryland, Nature's Friends Landscaping is a landmark of craftsmanship and dedication in the landscaping industry. Here, Cliff Bressler cares for each garden and tree with the same passion and precision as those in his own backyard.
In 1999, Bressler left the corporate world to follow his love of nature. This move marked the beginning of a new era for him with his extensive knowledge of plant life and commitment to sustainable beauty. Bressler and his team ensure that every project they take on enriches the lives of their clients, and as a result, Nature's Friends has become synonymous with exceptional quality and unwavering reliability.
“My big goal for this business was to not have to travel far for work,” says Bressler, emphasizing that he focuses on maintaining local gardens and building strong community bonds through personalized service. His approach to business is built on a cornerstone of meticulous attention to detail and respect for the environment, and that philosophy extends beyond landscaping to fostering the connection between his clients and their outdoor spaces. Listen to the episode below to hear directly from Bressler.
Nature's Friends excels in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to each client's individual needs. Bressler's commitment to excellence is evident in every project, driven by his belief in delivering value that justifies his prices. “I'm usually in the mid- to high-end price bracket,” he says. “For the work I do, I'll be on the higher end of cost, but I can guarantee clients [they’re] You will receive first-class service.”
Liz S., a loyal customer and Yelp Elite, echoed this sentiment. “I can't say enough good things about Cliff and his team,” she says. “If you're looking for someone who knows plants and trees, cares about their customers, is clear and communicative, and is really nice to do business with, this is the place for you.”
To further enhance the value he provides, Bressler takes the time to truly execute each client's vision and transform his clients' outdoor spaces in a way that goes beyond just looking good – he's all about creating sustainable and beautiful environments for everyone to enjoy.
Liz considers Bressler's attentiveness and interaction with customers to be what sets Nature's Friends Landscaping apart. “Cliff has been very, very responsive. He really has his business under control. And I also want you to know that he is always there,” she says. Her statement underscores the trust and typical reliability of Bressler's approach and shows how effective communication is incorporated into every interaction.
In addition, Bressler's flexibility and responsiveness are especially appreciated in unexpected situations, which Liz has experienced herself. “It was a Sunday. I sent him a text message. He came that same day at five in the afternoon,” she says, impressed by his commitment to resolving urgent issues promptly – a rare trait that fosters loyal customer relationships.
Bressler's impact extends beyond individual gardens, affecting the local community through his service and commitment to the environment. In fact, he says he has “turned down a lot of jobs in really great areas” because it would take him 45 minutes to get there. This selective approach underscores his commitment to being there for his local clients and minimizing the environmental impact associated with longer commutes.
Nature's Friends is also deeply integrated into the community, participating in local initiatives and building relationships that strengthen a cooperative and supportive local network.
“It was much easier for me to keep track of the client and the three people who work for me full time,” Bressler says of his desire for autonomy that allows him to become more involved in local projects and community efforts.
Liz recognizes the far-reaching impact of Bressler's involvement and appreciates this local focus. She notes how Bressler's involvement in the community and care for his employees builds her trust. “He's very loyal to the people who have stuck with him,” she says, emphasizing how Bressler's approach to his team translates into high-quality service and consistent customer satisfaction.
Through strategic partnerships and a focused business unit, Bressler ensures that Nature's Friends both transforms spaces and strengthens community bonds. His efforts to maintain a concentrated service area allow him to respond quickly to customer needs and become more deeply engaged with the local ecosystem.
“I provide a level of service and quality that I'm proud of, and that commitment will continue as we grow,” he says. “We're about more than just landscaping; we want to create spaces that people love and can be comfortable in for years to come.”
For the success of Nature's Friends Landscaping, we rely on these principles:
- Commitment to quality customer service. Bressler values detailed communication and responsiveness. Prioritizing transparent and consistent communication ensures that customers feel valued and well-informed throughout their service experience.
- Maintain a local focus. Bressler's decision to narrow its service area allows for more personalized service and faster response times, demonstrating the benefits of serving a local market intensively versus spreading efforts across a larger area.
- Promoting community involvement and sustainability. Bressler's involvement in local community projects and commitment to sustainable practices resonates with customers who value environmental awareness and community support.
- Taking care of his team. By ensuring his team is well compensated and valued, Bressler creates a positive work culture that translates into high-quality service for customers.
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Editorial contributions by Charlotte Che and Kristi Lindahl
This article is part of our ongoing series, America's Favorite Mom & Pop Shops™, which highlights family-owned businesses.
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