Title: Landscape Entrepreneur, Curtis Atkinson on his Career, Industry Tools & Family Life
At the helm of a thriving landscaping company located in Salt Lake City, sits Curtis Atkinson. His successful stint in the industry didn’t start at the top but with a simple love for mowing lawns. Atkinson started small, but his motivations, dreams, and passion for his craft led him on a path to become the CEO of a flourishing landscaping business.
The journey he embarked upon was rooted in his longing to build something of his own. He loved being outdoors, coupled with an enthusiasm for landscaping equipment and construction. Today, he revels in the joy of witnessing clients take pleasure in the outdoor living spaces that him and his team have helped create. His company has blossomed to become a leading example in the landscaping industry. Through his devoted team, he brings aesthetic beauty and functional simplicity to their client’s lawns and backyards.
Reflecting on the year 2024, Atkinson expresses profound satisfaction over his company’s performance, as they have exceeded their set budget. Though call volumes seem to have leveled compared to the previous year, the organization presented strong outlook with an impressive list of future projects. Despite the second half of 2024 proving challenging, the future sparks optimism.
Acknowledging the significance of technology in the landscape industry, Atkinson pinpoints the critical role of industry-specific software in their business operations. They use Aspire, a powerful application with various valuable plug-ins that enables them to track and analyze projects, properties, and equipment. This tool has emerged as an essential instrument, especially when he recalls a time with only the basic utilities of Excel spreadsheets and similar applications. The Aspire software opened new horizons in gauging their numbers, setting benchmarks, and preparing profitable estimates. It has facilitated the assessing and improvement of the team’s production, effectively refining their business process.
Atkinson’s entrepreneurial journey saw a significant turning point when he tied the knots and stepped into fatherhood. The accountability of being a provider added extra depth to his career, transforming it into a labor of love. It wasn’t just a job anymore; it was a responsibility and his duty to provide for his family. That realization also led him to acknowledge that his team members were also family men, and they needed their careers to be steady and satisfying.
Outside work, Atkinson lives a fulfilling family life. He has been happily married for 18 years and is the proud father of three children. Their life swirls in a whirlwind of sporting events, cheer events, and other activities. The busy parents sometimes find themselves high-fiving each other in their household’s corridor due to overlapping commitments to their children’s schedules. They have a 15-year-old son, Ethan, a soccer enthusiast; Rikki, their 13-year-old daughter, who participates in competitive cheer events; and the youngest, Ryder, a 10-year old who enjoys golf, mountain biking, and skiing. They also remember their dear daughter, Ellie, who unfortunately they lost four years prior. Even in her absence, she remains a blessing and continues to watch over her loving family.
In conclusion, Curtis Atkinson is not only a successful entrepreneur, but he is also a dedicated husband and a proud father. His love for the outdoors and the satisfaction of creating beautiful landscapes for his clients has guided him in his unconventional path to success. His story embodies the essence of perseverance, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the balance between work and personal life.
