Transcription

Greg:

How’s it going, everybody? This is Greg with Ava Wing, digital marketing and SEO. And this morning, I’m here with Michael Backus. He’s the owner of Backes Landscaping, one of the finest landscaping companies here in Fort Collins, and we’re just going to do a little Q&A and kind of pick Michael’s brain about his business a little bit. So, Michael. The first question I got to ask you is, how did you get involved in this profession?

Michael Backes:

So, yeah. Thanks, Greg for your time. I started in 1994 actually as a High School job and then throughout the years, I’ve just been doing landscaping on the side and really enjoyed all aspects of the job itself. I love working outdoors, and enjoy the physical challenge while incorporating creativity into each project. And then that led to the launch of our business and 2017, which has grown each year. And from that point, I’m in a situation where I’m hiring more employees, as we grow to meet the needs of our customers here, in Northern Colorado.

Greg:

Awesome, man. I know you guys have seen a lot of growth since you first started. So getting some new employees is certainly important. Just so people know what’s going on with your company a little bit more. Are there any certain areas that you guys specialize in, any sort of landscaping areas that you guys really excel at?

Michael Backes:

Yes. So we provide landscape design and then from that point, the design, we specialize in hardscapes such as flagstone, patios black stone walkways, Paver patios paper, walkways retaining walls, large slab steps, decorative rock installation, mulch beds, and we construct raised garden beds. We also provide Irrigation Design and installation landscape, lighting, tree shrub, plant installation, sod installation, soil, grading, and excavation.

Greg:

It sounds like quite a list of important services that I know a lot of people want here in Fort Collins. Also so people know, are you guys kind of all of Northern Colorado or what areas there do you service?

Michael Backes:

So yeah. So we Service Fort Collins, Loveland Windsor Timnath Johnstown. I’ve also helped folks who’ve reached out from Wellington where they just can’t get landscape companies. I’ve done that as well as Cheyenne.

Greg:

So a little bit of Southern Wyoming there too. Now, for my next question, I need you to kind of think back. I know you guys have done hundreds if not thousands of jobs, but has there ever been a job that kind of stands out in your mind? A project that was maybe the most complicated or interesting that you can think back about how you may have approached the job and the key issues that helped you complete that project?

Michael Backes:

Yeah, so this was about three years ago. It was a large-scale job in the Foothills. So the challenge of the job was the steep slope. The customer was a young couple just starting a family, but they needed usable space for the kids to play. And so, the first meeting was just talking about, what does that space look like? And then from that point, getting the design, exactly, the way they needed. The initial part was getting the excavation correct so that we could have the space, we needed to create the design exactly the way they wanted it. And from that point, it was just really working as a team and working as one just to get the job done correctly, but most importantly safely.

Greg:

Excellent. Yeah. So I’m sure safety is at the top of your mind at all times on your projects and certainly with your employees and crews out there. And also just for my knowledge for everyone is knowledge out there as well. How does a typical Project work? I mean, it all starts with someone either getting a phone call or, or makes a phone call. How does the job work from start to finish?

Michael Backes:

Once they contact us through, either an email, phone call, or text, I will set the appointment to meet with the customer and then once I meet with them it’s just about understanding what their needs are. And then from there I give them an option if they are in need of a landscape design, that’s one route to go or if they already know what they want and they show me, you know through pics I can go from that and get that designed based on what they already have in place. If they do go with a landscape design once that’s approved, then we’ll get the project scheduled in the books for them. And then one week prior to the project, I’ll update them on when exactly we’re going to be starting. Once we start, I introduce them to the crew, and the foreman. I’ll go over the complete project with the foreman, and then just make sure that the homeowner knows that we are there from start to finish. So we don’t start and then leave. And then come back and finish. We are there until the project is completely done. And then from that point, if it’s a project that includes planting such as trees, shrubs, and perennials, I will have a warranty specialist come in one week after to check up on all the plantings and make sure they’re all thriving. If there are issues with any plants, The Specialist will go ahead and make any revisions that they need to. And then, after two weeks, that warranty specialist will come back in and then reset their irrigation control clock to a normal watering schedule. And then, from there, It is just a matter of the homeowner knowing that I’m always available to answer any questions whether it’s by phone or to meet in person.

Greg:

Excellent. So it sounds like you guys have this completely lined out a complete set process there that is of total benefit to the homeowner and a lot of people in place to support you and the company there. So you mentioned needing a foreman and I understand when we were talking earlier and you said you’re hiring for several positions. If somebody might be interested in working with Backes Landscaping can you tell us a little bit about what positions you’re hiring for and Why working with Backes Landscaping is such a great opportunity?

Michael Backes:

Sure. So as we’re growing, I’m in need of a Foreman, Supervisors, laborers, and an irrigation technician. So we’re just a small local Landscape Company, we value our employees, and we have a Monday through Friday schedule. I’m not going to work you to death. We’re not going to work Saturdays or Sundays, I believe it’s important to have time off for your overall well-being. And also the advantage of working with Backes Landscaping is that if you are wanting to grow with the company, we hire within and promote to that next level. If this is a career, you want to make it.

Greg:

That’s great. Yeah, because I know, I know during the busy season, a lot of companies are having people work crazy hours, and it just kind of burns people out. So that’s certainly good for overall health, mental health, and like you said general well-being there. So, you know, Michael, I just had one last question, you know, if somebody is, you know, reading the transcript that we’re going to do on this or maybe watching the video. What’s the best way to get a hold of you? Or what’s the next step, if they have a landscaping project in mind?

Michael Backes:

So the first step is I would say go to our website www.backeslandscaping.com first. Take a look at the website, look at our projects review or Google reviews, and if you feel that a contractor, such as Backes Landscaping, is someone that you would want to work with. Then go ahead and reach out to us through either email or phone. The number that’s listed on the website.

Greg:

Excellent. All right, Michael, thank you so much for your time. Again, this was Michael Backes with Backes Landscaping in Fort Collins. So if you have any questions, do reach out, we’re going to have the phone number and all his information at the bottom of this interview. Michael. I know it’s early. Have a great day, have a great weekend and we’ll talk soon man. 

Michael Backes:

Thank you for your time.