Seeds of Knowledge
“I grew up in the green industry. My parents had small greenhouse and landscaping of some sort is all I’ve ever done,” Martin said.
The greenhouse was his mom’s hobby, but it was Martin’s first classroom.
“What she really taught me was a love for plants and not just your typical plants,” he said.
This early exposure to the unusual and extraordinary would later become a defining characteristic of his company’s approach. Martin credits those formative years for setting Willow Gates apart.
“We’re probably known for using plants that are somewhat unusual that most people in the trade aren’t using,” he said.
After getting his driver’s license, Martin’s first job was in landscaping, building on the foundation his mother had established.
In 2005, he had the opportunity to purchase the landscape division of the company where he worked. Despite the timing—he was getting married that same year—he took the leap.
“Not really great idea to start a business and get married same year,” he said with a laugh. “Well, ultimately, that is exactly what I did.”
Partnering with his brother, they launched Willow Gates Landscaping.
The Turning Point
The early years were challenging and came with a steep learning curve.
A particularly hot and dry first season pushed the brothers to diversify into hardscaping as a way to even out the slower periods. But it wasn’t until 2011, when Martin’s brother left the partnership to pursue his dream of dairy farming that the real transformation began.
“We were an okay hardscape company, not a great one. And I didn’t like being average,” Martin said. “If I’m doing hardscaping, it’s all or nothing. If we’re not really good at it, we need to get out. I don’t want to be average.”
What followed was an intensive period of education and skill development. Martin threw himself into every advanced hardscape course he could find, attending trade shows and absorbing every piece of knowledge available.
“That really was probably when we started transitioning from being an okay, average hardscaper to being much more dedicated to the hardscape craft,” he said.
Beyond Traditional Hardscaping
Today, Willow Gates represents something unique in the industry. The company has evolved beyond traditional hardscaping into all manner of home construction, eventually changing their name from Willow Gates Landscaping to Willow Gates Home & Landscape.
This evolution began when clients started requesting decks and other renovations alongside their hardscape projects.
The company now handles everything from interior renovations to additions, managing subcontractors while maintaining their core hardscape expertise.
“If you think about it, for an outdoor living area with a deck and a roof, you use most of the trades already. You do the same for home construction,” Martin said, explaining that the transition was more natural than it might initially appear.
This integrated approach also solved a common problem in the industry. Too often the lack of coordination between different contractors leaves hardscapers trying to make everything work too late in the process.
“We brought it together. We’ll design it. We’ll manage a process, make sure everything works together in the end,” Martin said.
His favorite part of the job is when the project is finished and he turns on the lighting system for the first time.
“When everything’s done and you go out there and flip on the lights, turn on the fire feature,” he said. “It’s like, ‘Wow!’ This is what we work for.”
A Philosophy Rooted in People and Purpose
At the heart of Martin’s approach is a philosophy that goes far beyond the technical aspects of construction.
“Our motto for many years has been people first,” he said. “Our employees, our suppliers, and our clients – we’re going to always try to do the right thing and put people first.”
This people-first approach extends to his hiring philosophy as well.
For entry-level positions, Martin isn’t necessarily looking for experience. Instead, he prioritizes “a willingness to learn and work together. That’s really probably the biggest asset you can have in any position in any company.”
Perhaps most importantly, Martin never loses sight of what they’re really building. He shared stories of clients who saved for decades to realize their patio dreams, such as one client who spent 10 years planning the perfect entertainment barn.
“For us, it’s another day at work, another paver patio. For them, it is truly their dream,” he said. “At the end of the day we’re building a space to make memories with their loved ones, friends, family. That’s really what it’s all about.”
From Student to Teacher
Martin credits education through organizations like CMHA as absolutely critical to his success.
“We would not be here today doing 6- or 7-figure projects had we not had that foundation,” Martin said.
His commitment to education extends beyond his own learning. Martin budgets for his employees to spend around 40 hours per year in training.
“There’s never a perfect time to go do training. Just plan on it and go do it,” he said.
Martin’s journey has also come full circle as he’s transitioned from curious student to respected instructor.
“I never would have thought I’d be a teacher when I was in school,” he said. “And I don’t really consider myself a teacher. But I do enjoy training. I think it’s rewarding seeing somebody who starts on the crew very unsure themselves, asking lots of questions, to watch them grow into becoming a leader themselves.”
Martin’s upcoming session at the 2025 Hardscape North America trade show promises to share practical insights from his journey into complex utility integration. Having evolved from basic patio installations to projects requiring gas plumbing, electrical work, water and sewer connections, and sophisticated lighting systems, Martin understands the challenges of managing multiple utilities in outdoor spaces.
“People have brought about every amenity from indoors to the outdoors. All the utilities you expect to have inside, you’re doing outside,” he said.
His session will focus on the basics of planning and coordination required to successfully integrate these systems, particularly the importance of considering utilities during design rather than as an afterthought and the questions every hardscaper needs to ask during the process.
Advice for Aspiring Hardscapers
For those considering entering the hardscape industry, Martin encourages people to embrace the learning process.
The industry offers tremendous opportunities for those willing to put in the effort to develop their skills and knowledge. He believes firmly that education is essential for moving beyond average work to true excellence.
“Take a retaining wall course, take every concrete paver installer course. Take them sooner rather than later,” he said.
But his biggest piece of advice is to choose your employer carefully.
“Look for a company of good values that match your own,” he said.
“…Find a company that cares about you. There is a demand for workers in the trades and there is way too much demand out there for good workers to settle for a company that doesn’t care about you.”
