Tag: breaking into the industry

An Oasis of Opportunity at SkillsUSA 2025

Every year, the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) looks forward to one of the most exciting events in the trades: the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

SkillsUSA brings together an estimated 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 650 national corporations and trade associations. With over 6,500 students competing in 114 hands-on skill and leadership competitions, the energy was absolutely electric.

For many students, SkillsUSA marks their first real exposure to such a wide range of career possibilities. Bryan Horr, P.E., Division Engineer of Segmental Pavements at CMHA, wants them to understand the benefits of a career in hardscaping.

“We always talk about working outside, being your own boss, lots of room to grow,” he said. “You don’t need to go to college—that’s one way you can go, but there are different paths. You can go through the trades or you can start your own business. The career opportunities are endless in the hardscaping field.”

CMHA uses their booth at SkillsUSA to creates an environment where young people can truly envision themselves building a future in hardscaping.

Horr described the CMHA booth as “kind of an oasis in the conference center.” Unlike the typical booths, the CMHA space featured beautiful hardscaping elements like pavers arranged into an inviting patio area, complemented by trees, bushes, plants, and flowers that created a refreshing green contrast.

“We had a lot of people come to the booth to talk to me about what was going on,” Horr said. “We’re a big attraction because we’re a green area with plants and trees and hardscaping items. It really stands out from all the other trades at the event.”

Embodying the real-world problem-solving and precision skills used in hardscaping, one of the highlights at the booth was CMHA’s “Tetris Tumble” game. Using large Tetris-shaped blocks, competitors had to carefully balance pieces on a rocking board, with the goal of making their opponent’s tower tumble first.

Winners earned a special edition CMHA SkillsUSA pin—a highly coveted item in the conference’s famous pin-trading tradition. These pins became an instant hit and helped draw a steady stream of curious students to the booth.

Horr said he enjoyed chatting with students who stopped by to explore their options.

“The thing that I was hoping students take away is that there are so many opportunities out there for their careers, their growth, and their development,” Horr said. “Just keep their minds open and do what they enjoy. If they like to be outside, hardscaping is a great opportunity. They’re just at the beginning of their lives, so there are many opportunities out there.”

CMHA’s participation in SkillsUSA is an ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of hardscaping professionals. Each year, CMHA returns with renewed energy and fresh ideas for connecting with students who might find their calling in the hardscaping industry.

Learn more about career opportunities in hardscaping and how you can get involved in shaping the future of our industry.

Questions That Get You Hired: Interview Advice for Aspiring Hardscapers

You’ve polished your resume and made it to the interview round. As the interview winds down, the hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”

Why Questions Matter More Than You Think

When a candidate comes to an interview with prepared questions, it sends several powerful signals to potential employers.

“It shows that they’ve done a little bit of research,” said Caleb Bahler, sales manager at Pave Tool. “It shows that they’re actually interested. It’s showing that they actually really care about fulfilling a position.”

Beyond demonstrating interest, thoughtful questions reveal character traits that hardscaping employers value highly.

“It shows their dedication to prepping for it and being prepared for the interview. It also shows effort,” Bahler said. “…By them coming with questions, it shows that they’re willing to put in the work before they even know that they’re getting something in return.”

On the flip side, candidates who arrive without questions leave a distinctly negative impression.

“It gives the impression that they’re not detail oriented,” Bahler warns. “…They’re going to probably forget things in their job role. They’re not going to be very organized in their job role. Or that they just don’t really care about the job.”

Your Interview Preparation Strategy

The interview process should be a two-way street. While the employer is evaluating whether you’re right for their team, you should be evaluating whether they’re right for your career goals and values. Thoughtful questions help facilitate this mutual evaluation process.

“It goes both ways,” Bahler said. “As someone that’s trying to hire an employee, I think it’s important that they ask questions so you can see if they’re actually interested in finding out if it’s a good fit for them.”

Before your interview, Bahler recommends a thoughtful preparation exercise.

“I would challenge the individual to come up with the values that they think are most important for a job,” he suggests. “…For example, at the top of my list would be working for someone that is forward thinking and that looks out for the betterment of their employees. Go through and itemize your values and come up with questions that tell you if those values are going to be met on this job.”

This approach helps you stay focused on what matters most to you professionally and to see if it is the right company for you.

“If you’re not hitting your top values that you really see and need in a job, then don’t bother working there. There are many other opportunities out there,” Bahler said.

The Strategic Questions That Impress

Bahler recommends focusing on questions that reveal both your ambition and your desire to understand the company culture. Here are some of his top suggestions:

“What kind of performance are you looking for from an individual to succeed? How are employees held accountable for their performance?”

This question accomplishes multiple goals. It shows you’re thinking beyond just getting hired—you want to excel. You can even take it a step further by asking, “What are some examples of what you see in an individual that’s successful in my role?”

This approach gives you valuable insight into the company’s values and expectations. As Bahler explains, the answer will tell you a lot about your potential employer. If they say they value someone who “just works really hard and does not ask questions,” that might indicate a more rigid, hierarchical environment. But if they mention someone who’s “always thinking, always looking for better solutions,” that suggests a more collaborative, growth-oriented culture.

“What is the potential for growth if I fulfill the job roles that you give me?”

This question demonstrates forward-thinking and ambition.

In hardscaping, “when you’re starting out, you typically start as a labor,” Bahler said. “You’re hauling the pavers. You’re hauling the wall block. You’re doing the things that are more the grunt side of things.” But understanding the growth trajectory is crucial for long-term satisfaction.

If an employer gives a response that indicates you’ll likely be in the same role for five years with no advancement opportunities, that tells you something important about whether this position aligns with your career goals.

One of the great things about the hardscaping industry is its diversity of roles and opportunities.

“There’s sales, there’s marketing. There’s video and photo opportunities. There is bookkeeping. There’s accounting. There’s management. There’s HR, labor, equipment operator, design, lead foreman,” Bahler said.

This diversity means that even if this first role isn’t the best fit, you might find you can excel in design, sales, project management, or any number of other roles within a hardscaping company. Bahler noted that if you put in effort and position yourself as a good employee, you can set yourself up to be able to explore and try out other opportunities later on.

“What is the top value that you feel makes a great employee?”

This question helps you understand the company’s core values and determine if you’d be a good cultural fit.

“You want to know more about the company as a whole and the individual that you’re going to be working for, so you can see if it’s really a good fit for you,” Bahler said.

“What kind of training, education, or mentorship do you offer?”

This question shows you’re thinking about professional development and long-term growth. Companies that invest in employee education and training demonstrate their commitment to your success.

“What does a typical day-to-day look like?”

While this is a common question, it’s still valuable for understanding the practical realities of the role and what you’ll actually be doing on a regular basis.

Questions to Avoid (At Least Initially)

While it’s natural to wonder about compensation and benefits, Bahler advises against leading with these topics.

“I would avoid talking about pay,” he said. “As an individual looking for a job, you will be paid based off of your performance, and if you’re confident that you can perform, the pay structure really is not one of your top concerns.”

Similarly, asking immediately about time off, breaks, or other benefits can send the wrong message.

“Don’t ask how much time you have off, what you get for breaks. That just shows that you’re already looking for a way out of work,” Bahler said.

Pay and benefits are important considerations for any job. But timing matters. Focus first on demonstrating your value and understanding the role, then address practical concerns later in the process.

Making the Most of Your Questions

“Asking questions is what’s going to set you apart from other individuals,” Bahler said. “The more questions you ask, the harder questions you ask, the better of a chance that they’re going to be more interested in you than other individuals.”

Your questions should reflect your desire to understand not just the job, but the company culture, growth opportunities, and how you can contribute to the organization’s success. They should show that you’re thinking beyond just getting hired; you’re considering how you can grow and add value over time.

By preparing strategic questions, you’ll also significantly increase your chances of landing the job. The questions you ask might just be the factor that gets you hired.

Mindset Matters: Hardscaping is a Career, Not Just a Job

Understanding the Difference: Job vs. Career

A job is simply something you do for money. You show up, complete tasks, and collect a paycheck.

A career is a long-term endeavor that you build toward and work on every day. It’s the combination of roles, experiences, education, and pathways you take to achieve your professional goals.

While it’s perfectly acceptable to take a job to pay the bills, having a career goal provides direction and purpose. A career often gives you long-term financial security by encouraging you to build skills and continue learning to move up the career ladder. This usually translates to higher pay, better benefits, and increased job satisfaction over time.

Moving from viewing your path as just a job to a full career requires a mindset shift. A growth mindset not only sets you on a career path, but can help support your overall success in that career.

What is Growth Mindset?

Growth mindset was first defined by renowned psychologist and researcher Carol Dweck in her groundbreaking work on motivation and learning.

According to Dweck, people with a growth mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through dedication, hard work, and learning from failure. They see challenges as opportunities to improve rather than threats to their self-image. In contrast, those with a “fixed mindset” believe their basic abilities are static traits that cannot be significantly developed.

In a growth mindset, people understand that effort and persistence lead to mastery. They embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others’ success.

How to Demonstrate a Growth Mindset in Hardscaping

The framework of a growth mindset has profound implications for career development in any field, but it’s particularly powerful in skilled industries like hardscaping, where continuous learning and adaptation are essential for success.

“People that are pursuing professional development and growth and education, even on their own time, tells me that this is a person that genuinely wants to grow. Mindset is a key thing,” said Weston Zimmerman, founder of SynkedUP.

Zimmerman said he starts evaluating people in their interviews for this mindset. He focuses less on specific hardscaping skills and more for character traits. He wants to know whether the people he interviews see challenges as opportunities to grow or obstacles to complain about.

“Are they out there watching educational courses to learn a new skill? Do they read? Do they listen to podcasts? Or do they just want a 40-hour-a-week job to punch a clock?” he said. “I don’t hire clock punchers. I’m looking for is people that are hungry, that have a growth mindset. People that view the world as a smorgasbord of problems to solve, not a not a smorgasbord of things to claim victim to.”

Frank Bourque, a landscape and hardscape business consultant and founder of the Landscape & Hardscape Business Success Summit, also highlights the importance of professional development when showcasing a growth mindset. He recommends pursuing CMHA certifications, as well as attending events like the annual Hardscape North America trade show.

“One of the best investments you can make is attending training,” Bourque said. “If you go where the expert goes, this will not only position yourself in the industry, but it will show how much you care.”

Questions That Impress Employers

It’s not just your responses to questions in an interview that can show off your growth mindset and the actions you are taking to continue your skills development.

When interviewing for hardscaping positions, you can also show off your mindset by asking thoughtful questions.

Bourque suggests asking potential employers questions like, “Can you tell me more about what a successful job is to you? Is it one that’s profitable? Is it a job where we’ve met the timeframe? Is it a quality install? What does success mean for you on a job?”

These types of questions demonstrates that you understand the bigger picture and that you’re thinking beyond just collecting a paycheck to how you could play a role in that overall success.

Making the Shift from Job to Career

Every role can help you get closer to your career goals and contribute to your professional development.

The key is maintaining that growth mindset throughout your journey. Stay curious, remain solution-focused, and never stop learning.

“Once you’re hungry, the food’s out there,” Zimmerman noted.

The industry needs problem-solvers, leaders, and professionals who care about quality and continuous improvement.

By developing a growth mindset and committing to professional development, you position yourself as a valuable asset who can build a lasting, successful career in hardscaping.

How to Break into the Hardscape Industry

According to the recently released 2025 Contractor Industry Report from the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), the top three ways hardscape contractors recruit employees are:

Word of mouth/staff recommendations (84%)
Internet job listing services (50%)
Company websites (42%)

If you’re looking at this list and thinking, “Word of mouth sounds great, but I don’t know anyone in the industry,” you’re not alone.

The good news? You don’t necessarily need connections to break in. You just need the right approach.

The Research-First Approach

Frank Bourque, a landscape and hardscape business consultant and founder of the Landscape & Hardscape Business Success Summit, explains that word-of-mouth hiring isn’t just about having hardscaping insider connections.

He said you don’t need to know someone to get hired in the hardscape industry, as long as you do your homework first. Bourque’s approach centers on genuine research and personalized outreach.

Before reaching out to any company, you need to become genuinely familiar with their work, he said. This means diving deep into their website to understand their services, values, and recent projects.

Social media can be your window into their company culture. Scroll through their Instagram and Facebook to see not just their finished work, but how they present their team and approach their craft. Pay attention to their equipment and capabilities, noting what types of projects they specialize in.

The goal isn’t just to gather information for the sake of it. You’re looking for specific things you genuinely admire about each company so you can speak authentically about why you want to work there.

Make a Personal Connection

Once you’ve done your research, Bourque suggests making a personal connection through thoughtful outreach.

Try sending a personalized email. The following template is based on Bourque’s approach, but it is always better to use your own words to show that you’ve done your research! For example:

Dear [Owner/Manager Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to express my interest in potentially joining your team at [Company Name].

After researching your company extensively, I am impressed by the quality of work showcased on your website and social media platforms. Your recent [specific project/post] particularly caught my attention, and it’s clear that your team maintains high standards and takes pride in their craftsmanship. I was also impressed by [specific equipment/capability/value you noticed] and the professional way your team presents themselves online.

I am actively seeking to begin my career in the hardscape industry and am drawn to [Company Name] because of [specific reasons based on your research – their approach, values, types of projects, etc.].

While I may be new to hardscaping, I bring [relevant skills/experience/qualities] and am eager to learn from experienced professionals.

Would it be possible to schedule a brief meeting to discuss potential opportunities with your team? I would welcome the chance to learn more about your company and share how my background and enthusiasm could contribute to your continued success.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

This approach demonstrates that you’ve taken time to understand their business. You’re not just looking for any job. You’re interested in their company in particular.

The Power of the Follow-Up Question

Perhaps the most important part of Bourque’s strategy comes when a company can’t hire you immediately. Instead of walking away disappointed, he suggests asking one crucial question: “What advice would you give to someone with my background and experience?”

This question transforms a rejection into a learning opportunity and often opens doors you didn’t expect.

The company leader might tell you exactly what skills to develop to become hireable later or they might offer you a different position that could lead to what you ultimately want. Sometimes they’ll even reconsider their initial response and find a way to bring you on board.

Why This Personalized Research-First Approach Works

This approach makes hardscaping businesses feel recognized and appreciated for their work.

“I almost guarantee that your name is going to pop up somewhere high on the list when they need to interview,” Bourque said.

With this approach, you don’t wait to be recommended. Instead, you actively shape the word of mouth about you as an aspiring hardscaper.

“For anyone trying to get in, just sell that first job. Knock on doors, pitch a small walkway or patio, even offer to do cleanup or base prep for another established hardscape contractor. Don’t wait for a golden referral – create your own momentum,” said Sam Gembel, the Owner and Founder of Atlas Outdoor. “The best hires I’ve made didn’t have a ton of experience or connections. They had grit, showed up, and proved they belonged. We can train the knowledge and build the experience.”

When you demonstrate that you’ve noticed what they do and that they seem to be doing it well, people pay attention. It shows genuine interest, initiative, and respect for their expertise.

Making Online Applications Work

While personal outreach is powerful, don’t ignore internet job listings – the second most common way hardscaping contractors hire.

When you do apply through job boards, treat each application like a mini version of the personal approach. Reference specific projects you’ve seen on their website, highlight transferable skills from other industries, and express genuine enthusiasm for learning the trade rather than just needing employment.

“A personalized message or a short video beats a cookie-cutter résumé every time,” Gembel advised.

Company websites, the third most common recruitment tool, should be your research goldmine. Use their career pages, project galleries, and company information to understand their specialties and values. Then incorporate these insights into your outreach, whether it’s through their website contact form or a direct approach.

Beyond Your First Job

As you gain experience in the hardscape industry, your reputation becomes even more important. Numerous opportunities open up. You might continue working for contracting companies, move into positions with suppliers, transition into teaching and training roles, or eventually start your own business.

Bourque emphasizes that you can “move up really quick if you are around the right people,” making that first job crucial for building the right network and learning from experienced professionals.

The key is viewing your first position as the foundation for a long-term career rather than just a paycheck. When you approach it with this mindset, you’ll naturally gravitate toward companies and people who can help you grow.

“Reputation is currency. Once someone’s in the door, that word travels fast. The best way to build a solid name in this trade is to show up early, over-communicate with clients, own your mistakes, and make the jobsite better than you found it,” Gembel said. “…Clients remember, crews talk, and opportunities follow. Good or bad, your name becomes your brand, so build and protect the heck out of it. At the end of the day, the industry still rewards those who hustle, stay humble, and get the results.”

The Industry Need is Real

The CMHA report identifies workforce shortages as one of the most significant challenges facing hardscape contractors – a consistent concern from 2017 through 2025. This means companies are actively looking for motivated individuals willing to learn the trade.

Your job is to show them you’re worth taking a chance on, even without industry experience.

The hardscape industry offers excellent opportunities for those willing to work hard and learn.

While word-of-mouth hiring might seem like a barrier, it’s actually an opportunity to stand out through genuine interest, thorough research, and professional approach. Your career in hardscaping starts with that first conversation. Make it count.

Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Quality Work

Hardscaping is a trade built on trust, relationships, and reputation.

Delivering high-quality work is one of the most effective ways to establish a strong professional reputation. A well-executed project not only satisfies your client but can also lead to repeat business and valuable word-of-mouth referrals.

Reliable and Trustworthy

Your reputation is your most valuable asset in the hardscaping industry. When clients and contractors know they can count on you for top-tier work, they’re more likely to refer you to others and bring you back for future projects.

“For job seekers in the hardscaping industry, reputation is everything. Start by mastering the fundamentals—pay attention to detail, work efficiently, and always strive for quality. Be reliable and professional in every situation, no matter how large or small the opportunity is,” said Trevor Fearn, VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc.

Andrew Vear, a longtime installer and consultant, also emphasized the importance of reliability and trust. He recommends maintaining strong relationships with past clients.

“They’ve already done business with you, they already trust you. They’re the best people to do business with,” Vear said.

A Job Well Done

Jason Stewart, owner of JPAVE, shared that having a reputation for high-quality work has earned him repeat business and new contracts. “I get hired in a lot of times because of my quality, and to clean up somebody’s mess,” Stewart said.

For Nelson Braybrook, owner of Call Nelson Landscaping in Mississauga, Ontario, word-of-mouth referrals have been a driving force in his success. One of his early projects led to a lasting connection with a family who was so impressed with his craftsmanship and professionalism that they sought him out and tracked him down years later, even after he left his previous company. That single job sparked a chain reaction, with their friends and colleagues at the local college continuing to recommend him.

“Somehow, I ended up in this college network with everybody,” he said. “And it just worked out really well.”

Braybrook attributes this loyalty to the high standards he sets for himself and his work. Clients know they are getting quality craftsmanship, honest service, and a finished project they can be proud of.

“They know they’re getting a good job. They know their money’s not going to get stolen from them, and they’re not just going to get generally ripped off,” Braybrook said. “They know they’re going to get a quality project.”

A job well done doesn’t just lead to satisfied clients—it creates advocates who will recommend you to their friends, family, and colleagues. On the flip side, poor craftsmanship can do just as much damage to your career as quality work can build it.

“If you can get three referrals from a good job, that’s great,” Vear said. “But 100 people will see a bad job.”

Sloppy work, delays, and lack of professionalism can quickly tarnish a hardscaper’s reputation, making it harder to land jobs in the future.

The Role of CMHA in Building Your Reputation

Organizations like the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) provide hardscapers with valuable training, certifications, and mentorship to help them refine their craft.

“Always be willing to learn and grow—whether that means seeking mentorship, taking certification courses, or attending industry events,” Fearn said.

By taking advantage of these resources, professionals and aspiring hardscapers can gain the skills needed to consistently produce high-quality work that builds their reputation.

While quality work is a key driver of success, reputation is also built through professional networks. Be sure to check out our companion blog post, Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building Your Reputation Through Professional Networks, on how networking and industry connections can take your career to the next level.

Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Professional Networks

While delivering high-quality work is essential for building a strong reputation in hardscaping, professional relationships play an equally crucial role.

Networking within the industry can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable mentorships that help long-time hardscapers and aspiring hardscapers grow in their careers.

The Importance of Community and Mentorship

Cultivating strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities and ensure a steady flow of projects.

“Word-of-mouth has been one of the most influential factors in my hardscaping career. Building strong, respectful relationships helps you become a top choice for referrals. One of the fastest ways to achieve this is by responding to all inquiries promptly—whether you have the answer or not. Quick responses show that you’re engaged, reliable, and committed to addressing people’s needs, which builds trust and confidence. While it may seem simple, this habit fosters respect and strengthens professional connections,” said Trevor Fearn, VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc.

Trevor Fearn (center) is pictured with his colleagues at Hardscape North America.

“By prioritizing responsiveness and reliability, I’ve been able to unlock new opportunities and advance my career. Being at the top of a professional’s referral list is a powerful asset in this industry.”

Organizational Support

Organizations like the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) support both the craftsmanship and relationship-building aspects that are key to a good reputation in the industry. Industry events and trade shows offer invaluable networking opportunities for both new and experienced hardscapers.

Vear strongly recommends attending trade events like Hardscape North America, which is hosted by CMHA. These gatherings provide not just education but crucial networking opportunities with manufacturers and fellow professionals.

“If you can get to HNA, that’s absolute—you have to go to that. If you’re in this industry and you don’t go to HNA, you are missing out on everything,” Vear said.

For Dan Hughes, President and Owner of Segmental Systems Inc., building a national network of hardscapers has been integral to growing his skills and knowledge. He credits CMHA with the connections that have bolstered his business into an industry leader.

“I used to look at these guys that were involved and they’re writing articles and magazines, and they’re doing stuff. And I know who these guys were. As I got involved in the organization, I’m actually now friends with these guys that used to be my mentors,” Hughes said. “…And I’ve made some great friends. But it’s being involved that really grew me as a professional and really elevated my level of knowledge in the industry. The discussions that I have, both within meetings and outside meetings, with these individuals are some of the best, most intelligent conversations you can have about the industry.”

Dan Hughes, President and Owner of Segmental Systems Inc. (center) is pictured at Hardscape North America.

Unlocking Opportunities Through Networking

Networking is also about maintaining existing relationships. Whether it’s keeping in touch with past clients, staying active in professional circles, or engaging with peers online, relationships built over time can lead to unexpected job opportunities and partnerships.

“Networking is key to growing in this industry. I stay active in professional associations like CMHA, attend trade shows, and participate in training workshops to connect with peers and suppliers. Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, also help me showcase my work and engage with others in the field. Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with industry professionals has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations,” Fearn said.

“The key is to provide value—whether that’s sharing insights, offering help, or simply staying in touch consistently.”

For job seekers looking to break into hardscaping, the key to success lies in both relationships and quality work. Your reputation will determine how many doors open for you, and word-of-mouth can be your strongest asset. Be sure to check out our companion blog post, Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Quality Work, on how delivering high-quality work strengthens your professional reputation.

Lessons from a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Hardscaping Project: Downtown Ecosystem in Springfield, Illinois

When Landon Kirby, owner of Knob Hill Landscape Company, first visited the site for what would become the Downtown Ecosystem, he knew this was a “once-in-a-lifetime project.”

Nestled in the heart of downtown Springfield, Illinois, the Downtown Ecosystem is a living, breathing example of what’s possible with sustainable landscaping and hardscaping. What began as a client’s need to replace a 50-year-old concrete fountain evolved into a full ecosystem designed to recreate nature’s filtration processes and support aquatic life without the use of chemicals.

Kirby said they originally pitched two concepts for the project – one within the existing fountain footprint and the second that captured this larger educational opportunity and unique landscape. The client felt the same passion as Kirby and went for option two.

Mimicking Mother Nature

“My very first time I went there for a site visit I immediately got the thought of this ecosystem and the ponds and the waterfalls because the terrain was kind of rolling. I just got to thinking that this is a great opportunity because ecosystems are very neat, how they work, being all naturally filtered and very unique if you know how the whole system works,” Kirby said.

“You’re mimicking Mother Nature and the natural ecosystem. You’re showing how the water can be cleared without chemicals, how the fish play a part. The aquatic plants play a part, the waterfalls with the oxygenation of the water for the fish, and it just kept hitting me – this is a great opportunity to teach people about this.”

The educational opportunities also fell in line with the client’s mission, as their company works with educators and teachers.

“This is the perfect opportunity and they really thought the same thing. They trusted our vision,” Kirby said.

Sustainable Transformation

Transforming this space into a fully functional ecosystem was no small task.

At the north end of the ecosystem, a wetland filter was carefully constructed to naturally cleanse the water as it flows through multiple layers of river rock. This method mimics marshy areas near rivers and lakes, ensuring water clarity and a thriving habitat. On the opposite end, an intake bay with pumps pre-filters the water before recirculating it through the system.

The design also features three waterfalls, not just for aesthetics but to enhance oxygenation and improve the environment for fish. Additional features like strategically placed woody materials support beneficial microorganisms, and fish play a crucial role in the ecosystem by feeding on algae and producing nutrients for plant life.

The project included 2,000 square feet of permeable pavers. The permeable paver patio joints between the pavers were filled with granite chips, allowing the rainwater to penetrate the pavers. This prevents any storm water runoff from entering the ecosystem and possibly contaminating the water source.

And to top it off, Kirby’s team of eight built this space over 101 days in the heart of an Illinois winter.

“In Illinois, the winters are pretty sketchy. We do get snow. We do freeze. We actually started that project the first week of November and we finished the last week of April. We were really worried at first, but it was the only project we were working on in the winter, so it allowed every employee to be focused on it,” Kirby said.

“…It was a once-in-a-lifetime project and I recognized it. All our employees recognized it. We all treated it like that. We didn’t cut any corners. We just tried to make it the best we absolutely could.”

The effort paid off. The project won a National Association of Landscape Professions “Gold” Award of Excellence in 2023 and at the 2024 Hardscape North America awards, it won the Combination of Hardscape Products – Commercial category.

“We’re from a relatively small market and we are still a relatively small company. To be recognized on that level is very special. It puts things in perspective and takes away a lot of all those stresses and things that you worry about so much,” Kirby said. “Our employees love it. It means the world to me for them to be recognized for their skills.”

Always Evolving

For aspiring hardscapers who want to one day be part of their own award-winning projects, Kirby advises that every project should be a learning opportunity.

“Always know that you can be better than you were yesterday,” Kirby said. “We won a national award, but we also still understand that we could have done something better. There’s a long list of things that we would improve from this project after having done it. Learn from every project and just have that mindset of continuously wanting to get better.”

Kirby’s favorite part of the Downtown Ecosystem project is the way it changes over time. He has been working with the client to lead tours and field trips for students to share and educate about the ecosystem and he said that he discovers something new on every visit.

“That’s one of the things with ecosystems, they’re always evolving because they are living and growing and changing,” Kirby said.

“Every time I go there, I notice something different that’s changed or a new plant that’s popped up and growing out of the boulders all of a sudden. Some of those seeds could have been on those boulders for hundreds of years, and now, all of a sudden, it’s the right conditions and now they’re sprouting grass out of the boulders. It’s amazing.”

The original request was for a fountain repair, but Knob Hill Landscaping saw an opportunity to create something much bigger. The Downtown Ecosystem isn’t just an award-winning project—it’s a new benchmark for what’s possible in urban landscapes.

Building with Team Spirit: Former Team Athletes Thrive in Hardscaping Careers

The qualities that make athletes successful on the field—teamwork, discipline, resilience, and a drive to achieve—are the same traits that play a role in a successful hardscaping career.

Just as athletes rely on their teammates to execute plays and adapt to challenges, hardscaping projects require collaboration and trust among crew members to transform a concept into a finished product.

Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company in Lakewood, Colorado, said this is why he likes to ask job seekers for positions with his company if they ever played team sports.

Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company

“You ever play soccer? You ever play basketball? You ever play baseball or football? Did you ever play volleyball?” Gandora said. “The reason I ask is that you work as a team in hardscaping. You have to anticipate what the next step is going to be and you have to work together congruently. I found people that have played sports in high school or college understand how it is to work with somebody else and not take all the glory. That’s very, very important.”

Rob Goossens, Vice President of Precise Paving, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida, echoed this sentiment, noting that team dynamics play a big role in the success of a project.

Rob Goossens, Vice President of Precise Paving, Inc.

“Skill set is great, but the person and the attitude make a bigger difference. We’ve had a lot of really skilled guys come in, but with a bad attitude, it’s detrimental to the whole crew,” Goossens said.

Goossens has played a number of team sports, but soccer is where he really excelled. He played all through his schooling, including at the collegiate level, playing on the team at Flagler College.

“I think that attitude correlates a lot with my soccer teams. Most of my teams that did well, we got along. We were positive. The teams that had a divide and would fight, they underperformed.”

Team sports can also prepare you to work well with people from different backgrounds, a critical skill in today’s diverse workforce.

“When I went to Flagler, we had people from all different countries and backgrounds and ethnicities on the team,” Goossens said. “…At our company, we have a lot of people from different backgrounds. Being able to get along even though we have differences is a skill set that carried over from my sports career.”

Goossens said there is an element of competition in hardscaping that appeals to an athlete’s determination and drive.

“With soccer, there’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes with training your skill sets – physical abilities, mental abilities. That definitely helped me as a person and as a business person. The routines and the disciplines that helped out with soccer is definitely correlated and related exactly to what I do with hardscape and construction,” Goossens said.

Knowing that the behind-the-scenes training is what gets you to winning on the field also plays a role in understanding the industry. And like scoring the game-winning goal, there’s nothing quite like standing back at the end of a project and saying, “We built that.”

“It’s tough because sometimes you’re grinding and you’re working hard and a lot of the fruits of our labor, you don’t see until six months, a year, two years down the road. In my earlier days, I would get frustrated. It may take some time to see all the extra hours, the early hours pay off,” Goossens said. “…But making a mark in your community and its development, it’s pretty cool.”

For former athletes, hardscaping offers the perfect career path to take your skills off the field and build something tangible and lasting.

Transforming Public Spaces: Inside European Pavers Southwest’s Award-Winning Hardscape at Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza

The Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza, a nine-acre public gathering space in downtown Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a community cornerstone for over 50 years. As part of a $27.5 million bond-funded renovation, the plaza underwent a complete overhaul to modernize its infrastructure and aesthetics while enhancing its year-round usability.

European Pavers Southwest played a crucial role in transforming this urban oasis, earning national recognition for their work. Their efforts were celebrated at the 2024 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards, where they took home the top prize in the Segmental Concrete Pavement – Commercial (less than 15,000 sf) category. The event recognized outstanding hardscape projects from 215 submissions across 19 categories.

European Pavers has built up a reputation for municipal work, especially in Arizona, and she was thrilled when they were selected to take on this Scottsdale project.

“It was a huge project,” Kimberly Miller, President of European Pavers Southwest, said. “It’s our reputation. We’ve been here for so long in Arizona and throughout the Southwest. People know our workmanship. They know that we return our phone calls. They know we show up for punch lists. They know we’re honest,” Miller said.

Reimagining an Iconic Public Space

Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza consists of nine acres of pristine open public space constructed over 50 years ago in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, Arizona. With a bond-funded $27.5 million budget, the Civic Center Plaza Renovation Project included upgraded utilities, regraded and drained landscapes, and newly installed hardscapes. Key additions include two multi-functional stages, restroom facilities, a children’s play area with a mist-fog system, and expansive pedestrian walkways designed with eye-catching pavers.

European Pavers Southwest worked on four distinct areas of the revamped plaza. Their award-winning section spans 4,800 square feet and showcases an intricate series of concentric and patterned circles crafted with various types of stones and permeable pavers.

The project took about four weeks to complete. The visually striking design required technical precision, expert craftsmanship, and honest feedback. These are the qualities that have built the company’s impressive reputation throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

Crafting for Community Impact

Miller finds deep satisfaction in contributing to public works that the entire community can enjoy.

“I love those jobs because they’re so high profile,” she said. “It’s something that somebody’s going to see.”

The plaza’s pavers, supplied by Ackerstone, perfectly complemented the design vision crafted by the City of Scottsdale. This collaborative effort highlights how hardscaping goes beyond construction—it’s an art form that can redefine public spaces.

With a complete overhaul, the site’s new layout is designed so that all nine acres of the plaza can be utilized throughout the year. The existing hardscape was removed, and an extensive grading operation lowered the grade by as much as six feet in some areas. Several hills were moved to enhance the view of the park. New decorative hardscape and pedestrian walkways—a combination of concrete and pavers—made this linear civic space more inviting to users and visitors.

A Surprising Win

With 215 project submissions across 19 categories, the 2024 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards showcased hardscaping excellence in materials such as concrete pavers, clay bricks, retaining walls, adhered thin veneers, porcelain, natural stone, and vintage installations.

European Pavers Southwest took home the top prize in the Segmental Concrete Pavement – Commercial (less than 15,000 sf) category for its work on the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza.

Despite their stellar work, the European Pavers team was genuinely surprised when their project was announced as the first-place winner.

Because of the way they saw the boards displayed at HNA, they thought they had gotten fourth place and the photos were just being shown as additional project examples.

“Needless to say, we were all shocked!” European Pavers posted on Facebook with the announcement of their win.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Hardscapers

European Pavers Southwest’s success at the HNA Awards proves that hardscaping is more than laying stones—it’s about shaping environments, telling stories through design, and leaving lasting legacies.

For aspiring hardscapers, projects like Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza show how creativity and craftsmanship can blend into something truly remarkable.

As Miller summed up, “We take pride in what we do. Saying I’m proud of my team is an understatement.”

Seasonal vs. Year-Round – What to Know When Applying for Hardscaping Jobs

The hardscaping industry offers rewarding career opportunities, but working year-round can be sometimes be tough due to seasonal slowdowns. However, longtime hardscaping experts and business owners say that aspiring hardscape professionals can find full-time work in the industry if they are able to show initiative, be flexible, and adapt to changing needs.

Starting with Initiative

Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company in Lakewood, Colorado, has been in the industry since the early 1980s. He recalled that he took a construction trades class in high school and he wanted to immediately put it into action.

“I drove up to this job site, just got my license, 16 years old. I had a 4-foot level in one hand, my tool bag in the other. I saw this guy chomping on a cigar, looking on at the job site. I figured he was the boss and I went up to him with the tools in my hand as I walked up. I didn’t just hop out saying, ‘You guys hiring?’ I walked with the tools in my hand,” Gandora said.

“He looked at my level, chomped on a cigar. He looked at my tool bag. He didn’t say a word. He pointed to the scaffold. I knew what that meant, young, ambitious person I was. I literally ran to the scaffold.”

While the hiring practices might look a little different today, initiative like Gandora’s is exactly what employers are looking for.

Qualities Employers Value

Bob Goossens, President of Precise Paving, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida, said he is always looking to hire full-time employees that are “enthusiastic, hungry for employment, and punctual.” He tries not to hire seasonal employees as training is an ongoing effort.

“We always offer our employees a minimum 40-hour work week even if a project has scheduling or material delays. We use this time to service equipment or do odds and ends around our yard and warehouse,” Goossens said.

Renee Redding, the owner of Logan’s Landscaping in Scarborough, Maine, echoed the importance of being proactive and reliable.

“If you’re looking to jump into our industry, you better be somebody that’s looking to jump hard. You need to be a leader on your crews. You need to be a leader to your boss and absorbing, taking it in, understanding, doing exactly what they’re asking you to do so that you have that place 12 months a year. They won’t get rid of you if you’re making them money. That’s a fact,” Redding said.

Adapting to the Seasons

Redding has been a business owner for almost 10 years, but has been in the industry since high school. When she first started, there was a time when hardscaping was seasonal, but now improvements in technology and tools have changed the environment. She doesn’t consider it a “slow season,” as much as it is a time to shift gears or to prepare for the future.

“When I talk to people about it, they’re like, ‘Oh, you must get many months off.’ We switch. We go into masonry. We can tent something. We will heat it. We will accelerate it. There are other things that we do work on in the wintertime. There’s a lot of equipment to work on. There’s a lot of things to get ready for the following season. You just have to make yourself useful and you can manage to have a business 12 months a year, even as far up here as Maine,” Redding said, noting that last year she did a patio project in February.

“There are a lot of companies that their seasonal change will allow them to keep employees on. They don’t want to lose good guys because it’s seasonal work, so they will dip into snow. That’s a natural progression for a lot of companies,” Redding said. “If you’ve got some really good skills that will allow you to stay on in most cases.”

The Value of Long-Term Commitment

Redding also stressed the importance of retaining skilled workers.

“It’s really crucial that when you train those people and you train those people to do something the way you want it done, or way that it should be done, that you maintain those people. If not, they’re going to be your competitors down the road. We have a big incentive to keep them full time,” she said.

Gandora said his work is focused primarily on commercial projects, which allows for year-round operations. He is always looking for a full-time workforce that can be flexible.

“When I was doing residential, I wasn’t working for three months a year because of snow in the backyard and the ground being frozen. I switched over to my commercial work and home builder work. We’re doing much bigger projects with big machines. You’re not worried about frost,” Gandora said. “Instead, we ask, ‘Can you work out of state? Can you work a hundred miles from here in a ski resort application for two weeks at a time?’” Gandora said.

Exploring Industry Roles Beyond the Job Site

Gandora also noted that there are so many different ways to work in hardscaping beyond physical labor, which expands the options for full-time employment.

“It’s not just about backbreaking hard work laying pavers. You have the marketing side of it – developing brochures, developing marketing and advertising campaigns. You have the management side of it, developing and managing crews and coordinating projects. You have the business side of it, you know, negotiating with your suppliers, trying to figure out the best products to use, the most economical products to use, and so on. You have the accounting side of it. You could spend your whole life just doing the accounting side, no different than any other industry,” Gandora said.

“When people look at hardscaping they think of it, ‘Oh, I see a brick paver. It’s heavy and I’ll go home with a sore back.’ That’s 5% of the industry. There’s so much more. And the sore backs are going away because of the tools and innovative equipment and technologies coming in to help make our job easier.”

From fieldwork to management, marketing, and beyond, there are numerous paths to explore. Showing initiative, being flexible, and staying committed can help aspiring professionals build a rewarding, year-round career in the hardscaping industry.

Check out some of the career paths.

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EXPLORE SOME OF THE CAREER PATHS