Redbud in Success Magazine – Q&A
Redbud Development is once again featured in Success Magazine. Read the full Q&A with Redbud Development owners, Geffrey & Karen Redick.
Success Magazine: Geffrey, you graduated from Cornell University with a degree in landscape architecture. Where did you gain your work experience?
Geffrey Redick: After school I worked in Glens Falls for Jim Girard Landscape Maintenance for four years and then moved down to Long Island where I worked for an award winning landscape design/build firm. It was an enlightening experience on both the construction and client relations side of the business.
SM: In 2004 you decided to take the plunge and start your own landscape design/build business with your wife Karen. What was your goal in founding the business?
Geffrey: It was definitely a combination of reasons and events, but mainly the draw of being my own boss and the opportunity to expand my creativity; I had built many things over the years, now it was time to build a business. But most important was the added flexibility of being present for the important stuff, like the first day of school.
SM: Karen, with an MBA in finance and a degree in international language and business, did you ever think owning a landscaping firm was in your future?
Karen Redick: Never! I really enjoyed working in New York City in the banking industry. The pivotal event was having our first child just days before 9/11/2001; this altered my perspective on life as I am sure it did for many other people. New priorities were set and a move to be closer to family completed the setting. Now I get to utilize my skills and energy to create beautiful environments in nature for families to enjoy. What could be better than that?
SM: How has your education and prior experience prepared you for a successful future as an entrepreneur?
Karen: My education has provided me with the basics of running a business as well as an appreciation of fine arts and culture. My work experience has been varied and taught me many things; from the operational side of running a small import company, to living and working and surviving (!) in several foreign countries, to managing in the high stress environment of the financial end of an international investment bank. Add to all that the skills learned from being the mom of three, such as scheduling, multi-tasking, problem solving, becoming a human resources expert….and I think we are all set and ready to go.
SM: What services do you provide? Geffrey & Karen: We help people create the outdoor space of their dreams and we fix a lot of problems along the way. These fixes can be in form or function. We can take your outside from boring to inspiring or we can transform your wet, mushy yard into a tennis court. Redbud Design is the landscape architecture side of the business where we can provide design only, consulting, and educational services. Redbud Development is the construction side of the business where we can provide clients with the full range of services needed for building the landscape project; sketch design, code compliance issues, permit applications, subcontractor selection, and oversight.
SM: What truly makes Redbud unique in this competitive industry?
Geffrey & Karen: Few other landscape contractors have the education and experience of a licensed professional to draw from. Plus we truly listen to our clients’ needs and collaborate with them and other design professionals, architects, and engineers to ensure the complete vision is achieved.
Follow the link to their interactive magazine and see our editorial and beautiful layout on page 22.
