Accent Landscape in El Paso becomes fully employee-owned

Abstract

"We're grateful to all of our partners, including Democracy at Work Institute and The Rockefeller Foundation, as well as visionary owners, Brian and DeAnn Wilkie of Apex Plumbing and Cameron Stevens of Accent Landscape Contractors, for sharing our vision of increasing economic equity and entrusting our fund with helping their employees to own their future." "I could have sold my business to a competitor or private equity, but I know what can happen next - the culture changes and people get laid off. I didn't want that for my employees. They are like family to me, and they helped build the company," said Cameron Stevens, founder and owner of Accent Landscape Contractors. "Today, over 40% of all Americans surveyed report they could not easily pay an unexpected $400 medical bill while about 2/3 of Black and Latino workers retire with no savings. Whereas, the average employee in an employee-owned business in the US nearing retirement has $147,000 in his or her ESOP account, which we think will be transformative for our workers, their families, and their communities." Attentive Inc, the Delaware based business management software provider for landscaping and other outdoor services industries, has brought Shawn Prince onboard as its head of business development. According to Attentive, the appointment is a part of the company's vision of bringing business management software that promotes productivity and growth to the $200 billion outdoor services industry. "Shawn is an established leader in the landscaping industry. With over 17 years of experience in the industry across sales and operations, he understands the problems faced by the industry, which aligns with our vision of being problem-first in building solutions." Prince will lead business development for Attentive's software products for the landscaping and other outdoor services businesses. "Attentive's automated software is the breakthrough the commercial landscaping industry has been waiting for. I have worked long enough in the industry to realize the value Attentive is bringing to the table. I'm looking forward to adding value to the team and driving business growth with Attentive," he said. Prior to joining Attentive, Prince worked with Continuum Services as the VP of business development. SiteOne Landscape Supply donated $10,000 worth of battery-powered equipment to I Want To Mow Your Lawn™, a non-profit organization that provides free lawn service to veterans, elderly and others in need.