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Professional Landscape Services |
Acres Group
Professional landscape industry leaders committed to excellence through
knowledge and quality of service.
Acres Group was founded in 1983 by Jim Schwantz, current owner and CEO. At the time, Jim operated out of a home and garage located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Residential maintenance and lawn renovation were the primary services offered by his staff of two employees.
1984 brought new accounts, two new full-time employees, and a realization that with growth there were new challenges to undertake: New equipment, uniforms, office equipment, accountants, and implementation of policies and procedures. Of great importance was the commitment to the future, and a firm resolution that the reputation of Acres Group would always be dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers. Jim realized the importance of the customers and their perception of the service being provided would be the catalyst for the Company’s growth.
During 1985, the company moved to a larger location in Palatine, Illinois. Growth was steady through 1986, and the addition of manpower and equipment dictated another move. 1987 through 1989 were spent in a small farmhouse located in Palatine, Illinois. This site offered a large yard space, as well as a central location for operations. This fueled Jim’s vision of growth for Acres, both internally as a company, as well as externally as a presence in the Chicagoland suburbs.
Acres Group Growth & Acquisitions
Customer loyalty, professional service, and hard working employees, were the trademarks of success for Acres. In May of 1989, the staff took occupancy of its current corporate headquarters in Wauconda, Illinois. Since 1989, the site has experienced several large-scale additions, leading to the current 20,000 square feet of office space, 23,000 square feet of dry storage, and a fully staffed maintenance garage. In 1995, five acres directly west of the property were purchased to increase the property to 12 acres. This provided additional space for equipment, as well as a plant material holding area.
In 1996 a 94-acre nursery in Union, Illinois was purchased to keep pace with the ever increasing customer base. The nursery, now referred to as South Branch Nurseries, Inc., was a large stepping stone to the future of quality plant material for all of Acres’ customers.
In 1997, a second facility was purchased on six acres of land located in Naperville, Illinois. First and foremost this offered improved service to Acres’ customers south of I-90. In addition, it offered increased growth potential for the Company.
As 1998 came to a close, Acres Group doubled its size with its acquisition of the R. Glass Landscaping Company in Roselle, Illinois. Not only did this add another facility to Acres, but it also doubled the equipment, staff, and vehicle fleet. As with the Naperville facility, it offered its customers improved service.
In 2000, Acres Group acquired Bill Fenn Landscaping. This added to Acres Group’s customer base, as well as to its equipment and fleet vehicles.
In 2001, Acres Group purchased Goodmark Nurseries, now known as Goodmark Nurseries, LLC, located in Wonder Lake, Illinois. This 164-acre addition underscored Acres’ commitment of quality to its customers. In addition to the Goodmark purchase, in early 2002, Acres’ headquarters more than doubled the size of its office space with its newest building addition in Wauconda. The additional space offers a training area for Acres’ crews and salaried staff, as well as room for future growth.
2003 – the 20th Anniversary Year of Acres Group – brought continued growth and development. The Company had outgrown its Naperville facility, which it put up for sale. Acres Group performed a complete rehab and remodeling of our Roselle office, and moved into a facility in Plainfield.
In 2004, we added 70 acres to our Goodmark Nurseries. 2005 saw the addition of Hayden Landscaping & Maintenance, LLC to the Acres family now called Hayden Landscape Contractors. Again in 2006, our Goodmark Nurseries gained an additional 149 acres.
Acres Group Today
The team at Acres Group is made up of proven performers from all levels who have one goal in mind: THE CUSTOMER. Teamwork at all levels is a major reason for the Company’s success. The high-pressure demands of the landscaping industry, and the high expectations of Acres’ customers, are the glue that holds this team together. The feeling of a “job well done,” along with anticipation and planning for the future, are constant motivators for the entire Company.
Because of the its dedication to its customers and the quality it provides, Acres Group enjoys a large customer base with loyalty that is uncommon in the landscaping industry. Jim is very proud of the accomplishments of Acres Group and is committed to providing quality landscaping services to its customers, as well as nurturing the personal and professional growth of its staff.