MEET SEASONAL SERVICES
Welcome to our team of remarkable individuals and the driving force behind
of our extraordinary landscapes. From highly-trained Landscape Architects to ASE Certified Mechanics, each member plays a crucial role in our finely-tuned operation. Meet your BASS family, where excellence is woven into every aspect of our business.
Corporate Officers
Corporate Officers
Bret Achtenhagen
President and CEO
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Bret, the owner of Seasonal Services, embarked on an inspiring journey from farm life in Mukwonago, where his upbringing instilled a deep love for nature and hard work. Despite earning a degree in Psychology from UW Whitewater, Bret's passion for the land led him back to his roots, where he founded his company, blending his expertise in landscape design and construction with his rural upbringing. His transition from dreaming of office life to realizing his true calling exemplifies his unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
Michael Jakubowski
Director of Landscape Management
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Michael Jakubowski, a local Mukwonago resident, turned his passion for landscaping into a fulfilling career at BASS, Wisconsin's premier landscape company. Armed with a business education, he finds joy in the satisfaction of a freshly cut lawn. An outdoor enthusiast, Michael values family time while seamlessly blending his love for landscapes with a dedicated professional journey at BASS.
Mike Schmeling
Chief Financial Officer
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Chris Huebsch
Vice President of Production
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Sales & Client Service
Brady Achtenhagen
Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services
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Scott Petters
Sales - Landscape Managment
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Daniel Western
Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services
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Dan Western is a seasoned landscape designer with 27 years of experience, starting with designing landscapes for his stepfather’s business while at Ohio State. Joining our company four years ago, Dan's expertise has been invaluable. A lover of outdoor activities, he spends winters snowmobiling in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with his family. Dan also enjoys biking trips to Crystal Lake every Memorial Day and weekend hikes in the Northern Kettle Moraine Forest, embracing nature outside of work.
Kyle Kohlmann
Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services
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Kyle Kohlmann, a 2002 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, ventured from a design build firm to BASS, enticed by the inviting culture and mutual connections. Off duty, he embraces his love for golf, family time, and taking care of his bonsai trees.
Design
Daniel Leonard
Landscape Design and Sales
Support
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Daniel Leonard is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Plant Science and a concentration in Sustainable Landscape Design. Daniel moved from Nashville to pursue the start of a fulfilling career at BASS, he is currently working hard to accomplish his goal of becoming a certified Landscape Architect. Daniel enjoys going camping, traveling to explore new cultures, and watching movies.
Administration
Annelise Borst
Administrative Coordinator
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Annelise Borst spent a decade at a remodeling company in roles across Customer Service, Marketing, Sales, HR, Recruiting, and General Admin. She now brings these diverse skills to her role at BASS. In her free time, she enjoys being with her husband and young son.
Debra Valin
Accounting & Payroll Specialist
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Debra Valin, boasting 25+ years in accounting and payroll, brings a wealth of expertise to her roles. Outside the office, she finds solace in the outdoors, often fishing or taking leisurely walks with her loyal companion, Betsy. With two grown sons, Debra treasures the moments spent with family, seamlessly balancing a seasoned professional life with cherished personal pursuits.
Zachary Harteau
Safety and Training Manager
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Zachary Harteau is an Environmental Design graduate from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, with a minor in Horticulture. Introduced to our company by a friend, he found a comforting familiarity here, having grown up in rural Wisconsin. Zachary appreciates the close-knit atmosphere of our small office, fostering meaningful connections with colleagues and hands-on involvement in daily tasks. Outside of work, he enjoys family canoe trips, working on the farm with his cousin, and quality time with his twin daughters.
Amy Achtenhagen
Accounting Specialist
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Amy Achtenhagen, a University of Wisconsin Madison alum, transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to a pivotal role in the family business, contributing to the accounting department. Beyond work, she dedicates time to volunteer at St. Paul's Church, enjoys spending the summers at her place up north, and treasures moments spent with her family. Amy's commitment extends from professional endeavors to meaningful contributions in her community.
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Amanda Houghton
Administrative Coordinator - Maintenance
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Amanda brings a diverse background to our team, combining her organizational expertise from working with a mosquito spray company with her previous experience as a teacher. Her passion for education shines through in her detail-oriented approach and knack for problem-solving. A true outdoor enthusiast, Amanda loves exploring nature and has a particular fascination with geology. Her dynamic skill set and love for the natural world make her an invaluable asset to our team..
Rachel Mangold
Administrative Coordinator - Installation
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Rachel combines her organizational expertise and attention to detail with a unique background managing the complexities of farm operations, working in customer service, and her expertise in photography. Her experience has honed her ability to handle multiple priorities, streamline workflows, and adapt to dynamic environments. Recently engaged, Rachel brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to ensuring smooth administrative processes, making her a vital contributor to our team’s success.
Production
Christine Salgado
Production Coordinator - Installation
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Christine Salgado, with two decades in the home building industry, transitioned to landscaping for a more personal touch in her work. When she is not working in our administrative department, she enjoys spending quality time with her son, showcasing her green thumb in gardening, and cooking.
Phil Johnson
Project and Client Relations Manager - Installation
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Phil brings a wealth of concrete experience to our team, specializing in high-quality work and attention to detail. With years of hands-on expertise in the field, he consistently deliver exceptional results across all projects. Outside of work, Phil enjoys spending time outdoors, with a passion for hunting and working with dogs, which speaks to his dedication, focus, and love of teamwork both on and off the job.
Richard Schuetz
Project Manager - Landscape Management
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Richard brings 33 years of industry expertise after graduating from the University of Michigan. Seeking a better work-life balance, he found his niche at Seasonal Services. Outside of work, he serves as a firefighter-paramedic, indulges in motorcycle club adventures, and channels his culinary passion into cooking.
Tyler Krupp
Production Coordinator - Landscape Management
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Tyler Krupp, a Business Management graduate from the University of Wisconsin—Parkside, has woven a career in landscaping and construction since high school. Fueled by a desire to make an impact, he steered clear of corporate paths, ultimately finding his home at BASS. When Tyler is not working you will find him in outdoors either hunting or fishing, playing music with his band, or playing volleyball.
Gustavo Roman
Project Manager - Installation
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Matthew Wegrzyn
Project Manager - Installation
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Marty Poore
Project Manager - Landscape Management
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Mechanics & Yard Managers
Steven Sheppard
Nursery Manager
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Eric Haskins
Mechanic
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Our Story
Bret Achtenhagen founded Seasonal Services in 1994. The company is located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and they serve all eight counties in Southeastern Wisconsin. Seasonal Services provides the following distinctive, custom landscaping services to residential and commercial clients:
● Landscape Architecture
● Landscape Construction
● Decorative Masonry
● Concrete – Standard & Stamped
● Wood Features
● Landscape Maintenance
● Horticultural Care
● Turf Fertilization & Weed Control
● Ornamental Plant Health Care
● Landscape Irrigation Installation & Service
● Landscape Lighting Installation & Service
OUR STORY
Bret Achtenhagen founded Seasonal Services in 1994. The company is located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and they serve all eight counties in Southeastern Wisconsin. Seasonal Services provides the following distinctive, custom landscaping services to residential and commercial clients:
● Landscape Architecture
● Landscape Construction
● Decorative Masonry
● Concrete – Standard & Stamped
● Wood Features
● Landscape Maintenance
● Horticultural Care
● Turf Fertilization & Weed Control
● Ornamental Plant Health Care
● Landscape Irrigation Installation & Service
● Landscape Lighting Installation & Service
BRET
Bret grew up on a farm in Mukwonago where his family raised quarter horses and cattle. He developed a love for the land, nature, and hard work in those formative years on the farm.
“I spent most of my days outside because my family bred, trained, and showed quarter horses,” he said. “Our family also raised beef cattle. So, every spring we were blessed with 20 to 25 foals and 30 to 40 calves.”
After high school, Bret attended UW Whitewater and graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Personnel Management. Bret shares that it is ironic that he spent many of his days on the farm, dreaming of a time when he would wear nice clothes and work in an office.
“And once I accomplished that goal, I began dreaming of life back on the farm working with the land,” he said.
Within a few years of earning his Psychology degree, Bret realized that he was not content working in an office. So, he went back to school to study landscape design and construction and ultimately founded Seasonal Services.
BRET
Bret grew up on a farm in Mukwonago where his family raised quarter horses and cattle. He developed a love for the land, nature, and hard work in those formative years on the farm.
“I spent most of my days outside because my family bred, trained, and showed quarter horses,” he said. “Our family also raised beef cattle. So, every spring we were blessed with 20 to 25 foals and 30 to 40 calves.”
After high school, Bret attended UW Whitewater and graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Personnel Management. Bret shares that it is ironic that he spent many of his days on the farm, dreaming of a time when he would wear nice clothes and work in an office.
“And once I accomplished that goal, I began dreaming of life back on the farm working with the land,” he said.
Within a few years of earning his Psychology degree, Bret realized that he was not content working in an office. So, he went back to school to study landscape design and construction and ultimately founded Seasonal Services.
FAMILY
Family is Bret’s biggest inspiration. He is married to Amy (they've known each other since kindergarten), they have a son, Brady, and two daughters, Linley and Sophie.
Brady graduated from Winona State in 2017 with a degree in business administration. He bought his first house in Mukwonago, and he serves as a salesperson for the company. Linley graduated from Whitewater in 2018 with a degree in entrepreneurial studies. She is married and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Linley works for a landscaping company in sales and business development. And, their youngest daughter, Sophie, just earned her medical assistant accreditation. She also lives in Charlotte.
“My other major inspiration is nature, especially the Rocky Mountains,” said Bret. “Our family has enjoyed most of the Rockies from northern New Mexico to Jasper, Alberta, and beyond to Denali National Park in Alaska. We love hiking, rafting, skiing, horseback riding, and fly fishing. However, the best part is seeing firsthand the incredible wonders of nature.”
FAMILY
Family is Bret’s biggest inspiration. He is married to his wife, Amy, and they have a son, Brady, and two daughters, Linley and Sophie.
Brady graduated from Winona State in 2017 with a degree in business administration. He bought his first house 18 months ago in Mukwonago, and he serves as a salesperson for the company. Linley graduated from Whitewater in 2018 with a degree in entrepreneurial studies. She is married and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Linley works for a landscaping company in sales and business development. And, their youngest daughter, Sophie, just earned her medical assistant accreditation.
“My other major inspiration is nature, especially the Rocky Mountains,” said Bret. “Our family has enjoyed most of the Rockies from northern New Mexico to Jasper, Alberta, and beyond to Denali National Park in Alaska. We love hiking, rafting, skiing, horseback riding, and fly fishing. However, the best part is seeing firsthand the incredible wonders of nature.”
OUR HOME – HICKORY GROVE FARM
Located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Hickory Grove Farm became the home of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services in 1996. Bret purchased Hickory Grove Farm from his parents. First acquired in the early 1970s by Bret’s grandfather, the farm became a nationally-renowned Quarter Horse breeding and training facility, owned and operated by the Achtenhagen family.
Constructed in the 1950s, Hickory Grove Farm was designed to be a premier facility for Standardbred Trotters. Standardbreds are horses that excel in a form of harness racing called “trotting.” The developers of Hickory Grove Farm spared no expense in the construction of the facilities, which included barns, storage buildings, a one-mile-long racetrack, a magnificent home, and extravagant custom landscaping.
From an early age, Bret recognized the warmth and charm of the handcrafted stone walls, fireplaces, and other stonework as well as the majesty of the hand-hewn oak beams used in most of the structures and landscaping. Due to the continued maintenance of the facilities, pastures, ponds, and miles of Kentucky board fence, landscaping became very important to the entire family. Bret now admits that Hickory Grove Farm is where he developed an intimate understanding of how custom landscaping, fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and nature all intersect in an inspirational environment that is to be enjoyed by many.
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OUR HOME – HICKORY GROVE FARM
Located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Hickory Grove Farm became the home of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services in 1996. Bret purchased Hickory Grove Farm from his parents. First acquired in the early 1970s by Bret’s grandfather, the farm became a nationally-renowned Quarter Horse breeding and training facility, owned and operated by the Achtenhagen family.
Constructed in the 1950s, Hickory Grove Farm was designed to be a premier facility for Standardbred Trotters. Standardbreds are horses that excel in a form of harness racing called “trotting.” The developers of Hickory Grove Farm spared no expense in the construction of the facilities, which included barns, storage buildings, a one-mile-long racetrack, a magnificent home, and extravagant custom landscaping.
From an early age, Bret recognized the warmth and charm of the handcrafted stone walls, fireplaces, and other stonework as well as the majesty of the hand-hewn oak beams used in most of the structures and landscaping. Due to the continued maintenance of the facilities, pastures, ponds, and miles of Kentucky board fence, landscaping became very important to the entire family. Bret now admits that Hickory Grove Farm is where he developed an intimate understanding of how custom landscaping, fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and nature all intersect in an inspirational environment that is to be enjoyed by many.
UNIQUE PERSONAL MOTIVATION
There is one thing in particular that has served Bret well as the leader of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services. Bret’s primary focus has always been on the Seasonal Services team. Bret shares "Our teammates have a wide range of professional and personal aspirations". Bret believes that Seasonal Services is a tool that provides the venue to achieve all professional and personal aspirations.
Whether it’s purchasing a home, a vehicle, getting married, starting a family, continuing education, opportunity for advancement, or getting back on your feet after a personal setback, we need to provide all of our teammates with a stable, predictable, proactive environment. We reward enthusiastic, hard-working people with the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
We employ more than 100 individuals, and if each of those individuals averages two dependents, that’s 300 people we are responsible for. This is a colossal obligation that every employee at Seasonal Services must consider. Our cultural values promote unity and respect for others. So, should a team member be contemplating a selfish action they must stop and consider the 300 individuals that depend on them to make good choices. Some do not make the right choice, but the vast majority of our colleagues do.
Many believe that it is a daunting task to be responsible for 100 teammates that are responsible for 200 other people. That’s true if you are attempting to do it alone. However, Bret points out, “I am not doing it alone. There are more than 100 people taking care of each other and all our dependents. My job is simple: create an environment in which we are faithful to our values, vision, and mission. Great people working in a great cultural environment have great opportunity.”
UNIQUE PERSONAL MOTIVATION
There is one thing in particular that has served Bret well as the leader of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services. Bret’s primary focus has always been on the Seasonal Services team. Bret shares "Our teammates have a wide range of professional and personal aspirations". Bret believes that Seasonal Services is a tool that provides the venue to achieve all professional and personal aspirations.
Whether it’s purchasing a home, a vehicle, getting married, starting a family, continuing education, opportunity for advancement, or getting back on your feet after a personal setback, we need to provide all of our teammates with a stable, predictable, proactive environment. We reward enthusiastic, hard-working people with the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
We employ more than 100 individuals, and if each of those individuals averages two dependents, that’s 300 people we are responsible for. This is a colossal obligation that every employee at Seasonal Services must consider. Our cultural values promote unity and respect for others. So, should a team member be contemplating a selfish action they must stop and consider the 300 individuals that depend on them to make good choices. Some do not make the right choice, but the vast majority of our colleagues do.
Many believe that it is a daunting task to be responsible for 100 teammates that are responsible for 200 other people. That’s true if you are attempting to do it alone. However, Bret points out, “I am not doing it alone. There are more than 100 people taking care of each other and all our dependents. My job is simple: create an environment in which we are faithful to our values, vision, and mission. Great people working in a great cultural environment have great opportunity.”
UNIQUE BUSINESS MOTIVATION
We believe that most of life’s meaningful experiences occur outdoors. So, our entire existence is centered on designing, crafting, and caring for environments that entice people to be outside so they can actively experience the wonders of nature. Our passion is delivering joy to others by creating and maintaining beautiful custom landscaping.
People who expect their landscape provider to deliver exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, technical expertise, and extraordinary customer experiences will find that in Seasonal Services. An overwhelming number of our clients have told us that they enjoy, value, and appreciate landscaping and see it as a source of inspiration and pride. They believe that their families, friends, guests, employees, or clients benefit from the outdoors.
“I believe that most people crave and appreciate well-designed, well-maintained, orderly, and attractive spaces in which to live, visit, and work,” Bret said. “There are countless reasons for this. The mind craves logic and order, the eye craves beauty, the hand craves texture, the nose craves pleasant scents, the ear craves pleasing sound. Landscaping that is skillfully designed and maintained in a technically correct manner provides positive stimulation for every sense we have as well as our mind, heart, and soul.”
UNIQUE BUSINESS MOTIVATION
We believe that most of life’s meaningful experiences occur outdoors. So, our entire existence is centered on designing, crafting, and caring for environments that entice people to be outside so they can actively experience the wonders of nature. Our passion is delivering joy to others by creating and maintaining beautiful custom landscaping.
People who expect their landscape provider to deliver exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, technical expertise, and extraordinary customer experiences will find that in Seasonal Services. An overwhelming number of our clients have told us that they enjoy, value, and appreciate landscaping and see it as a source of inspiration and pride. They believe that their families, friends, guests, employees, or clients benefit from the outdoors.
“I believe that most people crave and appreciate well-designed, well-maintained, orderly, and attractive spaces in which to live, visit, and work,” Bret said. “There are countless reasons for this. The mind craves logic and order, the eye craves beauty, the hand craves texture, the nose craves pleasant scents, the ear craves pleasing sound. Landscaping that is skillfully designed and maintained in a technically correct manner provides positive stimulation for every sense we have as well as our mind, heart, and soul.”
OUR CULTURE
PATHOS - PASSION – A healthy obsession for something that provides us with tremendous joy and fulfillment. To have significant interests in one’s life that provides enjoyment, inspiration and fulfillment.
● PASSION IS – a boundless enthusiasm for creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes.
● PASSION IS – an enjoyment of working with others who derive fulfillment from their chosen career while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
● PASSION IS – not being afraid to stretch the boundaries of creativity, knowledge, efficiency, and curiosity.
ETHOS - ETHICS – A commitment to conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with positive moral principles. To demonstrate through our actions a profound understanding of the significance of treating others the way we wish to be treated.
● ETHICS IS – always caring for clients, coworkers, and suppliers with respect and honesty.
● ETHICS IS – a commitment to bettering the environment
● ETHICS IS – appreciating the concept of team; and because of that appreciation, we prefer to act in a manner that is unselfish and unified.
LOGOS - LOGIC – An understanding that we make educated choices that are guided by, but not limited by, our past learning experiences. We will always hunger for knowledge no matter how “experienced” we become.
● LOGIC IS – a commitment to education and sharing our knowledge with others. We actively seek out information and new innovations to improve quality, techniques, and efficiencies.
● LOGIC IS – the exercise of knowledge in a way that allows us to achieve the upper reaches of personal growth and personal success.
● LOGIC IS – a dedication to applying our knowledge, experiences, and common sense so that we may perform consistently at a high level of excellence.
OUR CULTURE
PATHOS - PASSION – A healthy obsession for something that provides us with tremendous joy and fulfillment. To have significant interests in one’s life that provides enjoyment, inspiration and fulfillment.
● PASSION IS – a boundless enthusiasm for creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes.
● PASSION IS – an enjoyment of working with others who derive fulfillment from their chosen career while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
● PASSION IS – not being afraid to stretch the boundaries of creativity, knowledge, efficiency, and curiosity.
ETHOS - ETHICS – A commitment to conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with positive moral principles. To demonstrate through our actions a profound understanding of the significance of treating others the way we wish to be treated.
● ETHICS IS – always caring for clients, coworkers, and suppliers with respect and honesty.
● ETHICS IS – a commitment to bettering the environment
● ETHICS IS – appreciating the concept of team; and because of that appreciation, we prefer to act in a manner that is unselfish and unified.
LOGOS - LOGIC – An understanding that we make educated choices that are guided by, but not limited by, our past learning experiences. We will always hunger for knowledge no matter how “experienced” we become.
● LOGIC IS – a commitment to education and sharing our knowledge with others. We actively seek out information and new innovations to improve quality, techniques, and efficiencies.
● LOGIC IS – the exercise of knowledge in a way that allows us to achieve the upper reaches of personal growth and personal success.
● LOGIC IS – a dedication to applying our knowledge, experiences, and common sense so that we may perform consistently at a high level of excellence.
OUR VALUE STATEMENT
● We work together within a team environment of mutual respect, honesty, and integrity.
● We are energetic and knowledgeable and take pride in our work and our company.
● We approach our craft with a proactive, positive, and enthusiastic attitude and maintain an open environment where creativity and curiosity are encouraged.
● We value the opportunity to serve our industry as well as our community.
● All of these contributions to the Seasonal Services’ culture are strengthened by the importance we place on family and preserving the healthy balance between professional and personal life.
OUR VALUE STATEMENT
● We work together within a team environment of mutual respect, honesty, and integrity.
● We are energetic and knowledgeable and take pride in our work and our company.
● We approach our craft with a proactive, positive, and enthusiastic attitude and maintain an open environment where creativity and curiosity are encouraged.
● We value the opportunity to serve our industry as well as our community.
● All of these contributions to the Seasonal Services’ culture are strengthened by the importance we place on family and preserving the healthy balance between professional and personal life.
OUR MISSION
DETAILS MATTER
“Details Matter” has been a way of life at Seasonal Services since the very beginning. At first appearance, “Details Matter” may seem like a trivial statement, but its impact is deep given the proper perspective.
In all we do… “DETAILS MATTER.” Whether it’s constructing a retaining wall or cutting grass, or the maintenance of our vehicles and equipment, the mission of “DETAILS MATTER” has broad, yet vague meaning. However, when we apply “DETAILS MATTER'' on a granular level, the meaning becomes narrow and specific. For example, consider mailing a client an invoice… the timeliness and accuracy of the invoice, how we fold the invoice, place the invoice in the envelope, print the client’s name on the envelope, where the stamp goes, and the straightness of the stamp are all emblematic of our standards and our performance as a company.
OUR MISSION
DETAILS MATTER
“Details Matter” has been a way of life at Seasonal Services since the very beginning. At first appearance, “Details Matter” may seem like a trivial statement, but its impact is deep given the proper perspective.
In all we do… “DETAILS MATTER.” Whether it’s constructing a retaining wall or cutting grass, or the maintenance of our vehicles and equipment, the mission of “DETAILS MATTER” has broad, yet vague meaning. However, when we apply “DETAILS MATTER'' on a granular level, the meaning becomes narrow and specific. For example, consider mailing a client an invoice… the timeliness and accuracy of the invoice, how we fold the invoice, place the invoice in the envelope, print the client’s name on the envelope, where the stamp goes, and the straightness of the stamp are all emblematic of our standards and our performance as a company.
