Right now is the perfect time to remember what it took to bring us where we are today. I started working on my own when I was 17 years old and my efforts grew to become Plantscapers Inc.
Yet looking back, it really started way before I was born, when my grandfather Frank Clinton embarked on his self-prescribed success story. At age 17, he ran away from two sisters who were raising him and took a train ride to somewhere new. He wasn’t exactly sure what was going to happen, but was determined to make a good life for himself.
Frank didn’t let an unfinished education stand in his way. He enlisted in the Navy using his brother’s birth certificate. Though a couple of pounds shy in order to pass the physical, he didn’t give up. Instead he turned around and ate two pounds of bananas and soon found himself smack dab in the middle of Pearl Harbor fighting a war. The war brought many losses. But for my granddad, it’s when he married the woman of his dreams.
His story has many chapters. But after saving every penny working hard at the Long Beach naval shipyard, he invested in real estate which set him and his family up for life. Listening to Frank with all his stories and pearls of wisdom was an inspiration for both Mark and I. He showed us hard work, planning and a strict budget are some of the initial sacrifices that allow a business or any venture to be successful.
Most importantly, he taught us to respect and treat others the same way we would like to be treated. It’s always our goal to emulate this in our business culture. We work very hard, have fun and treat everyone with respect, especially our team members. We believe every person at Plantscapers Inc., no matter what position, is extremely important. Without them, we would not have made it to 34 years.
And we truly appreciate our amazing, loyal clients. After riding four recessions, we realize we are very lucky our clients understand the importance of keeping their company image alive with our services. Our thanks go out to them for trusting and allowing us to work with some of the most prestigious offices, architects and designers in Southern California. It has been so rewarding for me to see the fruits of our labor come alive on a daily basis.
My grandfather passed over 8 years ago, but his spirit lives on in everything we do. Today we have Frank’s portrait hanging in my office as a daily reminder that anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to it. We know first hand there will be good days and not so good days, but perseverance is the key.
Thanks Grandpa, I love and honor you daily. Your huge legacy in who you were and the impression you left has given us the perfect foundation to succeed. Now it’s our turn to do the same. You left big shoes to fill, but we are on our way!
