Double Down on Design/Build

What Parker Homescape doesn't offer in-house is provided by its network of strategic partners. The company has a list of Preferred Contractors it recommends to clients. Parker Homescape then general-contracts an entire project, ensuring a seamless process that makes its busy customers' lives easier.

"Although we still offer turnkey exterior services to our clients, some services, such as tree removal and sprinkler installation, have been dropped in order to maintain excellence in services that add aesthetic value, such as landscape, hardscape, masonry work and landscape lighting," Parker explains.

Relying solely on reputation and word of mouth as his source for new business, Parker takes great care in assembling his list of Preferred Contractors. "We bring them to our office to interview, just as we would a potential employee," Parker says. "We want to see all of the essentials, like insurance and licenses. We ask for at least 10 references, and ask to visit multiple properties to inspect both work-in-progress and finished work. We also pay attention to integrity; appearance, punctuality, and so on."

Among the services offered by Parker Homescape via its network of Preferred Contractors are basement waterproofing, composite and wood decking, asphalt driveways, putting greens and tennis courts.

Parker Homescape isn't overly picky when it comes to projects, which is one reason the company has continued to flourish in design/build over the past few years. "We'll do everything from the $5,000 job to the $250,000 job," Parker says. "We don't necessarily target any specific type of homeowner or project. But we are in a pretty affluent area, which has helped."

Parker Homescape hasn't been entirely immune to the effects of the recession. Their average job size did decrease a few years ago. But the ultra-lean company was able to hold the line on profits without sacrificing customer service quality. They're beginning to reap the rewards today—big time.

"A lot of contractors have shifted their focus to maintenance," Parker says. "We didn't feel the need to do that. We're diverse enough as it is. When design/build slowed down, we still got a lot of calls for drainage, along with calls for existing landscapes and hardscapes which other contractors had installed that were in need of repair."

That's exactly what inspired Scott Parker to start his own landscaping company back in 2002. He saw an opportunity to fill a niche by consistently providing extraordinary customer service combined with a fantastic product. That's what he and his team have remained focused on—in both the best of times and worst of times. It's paying off.