Heather Kortokrax

Growing up in the 80s, a career in the green industry was honestly something I never even considered. I took the traditional and encouraged route: Perform well in high school, get accepted to college and choose a degree that would allow me to make money but also spend time with the family I hoped to have one day.

Getting my start in the classroom

Throughout my 10-year teaching career, I absolutely loved the core of what teaching was. However, after having my second daughter, the demands of being an excellent teacher felt overwhelming, and I felt my potential for growth in the field was limited. I knew I wanted to make a change but wasn’t sure where my skills I learned could be applied.

My family has owned a landscaping business since before I was born. Growing up, I helped around the office cleaning, installing mulch, planting and working in the office. Other than my mom, I only knew one other woman who worked in the industry as a landscape architect. My parents needed help and offered me a part-time position managing social media.

Seizing a new opportunity

Other than my parents, I didn’t know anyone else who worked in the industry, let alone anyone who was a woman in the field, and I knew that I had a lot to learn. While all of the skills I had learned were necessary for my new position, the ever-changing world of social media, marketing and the web were a whole new set of skills to master.

After hours of trainings, webinars and reading under my belt, I now am the marketing and advertising manager at both TruNorth Landscaping and Green Team Lawn Care. In addition, my newfound skills and love for the industry landed me a content writing and blog publishing position at a national green industry-only marketing firm. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is one of the most important keys to transitioning into the green industry well. Your questions can lead you to the perfect career in the landscaping field or can help you learn information that you need to do your new job well.
• Explore the career pathways. While it is traditionally viewed that women only hold in-office positions at landscaping companies, that is no longer the case. Are you good at math? Consider installing hardscapes, finances or designing landscapes. Are you a great leader? There are countless leadership positions available including routing crews or managing accounts.
• Take advantage of educational opportunities. Trainings and conferences are put on by both state and national level organizations. Product and plant manufacturers offer trainings, too. Even our local botanical garden offers horticulture courses.
• Use what you know. The green industry may be vastly different than the field that you are transitioning from, but that’s OK, and every job provides you with a valuable skill set. At our company alone, we have a former teacher, engineer, physical therapist, CPA and event planner.
• Earn respect. While the industry is changing, it still is a male-dominated field. As my position began to grow, I took the time to show the crews at my company that I did know what I was doing, and when I didn’t, I’d ask for help. I worked in the field on many occasions.

This industry is full of career opportunities, offers a unique environment that allows you to get outside and a community of people who want to help each other learn and grow.

Women in Landscaping is a column brought to you in partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Heather Kortokrax is an active member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Women in Landscape Network (powered by Envu) which provides a forum for industry professionals to support each other’s professional growth. The Network is free to all industry professionals.