Founder of landscaping company retires after 47 years

In an interview in 2002, Reeve said, “One of my primary goals in life is to develop a company with a good reputation that could continue beyond myself.”  His son, James Reeve, president and CEO, has done an excellent job of fulfilling his father’s goal by leading the company since 2003. This year, Chapel Valley Landscape Company has experienced its best performance in all key measurements and has plans for more of the same in years to come. 

 

“Landon’s greatest achievement for our company was to instill the service values we have today that remain the foundation of our decision making and success,” said James.

 

Reeve’s career in landscaping started in high school with a part-time summer job working in at Bluemont Nursery, a perennial wholesale nursery in Monkton, Maryland. His interest in plants continued as he pursued a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Maryland. After graduation, Reeve and a partner founded a small garden center/landscape business; four years later Reeve fulfilled his ambitions of opening his own business in 1968, when he opened Chapel Valley Landscape Company. 

 

When Chapel Valley Landscape Company opened, Reeve was its sole employee. The company has now grown to over 400 employees, with seven locations. They are listed as one of the top 50 landscaping companies in the country. 

 

Reeve’s success didn’t just happen by accident; his tireless involvement in the green industry thrust him into numerous leadership roles. He served as president for all three significant landscaping organizations: the Landscape Contractors Association of MD,DC,VA, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (now known as the National Association of Landscape Professionals), and the Maryland Nurserymen’s Association. Reeve's commitment to performing great work, caring for his clients, employees and vendors and serving the community have led to a legacy to be proud of. 

 

While in retirement, Reeve plans to continue to serve on the board of the National Horticulture Society and Friends of the National Arboretum. He will continue to tend his own garden and spend time with his family and traveling abroad.