Pleasant Landscapes names Kelly Slater as CEO

Pleasant Landscapes has promoted Kelly Slater to CEO.

Slater, who has been with Pleasant Landscapes for over 15 years, will spearhead the company’s transition to employee ownership and the creation of a multi-tier leadership team.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our people who helped build Pleasant Landscapes will have a stake in its future,” Slater says. “We’re building a leadership team and a junior leadership team to involve emerging leaders who are excited about our vision and ready to grow alongside our company.”

Pleasant Landscapes, which has served the Charleston area since 1991, has introduced an employee stock option program that offers stock shares to team members after five years of full-time employment. Currently, 11 shareholders participate in quarterly strategy meetings, discussing company successes and plans for reinvestment like green card sponsorships for H-2B employees.

Pleasant Landscapes currently has 56 employees and has serviced residential landscapes for over 33 years.

“Our goal is to foster excitement and ownership at every level,” Slater says. “Our leadership team isn’t about managing day-to-day operations; it’s about inspiring our team to see the big picture and take initiative.”

In addition to internal developments, Pleasant Landscapes is actively expanding its design-build and maintenance services, while implementing AI tools to enhance customer interactions and streamline administrative tasks. The company has also made strides in marketing, with Slater’s contributions recently earning her a finalist position for Landscape Leader of the Year. 

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As a local business, Pleasant Landscapes gives back to the community through its ongoing support of Lowcountry Orphan Relief. The company has worked to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need by donating time, resources, and funds to support the orphanage's mission. As Pleasant Landscapes continues to grow, Slater has rejected private equity buyouts in favor of building a legacy rooted in employee ownership and shared success.