All fun and games

Armed with cones and landscaping equipment, David Donnelly has turned training at Chelsea Gardens Landscape Management into something worth cheering about.

Donnelly, the maintenance account manager at the company, first challenged his employees with the Maintenance Olympics back in 2022. Since then, the company’s hosted all sorts of events aimed at reinvigorating the educational — and competitive — spirit.

“It’s taking stuff we do every day and turning it into a little time trial,” Donnelly says. “It (has) actually turned into something the guys really liked.”

© David Donnelly | Chelsea Gardens

Donnelly says Chelsea Gardens, which operates out of Georgia, has always hosted an end-of-summer party commemorating a job well done with its employees. They used to break out horseshoes and cornhole boards, but one night, as Donnelly brainstormed with his wife, they devised something that would better incorporate their day-to-day operations.

So, Donnelly sectioned off a large area in the company’s parking lot and set up an obstacle course of sorts. When each employee started, they’d run over to string up a weedeater, taking it apart and putting it back together. Then, they’d hop on a mower and weave through a series of cones. About halfway through that, they’d have to park the mower and go set up a new blade on an edger. Then, they’d jump back on the mower and finish the rest of the course.

At Chelsea Gardens Landscape Management, sometimes fun and games is the best way to learn new ways of doing business. 📸: David Donnelly https://t.co/cVsizqfXiC pic.twitter.com/nfwPVSiHqu

— Lawn & Landscape (@lawnlandscape) February 6, 2025

All sorts of employees took up the challenge, including an office secretary and an employee’s 80-year-old father. “We got our laughs because there were some, under pressure, who were goofing up,” Donnelly says. “Some guys were trying to show off and stuff.”

It proved to be more than just fun and games though: Donnelly says it helped remind employees that what they can accomplish in the field is genuinely impressive. And, it also showcased how different people have ways of doing things that may be even more efficient. It became an opportunity for teaching moments, like when one employee explained his different way of stringing up a weedeater than his fellow employees.

“It did wonders for us. I see a better sense of camaraderie with the guys,” Donnelly says. “It gives them something extra to strive for, and we found out that we see a lot better results. A fun little competitive spirit always brings out the best in people.”

© Chelsea Gardens

Chelsea Gardens has continued to raise the stakes. There was the cookout where employees played blower soccer, pushing an inflatable kickball down the field without using their hands. It taught employees that blowing leaves can be exhausting and how to work together to push out the leaves even when winds are strong. Donnelly says they’re implementing a Yard of the Month competition this spring, where employees will be judged and rewarded for the best work among the whole staff.

He says that it helps to offer a prize worth working toward. In year one, Donnelly says Chelsea Gardens Owner Jamie Whitaker offered $100 to the winner, and 13 other employees put in some of their own money on future games. Donelly laughs because several employees, including himself, certainly grew competitive. “Some of us said things like ‘Had I not spun out on the gravel back there, I would’ve won,’” he says. There were even some employees who didn’t play but tossed in some money of their own just to raise the stakes.

Donnelly says that while some days are always going to feel like it’s just about pouring sweat and getting through the afternoons, introducing some competition has helped lighten the workdays.

“While they’re playing, they’re picking up tricks of the trade,” Donnelly says. “(The tricks) turned out to be minutes you save on the job.”