MEET SEASONAL SERVICES


Extraordinary landscapes start with true professionals — highly-trained, licensed Landscape Architects, a Chief Financial Officer, ASE Certified Mechanics, Nationally Certified Landscape Technicians, a Safety & Environmental Protection Expert, a Certified Arborist and more. Each of these individuals is essential to the operation of a finely-tuned business. And, speaking of finely-tuned, they all ROCK!


 Allow us to introduce you to our band of… TRUE PROFESSIONALS.


Corporate Officers

Corporate Officers

Bret Achtenhagen

President and CEO

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Michael Jakwbowski

Director of Landscape Management and Chief Operations Officer

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    Michael Jakubowski, a local Mukwonago resident, turned his passion for landscaping into a fulfilling career at BASS, Wisconsin's premier landscape company. Armed with a business education, he finds joy in the satisfaction of a freshly cut lawn. An outdoor enthusiast, Michael values family time while seamlessly blending his love for landscapes with a dedicated professional journey at BASS.

Mike Schmeling

Chief Financial Officer

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Chris Huebsch

Vice President of Production

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Sales & Client Service

Daniel Western

Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services

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Kyle Kohlmann

Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services

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    Kyle Kohlmann, a 2002 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, ventured from a design build firm to BASS, enticed by the inviting culture and mutual connections. Off duty, he embraces his love for golf, family time, and taking care of his bonsai trees. 

Brendon Krull

Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services

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    Brendon Krull, a University of Wisconsin-Madison finance graduate, discovered his true passion in landscaping. Beyond his dedicated work, he finds solace on his boat, indulges in golf, explores the world through travel, and revels in the excitement of Formula-1 racing. 

Brady Achtenhagen

Landscape Design and Sales - Installation Services

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Scott Petters

Sales - Landscape Managment

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Design

Aidan Kelly

Landscape Design and Sales

Support

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    Aidan Kelly is a graduate of Iowa State with a degree in Landscape architecture and studio art. Aidan moved to Milwaukee after college to begin his career as a Landscape Design and Sales Support Specialist, he is currently working hard to accomplish his goal of becoming a certified Landscape Architect. Aidan spends his free time restoring vintage motorcycles, fly-fishing, and painting. 

Daniel Leonard

Landscape Design and Sales

Support

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    Daniel Leonard is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Plant Science and a concentration in Sustainable Landscape Design. Daniel moved from Nashville to pursue the start of a fulfilling career at BASS, he is currently working hard to accomplish his goal of becoming a certified Landscape Architect. Daniel enjoys going camping, traveling to explore new cultures, and watching movies.

Mitchell Strom 

Landscape Design and Sales

Support

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    Mitchell Strom is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Mitch moved to Utah after college until ultimately deciding to return home to Wisconsin to begin his career as a Landscape Design and Sales Support Specialist. He is currently working hard and studying to become a certified Landscape Architect. Mitch enjoys golfing, being surrounded by his friends/family, and anything outdoors.

Administration

Annelise Borst

Administrative Coordinator - Landscape Management

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    Annalise Borst spent a decade in the construction industry but yearned for a strong company culture, leading her to BASS. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her son, going for walks, and baking.

Debra Valin

Accounting & Payroll Specialist

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    Debra Valin, boasting 25+ years in accounting and payroll, brings a wealth of expertise to her roles. Outside the office, she finds solace in the outdoors, often fishing or taking leisurely walks with her loyal companion, Betsy. With two grown sons, Debra treasures the moments spent with family, seamlessly balancing a seasoned professional life with cherished personal pursuits.

Zachary Harteau

Safety and Training Manager

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Amy Achtenhagen

Accounting Specialist

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    Amy Achtenhagen, a University of Wisconsin Madison alum, transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to a pivotal role in the family business, contributing to the accounting department. Beyond work, she dedicates time to volunteer at St. Paul's Church, enjoys spending the summers at her place up north, and treasures moments spent with her family. Amy's commitment extends from professional endeavors to meaningful contributions in her community.

Brooke Neal

Director of Marketing, Sales, and Business Development

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    Brooke Neal is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and Computer Science. Born and raised in Southern California Brooke wanted to venture to the Midwest to experience seasons and our way of life which is how she found her home at BASS. When she is not leading our marketing department she enjoys spending time with her family, going to country concerts, and cooking.

Jennifer Zielinski

Human Resources Manager


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    Jennifer Zielinski spent two-deacades in the hotel industry before she shifted gears, leaving the corporate world for a more personal touch in our HR department. Beyond her leadership role, she passionately supports her daughter's college softball team, indulges in golf, and finds joy in the art of baking.

Holly Hansen

Office Administrator


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    Holly Hansen, a  Janesville native, returned to her Wisconsin roots after a few years of exploring various states. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her animals, being with her family, especially with nieces and nephews, and baking.  

Production

Christine Salgado

Administrative Coordinator - Instillation

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    Christine Salgado, with two decades in the home building industry, transitioned to landscaping for a more personal touch in her work. When she is not working in our administrative department, she enjoys spending  quality time with her son, showcasing her green thumb in gardening, and cooking.

Phil Johnson

Project and Client Relations Manager - Instillation

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Matthew Wegrzyn

Project Manager - Installation

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Tyler Krupp

Production Coordinator - Landscape Management

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    Tyler Krupp, a Business Management graduate from the University of Wisconsin—Parkside, has woven a career in landscaping and construction since high school. Fueled by a desire to make an impact, he steered clear of corporate paths, ultimately finding his home at BASS. When Tyler is not working you will find him in outdoors either hunting or fishing,  playing music with his band, or playing volleyball.

Gustavo Roman

Project Manager - Installation

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Richard Schuetz

Property Manager - Maintenance

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Mechanics & Yard Managers

Timothy Clarke

Buildings, Grounds, and Fleet Manager

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Steven Sheppard

Mechanic

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Eric Haskins

Mechanic

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Our Story

Bret Achtenhagen founded Seasonal Services in 1994. The company is located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and they serve all eight counties in Southeastern Wisconsin. Seasonal Services provides the following distinctive, custom landscaping services to residential and commercial clients:


● Landscape Architecture

● Landscape Construction

● Decorative Masonry

● Concrete – Standard & Stamped

● Wood Features

● Landscape Maintenance

● Horticultural Care

● Turf Fertilization & Weed Control

● Ornamental Plant Health Care

● Landscape Irrigation Installation & Service

● Landscape Lighting Installation & Service


OUR STORY

Bret Achtenhagen founded Seasonal Services in 1994. The company is located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and they serve all eight counties in Southeastern Wisconsin. Seasonal Services provides the following distinctive, custom landscaping services to residential and commercial clients:


● Landscape Architecture

● Landscape Construction

● Decorative Masonry

● Concrete – Standard & Stamped

● Wood Features

● Landscape Maintenance

● Horticultural Care

● Turf Fertilization & Weed Control

● Ornamental Plant Health Care

● Landscape Irrigation Installation & Service

● Landscape Lighting Installation & Service


BRET

Bret grew up on a farm in Mukwonago where his family raised quarter horses and cattle. He developed a love for the land, nature, and hard work in those formative years on the farm. 


“I spent most of my days outside because my family bred, trained, and showed quarter horses,” he said. “Our family also raised beef cattle. So, every spring we were blessed with 20 to 25 foals and 30 to 40 calves.” 


After high school, Bret attended UW Whitewater and graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Personnel Management. Bret shares that it is ironic that he spent many of his days on the farm, dreaming of a time when he would wear nice clothes and work in an office. 


“And once I accomplished that goal, I began dreaming of life back on the farm working with the land,” he said.


Within a few years of earning his Psychology degree, Bret realized that he was not content working in an office. So, he went back to school to study landscape design and construction and ultimately founded Seasonal Services. 


BRET

Bret grew up on a farm in Mukwonago where his family raised quarter horses and cattle. He developed a love for the land, nature, and hard work in those formative years on the farm. 


“I spent most of my days outside because my family bred, trained, and showed quarter horses,” he said. “Our family also raised beef cattle. So, every spring we were blessed with 20 to 25 foals and 30 to 40 calves.” 


After high school, Bret attended UW Whitewater and graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Personnel Management. Bret shares that it is ironic that he spent many of his days on the farm, dreaming of a time when he would wear nice clothes and work in an office. 


“And once I accomplished that goal, I began dreaming of life back on the farm working with the land,” he said.


Within a few years of earning his Psychology degree, Bret realized that he was not content working in an office. So, he went back to school to study landscape design and construction and ultimately founded Seasonal Services. 



FAMILY

Family is Bret’s biggest inspiration. He is married to Amy (they've known each other since kindergarten), they have a son, Brady, and two daughters, Linley and Sophie.


Brady graduated from Winona State in 2017 with a degree in business administration. He bought his first house in Mukwonago, and he serves as a salesperson for the company. Linley graduated from Whitewater in 2018 with a degree in entrepreneurial studies. She is married and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Linley works for a landscaping company in sales and business development. And, their youngest daughter, Sophie, just earned her medical assistant accreditation. She also lives in Charlotte. 


“My other major inspiration is nature, especially the Rocky Mountains,” said Bret. “Our family has enjoyed most of the Rockies from northern New Mexico to Jasper, Alberta, and beyond to Denali National Park in Alaska. We love hiking, rafting, skiing, horseback riding, and fly fishing. However, the best part is seeing firsthand the incredible wonders of nature.”




FAMILY

Family is Bret’s biggest inspiration. He is married to his wife, Amy, and they have a son, Brady, and two daughters, Linley and Sophie.


Brady graduated from Winona State in 2017 with a degree in business administration. He bought his first house 18 months ago in Mukwonago, and he serves as a salesperson for the company. Linley graduated from Whitewater in 2018 with a degree in entrepreneurial studies. She is married and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Linley works for a landscaping company in sales and business development. And, their youngest daughter, Sophie, just earned her medical assistant accreditation. 


“My other major inspiration is nature, especially the Rocky Mountains,” said Bret. “Our family has enjoyed most of the Rockies from northern New Mexico to Jasper, Alberta, and beyond to Denali National Park in Alaska. We love hiking, rafting, skiing, horseback riding, and fly fishing. However, the best part is seeing firsthand the incredible wonders of nature.”

OUR HOME – HICKORY GROVE FARM

Located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Hickory Grove Farm became the home of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services in 1996. Bret purchased Hickory Grove Farm from his parents. First acquired in the early 1970s by Bret’s grandfather, the farm became a nationally-renowned Quarter Horse breeding and training facility, owned and operated by the Achtenhagen family.


Constructed in the 1950s, Hickory Grove Farm was designed to be a premier facility for Standardbred Trotters. Standardbreds are horses that excel in a form of harness racing called “trotting.” The developers of Hickory Grove Farm spared no expense in the construction of the facilities, which included barns, storage buildings, a one-mile-long racetrack, a magnificent home, and extravagant custom landscaping.


From an early age, Bret recognized the warmth and charm of the handcrafted stone walls, fireplaces, and other stonework as well as the majesty of the hand-hewn oak beams used in most of the structures and landscaping. Due to the continued maintenance of the facilities, pastures, ponds, and miles of Kentucky board fence, landscaping became very important to the entire family. Bret now admits that Hickory Grove Farm is where he developed an intimate understanding of how custom landscaping, fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and nature all intersect in an inspirational environment that is to be enjoyed by many.




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OUR HOME – HICKORY GROVE FARM

Located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Hickory Grove Farm became the home of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services in 1996. Bret purchased Hickory Grove Farm from his parents. First acquired in the early 1970s by Bret’s grandfather, the farm became a nationally-renowned Quarter Horse breeding and training facility, owned and operated by the Achtenhagen family.


Constructed in the 1950s, Hickory Grove Farm was designed to be a premier facility for Standardbred Trotters. Standardbreds are horses that excel in a form of harness racing called “trotting.” The developers of Hickory Grove Farm spared no expense in the construction of the facilities, which included barns, storage buildings, a one-mile-long racetrack, a magnificent home, and extravagant custom landscaping.


From an early age, Bret recognized the warmth and charm of the handcrafted stone walls, fireplaces, and other stonework as well as the majesty of the hand-hewn oak beams used in most of the structures and landscaping. Due to the continued maintenance of the facilities, pastures, ponds, and miles of Kentucky board fence, landscaping became very important to the entire family. Bret now admits that Hickory Grove Farm is where he developed an intimate understanding of how custom landscaping, fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and nature all intersect in an inspirational environment that is to be enjoyed by many.

UNIQUE PERSONAL MOTIVATION

There is one thing in particular that has served Bret well as the leader of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services. Bret’s primary focus has always been on the Seasonal Services team. Bret shares "Our teammates have a wide range of professional and personal aspirations". Bret believes that Seasonal Services is a tool that provides the venue to achieve all professional and personal aspirations.


Whether it’s purchasing a home, a vehicle, getting married, starting a family, continuing education, opportunity for advancement, or getting back on your feet after a personal setback, we need to provide all of our teammates with a stable, predictable, proactive environment. We reward enthusiastic, hard-working people with the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.


We employ more than 100 individuals, and if each of those individuals averages two dependents, that’s 300 people we are responsible for. This is a colossal obligation that every employee at Seasonal Services must consider. Our cultural values promote unity and respect for others. So, should a team member be contemplating a selfish action they must stop and consider the 300 individuals that depend on them to make good choices. Some do not make the right choice, but the vast majority of our colleagues do.


Many believe that it is a daunting task to be responsible for 100 teammates that are responsible for 200 other people. That’s true if you are attempting to do it alone. However, Bret points out, “I am not doing it alone. There are more than 100 people taking care of each other and all our dependents. My job is simple: create an environment in which we are faithful to our values, vision, and mission. Great people working in a great cultural environment have great opportunity.”




UNIQUE PERSONAL MOTIVATION

There is one thing in particular that has served Bret well as the leader of Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services. Bret’s primary focus has always been on the Seasonal Services team. Bret shares "Our teammates have a wide range of professional and personal aspirations". Bret believes that Seasonal Services is a tool that provides the venue to achieve all professional and personal aspirations.


Whether it’s purchasing a home, a vehicle, getting married, starting a family, continuing education, opportunity for advancement, or getting back on your feet after a personal setback, we need to provide all of our teammates with a stable, predictable, proactive environment. We reward enthusiastic, hard-working people with the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.


We employ more than 100 individuals, and if each of those individuals averages two dependents, that’s 300 people we are responsible for. This is a colossal obligation that every employee at Seasonal Services must consider. Our cultural values promote unity and respect for others. So, should a team member be contemplating a selfish action they must stop and consider the 300 individuals that depend on them to make good choices. Some do not make the right choice, but the vast majority of our colleagues do.


Many believe that it is a daunting task to be responsible for 100 teammates that are responsible for 200 other people. That’s true if you are attempting to do it alone. However, Bret points out, “I am not doing it alone. There are more than 100 people taking care of each other and all our dependents. My job is simple: create an environment in which we are faithful to our values, vision, and mission. Great people working in a great cultural environment have great opportunity.”

UNIQUE BUSINESS MOTIVATION

We believe that most of life’s meaningful experiences occur outdoors. So, our entire existence is centered on designing, crafting, and caring for environments that entice people to be outside so they can actively experience the wonders of nature. Our passion is delivering joy to others by creating and maintaining beautiful custom landscaping. 


People who expect their landscape provider to deliver exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, technical expertise, and extraordinary customer experiences will find that in Seasonal Services. An overwhelming number of our clients have told us that they enjoy, value, and appreciate landscaping and see it as a source of inspiration and pride. They believe that their families, friends, guests, employees, or clients benefit from the outdoors.


“I believe that most people crave and appreciate well-designed, well-maintained, orderly, and attractive spaces in which to live, visit, and work,” Bret said. “There are countless reasons for this. The mind craves logic and order, the eye craves beauty, the hand craves texture, the nose craves pleasant scents, the ear craves pleasing sound. Landscaping that is skillfully designed and maintained in a technically correct manner provides positive stimulation for every sense we have as well as our mind, heart, and soul.”




UNIQUE BUSINESS MOTIVATION

We believe that most of life’s meaningful experiences occur outdoors. So, our entire existence is centered on designing, crafting, and caring for environments that entice people to be outside so they can actively experience the wonders of nature. Our passion is delivering joy to others by creating and maintaining beautiful custom landscaping. 


People who expect their landscape provider to deliver exceptional creativity, craftsmanship, technical expertise, and extraordinary customer experiences will find that in Seasonal Services. An overwhelming number of our clients have told us that they enjoy, value, and appreciate landscaping and see it as a source of inspiration and pride. They believe that their families, friends, guests, employees, or clients benefit from the outdoors.


“I believe that most people crave and appreciate well-designed, well-maintained, orderly, and attractive spaces in which to live, visit, and work,” Bret said. “There are countless reasons for this. The mind craves logic and order, the eye craves beauty, the hand craves texture, the nose craves pleasant scents, the ear craves pleasing sound. Landscaping that is skillfully designed and maintained in a technically correct manner provides positive stimulation for every sense we have as well as our mind, heart, and soul.”

OUR CULTURE

PATHOS - PASSION – A healthy obsession for something that provides us with tremendous joy and fulfillment. To have significant interests in one’s life that provides enjoyment, inspiration and fulfillment.

● PASSION IS – a boundless enthusiasm for creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes.

● PASSION IS – an enjoyment of working with others who derive fulfillment from their chosen career while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

● PASSION IS – not being afraid to stretch the boundaries of creativity, knowledge, efficiency, and curiosity.


ETHOS - ETHICS – A commitment to conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with positive moral principles. To demonstrate through our actions a profound understanding of the significance of treating others the way we wish to be treated.

● ETHICS IS – always caring for clients, coworkers, and suppliers with respect and honesty.

● ETHICS IS – a commitment to bettering the environment

● ETHICS IS – appreciating the concept of team; and because of that appreciation, we prefer to act in a manner that is unselfish and unified.


LOGOS - LOGIC – An understanding that we make educated choices that are guided by, but not limited by, our past learning experiences. We will always hunger for knowledge no matter how “experienced” we become.

● LOGIC IS – a commitment to education and sharing our knowledge with others. We actively seek out information and new innovations to improve quality, techniques, and efficiencies.

● LOGIC IS – the exercise of knowledge in a way that allows us to achieve the upper reaches of personal growth and personal success.

● LOGIC IS – a dedication to applying our knowledge, experiences, and common sense so that we may perform consistently at a high level of excellence.




OUR CULTURE

PATHOS - PASSION – A healthy obsession for something that provides us with tremendous joy and fulfillment. To have significant interests in one’s life that provides enjoyment, inspiration and fulfillment.

● PASSION IS – a boundless enthusiasm for creating and maintaining beautiful landscapes.

● PASSION IS – an enjoyment of working with others who derive fulfillment from their chosen career while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

● PASSION IS – not being afraid to stretch the boundaries of creativity, knowledge, efficiency, and curiosity.


ETHOS - ETHICS – A commitment to conduct ourselves in a manner that is consistent with positive moral principles. To demonstrate through our actions a profound understanding of the significance of treating others the way we wish to be treated.

● ETHICS IS – always caring for clients, coworkers, and suppliers with respect and honesty.

● ETHICS IS – a commitment to bettering the environment

● ETHICS IS – appreciating the concept of team; and because of that appreciation, we prefer to act in a manner that is unselfish and unified.


LOGOS - LOGIC – An understanding that we make educated choices that are guided by, but not limited by, our past learning experiences. We will always hunger for knowledge no matter how “experienced” we become.

● LOGIC IS – a commitment to education and sharing our knowledge with others. We actively seek out information and new innovations to improve quality, techniques, and efficiencies.

● LOGIC IS – the exercise of knowledge in a way that allows us to achieve the upper reaches of personal growth and personal success.

● LOGIC IS – a dedication to applying our knowledge, experiences, and common sense so that we may perform consistently at a high level of excellence.

OUR VALUE STATEMENT

● We work together within a team environment of mutual respect, honesty, and integrity.

● We are energetic and knowledgeable and take pride in our work and our company. 

● We approach our craft with a proactive, positive, and enthusiastic attitude and maintain an open environment where creativity and curiosity are encouraged.

● We value the opportunity to serve our industry as well as our community.

● All of these contributions to the Seasonal Services’ culture are strengthened by the importance we place on family and preserving the healthy balance between professional and personal life.




OUR VALUE STATEMENT

● We work together within a team environment of mutual respect, honesty, and integrity.

● We are energetic and knowledgeable and take pride in our work and our company. 

● We approach our craft with a proactive, positive, and enthusiastic attitude and maintain an open environment where creativity and curiosity are encouraged.

● We value the opportunity to serve our industry as well as our community.

● All of these contributions to the Seasonal Services’ culture are strengthened by the importance we place on family and preserving the healthy balance between professional and personal life.




OUR MISSION

DETAILS MATTER


“Details Matter” has been a way of life at Seasonal Services since the very beginning. At first appearance, “Details Matter” may seem like a trivial statement, but its impact is deep given the proper perspective.


In all we do… “DETAILS MATTER.” Whether it’s constructing a retaining wall or cutting grass, or the maintenance of our vehicles and equipment, the mission of “DETAILS MATTER” has broad, yet vague meaning. However, when we apply “DETAILS MATTER'' on a granular level, the meaning becomes narrow and specific. For example, consider mailing a client an invoice… the timeliness and accuracy of the invoice, how we fold the invoice, place the invoice in the envelope, print the client’s name on the envelope, where the stamp goes, and the straightness of the stamp are all emblematic of our standards and our performance as a company.




OUR MISSION

DETAILS MATTER


“Details Matter” has been a way of life at Seasonal Services since the very beginning. At first appearance, “Details Matter” may seem like a trivial statement, but its impact is deep given the proper perspective.


In all we do… “DETAILS MATTER.” Whether it’s constructing a retaining wall or cutting grass, or the maintenance of our vehicles and equipment, the mission of “DETAILS MATTER” has broad, yet vague meaning. However, when we apply “DETAILS MATTER'' on a granular level, the meaning becomes narrow and specific. For example, consider mailing a client an invoice… the timeliness and accuracy of the invoice, how we fold the invoice, place the invoice in the envelope, print the client’s name on the envelope, where the stamp goes, and the straightness of the stamp are all emblematic of our standards and our performance as a company.

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