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Tuesday, March 13, 2012 HOME, LAWN & ENERGY The Independent & Free Press Special pullout section 4 Pages Empire Landscaping owner Darron Osterlee (right) confers with his new operations manager Ben Hale as he works an excavator. Empire offers all sorts of landscaping jobs and can advise the best way to make your back yard a work of art. Photo by Ted Brown Improve your property with a growing Empire By ANDREA LEFEBVRE Advertising Features Writer Landscaping is all about creating a pleasant and harmonious environment while laying the foundation for future growth. Darron Osterlee took the same approach when starting Empire Landscaping, a full-service landscaping company that does everything from property maintenance to snow removal to landscape construction. When Osterlee founded the business nine years ago, it was just him and his pickup truck. Since then, the Georgetown-based business has grown to include a hardworking team of 15 to 20 employees. Osterlee also recently hired an operations manager, Ben Hale, a certified horticultural technician and certified irrigation installer who has 10 years of experience in the landscaping industry. "Ben brings a wealth of experience, especially with plants," Osterlee says. "Empire has gained a reputation as a premier Interlock installer and hardscaper, so with Ben, we're deepening our bullpen to help serve our clientele better." Osterlee and staff can help with any landscape project, from the very small to the very large. Back in the beginning, Empire's landscapers were doing a lot of simple, flat patio stonework. Today, the trend is to create elaborate backyard retreats with outdoor kitchens, built-in barbecues and outdoor fireplaces. "We love these jobs," Osterlee says. "My favourite part of the job is hearing `Wow' when the clients see the finished job." According to Osterlee, the key to Empire's success is its commitment to honest and forthright customer service with special focus on detail and finishing touches. Having been in the business for so long, Osterlee has extensive knowledge of the available landscaping products and can help his clients find the right look for their needs and budget. Empire Landscaping operates primarily in the GTA, but has gone as far as London, Ontario, for a job. Osterlee credits his business's wide-ranging success to its humble beginnings in Georgetown. "Georgetown made Empire Landscaping, not me," he says. "The people here were very receptive and gave us work and allowed us to show what we can do. Then they shared our name with their friends." All Season Services Since 1997 Landscape Construction & Maintenance Let us make your front entrance eye-catching and inviting, or Backyard a place of beauty and relaxation Fully insured ·WSIB compliant · Professional member of Landscape Ontario Norval 905-455-3414 allseasonservices@live.com