Timberline Landscapes has grown from a small operation into a thriving business with a team of around 40 over the past two decades. Founded by Brian Pfotenhauer and co-owned with his wife, Katie, the company initially focused on landscaping services and has since expanded to offer more diverse services, including lawn fertilization and custom-built landscapes that enhance lives through creative outdoor living spaces.
Reflecting on the past 20 years, Brian credits industry education, staying engaged with local competitors, and constant adaptation to change as key strategies for overcoming challenges. He strengthens his team's knowledge by encouraging them to attend seminars and consistently educating them on the latest products and design elements.
In addition, Brian's entrepreneurial background and willingness to take risks have been crucial in navigating the business world. He and Katie envision the company continuing to grow, with a 10-year goal of providing career opportunities for 100 employees in the next decade while staying true to their mission of enhancing landscapes and impacting lives.
A pivotal moment in Timberline Landscape's 20-year history was purchasing its building in 2013, followed by another recent acquisition to support future growth. The company's success is driven by its dedicated team, which handles day-to-day operations. This lets Brian focus on high-level projects and community involvement, especially in Kirkwood, where he and his family live.
"We're active in our community through our church, the chamber of commerce, and through lending advice to smaller landscaping companies trying to get their feet on the ground," says Brian. "I love offering my expertise to those smaller competitors because the industry is ever-changing. As someone who started on my own, I want to help others looking to enter the same field." He encourages new entrepreneurs to ask questions, take risks, and be prepared to work tirelessly, drawing inspiration from his own business experience.
Outside of work, Brian stays grounded through involvement in his church, St. Peter's in Kirkwood, and enjoys outdoor activities like snow skiing and camping. As they work to become more involved in their community, Brian and Katie stay motivated by their children, Eva and Jack, who occasionally lend a hand at the office. Through customer engagement and a family-friendly atmosphere, they look forward to tackling the ins and outs of their business as they design and install outdoor serenity spaces for families throughout the community.