Jeff Ditta, Owner, JAMA Custom Outdoor Living LLC
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
Being a man of influence in business and the community isn’t really about status or visibility—it’s about impact and consistency. At its core, being a man of influence means people trust your word, respect your example, and are better off because you were involved.
How do you define leadership?
Leadership is about being part of the team, setting the vision, helping others succeed, and making sure the business stays strong and profitable.
What principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
Standing behind your word, honoring your commitments, and ensuring the client is not just satisfied but truly impressed at the completion of a project.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
We hope to leave a legacy of quality work, integrity and relationships that last long after each project is completed.
David Faught, Owner, Storm ROOF and AUTO Hail Repair
How do you define leadership?
Leading from the front and showing rather than telling is the only way I’ve ever known how to do it. I’m out in the field with my sales team every day, learning, growing, and going through it alongside them. And honestly, that’s what’s made it so rewarding, so FUN, building something together and growing as a team, not from the sidelines.
What legacy do you hope to leave? The legacy I want to leave is one that breaks the scarcity mindset. I want my family, and everyone I’ve impacted through business, to understand that we weren’t designed to think small or live paycheck to paycheck. We’re capable of far more than that. If anything sticks after I’m gone, I want it to be the belief that there’s abundance in opportunity, in growth, and in what you can build if you’re willing to work for it.
Gene Freeman, Co-Owner, Complete Landsculpture
What does being a “man of influence” mean to you—in business and in your community?
It means having a responsibility to lead with integrity and generosity, while giving time and opportunities to others through training and shared experience.
How do you define leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time?
Leadership is about setting the tone and living by the same principles you expect from others. Over time, I have learned that being open to collaboration and innovation is key to continued growth and staying at the forefront of the industry.
What habits or principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
Proactive and honest communication has been critical to our success. It is something often missing in the service industry. We also focus on continuously raising the standard of what it means to be a true landscape professional.
Tim House, Owner, The Bartonville Store
Who has been the most influential man in your life?
My dad always embodied the traits most important to me: honesty, humility and kindness.
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
I've never really thought of myself as a "leader," but I appreciate the thought that I sometimes influence others. This is most recently due to my efforts to save The Bartonville Store and create a unique social environment that gives people a chance to smile—smiling with friends they meet there, or sometimes just smiling out of enjoyment for the music playing. I sometimes tell my customers that I measure the success of the business not by the dollars, but by the smiles.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to be remembered as the guy who fought to save The Bartonville Store and its over 144 years of history rather than watch it be demolished and turned into a Dollar Store or drive-thru. I am proud to have saved this history and created a unique small town scene for people who come to "The Store" from near and far to enjoy.
Federico “Fred” Quezada, Founder/Master Auto Glass Technician, Platinum Auto Glass
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
The most influential person in my life has been my mom. She raised our family of 11 on her own, carrying both the role of mother and father with strength, faith, and unconditional love. Watching her navigate challenges without ever giving up showed me what true strength looks like.
She taught me that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about consistency, character, and how you show up for others, especially when no one is watching.
What principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
Consistency, honesty, and attention to detail have been everything. I believe in doing the job right the first time, especially when working on classic and vintage vehicles, where there’s no room for shortcuts. When people see that you take pride in your craft and stand behind your work, trust and respect naturally follow.