Landon and Jamie Kirby started Knob Hill Landscape Co. in 2011. Working with a spouse in a new business comes with its share of challenges, but Landon Kirby said he wouldn't have it any other way. Currently, he serves as the CEO while Jamie is the CFO.
"You get to share the same goals and dreams, and you're both working toward something bigger together," Kirby said. "That's the special part."
The company started with only a few employees and would take on any project that came its way. As the business gained momentum, a specialty evolved toward hardscaping and full design-build projects.
"All projects are turn-key, which means site prep, installation and clean-up are all included in the project estimate," Kirby said.
Knob Hill offers the longest warranty of any landscape company in the industry, according to Kirby. "All hardscape projects are warrantied for craftsmanship for life or for as long as the customer owns the home," he said.
The company has worked on a number of outdoor living projects. One of the most prominent ones is the Downtown Educational Ecosystem, created in partnership with Horace Mann for its downtown Springfield headquarters. It began as a client's need to replace a 50-year-old concrete fountain and then evolved into a full ecosystem designed to recreate nature's filtration processes and support aquatic life without the use of chemicals.
"My very first time I went there for a site visit, I immediately got the thought of this ecosystem and the ponds and the waterfalls because the terrain was kind of rolling," Kirby said. "I just got to thinking that this is a great opportunity because ecosystems are very neat how they work, being all naturally filtered. They're very unique if you know how the whole system works."
Knob Hill has received multiple awards for its projects. In 2023, the company was honored with the Gold Award at the National Association of Landscape Professionals' Awards of Excellence for the innovative design of the Downtown Educational Ecosystem. In 2024, Knob Hill was recognized with an award at the Hardscape North America Conference, based on the ability to integrate multiple hardscape elements into cohesive and impactful designs that elevate the outdoor living experience. Also in 2024, Knob Hill was honored with the Silver Award at the NALP Awards of Excellence for work on the Natural Backyard Ecosystem.
"Knob Hill stands out for its exceptional work culture where employees are empowered to thrive, innovate and feel genuinely connected to the company's mission," said Sharah Mickelson, branch manager. "The company fosters an environment of growth and collaboration, encouraging team members to contribute new ideas and take ownership of their work."
According to Mickelson, a deep sense of purpose is what truly sets Knob Hill apart from the others. "Employees are engaged in the company's mission and are encouraged to contribute to its success in meaningful ways," she said. "The sense of purpose, combined with a supportive and inclusive culture, leads to high employee satisfaction, loyalty and productivity."
Today, Knob Hill Landscape Co. employs 24 people and continues moving forward as a leader in the industry. According to Kirby, those who begin as crew members can advance into roles such as field supervisors, project managers and directors.
"If you really enjoy what you're doing and you're reliable and interested in growing, there are opportunities like that for everybody," he said.