Down to Earth’s Female Workforce Development Program Drives Industry Inclusion
Down To Earth
By Kim Lux, Senior Editor, Lawn & Landscape
Lawn & Landscape's Top 100 list goes live Monday. Ahead of that launch, we're revealing some of our Top 100 coverage that you can only find on the website. Check back again Monday for our full magazine coverage and to see who made the cut! And in the meantime, see last year's list !
Down to Earth debuts on the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 List this year after a series of acquisitions fueled growth right alongside a “customer centricity” mindset.
But back in 2023 a member of the Down to Earth team noticed a real need for more women in positions of power. Not only at the company but throughout the industry. So now, Down to Earth has a dedicated Female Workforce Development program aimed at fixing this disparity.
Tom Lazzaro, CEO of Down to Earth, says it was the company’s sales and marketing vice president, Kayla Lujan, who first introduced the idea to him.
“Under Kayla’s direction, and with support from the entire leadership team, DTE’s Female Workforce Development initiative has launched a mentorship program, a monthly newsletter and regional leadership meetings to help drive recruiting efforts.”
“As a result, there is a much better sense of community and inclusion across the company, and we have more than doubled our female representation since inception,’ he adds.
Lazzaro says Lujan gets all the credit for the initiative.
“These things either succeed or fail based on the passion the leader has and she’s very passionate about it and it shows in the results for sure.”
Not only does Lazzaro hope more companies will establish similar programs, but as Down To Earth adds branches through acquisitions, he hopes to grow the program internally, too.
“We’ll probably expand it to some of the other affinity groups we have,” he says.
More Services
Check out more of the services we offer to our valued customers to bring Natural Joy to their landscape.
Maintenance
Maintaining your landscape and preserving its health with professional care.
Irrigation
Installing, auditing, maintenance, and repairing your irrigation system to ensure the proper amount of water is being used.
Construction
Designing and developing customized site designs specific to your property needs and landscape dreams.
Fertilization & Pest Control
Professionally assessing each property to formulate a specific blend of chemicals to treat and control your landscape.
Enhancements & Installation
Adding a unique focal point to your property to create an unforgettable feature with our team.
Golf
DTE Golf ®, which provides maintenance, renovation & management services, has a proven track record of improving the on-course experience, saving costs, and increasing rounds played and revenue.