Life at HLM Landscape Services

Family Roots & Long-Term Commitment

Founded in 1841, Hillenmeyer is a fifth-generation, family-run company led by Stephen Hillenmeyer, who has continued the legacy by mentoring his sons, Chase and Seth, to carry it forward. In early 2019, Hillenmeyer joined the HeartLand family of companies continuing its proud tradition of family leadership and values even after the acquisition.

Multi-Generational Hiring: Over 50 father-son pairs, along with siblings and spouses, have worked there—evidencing a familial, community-anchored culture.

Remarkable Tenure: Employees staying 40–50 years aren’t uncommon; leadership views that loyalty as a direct reflection of the company’s supportive environment.

Mission-Driven & People-Focused

Core values include integrity, accountability, professionalism, adaptability, and teamwork, all centered on building a safe, respectful workplace.

Leaders repeatedly emphasize that the company revolves around its people. Staff feel taken care of and supported, described as “a home, like a family”.

Growth, Learning & Advancement

Entry-level roles (e.g., Crew Member–Driver) include structured training designed to fast-track individuals into managerial or departmental leadership positions.

Widely available internal promotions affirm the company’s strong commitment to career development, with clear advancement paths across departments. Team members are regularly encouraged to grow into leadership roles, and many current supervisors and managers began in entry-level positions—demonstrating a culture that values and invests in long-term employee growth.

History & Evolution

One of Lexington’s oldest businesses (175 years) and was once the second-oldest nursery in the U.S.

A Model of Adaptability: from a fruit tree nursery→ garden center→ landscape maintenance→ recurring services. Its growth into franchises and service diversification shows a forward-thinking mindset.

Safety-First

Safety is a top priority, deeply embedded in day-to-day operations. The company emphasizes comprehensive equipment training, consistent enforcement of safe work practices, and strict adherence to weather-related and ergonomic safety protocols—such as proper lifting techniques and hydration guidelines. Regular safety meetings, on-site audits, and a proactive reporting culture ensure that every team member is empowered to speak up and help maintain a safe, injury-free workplace.

Compensation, Benefits & Work-Life Balance

Pay ranges around $17/hour for entry-level crew positions, with other crew driver roles roughly $18 per hour for entry.

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) with Matching

Bonus and Commission Programs

Paid Vacation, Holidays, Training

What our employees are saying...

I've worked in landscaping for over 25 years, and HLM stands out because of its culture of respect and commitment to excellence.

Demetrio Vazquez

15-Year Employee

Working at HLM has been an incredible experience, largely because of the long-tenured employees who bring stability, knowledge, and a deep sense of pride to the workplace. The relationships you build here go beyond just coworkers—they become mentors, friends, and a supportive network you can rely on. It's inspiring to be part of a team where loyalty and connection truly matter.

David Tribble

19-Year Employee

I’m proud to be part of a company that truly puts people first. We have an incredible team—hardworking, passionate, and committed to providing a safe work environment and delivering exceptional service to our clients. What sets our company apart is the investment we make in our people. Whether it's through ongoing training, professional development, or providing the tools and resources needed to succeed, our team members are supported every step of the way.

Ashley Charles

9-Year Employee

As HR Manager, I’ve had the privilege of watching people grow, thrive, and succeed at HLM. What sets us apart is our culture—one built on integrity, teamwork, and genuine care for each other. Every day, I’m proud to be part of a company that puts people first and leads with heart.

Rachel Carson

4-Year Employee

I am so grateful to have found HLM after moving to a new state and being so welcomed. It’s not just a job; it’s a team that genuinely cares about the work we do and the people we serve, and I feel lucky to be a part of it every day.

Samantha Haggerty

3-Year Employee

Grow With Us!

Build your career with a team that values hard work, growth, and long-term relationships. Explore our current opportunities and find your next role with us.

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