About Us

One of the keys to James River Grounds Management’s success is the ability to offer the full package of landscape-related services.  With the resources to combine landscape design/installation and the accompanying maintenance services, we offer you greater flexibility and cohesiveness at a more cost-effective price than if you were dealing with individual contractors.

James River Grounds Management, Inc. was formed in 1989 by Ray F. Lazarchic and Michael C. Hildebrand and was sold in 2005 to four members of the management team, Maria Candler, President and CEO, Jason Knight, Vice President and COO, Todd Pendleton, Vice President Business Development and James Batterson, Director of Facilities. The exit strategy of the original owners was designed to keep the foundation of business success intact. We continue to thrive on the philosophy of relationship based sales, strong customer service focus, quality driven products and employee accountability.   JRGM’s portfolio of work includes all types of commercial property sites including class A office, industrial, retail, health care and large residential communities.

James River Grounds Management, with it’s 350 plus employee’s seasonally, is set up to offer all landscape services.  The resumes of our staff include multiple degrees in landscape management programs from accredited universities, Certified Crew Chiefs, Master Gardeners, Virginia Certified Nurserymen, Certified Arborists, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors, Certified Landscape Professionals, Certified Pesticide Applicators and Registered Technicians.

Mission
To become an industry leader by growing relationships that produce quality landscapes, adding value to our customers and employees.

Core Values
A successful company built on the following core values: Quality, Stability, Honesty, Family, Fairness, Ambition, Fun

Ownership Team
Maria Candler, CLP, President and CEO
Jason Knight, Vice President and COO
Todd Pendleton, Vice President Business Development
James Batterson, Vice President Facilities Management

10 Year Plan           
To continue the growth and success of the organization by fostering and empowering the next generation of owners / leaders.

Industry Involvement
Employees at James River have always played key roles in industry advocacy, most notably with leadership involvement in the Professional Landcare Network.  Maria Candler has served on several committees as well as holding a board of directors seat for several years.  James River has received mention in countless media outlets for involvement and commitment to the industry.

Leadership Behaviors
We, the leaders at James River Ground Management, commit to lead by example and model the behaviors we expect of our team members. We are:

Trustworthy, honest, dependable and ethical in all our interactions

Goal-oriented, purposeful in our interactions, and focused on our priorities

Proactive, take initiative and the necessary action to anticipate and meet spoken and unspoken expectations

Passionate about what we do displaying self-confidence, a positive, can-do attitude and inspiring others to do the same

Effective communicators – we are direct and honest, approach interactions with an open mind, genuinely listen, and ensure that the message communicated is clear, and understood.

Team-focused – we respect and care for each team members, appreciate what each members brings to the team and work to ensure that everybody knows what a ‘win’ is and how each person contributes to the team’s success.

Responsible and Accountable – we do what we say we are going to do and when we don’t, we take responsibility for our actions. We take ownership for decision-making, being solution-oriented and meeting agreed upon expectations.

Committed to continuous improvement for ourselves, our team members, our operations and our work with customers.

Professionalism
JRGM is committed to raising the level of professionalism in the landscape industry.  The company maintains an Equal Employment Opportunity policy and a drug-free workplace.  JRGM is heavily involved in and an advocate for a government sponsored guest worker program to ensure the appropriate legal status of all employees. Employees at all levels are required to continue their education annually.  Our capable staff of landscape professionals hold a wide range of certifications and degrees including: Certified Landscape Professionals, Degreed Landscape Designers, Certified Arborists, Certified Irrigation Auditors, Virginia Certified Nurserymen, Certified Pesticide Applicators, Registered Technicians.