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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
National Service
Series/Staff Member:
Jim Kreidler
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1284
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Ruppert Landscaping, Inc.
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66
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1
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPEINC.
February 1993
Thank You -
- for taking the time to review the enclosed press kit and for your previous coverage.
In the past, Ruppert Landscape Company has been a credible source of information
regarding the green industry, the landscape aspects of commercial construction,
environmental issues and management techniques. In the future, we are committed to
providing you with more of the same.
In an economy where small contractors are finding it hard to survive, Ruppert Landscape
Company has continued to grow. We are not a corporate giant, just a company of
professionals working together to make our mark and to do it successfully.
Our most current release on that subject is just inside.
17701 New Hampshire Ave. Ashton, MD 20861 (301) 774-0400 Fax: (301) 924-0250
3901 Willard Road Chantilly, VA 22021 (703) 968-0668 Fax: (703) 968-9549
7546 Ogden Drive Clinton, MD 20735 (301) 297-7500 Fax: (301) 297-7503
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
RUPPERT
ANDSCAPE INC
COMPANY PROFILE
In forming Ruppert Landscape Company and Ruppert Nurserles, Craig Ruppert has broken some of the
typical management rules. the foremost perhaps being "Never go Into business with your family". closely
followed by "Never be friends with those that work for you."
At 18. Craig Invested in one lawnmower, took over his parents garage and began a side-business of lawn
maintenance. Soon after, he hired his older brother Chris as the first full-time employee of Ruppert Lawn
Service. Eighteen years and several locations later, this "pay at the end of the day" operation has become
a multi-million dollar entity with three locations. satellite offices, seven branches, and has changed the
face of the landscape Industry In Washington. D.C. Ruppert Landscape Company has been ranked sixth
In the nation by Landscape Management Magazine.
Ruppert Nurseries came Into being in 1990, when Craig took advantage of a private offering and pur-
chased the equipment. fleld Inventory and nurserles associated with the offer.
THE MOTIVATION.
Chris Davitt. vice president of Ruppert Landscape and close friend of Craig says. "No matter where he is.
a fast food restaurant or a corporate headquarter, Craig Ruppert watches the system. He questions what
makes It work, what makes It. fall, how It can be Improved upon. He Is most Interested In systems that In-
volve people - the basis of any service organization - and this Is where his management talent lles. Many
of the people that work here are here for one reason they like Craig Ruppert. Craig shares the vision
clearly and as far down the line as possible. Everyone Is exposed to financial decisions. There are no
secrets. Big decisions are usually shared by a group of people and employees are given as much respon-
sibility as they can handle. This may not seem Innovative, but to the extent that It Is practiced In the
Ruppert companies, I believe It Is."
Craig agrees and adds. "We have remained focused and stayed with the business that we have started
In. We haven't gotten excited about all the opportunities that presented themselves. We have survived
because we wanted to. There was always a destre to grow: now It Is a responsibility. To our employees.
to our customers."
THE SUCCESS.
The physical side of the companies successes Include branch offices In Ashton. MD. Chantilly. VA. Clin-
ton, MD and Atlanta, GA (Ruppert Landscape) and the Ashton, Olney and Sunshine, MD locations of
Ruppert Nurserles. It also Includes a profitable financial history (never a deficit year). a large fleet of
vehicles and equipment. a combined payroll of over 300 employees. a slew of local and national awards,
and the "llon's share" of high profile projects and office parks In the D.C. metropolitan area.
The more subliminal side of success Is found In the company philosophy. "To maintain a profitable com-
pany which provides growth opportunity for Its employees and renders honest. high-quality service to Its
clients." This Is backed up by clean trucks and talented employees with an unmatched dedication and
loyalty. Many have been with the company five to ten years rare In an Industry known for high turn-
over. In the upper levels of management. four of seven branch managers began as crewmen and are
now responsible for branches with annual revenues of $3 million each. All of this Is reflected In service
to the customers. For the past five years, the landscape management departments have each posted a
90% contract renewal rate, providing proof that the system works.
THE FUTURE.
Davitt sees the future as "the same place we were three, five and ten years ago In the middle of an up-
ward pattern. We're more mature and we're not doubling as fast, but we are definitely growing. We al-
ways have been. and always will be, very cautious about over-representing ourselves. Our marketing
approach will continue to be one of attention to detail In both production and service. We will continue to
live up to our mission statement, which calls for continued growth and people development."
116
BOOK OF LISTS
WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
Largest Landscapers In The Metro Area
Ranked by 1991 gross sales
Reprinted from issue of August 10, 1992
NO. OF
PROJECTS
1991
1990
COMPLETED
LARGEST
NO. OF
YEAR
RANK
NAME/ADDRESS/PHONE
GROSS SALES
GROSS SALES
IN 1991
THREE CURRENT PROJECTS
PROJECT TO DATE
EMPLOYEES
PRESIDENT
ESTABLISHED
MEADOWS FARMS INC.
$18.5 million
$18.00 million
1,600
Little Rocky Run HOA,
New Carrollon
wnd
William J. Meadows
1972
1.
Route Box 170
Clipper Cay Condominiums
Metro Station
Chantilly, VA 22021
703-471-0606
RUPPERT LANDSCAPE CO. INC.
$15.6 million
$12.9 million
570
Howard Hughes Medical Institute,
Avion Office Park
309
Craig À. Ruppert
1974
2.
17701 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring Metro Station,
Ashton, MD 20861
301-774-0400
Russett Land Development
CHAPEL VALLEY LANDSCAPE CO.
$8.9 million
$10.5 million
wnd
Hirshhorn Museum,
Tyson's #
125
J. Landon Reeve, IV
1968
3.
3275 Jennings Chapel Road
2 Independence Bullding.
shopping mall
P.O. Box 159
Fair Lakes Park
Woodbine, MD 21797
301-924-5400
CREATIVE PLANTINGS INC.
$8.5 million
$7.9 million
110
MCI corporate headquarters,
wnd
120
Robert T. Mangum
1968
4.
16000 Columbia Pike
Montgomery Mall,
Burtonsville, MD 20866
301-384-3800
Federal Judiciary Buliding
GREEN THUMB ENTERPRISES INC.
$8.5 million
$9.1 million
275
Office buildings at Fair Lakes,
The Cascades/Lowe
225
M. Gerald Chauvin
1979
Route 1. Box 200
Cascades/Lowe's Island,
Island Community
Chantilly, VA 22021
703-471-5033
Ashburn Village
BRICKMAN GROUP LTD.
$8.2 million
$7 million
wnd
wnd
wnd
250
Theodore Brickman
1939
6.
7301 Contee Road
Leurel, MD 20707
301-470-1844
DENISON LANDSCAPING INC.
$5.4 million
$5 million
75
P.G. Metro Station,
St. Charles Town
65
John P. Denison
1973
7.
124 Pates Drive
Arlington County,
Center Mall
Fort Washington, MD 20744
301-567-0210
William Preston Bridge
NEKOOSA CONTRACTING CORP.
$3.7 million
$2.3 million
22
Postal Square,
Georgelown University
25
Christopher N. Soussanin
1953
8.
P.O. Box 47009
Goddard/Bendix,
Law Center
Forestville, MD 20753
301-568-0621
Anacostia Metro Station
J.H. BURTON & SONS INC.
$3.5 million
$3.0 million
50
Hopewell Middle School,
wnd
50-75¹
Mary Ellen Burton
1927
9.
5011 Laylonsville Road
Silver Spring Parking Facility.
Olney, MD 20832
301-948-7900
First Korean Baptist Church
BOZZUTO LANDSCAPING CO.
$2.5 million
$2.1 million
55
Hunters Glen,
Keswick Park
50
Thomas W. Davis
1979
10.
15127 Marlboro Pike
Silverbrook Farms,
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-627-6500
Beacon Place
ROLLING GREENS INC.
$2 million
$2.2 million
60
Amazonia House at the
Galleria at Tysons II
50
Paul R. Levy
1975
11.
112 N. Jefferson St.
National Zoo, Postal Square,
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-241-8800
Freddie Mac Headquarters
GARDEN GATE LANDSCAPING INC.²
$2 million
$2 million
wnd
wnd
wnd
30-50'
Charles W. Bowers,
1964
12.
821 Norwood Road
general manager
Silver Spring. MD 20905
301-924-4131
SUNSET HILLS FOLIAGE INC.
$2 million
$1.9 million
wnd
wnd
wnd
42
Steven Katz
1975
13.
P.O. Box 1392
Laurel, MD 20725
301-470-3443
BLAKE LANDSCAPING INC.
$1.9 million
$1.6 million
90
14.
British Aerospace-North American
British Aerospace-
35
Ronald W. Blake
1951
Route 1, Box 429
Headquarters, Lansdowne,
North American
Leesburg. VA 22075
703-777-5596
Battlefield Shopping Center
Headquarters
SCAPES INC.
$1.7 million
$1.7 million
30
University of Defense at Fort McNair,
Reston North
30
15.
Sleve Coffey
1977
457-B Carlisle Drive
Reston North Hills Streetscape,
Hills Streetscape
Herndon, VA 22070
703-742-9100
TRW Systems
ROSETTA LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
$1.6 million
$1.6 million
wnd
16.
The Forum,
Ammendale Business
50
John Poulos
1976
15909 Sycamore Lane
The Promande,
Campus
Rockville, MD 20853
301-924-1432
Saratoga
JOHNSON'S LANDSCAPING SERVICE INC.
$1 million
$1 million
185
wnd
wnd
17.
35
James H. Johnson
1960
4340 Monigomery Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-656-6414
POTOMAC VALLEY LANDSCAPING
$900,000
$925,000
125
wnd
wnd
15
18.
Ciif Gaus
1982
9545 River Road
Potomac, MD 20854
301-983-9203
SMITH BROTHERS SERVICES
$745,000
$735,000
100
Columbia Mall,
19.
National Security Agency
26
Steven W. Smith
1983
13938 Highland Road
Laurel City,
Clarksville, MD 21029
410-531-6770
ML Washington Pediatric Hospital
Number of employees varies depending on the season
2Strictly a residential landscaping firm
wnd-would not disclose
Source: Individual companies.
Lancaster Landscapes Inc., number one on the 1990 list, declined to disclose figures.
Researched by Julla Nasser
RUPPERT LANDSCAPE COMPANY, INC.
Corporate Structure
CRAIG RUPPERT
President
Corporate , Shop and
Administrative
Staff
CHRISTOPHER DAVITT
CHRISTOPHER RUPPERT
Vice President,
Vice President
Director of Operations
Ruppert Nurseries'
Administrative
Admin. and Field Staff
Staff
DONALD JARRATT
Dir. of Landscape
Management
RICH SCHUBACH
KEVIN ROBERTSHAW
JOHN TALLEY
KEN THOMPSON
LARRY LEON
RICH GRIGALUS
DAVID LINDOERFER
Landscape Mgr.
Landscape Mgr.
Environmental Mgr.
Landscape Mgr.
Landscape Mgmt. Mgr.
Landscape Mgmt. Mgr.
Ashton, MD
Landscape Mgmt. Mgr.
Chantilly, VA
Ashton, MD
Atlanta, GA
Chantilly, VA
Clinton, MD
Ashton, MD
Administrative and
Administrative and
Administrative and
Administrative and
Administrative and
Administrative and
Administrative and
Field Staff
Field Staff
Field Staff
Field Staff
Field Staff
Field Staff
Field Staff
WHO ARE THE RUPPERT COMPANIES?
The Ruppert companies, which consist of Ruppert Landscape Company, Inc. and
Ruppert Nurseries, Inc., are commercial green industry leaders both locally and nationally.
They each have created an atmosphere of professionalism and excellence in customer service.
Ruppert Landscape Company
Ruppert Landscape has been ranked among the top ten commercial landscape
contractors in the U.S. for the past three years and has made its mark on premier properties
on the East Coast. Services, (detailed in the accompanying brochure). include landscape
installation, landscape management, Irrigation, environmental engineering and wetlands
reclamation.
Ruppert Nurseries
Ruppert Nurseries owns and cares for over 130 acres of plant material in Maryland
and specializes in large-caliper native and speciman trees. The nursery provides tree spade
service, which figures prominently in transplanting large plant material and other practices
which have gained importance during the present era of environmental-consciousness.
RUPPERT LANDSCAPE COMPANY, INC.
Contractors Qualification Statement
CORPORATE SUMMARY: Established In 1971 in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Incorporated on January 1.
1977 in the state of Maryland.
TYPE OF WORK: Landscape construction/Installation, landscape management. Irrigation design. con-
struction and maintenance, wetlands reclamation.
CORPORATE POLICY: Ruppert Landscape Company, Inc. Is committed to providing the highest quality
landscape construction/Installation and landscape management services available. The company has
been built on the foundation of employee loyalty. superlor Job execution. and client satisfaction.
CORPORATE OFFICERS:
Craig A. Ruppert
President
Christopher A. Ruppert
Vice President
Christopher E. Davitt
Vice President
Kenneth A. Hochkeppel
Director of Finance
Donald Jarratt
Director of Landscape Management
BRANCH MANAGERS:
Dave Lindoerfer
Maryland Landscape Management
Rich Schubach
Maryland Landscape Installation
Larry Leon
Virginia Landscape Management
Kevin Robertshaw
Virginia Landscape Installation
Rich Grigalus
Prince George's Landscape Management
John Talley
Environmental Construction and Restoration
Ken Thompson
Atlanta Landscape Installation
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:
Peak of season: 325
Permanent: 150
FACILITIES:
Ashton, MD
10 acres
Gainesville, VA
5 acres
Prince George's County. MD
2 acres
Ruppert Nursery (three locations In MD)
130 acres
SAFETY PROGRAM
Company safety Is continually emphasized through the following measures:
1. A five person In-house safety committee
2. Consultations with our Insurance company on a monthly basis
3. Seminars specifically geared towards the tople of safety
4. Formal equipment training programs stressing safety for field personnel
5. Use of a company safety motto: "Safety keeps us growing."
TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
American Association of Nurserymen (AAN)
Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA)
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA)
Community Assocation's Institute (CAI)
Landscape Contractors Association (LCA)
Maryland Nurserymens Association (MNA)
Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA)
Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS)
Property Management Association (PMA)
Suburban Maryland Building Industry Association (SMBIA)
The Irrigation Association (IA)
Virginia Nurserymen's Association (VNA)
AWARDS
Ruppert Landscape Company has won over 40 local and national environmental awards In the past five
years. Those awards have come from associations, state governments. and Industry publications. The
projects honored Include the following:
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial; Washington, D.C.
Commercial Installation
Madison Place; Alexandria, VA
Commerical landscape management
Lakeview at Brokenland: Columbia, MD
Commercial landscape management
Centerpointe Office Park: Fairfax, VA
Commercial landscape management
National Catholic Conference of Bishops; Washington, D.C.
Commercial Installation/management
Metro Park North: Gaithersburg. MD
Commercial landscape management
Jefferson Court: Washington, D.C.
Commercial Installation
International Center; Washington, DC
Commercial landscape management
Lake Fairfax, Building #8; Reston, VA
Fast-track commercial Installation/management
Avion Office Park: Chantilly, VA
Commercial Installation/management
Washington Harbour; Washington, DC
Commercial landscape management
The Washingtonian Center: Gaithersburg. MD
Infrastructure craftsmanship/commercial Installation/ commercial landscape management
Transpotomac Canal Center: Alexandria, VA
Commercial Installation/management
Canadian Embassy Chancery: Washington, DC
Commercial Installation/management
Dulles Technology Center: Reston, VA
Commerical landscape management
Rice Manor (Ruppert Cos. headquarters); Ashton, MD
Commercial landscape management
Pennsylvania Avenue: Washington, DC
Commercial landscape management
The Wetlands Planting at Baltimore Harbour; Baltimore, MD
Commercial Installation
COMPANY RELATIONS WITH EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS
If the financial statement Is looked at as the ultimate report card, then the Ruppert companies
have been successful. The bottom line at Ruppert, however, contains more than numbers, It
contains people. And keeping people, both employees and clients, Is where the companies
excel.
EMPLOYEES
Craig Ruppert Is sincere when he says, "I have a deep-down, honest bellef that people need to be happy
and that the company needs to keep them happy." The ways he and his managers do so are the follow-
Ing:
- Accountability. There Is A branch concept within the organization which basically recreates the
original small company. Each branch manager Is responsible for the financial success/fallure of his
branch, as well as all of the details Involved In such a venture. The amount of the manager's salary Is
directly tied to the net profit made by the branch through an Innovative bonus plan. From there. the
chain of command continues throughout: at the base level. the crews report to the same customers, have
budget hours to beat and report on their own performance. This system. now three years old. has
fostered Independence, given authority. and allowed the company to remain close to It's clients as If It
were a small operation.
- Employee awards. The companies have a combined annual banquet at which selected employees are
honored for their contribution to the company. These employees gain recognition from their managers.
their peers, and the local press. It Is a policy of all managers to be generous with recognition throughout
the year, both verbally and In writing.
- Socialization. All employees are on a first-name basts, Including management. As a general rule, the
companies do not entertain clients: they opt Instead to hold employee functions such as appreciation
BBQ's, family plentes, a Christmas party. breakfasts and group attendance to sporting events.
- Communication. Through weekly staff and branch meetings, monthly tallgate safety meetings. an
employee-only newsletter, and monthly financial meetings. each employee Is kept abreast of what Is hap-
pening within their company. There Is currently an English tutoring program In place for non-English
speaking employees. and all employees are encourage to learn enough Spanish to communicate with co-
workers.
- Training. Seminars are held regularly on topics ranging from sales techniques to small engine repair.
These events are led both by In-house staff and by outside consultants. In addition, an annual "Field
Day" Is hosted. This Is an event where the company Is divided Into teams and employees partake In com-
petitions which ralse and evaluate their skill level. Also hosted Is a Management Development Day. at-
tended by every employee from the foreman level and above.
- Education. All employees are encouraged to seek further education and certifications and are compen-
sated according to grade. A high percentage of field and office staff are degreed. Association seminars
are brought to the attention of everyone and fees are paid In full by the compantes.
- Bonus plan. The managers bonus plan at Ruppert Landscape Is one-of-a-kind In the Industry. Tled
directly to the financial well-being of the branch, this plan can make up as much as 25% of a managers
annual compensation. A varlety of bonus and Incentive plans exist for all levels of personnel.
- Benefits. Along with the standard employee benefits (medical. dental, etc.). the company participates
In a profit-sharing plan and an employee assistance program.
COMPANY RELATIONS, cont'd.
CUSTOMERS
This section can be kept brief by stating a quote from Craig. "The way we treat our employees Is the way
our employees treat our customers."
Davitt. vice president. also has something to say. "We still think like a small company In that we are
bound and determined to meet the customers needs. We never want to get outworked, so we do what
has to be done. If that means more hours, more people, more effort. so be It. We are now at the point
where we can start projecting clients needs before they even know they have them that Is what all of
this has been about."
An abbreviated list of customer relations tools Include:
- Professional. technically sound employees
- Clean. well-marked equipment
- Corporate stability and the reputation for efficient, high-quality service
- Surveys on quality and customer service Including:
-Dally satisfaction completion forms
-Monthly In-house quality control reports
-Bl-annual customer quality control reports
- Training on how to handle client concerns for both office and fleld staff
- Flexibility In our services to meet the clients needs
- A four color newsletter. featuring clients and their projects
- A list of criteria which dictates how often major clients should be seen and/or spoken to by someone In
each level of management
MOUNT PLEASANT
BULLETIN BOARD
A News Forum for the Mount Pleasant Community
VOL 4, No.7
JULY 24, 1992
Neighborhood Planning Council
begins canvassing for fall elections
La Polvosa - Mount Pleasant's
tural and economic development
by Bonnie J. Cain, Adult Chair
programs for youth.
NPC #8
Residents (no citizenship re-
quirement) of the District ages 13
Soccer field to be landscaped
During July and August teams
and older are eligible to vote as well
of youth workers will canvas the
as to participate in their area's NPC
neighborhoods of Washington,
elections and meetings.
Soccer teams asked to stay off the field for three weeks
DC to explain the mission of the
Each NPC decides how approxi-
Neighborhood Planning Council
mately $58,000 is spent in their
tor, Recreation, called a meeting of
pecially the soccer leagues, feel
by Bonnie J. Cain
NPC annually. Youth and adults
field users on July 14 at the Mount
that the field is theirs to play and to
(NPC) and advertise the Novem-
ber 7th NPC elections.
study the recreational and instruc-
Pleasant Library. Unanimously and
help maintain. "We welcome as-
tional needs of youth in their NPC,
Friday, July 24, Ruppert Land-
enthusiastically, leaders of adult
sistance in watering the field par-
The NPCs boundaries are des-
request proposals to fill these needs
scape, Inc., with the wild applause
soccer leagues, coaches from Bell
ignated by District law. Each NPC
ticularly on the weekends when
and then evaluate and select pro-
of community soccer players and
Multicultural High School and Lin-
our maintenance crews are off
practices participatory democracy
posals from those submitted.
the gratitude of the DC Depart-
as adults and youth make deci-
coln Junior High School, the Lin-
duty."
NPC elections will be held No-
ment of Recreation and Parks, will
sions about how a portion of fed-
eral and District monies are spent
vember at sites that will be an-
sod and landscape the dusty,
for recreational, educational, cul-
nounced.
poorly-graded playing field at 16th
and Lamont Streets, NW.
Three hundred workers from
the firm will begin work at 6AM
and will lay approximately 5,000
square yards of sod, plant pin oak
shade trees, Japanese Lelkovastreet
trees, 143 Siebold Euonyomus 18
N
inch hedges and perennial flowers.
The cost to the city for the
landscaping is "0." Ruppert Land-
scaping hosts an annual "Field Day"
for its workers which features plant-
ing and landscaping contests as a
method of improving skills and
increasing morale.
This year, the 16th Street field
was chosen by the Ashton, Mary-
NPC Ward I election canvassersKeisha Perkins, Jemela Wright,
land-based firm because about 60
Gueris Rodriquez and Siria M. Olivo may show at your door to
of its workers are from the Mount
explain the NPC elections.
Pleasant, Columbia Heights and
Adams Morgan neighborhoods.
Lincoln Junior High named Turning
"It's really our way of saying
thank you to our workers. The
field means a lot to them," ex-
Point School
The Turning Point program at
plained Chris Davitt, Vice Presi-
Lincoln will cost $1.4 million per
dent of Operations at Ruppert Land-
by Jay Lichtenauer
annum, according to Temple. This
scape.
money will fund activities through
Despite the heat and drought-
Lincoln Junior High School,
the Departments of Education, Rec-
like conditions of July in Washing-
recently designated as a "Turning
reation and Parks, Human Services
ton, the Division Chief of the Parks
Point" school, has been the center
and the contractor, the Latin Ameri-
Division believes that Recreation,
Landscape plan for 16th Street field.
of activities as Mayor Sharon Pratt
can Youth Center.
with the help of community groups
Kelly's Youth Initiative Office,
Lincoln, located at 16th and Irv-
can get the sod to take hold. "It
Lincoln staff and designated con-
ing Streets, NW, has a projected fall
means a lot of watering and the
coln-Powell Multicultural Recre-
The Parks Division is currently
tractors put the finishing touches
enrollment of 700 students. The
promise of the community to stay
ation Center and Mount Pleasant
putting together a plan by which
on an innovative program to serve
student body is a cross-section of
off the field for three weeks, but
Soccer pledged to cancel their ac-
the watering apparatus can be ac-
Lincoln's unique population. The
the surrounding neighborhoods,
I've made sod flourish in weather
tivities or play on other fields.
cessed by community groups.
details of what constitutesa "Tum-
predominately African-American
like this out at RFK Stadium. It
"This is like a dream we've had
Recreation will run public ser-
ing Point School" will be re-
and Hispanic with immigrants from
can be done."
for many, many moons," exclaimed
vice announcements on Radio
vealed by Kelly on July 232-3PM
a variety of countries.
Both Recreation and Ruppert
one coach.
Mundo and ask churches to urge
at Hart Junior High School at 601
Dr. Emma Bonner has served as
Landscape stress that soccer play-
"We have a whole generation of
their parishioners to help maintain
Missouri Ave., SE.
acting principal since January 1992
ers must voluntarily stay off the
kids who have holes in the knees
the field.
According to Head of the
when Dr. Saxon resigned. The re-
field for two weeks to give the
from playing on that field," stated
The soccer field will be closed
Youth Initiative Office, David
cruitment and selection process to
grass time to establish. To deter-
Jim Farrell of Mount Pleasant Soc-
to public use beginning July 23 to
Temple, counselors will provide
choose a new principal is still open.
mine if players, adult and youth
cer. "Of course, we want this grass
permit preparatory work.
services in four areas: health, men-
In Ward 8, Douglas Junior High
would be willing to find other rec-
in a big way."
A re-opening ceremony is
tal health, drug and substance
School in Ward 8 will be the next
reational sites for the required three
Acting Director Lowe expressed
scheduled for Mid-August, when
abuse and pre-employment skills.
"Turning Point" school. Evans and
weeks Carol Lowe, Acting Direc-
her desire that the community, es-
the field is expected to be ready for
These services will supplement
Hart Junior High Schools are sched-
use.
Lincoln's on-going Programs.
uled to follow suit soon after Lin-
Counselors will be located inside
coln and Douglas.
In this issue
Lincoln, but their services will be
"We hope to have every junior
available to the entire commu-
high school in D.C. a Turning Point
school," says Temple.
LEDC programs.
Lincoln-Powell
nity, not just the students.
"It is a pilot program. We'll
According to a Lincoln admin-
istrator, the Mayor's idea of a "Turn-
ANC-1E News
Recreation Center.
take what works and stick with it
and take what doesn't work and
ing Point" program came from
eliminate it," says Temple.
physicist Fritjof Capra of Univer-
Sacred Heart-tying
For our kids
p. 8
sity of California at Berkeley, au-
Copy Deadline Aug. 12
thor of the book titled, The Turning
education to
Recycled Architectural
Next 21
Point Science. Society, and the
Call 232-5404 with
Rising Culture.
community
p.5
Detail
p.9
Story suggestions.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
LANDSCAPE INC.
RUPPERT
17701
V
New Hampshire
LANDSCAPEINC. Avenue
Ashton, Maryland
20861
(301) 774-0400
Kathleen Obenschain
FAX:
Communication Specialist
(301) 924-0250
LANDSCAPE
Installation
Maintenance
Irrigation
RUPPERT
LANDSCAPE INC.
Wetland Mitigation
Construction/
Infrastructure Mgmt.
Kathleen Obenschain
Design/Build
Cheri Baker
301- 774-0400
MD » DC » VA » GA
Fax 301-924-0250
WETLANDS
Environmental
restoration and
RUPPERT
construction
LANDSCAPE INC.
Wetland mitigation
Environmental
Kathleen Obenschain
consulting
Cheri Baker
Reforestation
301- 774-0400
MD » DC » VA » GA
Fax 301-924-0250
MAINTENANCE
Grounds Mgmt.
Enhancements
RUPPERT
Interiors
LANDSCAPE INC.
Turf care
I.P.M.
Kathleen Obenschain
Snow Removal
Cheri Baker
301-774-0400
MD » DC » VA » GA
Fax 301-924-0250
IRRIGATION
Irrigation and water
feature installation
RUPPERT
and management
LANDSCAPE INC.
Valve repairs/
adjustments
Kathleen Obenschain
Irrigation consulting
Cheri Baker
301-774-0400
MD » DC » VA » GA
Fax 301-924-0250
RUPPERT
NEWS
LANDSCAPEINC.
For release:
For immediate release 2/93
RUPPERT LANDSCAPE COMPANY, INC. wins $3.93 million Georgia DOT
landscape project; to open branch office
ATLANTA, GA In preparation for the onslaught of Olympic traffic, the Department of
Transportation has awarded a $3.93 million landscape project to Ruppert Landscape Company
for environmental improvements in Clayton and Fulton Counties. The roadside enhancements
will be prominent along Routes I-75 and 85/285 south of Hartsfield International Airport. The
project is scheduled to begin the first week of February and will run through May 1996.
In this major planting, Ruppert Landscape Company will install 217,000 shrubs, 51,550
evergreens, 21,500 perennial plants, and nearly 4,000 trees of different varieties. The project
will also include stream-channel clearing, rip-rap installation, topsoil replacement, and grass
and wildflower seeding along 12 miles of roadway. Installation will be completed March 1994
and followed up with a two-year maintenance plan.
In order to facilitate the project, Ruppert, which is ranked as the largest commercial
landscape contractor in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and among the top ten
nationally, will open a branch office in the Atlanta area. The office will be led by Ken
Thompson, a ten year veteran of the company and most recently the branch manager of
Ruppert's Virginia landscape branch. The branch will focus on both landscape installation and
landscape management.
-more-
For additional information:
Public Relations
Ruppert Landscape Co., Inc.
17701 New Hampshire Avenue
Ashton, MD 20861
Phone: (301) 774-0400
FAX: (301) 924-0250
Ruppert Landscape/DOT, cont'd..
Brad Good, landscape architect on the project and a principal with Hughes, Good,
O'Leary and Ryan notes that, "We've worked with Ruppert Landscape Company in the past
and are confident in their skills and their professional approach to landscape contracting. We
are fortunate to have several high-quality landscape contractors in the Atlanta region and they
will be a welcome addition to the community."
Company president Craig A. Ruppert says that "this is a prime example of why the
branch system works so successfully. Projects like this one help to build our organization and
provide opportunities for our employees, as well as attract outside talent and enhance our
ability to perform top-quality work."
Ruppert Landscape Company is a full-service landscape contractor specializing in
commercial landscape installation, construction management, landscape management,
irrigation and environmental restoration and construction. The company is headquartered in
Ashton, MD with branch offices in Atlanta, GA, Clinton, MD, and Gainesville, VA and has
received over 40 local and national awards for excellence in workmanship.
-30-
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
Volume 4, Number 2 Fall 1992
RUPPERT REPORT
The Ruppert Report is published
three times a year by Ruppert
Environmental branch performs
Landscape Company, Inc., an
award-winning landscape
seven mile dune restoration
contractor specializing in
commercial installation,
landscape management, and
environmental concerns.
O
cean City, Maryland has a history of
restoration of sand dunes, the installation of
devastating storms including a 1933
street trees, or the maintenance of an office
Craig A. Ruppert,
hurricane and the virtual levelling of the
complex." And - barring major storm
President
Christopher A. Ruppert,
city by a 1962 nor' easter. Almost thirty years
activity - the dune restoration is well on its
Vice President
later, in 1991, another series of brutal nor'east-
way to success.
Christopher E. Davitt,
ers took their toll. Not your ordinary landscape
Bruce Ware of the Army Corps of
Vice President
installation, the dune restoration project at
Engineers explains that restoration of the dunes
Cheri Baker, Editor
Ocean City is designed to protect the oceanfront
is an environmentally-aesthetic protection fea-
For more information or additional
from these types of storms.
ture. "Once established, the new dune (90'
copies of the Report, please call
"One of the most exciting aspects of this
wide and 6-7' above the beach berm elevation)
301-774-0400.
project for me," admits environmental branch
will provide a barrier against wave and high
manager Ken Hochkeppel, "is from the man-
water damage and also provide a reservoir of
agement perspective. This project confirms the
beach sand during severe storms. Dune fencing
ABC's of a service-based operation. I am now
and planting greatly assists in the stabilization
positive that if employees are motivated, com-
of the dune line and captures windblown
mitted to customer service, and focused on
sand."
innovative, efficient, quality production, the
Ruppert Landscape's contract consists of
project will be successful
whether it's the
the rebuilding of dunes and restoring of beach-
es which were destroyed last fall and winter.
Working for the T.L. James Company, who
has been contracted by the Army Corps of
Engineers, Ruppert oversees the repair of
decks, stairs, handrails and access ramps to the
beach, the installation of 22 miles of sand
fence, and the installation of 210 vehicle and
pedestrian crossovers from the street-ends over
the dune to the beach. The actual planting will
continued on next page
Sand dunes along the seven mile
stretch of Ocean City shoreline
are designed to take the brunt of
a storm. Ruppert Landscape has
been contracted to oversee the
restoration process and provide
beachgrass plantings.
The Washington Post
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1992
P
Metn
Company to Bring New Life to Old Ball Field
By Shaun Sutner
Washington Post Staff Writer
A worn and neglected ball field
in Northwest Washington that
soccer enthusiasts fondly call the
"the Dust Bowl" will get a free
makeover worth $35,000 tomor-
row from a Maryland landscaping
company that employs about 60
people who live near the field.
The barren dirt lot beside the
headquarters of the D.C. Depart
ment of Parks and Recreation at
16th and Lamont streets NW has
become one of the city's most
popular staging areas for soccer
league play and pickup games.
Located in the heart of a
neighborhood teeming with im
migrants from Latin American
countries, where soccer is ex
tremely popular, the dusty ex-
panse on the edge of Columbia
Heights is used by an estimated
1,400 players and visitors a
week from March to November
according to recreation depart
ment statistics.
BY HEATHER STONE-THE WASHINGTON POST
But drug trafficking has com-
The shabby field is used by hundreds of children and adults in the largely Hispanic neighborhood.
peted with soccer at this tired
street corner. and in recent years
that was formed after the May
The only worry now is where
spread the word that the field is
city officials have cut down what
1991 disturbances in Monnt
all the soccer players will play
absolutely off-limits after the sod
little beauty was there: several
Pleasant. "But if the business
during the three weeks Ruppert
is down.
clumps of trees on the perimeter
community can get in and help out
says the sod needs to take hold.
Also, signs advertising the re-
that parents complained were
the Latino community, it's great."
City officials are suggesting the
striction will go up tomorrow, and
used by drug dealers to hide their
The one-day transformation
community park at Ontario and
recreation officials in the building
wares.
will begin at 6 a.m. tomorrow.
Adams Mill roads NW.
next door will monitor the site.
"It's not safe and it's not ade-
when about 300 Ruppert workers
"It's wonderful these people
Obenschain said that her com-
quate to play on," said Victor
will lay 5,000 square yards of sod
came up with this idea," Molina
pany, nearly half, of whose work
Molina, a physical education
and plant two oak trees, eight Jap-
said. "But we still don't know
force of 300 is Hispanic, does
teacher and guidance counselor at
anese Zelkova trees, several flow-
nearby Bell Multicultural High
er beds and 143 18-inch hedge
what we're going to do in the
about $2.5 million a year in busi-
shoots.
meantime."
ness in the District and that this is
School.
Enter Ruppert Landscape Inc.,
No one can remember whether
"a way to say thank you to that
All of the trees are thin-limbed
of Ashton, with an offer to spruce
the half-century-old field was ever
community."
varieties that will offer little hid-
up "La Polvosa," or "dust bowl" in
ing room. Obenschain said.
all grass.
But the project is a whole lot
more to a lot of coaches and ball-
Spanish, after an acquaintano of
And the renovation will serve
Several attempts to seed it in
players.
company spokeswoman Kathleen
as the company's annual summer
recent years have been foiled by
"Kids will be happy that their
Obenschain's told her about the
landscaping contest, usually held
impatient players.
knees won't be scraped and cut,"
sad old field and how important it
at the Ashton facility, where
Recreation department officials
said Jim Farrell, founder of the
is to the community.
workers will compete in backhoe
say they have anticipated that
Mount Pleasant youth soccer
"Sure, it's a small step," said
events and leaf blower obstacle
problem by meeting with soccer
league. "And I won't have to listen
Luis Vasquez, head of the D.C.
courses before the sod goes
league and community leaders be-
to their cries as I pour antiseptic
Latino Civil Rights Task Force
down.
forehand and persuading them to
on their wounds."
Industry Profile
13 is a lucky
number
at least for Ruppert Landscape
Company of Ashton, Maryland.
In 1989, a leading landscape magazine
ranked the east coast firm the 13th largest
landscape contracting company
in the country.
by Cheri Baker
Two was years reanked later, sixth Ruppertally
(top photo)
Impeccable maintance of
landscapes at several
historical sites has won
Ruppert Landscape a
national reputation for
quality.
(bottom photo)
Ruppert headquarters,
situated on an
11-acre estate in
Ashton, Maryland
6
Colorado Green
Spring 1990
pany was incorporated and became
Ruppert Landscape Company, Inc.
Craig, then a vice president with a con-
struction firm as his "regular" job, joined
his brother Chris (who constituted the
sales department) full time and the
company forged ahead.
Today, Ruppert Landscape is situ-
ated on an 11-acre estate in Ashton,
Maryland, and employs approximately
225 personnel during the peak season.
Branch offices are located in Northern
Virginia and Prince Georges County.
Ruppert Landscape Company is primar-
ily a commercial landscape contractor
and specializes in landscape installation
and construction, site development,
landscape management and enhance-
ment, irrigation, and wetland plantings.
Although considered a large com-
pany by most landscape industry stan-
dards, it is still run as tightly as possible.
One of the few things that has changed
over the past 13 years is Ruppert's rea-
The award-winning Transpotomac Canal Center project, situated on the
son for running the company. "All
Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia.
money is, is a measure of how well you
manage," he pointed out. "It's a reward,
but it's not the reason you do it.
"Why do I do what I do?" Ruppert
H
e pauses frequently and at
This theory is backed up by an
reflected. "The most satisfying part is
length. At times, you can see
employee comment: "Craig asks you to
to see the people develop. You build an
the thoughts racing through his
do something, he very rarely tells you to
organization that sticks together. The
mind. At others, one is shut out-forced
do it. In addition, he somehow makes
biggest reward for me is seeing that team
to guess at the answer to come. Always,
you agree that what you're doing is what
stick together." He paused, then said "I
each word is measured and weighed.
you've wanted to do all along -
want to make an impact. find myself
Craig Ruppert is a bit of a dichot-
whether it was or not."
thinking, 'Are you doing all you can do?
omy: he's a man whose favorite pastime
This persuasive manner, coupled
Can you do more to influence other
is work, but calls himself "basically
with a natural charm and an outstanding
people, make the world better, what-
lazy". He's the ultimate conservative
management team, is what has pro-
ever..."
when it comes to an important business
pelled Ruppert's company forward.
decision, but a "do it, and do it now"
The Projects
kind of guy in everyday matters. A
History
While it may not be exactly what he
company officer describes him as
Ruppert was 17 years old when
meant when Ruppert talked about mak-
"breaking many of the basic rules of
Ruppert Lawn Service was begun in
ing the world a better place, there have
management", yet he is respected as a
1971 in the family garage. What moti-
been several key projects in the course
manager and a business mind. It's this
vates a teenager to start a business? "My
of his business life that have given direc-
mix of styles and attitudes that make
very first job was as a caddy," Ruppert
tion to the company and its officers,
Craig Ruppert not only a successful
explained, "and vhen a guy gave you 20
while beautifying the surroundings as
company owner and industry leader,
dollars, it was a thrill. 11 was more
well.
but an admired employer as well.
money than you'd ever had in your life.
Ruppert cites a 1983 municipal
His story is similar to that of SO
That's motivation- enjoyed earning
street tree planting project in Baltimore,
many others with one difference. His
money."
Maryland, worth $500,000 that "let us
"backyard lawn service" was ranked by
Why lawns? "It was easy to start,"
know we could compete with the big
Landscape Management Magazine in
Ruppert said. "It was there and
companies out there." From there, the
1989 as the 13th largest landscape con-
available think I charged three dol-
company competitively bid for, and
tracting firm in the country. According
lars for Mrs. Echol's lawn." Although his
won, some of the Washington, D.C.
to Ruppert, the secret of his success is
motivation has changed, his enthusiasm
area's most prestigious projects. Each
that it is not his success, but the success
has not.
of those who make the company work.
Six years later. the fledgling com-
ontinued on page 9)
Suring 1000
7
Craig Ruppert
(continued from page 7)
to detail. This means having qualified
professionals to do the job. In this time
when the service industry is facing a
personnel crunch, Ruppert Landscape
Company is doing its best to combat the
odds.
Often called "the trio" by employ-
ees, Ruppert's top management team
includes Ruppert and vice presidents
Chris Ruppert and Chris Davitt. Ruppert
describes this group as "a strong bunch
of people. Our relationship is constantly
changing. Every primary decision is
kicked around together and we each
play different roles."
No matter how the decisions are
made, they are usually solid. "We are
what we are because we've made a lot of
good decisions on the way," Ruppert
explained. "I think that will continue as
we grow. The key to our growth is our
people."
Employees are trained through in-
house and association seminars that
cover new developments as well as the
basics. ^ large number of the field
employees hold degrees in horticulture,
and each branch of the company strives
to have its employees certified in as
many specialities as possible.
Employee incentives and special
events are one way of "keeping the team
together". After a particularly successful
Craig A. Ruppert, president, Ruppert Landscape Company
(Photo by Barbara Glaeser)
summer season in 1989, branch manag-
ers planned a Chesapeake Bay fishing
job sharpened yet another skill of the
pany has since become known as a
trip for all field employees and the office
company.
wetlands expert. In a time when govern-
staff that supported them. This is one
Pennsylvania Avenue
ment regulations are becoming increas-
area where Ruppert has led by example.
Awarded the landscape manage-
ingly tough on developers regarding
"Although he demands excellence,"
ment contract for Washington's Penn-
tidal and non-tidal wetlands, this experi-
states one employee, "he lets you know
sylvania Avenue in the mid-1980s,
ence has proven invaluable.
when you've done well." Having been
Ruppert Landscape gained quite a bit of
Transpotomac Canal Center
on the receiving end of this policy,
visibility for this job. The challenge was
Built against the Potomac River in
Ruppert's managers are better able to
to provide impeccable maintenance on
historic Alexandria, Virginia, this was
put this theory into practice themselves.
"America's Avenue" in the midst of in-
the largest office park installation the
Although Craig Ruppert and Rup-
credible city and tourist traffic. This also
company had attempted to date. Started
pert Landscape Company seem to lead a
was the first project that swept the land-
in 1986, the project has since won
"charmed" life, it hasn't been due to
awards circuit, and generated a lot
awards for both landscape installation
luck. Again Ruppert stresses that it's the
of interest in the company and the skills
and landscape management.
projects, the clients and the employees
needed for a job of this nature.
Other landmark jobs have included
that are the perfect blend. His advice to
The Wetlands at Baltimore Harbour
the Canadian Embassy Chancery,
industry newcomers? "Be conservative.
This was one of those jobs that
Washington Harbour, and the Avion
Move slowly and wisely and things will
meant taking a chance. Persuaded to
Office Park in Chantilly, Virginia.
begin to happen."
take the risk of learning something new
by re-creating a natural wetland habitat
The Team
Cheri Baker is the public relations
that was destroyed during highway
Each project, no matter what size or
specialist for Ruppert Landscape Com-
construction, Ruppert andscape Com-
challenge, receives the same attention
pany in Ashton, Marvland.
Colorado
Spring 1990
9
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Ruppert companies participates In many community and philanthropic events. Most recently. Rup-
pert Landscape Company has donated time and materials to the DC Department off Recreation and
Parks. Lazarus House. n city homeless shelter and to Cloverly Elementary School. which has re-opened
nfter several years of shutdown.
The companies have n vested Interest In the future of the Industry and In the communities In which
employees work and live. They therefore take nn Inordtuate amount of Umc lo recrult employees from
across the country and In promote the metropollian region while doing so. In this effort, scholarships
are offered nt Montgomery Community College. Maryland and through the Landscape Contractors As-
sociation. Past. scholarship programs sponsored by Ruppert have Included SUNY @ Cobleskill. NY and
Mississippi State University.
Support of community organizations Include:
- The Bethesda Civilan Chub
- Bethlehem House
- Camp Friendship/Carol Jean Cancer FoundaHon/Tom Sawyer Foundation. Inc.
- Christmas In April (sponsored hy varlous building trades)
- Clande Moore Colontal Form
- DC Department of Recreation and Parks
- Enster Scals
- Fraternal Order of Police
- International Unton of Police Association
- Larry Denuts Scholarship Fund
- Leukemin Society of America
- Loudonn County Chamber of Commerce
- Marylanders Against Handgun Abuse
- Montgomery General Hospital
- National Calholle Office for Persons with Disabilities
- The Ohicy Rolary Chub
- Ohiey Theatre
- St. Francis Xavler Church
- St. John's High School
- Sherwood 111gh School
- Samarltan hins
- Sandy Spring Muscum
- St. Anscluis Abbey High School
- Temporary Shelter of Arlington
- The Boy Scouts of America
- The Chesapeake Bay Fund
- The Pregnancy Ald Crisis Centers
- The YMCA
- Touchdown Club Charittes
- Wynn for Congress