Thomas Petty, founder and owner of Petty Landscape Design.
In the rural area of Crandall, Ga., an FFA alumnus is turning his agriculture knowledge into a successful landscaping business.
Thomas Petty, founder of Petty Landscape Design, started his business in 2020. While in college, Petty took on the task of operating his business, which specializes in designing and building high-end custom landscapes that are unique to each customer.
Getting Started
Petty joined FFA in the seventh grade, when he researched chlorine water’s effect on landscaping plants. This Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), combined with competing in the nursery and landscape and forestry career development events (CDEs), grew his interest in exploring a career in the world of landscaping. Petty then pursued a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at the University of Georgia.
As a college student, Petty learned about design principles, plant materials and what it took to create beautiful spaces for his clients. Petty also worked with a small company that primarily installed chlorine pools. This allowed him to further his research from seventh grade and implement this knowledge in the landscape industry.
The Business
“A landscape is the only part of a client’s property that continually grows with the customer,” said Petty. This mindset helped Petty Landscape Design create spaces for their customers that can “tell a story” unique to each customer.
Plants used in a Petty Landscape Design project.
When starting the business, Petty learned how important it was to hire the right people. “Attitude and culture means more than experience,” he said, “I would rather have someone with a good attitude and less experience than someone with a bad attitude and a lot of experience.”
Leadership style also plays a big role for Petty. “There are two types of business owners: bosses and leaders,” he adds. “Bosses will sit at the desk and tell people what to do. A leader will be in front and show people what to do.”
Looking Ahead
Petty emphasizes the importance of relationships with his employees. “I don’t want to get too big to the point where I don’t have a relationship with everyone,” he said. Petty Landscape Design also hopes to start a YouTube channel to showcase the unique projects that it installs.
Ultimately, Petty says he didn’t expect to be where he is today, but is thankful for every opportunity his customers have given him. He still plans to be a student and strives to become “1% better every day.”
