An Interview with Chris Holmgren, Owner of Landscapes Unlimited LLC

by Aiden Wilson | Apr 8, 2025 | Business, Landscape Contractors

Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business.
Landscapes Unlimited is a family-owned, full-service design and build landscaping company based in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. We specialize in creating outdoor environments with creativity, craftsmanship, and care. From residential design and installation to commercial landscape management, irrigation, and snow removal, we handle it all. Our goal is to transform everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences and help clients live better outdoors. We serve the greater Twin Cities and surrounding metro areas.
Kindly give us a brief description of yourself.
My name is Chris Holmgren, and I am the founder and CEO of Landscapes Unlimited. My entrepreneurial journey started as a teenager mowing lawns in my neighborhood. I grew up with sisters, and being the only boy, I often found peace and purpose outdoors. I turned that love for landscaping into a thriving business. After saving enough to buy my first truck and trailer right out of high school, I’ve built a company that now employs a strong team of professionals who share my vision. One of my proudest achievements has been creating a workplace where people genuinely love to work.
What inspired you to start your business? How did the idea come about?
I was drawn to outdoor spaces, well-kept lawns, colorful gardens, and the peacefulness of nature. That inspiration merged into a drive for independence, and soon enough, I turned a neighborhood side hustle into a serious business. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just building landscapes, I was building experiences. That mindset pushed me to think bigger and grow smarter.
What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Start small, think big. Invest in your people. Stay uncomfortable.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Leadership. Resilience. Vision.
How many hours do you work on average?
Anywhere between 10–12 hours a day.
To what do you most attribute your success?
Consistency and investing in people. We’ve built a culture that values trust, craftsmanship, and accountability—things our clients feel in every project. A strong team makes all the difference.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
We’ve found success in word of mouth, strong Google reviews, and showcasing our work visually through our website and social media. Our best marketing is a job well done. Happy clients bring in more clients.
Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from, and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain your investors for your venture?
It started with my savings. I mowed lawns, shoveled driveways, did any job I could to save enough for my first truck and trailer. I’ve grown sustainably and reinvested profits—no outside investors, just grit and good strategy.
What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Take care of your team and your clients. Build trust. Deliver consistently. And never stop learning from your failures.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5–10 years?
In 5–10 years, I see us expanding into new markets, continuing to elevate outdoor living across Minnesota, and building one of the best places to work in the industry. My dream is for Landscapes Unlimited to be known not just for what we do but for how we do it.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
I admire Central Irrigation. This company has grown to help over 10,000 contractors throughout the U.S. and started with one guy with a truck in 1990. They have since grown to over 50 locations in the Midwest and on the East Coast.
How important have good employees been to your success?
They’ve been everything. We are a people-first company.
How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Days at times.
What motivates you?
Watching a blank backyard turn into someone’s favorite place. Seeing team members grow into leaders.
What are your ideals?
Integrity, growth, and purpose.
How do you generate new ideas?
Through team collaboration, client feedback, and studying industry trends.
How do you define success?
Success is creating a company where both employees and clients thrive.
How do you build a successful customer base?
Listen. Deliver. Follow up.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Freedom to build something bigger than myself, and watching others grow within it.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Every time a client tells us, “You’ve exceeded our expectations.”
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this?
We’ve built a values-driven, team-oriented culture. Everyone knows why they’re here, what we stand for, and what we expect.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Driven
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Research. Read a bit more. Find one of the best companies in the market and learn what’s working best for them.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
It’s a balancing act. I’ve made sacrifices, but I’ve also gained flexibility. It’s all about being present where it counts.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
South St. Paul is a very industrial area and is a central location for operational accessibility.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Being able to take risks. Create strong teams. Prioritize customer needs.
What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Hiring too quickly and not investing in systems early on.
How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Own it, fix it fast, and learn from it.
What do you do in your non-work time?
I love spending time outdoors with my family, boating, and traveling.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Time mostly, especially in the early years.
If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
What type of career or business would you do or be involved in if this weren’t your career?