- Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
At Wildwood Landscapes, we specialize in professional commercial landscaping services that go beyond basic lawn care. From landscape design and installation to irrigation systems and year-round maintenance, we are a full-service exterior vendor committed to enhancing the beauty, function, and value of your property. We’re also a licensed general contractor, allowing us to handle a wide variety of outdoor projects with precision and reliability. Our main office is located in Burlington, North Carolina, and we proudly serve clients throughout Wildwood Landscapes, the Triad region—including Greensboro and Winston-Salem, with an additional office located in the Jacksonville and Morehead City area we can service clients along the North Carolina coast. No matter the location, we bring the same dedication to quality, attention to detail, and customer-focused service to every project.
- Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
My name is Cody Horn, and I’m the founder and president of Wildwood Landscapes. I’ve been passionate about landscaping and outdoor environments from a young age, which led me to turn that passion into a career. After gaining hands-on experience in the industry, I established Wildwood Landscapes in 2009 with a commitment to delivering high-quality, professional exterior services for both commercial and residential properties. Over the years, I’ve grown the company into a trusted name across multiple regions in North Carolina. One of my proudest achievements has been expanding Wildwood into a full-service exterior solutions provider and becoming a licensed general contractor, which allows us to take on a broader scope of projects. I’m dedicated to continually raising the standard of landscaping services through innovation, strong client relationships, and a results-driven approach.
- What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
The inspiration to start Wildwood Landscapes came from a combination of passion and frustration. I’ve always had a strong appreciation for the outdoors and the satisfaction that comes with creating clean, well-designed, and functional landscapes. But as I worked in the industry early in my career, I noticed a consistent gap—many companies lacked professionalism, reliability, and long-term commitment to their clients. I saw an opportunity to build something better. Wildwood Landscapes was born from the idea that landscaping could be more than just mowing grass or planting shrubs—it could be a strategic, full-service solution that enhances property value and curb appeal while offering dependable service year-round. I wanted to bring a level of quality and accountability to the industry that clients could count on, and that’s been the driving force behind our growth ever since.
- What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
- Start with a strong foundation
Before launching your business, make sure you truly understand your industry from the ground up. Whether it’s through hands-on experience or learning from others, having deep knowledge and a willingness to keep improving will set you apart. - Prioritize consistency and reliability.
Success doesn’t come from one big win—it comes from showing up, doing what you say you’ll do, and building trust over time. Clients and customers remember the businesses that follow through and stay dependable. - Be willing to adapt and evolve.
Business rarely goes exactly as planned. Markets shift, challenges pop up, and growth brings new demands. Stay flexible, listen to your customers, and never be afraid to adjust your strategy when needed. That willingness to grow will keep you ahead.
- Start with a strong foundation
- What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Leadership and People Skills
You have to lead by example and inspire those around you—whether it’s your team, your partners, or your clients. Strong communication, empathy, and the ability to build relationships are key to growing a business that people trust and want to be part of. - Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Challenges come with the territory. A successful entrepreneur stays calm under pressure, thinks creatively, and pivots when necessary. Being able to find solutions quickly and adjust to changing conditions is what keeps a business moving forward. - Discipline and Follow-Through
Having big ideas is great, but execution is everything. You need the discipline to stay organized, focused, and consistent—especially when motivation fades. It’s the ability to stick to the grind that separates dreamers from doers.
- Leadership and People Skills
- How many hours do you work a day on average?
That’s a tough question! It is all depending on how busy each location is and where we are in the growth stage. Some days require more hands-on involvement—whether it’s launching a new service, onboarding a client, or managing operations at one of our offices. Other days are more focused on planning, strategy, or supporting the team. The schedule isn’t always predictable, but that’s part of running a business. I stay flexible and focus my time where it’s needed most to keep things moving forward.
- To what do you most attribute your success?
I attribute my success first and foremost to God. Without His guidance, strength, and provision, none of this would be possible. Faith has kept me grounded through challenges and has given me the clarity and courage to keep moving forward. Alongside that, I believe consistency, hard work, and surrounding myself with a strong, dedicated team have all played major roles. But at the core, it’s my faith that keeps me focused on the bigger picture and reminds me why I do what I do every day.
- How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
We take a multi-layered approach to marketing, combining both traditional and modern methods to reach our target audience. This includes everything from digital marketing—like social media, Google ads, and our website—to direct outreach, print materials, and building relationships through word-of-mouth and referrals.
- Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
I started Wildwood Landscapes small and self-funded. What began as a summer job quickly turned into a full-time career fueled by hard work and dedication. Instead of seeking outside investors, we focused on growing organically—reinvesting profits back into the business and building a strong foundation step by step.
- What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
For me personally, keeping faith at the center provides purpose and strength through every season of growth. The best way to achieve long-term success is to build your business on a foundation of trust, quality, and adaptability. Consistently delivering excellent work and maintaining strong relationships with clients creates loyalty that lasts beyond any single project. At the same time, staying open to change and innovation ensures you can evolve with your industry and meet new challenges head-on. Patience and perseverance are key — success rarely happens overnight, but with steady effort and a clear vision, it becomes sustainable and rewarding over the long haul.
- Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see Wildwood Landscapes growing into an even more recognized and trusted leader in the commercial and residential landscaping industry across North Carolina and beyond. I envision expanding our service areas, adding new capabilities, and continuing to operate as a full-service exterior solutions provider with the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Personally, I want to keep leading with purpose and integrity—building a company culture that empowers our team, fosters innovation, and always puts the client first. My goal is for Wildwood to be known not just for what we do, but how we do it: with care, reliability, and a commitment to long-term relationships that benefit everyone involved.
- Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
One company I truly admire is Piedmont Truck Tires, previously owned by Dan Rice. Dan has been a huge inspiration to me, especially in how he approaches growing his business with a strong work ethic, clear vision, and practical methods. His commitment to customer service, attention to detail, and building lasting relationships has greatly influenced how I run Wildwood Landscapes. Watching how Piedmont Truck Tires has grown steadily and sustainably reminds me that success comes from dedication, consistency, and knowing your community well.
- How important have good employees been to your success?
Good employees have been absolutely vital to our success. No matter how strong the vision or how solid the plan, it’s the people on the ground who bring it to life every day. Having reliable, skilled, and motivated team members allows us to deliver the quality and consistency our clients expect.
- How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
I believe in giving ideas a fair and focused effort, but I also recognize the importance of knowing when to pivot or let go. Typically, I stick with an idea long enough to thoroughly test it—gathering feedback, analyzing results, and making adjustments along the way. That might mean several months or even longer, depending on the scope and potential.
- What motivates you?
What motivates me most is the opportunity to build something meaningful that makes a real difference—for our clients, our team, and the community. Seeing a project come to life, knowing that we’ve enhanced someone’s property and contributed to their success or happiness, is incredibly rewarding.
- How do you generate new ideas?
I generate new ideas by staying curious and staying connected—to both people and the world around me. Listening closely to clients’ needs and feedback often sparks fresh ideas for how we can improve or innovate. I also make it a point to learn from other industries, competitors, and trends to see what new approaches might work for us.
- How do you define success?
For me, success means waking up each day feeling proud of the work I do, knowing I’m making a positive impact on my clients, my team, and my community. It’s about having a sense of purpose and balance—being able to grow both personally and professionally while staying true to my values.
- How do you build a successful customer base?
Building a successful customer base starts with earning trust and consistently delivering exceptional service. For us, that means listening carefully to what clients need, communicating openly, and always following through on our promises. When customers know they can rely on you, they’re more likely to become repeat clients and recommend your business to others.
- What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
There’s a deep satisfaction in creating opportunities—not just for myself, but for my team and clients—and knowing that I’m contributing to the community in a meaningful way. The constant learning and growth that come with entrepreneurship keep things exciting and rewarding every day.
- What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
One of the most satisfying moments in my business journey was when we landed our first large, complex commercial landscaping project. Seeing the transformation of the property—from a rough, unfinished space to a vibrant, professionally designed environment—was incredibly rewarding.
- What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
The major difference I see between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else is the mindset and level of responsibility. Entrepreneurs take on the full weight of building and running a business—from setting the vision to handling challenges and making tough decisions. They embrace uncertainty and are accountable not just for their own work, but for the success of the entire venture.
- What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
At Wildwood Landscapes, we’ve built a culture centered around integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. We believe that a positive, supportive environment not only motivates our team but directly impacts the quality of work we deliver to our clients. This culture was established from day one by leading through example—emphasizing respect, open communication, and accountability at every level. We encourage collaboration, continuous learning, and taking pride in every detail. I chose to institute this kind of culture because I’ve seen firsthand how a strong, values-driven team creates better results and lasting relationships. When people feel valued and connected, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more dedicated to the company’s success. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about how we do it together.
- If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
If I had the chance to start my career over again, I would focus even more on building strong relationships early on—both with clients and within the industry. While skills and hard work are crucial, investing time in networking, mentorship, and learning from others can accelerate growth and open doors that might otherwise take longer to access.
- How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Being an entrepreneur has definitely brought both challenges and rewards to my family life. The long hours and responsibilities sometimes mean less time at home, especially during busy seasons or when launching new projects. That can be tough, and it requires clear communication and understanding from everyone involved. At the same time, entrepreneurship has given me the flexibility to create opportunities for my family and build something meaningful that we can all be proud of. It’s taught me the importance of balance, setting boundaries when possible, and making quality time count.
- What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
My greatest fear is letting down the people who depend on me—whether it’s my family, my team, or my clients. That responsibility can feel heavy at times because so much is riding on the decisions I make and the example I set.
GBP Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1d8mSTFBpr9P4pvn6
https://wildwoodlandscapes.net/
Business Name: Wildwood Landscapes
Address: 3885 Euliss Rd, Burlington, NC
Zip Code: 27215
Phone: 336-494-1321
E-mail: info@wildwoodlandscapes.net
