Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Signature Landscapes and your position.
Chemane Trimble: Signature Landscapes is the largest comprehensive landscape company in northern Nevada. From Carson to Elko our diverse landscape divisions provide any and every need in the industry. By comprehensive, it means we provide everything from large commercial landscape construction and maintenance to serving the homeowners through our residential division as well. We have a state-certified pest-control division that specializes in weed abatement and wetlands management. And three years ago we launched our full service arbor care division. We provide snow-removal services for our commercial customers, and in the winter you’ll see us installing Christmas lights through our Christmas Décor franchise. Basically if there is a need in the landscape industry Signature Landscapes can fulfill it. We are a family-owned business with four managing members. My position involves running the commercial landscape division, which serves hospitals, retail centers, HOAs, apartments and municipalities. If it’s a commercial property in the Truckee Meadows we want the opportunity to take care of it!
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Trimble: My professional sales experience and perfect timing. I was a stay-at-home mom ready to go back into the work force when my husband, a partner in the company, mentioned they were looking for a sales person. That was in April 2009.
NNBW: What’s the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Trimble: To be a woman of my word. When you make a commitment, you fulfill it. When you make mistakes, you correct them. Treat people with respect regardless of their position. Keep it simple.
NNBW: How did the recession change the way you do business?
Trimble: Becoming a partner during the downturn, I knew my work was cut out for me. It forced us to be the most efficient we could possibly be. We examined everything from our labor force to the charities we support. Also, within our industry, you really learned who knew the market and who did not. You cannot be the lowest price and still deliver top-notch service. We had our share of clients who left us for a “cheaper price” which was hard to take at the time. Now, most of those clients have returned and have a much better understanding of the value Signature Landscapes brings to the table.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Trimble: I was 14. I was a “bus girl” at Warner Springs Resort. I worked my way up to waitress, and I would have members from the resort specifically ask for my station. I loved that job — it taught me to appreciate hard work and the value of a dollar.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren’t you working it?
Trimble: Really, I love helping people. Being a partner with Signature Landscapes gives me the opportunity to fulfill many needs. In that aspect I have my dream job — we get to employ hundreds of families locally and we get to beautify the entire community through our services … what can be better than that?
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Trimble: Be prepared for competition! It seems nowadays everyone claims to be a professional landscaper. It definitely entails more than a “mow and go.” Be prepared to become certified within the industry, support the industry and have a heart for serving our community.
NNBW: What’s the most fun you have had on the job?
Trimble: I love celebrating our successes. We have company picnics in the summer and Christmas parties in the winter for our employees. We have an annual barbeque for our clients as well as special events to say thank you. It is exciting to be able to reward our employees for their hard work and to let our clients know how appreciated they are!
NNBW: What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Trimble: “You have not, because you ask not.” That is what prompted me to make the leap from being a customer service representative into a sales position. By sharing my desires I was allowed to go through the interview process at a Fortune 50 company even though I did not have my bachelor’s degree. My work ethic and track record spoke for itself. It developed my skills and opened doors of opportunity that led me to where I am today. Had I not spoke up I never would have been given that opportunity. It’s something I tell my kids. I never want them to miss out on an opportunity because they were afraid to ask.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Trimble: I’m a homebody. I love spending time in my garden. We love having friends over to hang out and barbeque. As a family we do a lot of volunteer work within the community as well.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Trimble: I’m not so sure I’d purchase our timeshare again. We certainly don’t use it enough.
NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
Trimble: I thought I wanted to become a veterinarian.
NNBW: What can you do that someone else can’t?
Trimble: I can tell someone to “take a hike” and have them enjoy the walk. While that may not be an exclusive thing, it sure is a nice skill to have.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Trimble: No. Things are exciting right here, right now. Business is steadily improving and there are too many opportunities waiting out there for me to retire now.
NNBW: What’s the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Trimble: I saw AWOLNATION at the Knitting Factory in April, and we went to an Aces game a couple of Saturdays ago.
NNBW: Where’s your perfect vacation spot?
Trimble: San Diego. Beautiful weather all year around, the beach, fantastic authentic Mexican food.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working and living here?
Trimble: Northern Nevada is home. It’s where I met my husband. It’s where my children were born and have grown up. Northern Nevada has a unique beauty that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. It is a special place that I believe you have to live here to truly appreciate. Along with the place is the fantastic people — I love calling Northern Nevada home!
Know someone whose perspective you would like to share with NNBW readers? Call reporter Rob Sabo at 775-850-2146 or email him at rsabo@nnbw.biz.
