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Reflections: challengesand opportunities
2024 was a year of challenges and opportunities for Michael Hatcher & Associates This Annual Report highlights our achievements, financial performance, strategic initiatives, and future outlook. Many of these key moments are included in this report, among them:
Achieving a record year of revenue
Partnering with an investment owner
Nurturing customer relationships
Strengthening our Executive Leadership Team
Investing in cutting-edge technology
Reinvesting in and growing our Team
Living our Core Values and Winning Behaviors
Please read the full report to learn more about our achievements in 2024 and our plans for the future. Thank you to our team members, customers, and partners for their continued support and trust in our vision. Together, we look forward to another year of growth and success in 2025.
Expect to Win!
Russ Sneed CEO
Key2024Moments:CHALLENGES
Labor Shortages
The year began with an announcement on January 5 that, based on randomization results from the U.S. Department of Labor, we were assigned to a later grouping for H-2B seasonal guest workers. Since cap relief visas were also unavailable, we were forced to pursue other avenues to provide additional Commercial Construction and Commercial Maintenance crew members during peak season Faced with labor shortages beyond our control, we persevered by implementing a comprehensive recruitment campaign to attract and retain talent.
WILL COMSTOCK SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE
It was very challenging not having the H-2Bs this year, but we learned to adapt by leaning heavily on our talent acquisition department. They did a great job of finding us new team members and helping to offset the void caused by not having our visa workers.
It was a bumpy start trying to find employees to fill those voids when we ramped up with work, but our awesome recruiting team opened the floodgates of applications and started hiring left and right. When we needed people, they always pulled through and worked out for the best, because we were able to get some skilled and hungry-to-learn guys who have turned out to be great employees and future foremen for our department.
CAMERON POINDEXTER OPERATIONS MANAGER COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
Key2024Moments:CHALLENGES
Winter Storm Heather
On January 13, Winter Storm Heather brought 4-6 inches of snow and subfreezing temperatures in the single digits to the Mid-South. Despite following industry standards by pre-treating with ice melt, low ambient air temperatures prevented the melted snow and ice from drying or evaporating before the snow and ice refroze to most surfaces, necessitating repeated treatments of properties until the moisture was no longer present. These factors presented daunting challenges in managing snow and ice conditions for our customers at the beginning of the first quarter. Still, we overcame them and delivered on our commitments, spreading 14,583 bags (50 pounds each) of ice melt and plowing snow to keep their businesses run
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Technology Integration
Throughout 2024, Michael Hatcher & Associates set a benchmark for the future by integrating a suite of state-of-the-art software and technologies, including Bonusly, Inova Payroll & HR, Aspire, and Acumatica. While this transformation is still underway, we are already experiencing improved communication, increased efficiency, and greater collaboration, setting the stage for significant growth and positioning the company at the forefront of the landscaping industry.
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Commitment to Safety
With a fleet of over 120 vehicles on the road daily, Michael Hatcher & Associates is deeply invested in maintaining the highest safety and operational efficiency standards Safety Manager Josh Wilder continued to work with Amerisure and Insight Risk Management to improve key leading indicators in our fleet safety program, including implementing annual Motor Vehicle Records reviews and integrating advanced telematics controls. As a result, the company achieved an average annual reduction of 95% in the cost of auto claims and an 87% reduction in the frequency of auto claims In March, the initiative’s success was featured in Amerisure’s newsletter and was also published in the National Association of Landscape Professionals blog
Safety Rodeos
Safety Rodeos held throughout the year at both branches promoted safe working practices and featured handson equipment demonstrations and training
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
New Market Expansion to Huntsville
xpanded operations to North Alabama in al economic growth and demand for landscaping
il, our brand-new Huntsville Branch opened and st job in the Rocket City at a hotel. Other nd Construction jobs in Huntsville in 2024 included multi-family developments, HOAs, and industrial
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Strengthening Our Executive Leadership
One of the highlights of 2024 was the addition of a Chief Human Resources Officer to our Executive Leadership Team Since joining Michael Hatcher & Associates in May, Willie Shepherd has brought invaluable guidance to the CEO, CFO, and other company decision-makers. He has already made an impact in strategic leadership, company culture, employee engagement, and change management.
I was led here. I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Michael Hatcher & Associates’ employees and the communities we serve.”
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Industry Recognition
Based on 2023 revenue of $26,750,000 (up 15% from 2022), Michael Hatcher & Associates was ranked No 121 on the 2024 LM150 list of top revenue-generating firms in the landscaping industry. Landscape Management Magazine released the list in June.
Media Attention
In 2024, the company was featured by the following media outlets and publications:
Amerisure’s Safety Connect Newsletter
DeSoto County News
DeSoto Times-Tribune
FOX 13 Memphis
Huntsville Business Journal
Huntsville Magazine
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Initiatives Magazine
Landscape Management Magazine
Memphis Business Journal
NALP’s The Edge Newsletter
OB Podcast
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Huntsville Branch Grand Opening
In operation since the beginning of the second quarter, the Huntsville Branch held a highly successful grand opening and ribbon cutting on September 18 The Huntsville Branch currently has 27 employees, and market performance has continued to grow under the leadership of Branch Manager Garrett Griffith.
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Investor Partnership
In the third quarter, the company entered a highly-anticipated investor partnership with Walnut Grove Capital Partners. This partnership aligns with our commitment to quality, customer service, and operational excellence, further supporting our expansion and service delivery capabilities.
Restructuring of Company Ownership
The investor partnership restructured the company ownership. Russ Sneed remains CEO, ensuring stability and strategic direction, and is now the largest individual shareholder Founder Michael Hatcher still holds a minority investment. The company also changed from an Incorporated (Inc.) entity to a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC).
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Record-Breaking Revenue
Michael Hatcher & Associates had a record-breaking month in October, delivering $3.7 million in revenue. This was the second time in company history that we hit $3M and above. Non-audited 2024 revenue was $32 7M, reflecting ongoing financial stability
Commercial Landscape Performance
October was the first time that the Install, Construction, and Enhancement team delivered over $2M in one month. The total Commercial Division almost hit $3M alone Annual revenue for 2024 was $25.5M.
Lawn Care Perform
As of October, Master Lawn achieved a historic high of $800,000 in production. Annual revenue for 2024 was $7.2M.
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Investing in Employees
The fourth quarter brought us the Milestone Appreciation Awards, which saw every employee receive a financial award on October 17, whether they had been with the company for one day or 38 years.
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Living Our Core Values & Winning Behaviors
Employees who live and breathe our Core Values – Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence – and nine Winning Behaviors were recognized on a quarterly basis in 2024 as Rising Stars and Champions Club members
Most Valuable Players
When res were ta for Q4, t MVPs w nam Comme
Construc Bal Verd Comme
Maintena Fred Le Lawn C Da Wo
Key2024Moments:OPPORTUNITIES
Nurturing Customer Relationships
At Michael Hatcher & Associates, we understand that our success hinges on one critical factor: customer satisfaction. Our goal is to consistently overdeliver, creating loyal customers who are not only satisfied but enthusiastic ambassadors for our brand Throughout the year, we strengthened relationships with existing clients through a proactive approach of regular property visits and open lines of communication.
The team at Hatcher Landscape is incredibly proactive, always identifying potential issues before they even arise and taking action to address them. They consistently ensure your property looks its best. What stands out to me the most is their attention to detail and how responsive they are to any concerns or needs. They’re a great partner and we look forward to doing business with them for many years to come.
TWYLA DAVIS GENERAL MANAGER
TANGER OUTLETS
SOUTHAVEN
/ MEMPHIS
aboutmha
Our Story
The business established by our founder in 1986 with a pickup truck and two employees has grown into a multimillion-dollar commercial landscape company and Mid-South market industry leader.
Planting the Seed 1973
Michael Hatcher Founder
At 14 years old, Michael Hatcher starts working part time at Brookhaven Nurseries in his hometown of Brookhaven, Mississippi
1976
At 17 years old, Michael Hatcher is awarded a scholarship to attend the Horticulture Summer Seminar at Mississippi State University This experience plants the seed for his career in the green industry
Growing the Dream
1977-1982
Michael Hatcher is an alumnus of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Mississippi State University, with undergraduate studies in Landscape Contracting and Management
Rooted in Experience 1982-1984
Michael Hatcher is employed at Adsit Landscaping and later Jones Bros Tree and Landscape Company Both are in Memphis, Tennessee
1985
Michael Hatcher and a partner form Germantown Landscape Architects and Contractors (GLAC)
Branching Out 1986
Michael Hatcher dissolves his partnership at GLAC and forms Michael L Hatcher Landscape Contractor The design/build firm, a high-end residential service provider, begins operating from 5466 Hacks Cross Road in Memphis, Tennessee
Leadership 1992-1995
Mary Hatcher is President of MH&A, and Michael Hatcher is the company’s Vice President of Operations
Thriving
Expansion
2018
For the first time in company history, revenue hits $1 million
Rebranding 1997 1998
Michael L Hatcher Landscape Contractor changes its name to Michael Hatcher & Associates The company also becomes an LLC and changes its mark to the three-leaf design still used today
New Focus 2002
Amid a recession, MH&A expands its scope of work to include maintenance.
Recognition
2008
Michael Hatcher is recognized as Landscape Contractor of the Year by the Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association
2010
Michael Hatcher is honored as a Mississippi State University Alumnus Fellow
Incorporation
2009
MH&A becomes incorporated
Growing Pains 2016
Having outgrown its facility in Memphis, MH&A breaks ground on a new headquarters in DeSoto County, Mississippi
Establishing New Roots
2016
The company relocates to its new headquarters, called The Landscape Center, at 8365 Center Hill Road in Olive Branch, Mississippi The 22acre site includes a 10,000-square-foot office building, a full-service shop, and storage for equipment, soil, mulch, and plants The grand opening is attended by local and state dignitaries, including Dr William R Fox, Dean Emeritus of Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Mississippi Lt Gov Tate Reeves
The Lawn Care and Spray Services division expands with the acquisition of Master Lawn
2020
MH&A acquires Mid-South Turf and Ornamental. 2021
MH&A purchases Your Choice Lawn &Turf
The subsequent acquisition of Green King Spray Services brings the customer base up to nearly 10,000
Gaining Ground 2018-2024
Revenue reaches $10 million in 2018, surpasses $12 million in 2019, and grows to $14 million in 2020 In 2021, revenue soars to $21 7 million, a 55% increase from 2020 Revenue topped $22
million in 2022 In 2024, the company is ranked No 121 on the LM150, based on revenue of $26 75 million in 2023
Leadership Change
2020
Russ Sneed joins the company as COO.
2022
Russ Sneed is named CEO when Michael Hatcher mov into the position of Founder and Chairman
Shifting Focus 2021
Russ Sneed CEO
MH&A limits residential maintenance to concentrate on commercial landscape construction and maintenance
A Healthy Future 2022
The company looks forward to continued growth, prosperity, and expansion, including rebranding initiatives 2023
MH&A announces plans to expand to the Huntsville and North Alabama market 2024
MH&A opens its Huntsville Branch The company expects steady growth in the Southeast over the next 3-5 years.
aboutmha
Our Services
Serving North Mississippi, the Memphis Metropolitan Area, and North Alabama, we offer comprehensive services that include landscape design, installation, irrigation, and maintenance. Our dedicated professionals ensure that every project is executed with precision and creativity
At Michael Hatcher & Associates, we understand the importance of a commercial property’s appearance. We recognize that it’s more than just a place of business, as your outdoor space is the first message employees, clients, and visitors receive when they encounter your property.
Tailored to suit the unique needs of your property, our comprehensive landscape maintenance plans include:
• Mowing & Horticulture Services
• Leaf & Debris Removal
• Turf Application & Treatment
• Dyed Mulch Services
• Irrigation & Water Management
• Landscape Lighting Services
• Pest Detection & Prevention
• Seasonal Transition Services
• Outdoor Safety Optimization
• Regular Quality Audits
• Landscape Design & Construction
• Dedicated Account Management
• Multiple Add-On Services, Including Sweeping, Portering, and Snow/Ice Preparation & Removal
ourteam
Mississippi
With full-service branches in Memphis and Huntsville, our Commercial Construction, Commercial Maintenance, and Lawn Care teams stand ready to serve our customers
Alabama
Master Lawn
ourleadership
Russ Sneed joined Michael Hatcher & Associates as Chief Operating Officer in October 2020, following a career in the consumer services industry that included senior positions at Terminix, ServiceMaster, and The Miner Corporation He became Chief Executive Officer in January 2022 He has a BBA and an MBA from Mississippi State University, where he played baseball and was a member of the 2007 College World Series team He is a board member of the DeSoto County Economic Development Council and a graduate of Leadership DeSoto
Adam Crawford is the Chief Financial Officer of Michael Hatcher & Associates With over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, he has held various accounting and finance roles at several prominent firms, including Ernst & Young, ServiceMaster, Hunter Fan, and Williams Equipment Crawford was hired as Vice President of Finance in February 2023, and his promotion to CFO was announced in May He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Mississippi State University
Willie Shepherd is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Michael Hatcher & Associates He has over 20 years of HR leadership experience across multiple industries, predominantly in the gas/electric utility and construction mining industries He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, graduated from the Alabama Leadership Initiative and the Birmingham Project Corporate Leadership program, and was a finalist for the Best in Minority Business award for Human Resource Leadership
Greg Houston is the VP of Analytics and Technology at Michael Hatcher & Associates A seasoned technology entrepreneur with C-level management expertise and a solid business ownership background, he has over three decades of extensive experience in programming and software development He is responsible for Data Engineering and Software analysis, selection, and rollout for the company Most importantly, he has overseen the integration of various current and emerging technologies that are crucial to our continued expansion and success.
Kelly Ogden is the General Manager of Sales at Michael Hatcher & Associates He has worked for the company for over 19 years and has extensive experience in landscape and irrigation dating to 1995 Ogden’s previous roles with the company include Vice President of Sales and Customer Service, Director of Business Development, General Manager of Commercial Maintenance, and General Manager of Commercial Sales and Maintenance Operations.
Jeff Peterman is the General Manager of Operations. He attended the University of Memphis and is skilled in construction and project management Employed by Michael Hatcher & Associates since 2006, his other roles at the company include Install Foreman, Install Supervisor, Operations Manager for Installations and Enhancements, General Manager of Landscape Construction, and General Manager of Commercial Construction
Chris Bruno spent over 20 years traveling the world in upper management positions in the hospitality industry before moving to the Memphis area and joining the lawn care profession in 2019 He has worked for Michael Hatcher & Associates since September 2021 and serves as its General Manager of Lawn Care Bruno is familiar with all aspects of lawn care fertilization and weed control, having previously worked for the company’s subsidiary, Master Lawn, as a Lawn Care Specialist, Service Manager, and Operations Manager
bythenumbers
Vitals
Has provided landscape services since 1986
Employs 240-plus team members during peak season
Serves ~390 commercial accounts
(including Huntsville)
Maintains over 1,000 acres (including Huntsville)
8,000-plus residential lawn treatment customers
90% contract renewal rate
2024 revenue: $32.7M
Employees
Installations
Approximately $4M of associated landscape materials were installed in 2024.
Hours
Construction: 110,000
Maintenance: 150,000
Lawn Care: 62,400
As of December 31, Michael Hatcher & Associates had 203 employees. The highest employee headcount for 2024 was 245 on August 15.
As of December 23, Construction had 11 crews (33 crew members and foremen).
Maintenance ran 28 crews at peak season this year. Master Lawn had 42 employees in 2024
Key Hires
In 2024, the company had 19 key hires, including a Director of Talent and Development, a Recruiting Coordinator, additional Field Operations Managers, and a Director of Preconstruction.
bythenumbers
Construction Inventory
The Commercial Construction inventory includes:
7 track machine skid steers
1 wheel machine skid steer
1 sod buggy
1 mini excavator
2 410sx trenchers
1 CX10 trencher
1 mini Bobcat skid steer
284 hand tools
2 chop saws
4 chain saws
Maintenance Inventory
Based on an analysis inventory conducted in November, Commercial Maintenance (Memphis Branch) had 80 mowers and 130 pieces of two-cycle equipment (blowers, string trimmers, edgers, etc.)
Lawn Care Inventory
Master Lawn’s inventory includes:
34 spray trucks
14 Z-Spray and Steel Green ride-on sprayers
3 ride-on core aerators
2 walk-behind aerators
Fleet and Equipment
Michael Hatcher & Associates has a fleet of over 120 vehicles on the road every day They are maintained by four mechanics. Master Lawn’s equipment is maintained by one mechanic.
bythenumbers
Community Engagement
Throughout 2024, our employees participated in more than 50 community events, and we donated to several nonprofits. Schools, ARC Northwest Mississippi, Palmer Home for Children, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, breast cancer awareness, and Hurricane Helene disaster relief were among the efforts supported.
Opportunitiesin2025
Outlook for the New Year
e us growing substantially in numerous ways. We will grow ust, confidence, professionalism, and resilience. e will continue to add and train skilled team members, assets and manpower, and provide stellar service, quality, or our local clients, current and future.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities for Michael Hatcher & Associates. With tools like Aspire, Inova, and Acumatica enhancing our operational efficiency, we’re better equipped to scale and adapt to industry changes. The new Huntsville Branch is just the beginning. We’ll continue building a strong future while maintaining the culture and values that have made us successful.
LANA BROWN DIRECTOR OF HR SHARED SERVICES ADMIN
STEPHEN SHIKLE VP OF CONSTRUCTION SALES COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE
Michael Hatcher & Associates is on a strong path forward. With the opening of our Huntsville Branch and the continued investment in our people, equipment, and technology, we’re well-positioned to grow our presence beyond the Mid-South and North Alabama. Commercial landscaping is becoming more data-driven, and we will continue to adapt and stay ahead of industry trends to remain a strong competitor in the landscape industry for many years to come.
As we approach the 2025 season, Michael Hatcher & Associates and Master Lawn are set for exponential growth in Memphis and the new Huntsville market. Our significant investments in cutting-edge equipment, coupled with a focus on hiring cultural fits and offering industry-leading pay, position us to attract top talent With this strategy, we are committed to enhancing service quality and driving success in the competitive landscaping industry.
DAVEY HOOPER
SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER MASTER LAWN
Looking Forward Opportunitiesin2025
Looking ahead, Michael Hatcher & Associates is poised for continued growth and success. Our strategic priorities for 2025 include:
Expanding Master Lawn to Huntsville
Exploring opportunities to extend our services into new markets within the southeastern United States
Continued investments in technology tools and platforms to enhance customer interactions and streamline operations
Significant investments in fleet and equipment to help us deliver exceptional service to our clients
Earning the Employer of Choice
Enhanced focus on serving our 400 commercial customers and 8,000-plus Master Lawn customers
Dominating the industry’s Top 100 – #ExpectToWin!
