Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Bauer.
Robert, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a young child, approximately 9 or 10, I would go with my grandparents on weekends to their nursery, Bill’s Nursery on 103 and Halsted, to help and learn the family business. As I grew older, I worked, helped, and learned more and more with my relatives and siblings. I learned from my family to work hard and dedicate myself to my customers. Around 1986, I took that knowledge and started my business doing small jobs and that is when I created Specialty Landscaping. I believe that I am still here today because of my credibility, hard work, and dedication to my customers. Due to these aspects, I have a large base of loyal repeat customers and all of those that refer me to others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it was not always smooth. I started very young, so I did have to learn from my mistakes. Early on, I was new so people did not always trust my abilities. As years went on, competition grew, however now I usually do not have to compete, customers contact and hire me due to my experience and reputation. When the economy was bad, my business was hit hard because people did not want to spend money on cosmetic work for their yards and choose instead to either do the work themselves or put it off for later. Another setback was learning that politics plays a role in which company is chosen for contracts. Even though I had exceeded expectations, over the years I had lost two contracts for this reason. Finally, throughout the years, I have suffered the loss of key family members (my grandparents, parents, and my two brothers). I have found that you just need to keep going and I still use the things that they taught me today.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I do concrete and restoration work but I am known for my landscape design and brick work. Like my business name, I feel that I specialize in creating design concepts that work for my customers, from basic to unique. There are many things that I am proud of as a company, for example winning a contract with People’s Gas in the early 1990’s as a young company. I took a complaint plagued system and zeroed-out the complaints, leading to a promotion for the People’s Gas Supervisor who oversaw my work. Another example is that I started and have kept the operation of my company in my hometown. After being hired in 2006 for restoration services by the Alsip Water Commissioner, Michael Behrens, we successfully zeroed out all of the outstanding complaints and completed all of the outstanding and current work in a timely manner. I was proud to be a part of the coalition when Commissioner Michael Behrens was awarded the Operator of the Year award in 2007. I am most proud however, of the many volunteer projects that I have done in the town where I grew up and still live. After being appointed to the beautification committee by Mayor Kitching of Alsip in 2005, I had worked side-by-side with him on beautifying the community. My business has donated labor, advice, and in some cases materials for projects, such as the brick pavers by the Village Hall and landscape designs around the Veteran Memorials throughout the town. I am extremely proud of the work that we donated to the Veteran’s Memorial on 117 and Pulaski. My company was recognized on the marquee sign and given an honorary engraved brick that was placed in the Memorial. What sets me apart from others is along with my experience and the knowledge that I have learned from my mentors, I am not afraid to do unique things.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a hard worker. I enjoyed working, playing sports, and spending time with my family and friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: specialtylandscaping.net
- Phone: 708-371-2026
- Email: rbauer@specialtylandscaping.net
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
