For National Boss’s Day, we're highlighting some great Green Industry bosses! Meet Johnny De La Mora, owner of A R Landscaping in Los Feliz, CA.

Johnny De La Mora started as a laborer, but over the years found a passion for irrigation and education, leading him to start his company, A R Landscaping, in 2013.

On an average day, he works on multiple projects—anything from irrigation and lighting repairs, to installing french drains, applying fertilizer, building retaining walls and making calls to stay in contact with customers.

Gaining Experience

Years ago, when he first walked in to a Ewing store and was working for someone else,  Johnny said he didn't know the difference between PVC and schedule 80 pipe, but he was willing to learn and never stopped.

Eventually he started attending classes at Ewing, followed by Pierce college and was surprised to find irrigation and horticulture classes were available. He hadn't initially though of irrigation as a career but all the knowledge he gained allowed him start his own business and become a boss.

"At the end of the day, I’m responsible. My word overrides everyone else and having that experience is pretty cool."

Not Just Business, It's Personal 

Spending time with employees and family.

One thing that surprised him about becoming a boss, was how personal business can be.

"You've got to deal with a lot of personalities. Not everybody is  like you, or has the same sense humor. You have to accept people for being different," Johnny said.

His employees often become like family.

"My guys are part of my company and my success. I tell them my success is your success."

It has made an impression on his employees, like William who said, "He's not only taught me how to be a great worker but also be a great human being in general. He's gone out of his way to help me with personal and family problems because that's the kind of man he is. He taught me what it means to be a part of something."

Breathe Your Business

Johnny De La Mora

Just knowing about landscape and irrigation isn't enough for success—you've got to breathe it!

"You gotta have a passion for what you want to do! Sometimes we’re at job sites at seven at night with a floodlight to get the job done," said Johnny.

Honesty and a willingness to keep learning are also the reasons his business gets rave reviews on Yelp and repeat customers. He still looks for better ways of doing things to save time, and continues to read about and study new methods.

"If you want to do it right, you gotta love it more."

Learn more about A R Landscaping on their Yelp page.

Do you know a great boss in the Green Industry? Tell us in the comments below.