From Mowing Lawns to Creating Dream Outdoor Spaces: Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living Celebrates 25 Years of Growth
A humble lawn mower, a partnership with his brother, and a passion for outdoor work – these were the simple ingredients that launched Kevin Werbrich’s entrepreneurial journey in 1997. What began as a basic lawn care service has blossomed into Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living, a comprehensive outdoor living company employing approximately 60 people across two Cincinnati locations – Loveland and Cleves.
Kevin’s story exemplifies how steady growth, willingness to learn from mistakes, and investment in great people can transform a one-man operation into an industry leader that creates dream outdoor spaces for clients throughout the Greater Cincinnati area.
Humble Beginnings with Family Ties
Kevin’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1997 with just a lawn mower and his brother by his side. While his brother eventually pursued other endeavors because outdoor work was “Kevin’s thing,” they maintain a close relationship to this day, speaking daily. Their strong bond continues through professional collaboration, with Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living currently installing the landscaping at his brother’s house. The business evolved into Werbrich’s Landscaping by 2000, transforming from a simple grass-cutting operation as customers began requesting additional services like bush removal and mulch spreading.
Learning Through Experience and Early Mistakes
The path to success wasn’t without its challenges. Kevin openly acknowledged making costly mistakes along the way, particularly in his early resistance to mechanization. “It was a slow and painful process, but I slowly learned what I needed to know to grow my business,” Kevin emphasized. His hands-on experience led to valuable insights, including the surprising discovery that professional companies sharpen their mower blades daily – something he hadn’t even known was possible in his early days.
Building a Strong Team
A turning point came in 2004 with the hiring of Raido as foreman, who later transitioned to production manager as he demonstrated his skills and knowledge. That same year, Bryan joined as a truck driver, proving to be both a good worker and valuable team member. About 12 years ago, Kevin hired a group of Project Managers, most of whom remain with the company today – a testament to the company’s strong culture and employee retention.
Evolution and Strategic Growth
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone with the company’s rebranding to Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living. The growth from a single employee in 2000 to today’s workforce of 60 has been steady and deliberate, with only one year of minimal growth during the unstable economy of 2009. “People here know there are opportunities for advancement within the company and they all know that we promote from within,” noted Kevin, who has demonstrated a natural talent for identifying and retaining quality employees.
Marketing Evolution and Business Development
The Greater Cincinnati Home and Garden Show played a crucial role in the company’s early success. “All of our business for the first 10 years came from that show,” Kevin recalled. He continued participating as a vendor until COVID-19 hit in 2020. As digital marketing evolved, Google became the primary source of new business, allowing Kevin to expand his service offerings to include lighting, retaining walls, and more.
Strategic Expansion
The acquisition of a second location in Loveland in 2020 marked a new chapter, complementing the original Cleves location that had served as home base for 20 years on Cincinnati’s west side. This expansion enabled the addition of pool installation, carpentry services, and an arborist division. The new location also houses the design team, creating a more comprehensive service center for clients.
Technological Advancement
Werbrich’s has consistently stayed ahead of industry trends in technology. While most work was initially done on paper, the company now utilizes advanced software with computer-aided designs. “We stay on top of that,” Kevin emphasized, noting that Werbrich’s was among the first in the area to implement landscape-specific software.
Family Integration and Design Excellence
Today, Kevin works alongside his wife Missy, who brings multiple dimensions of design expertise to enhance customer satisfaction. Beyond her contributions to landscape design, Missy has expanded her role to include outdoor furniture selection and interior design services. Many of Werbrich’s landscape clients now seek out Missy’s expertise for creating cohesive indoor-outdoor living spaces, choosing outdoor furniture that complements their landscape design, and even transforming their home interiors to harmonize with their newly created outdoor spaces.
Commitment to Industry Education
Kevin actively participates in peer group organizations and regularly speaks to students at Cincinnati State University, where he earned his degree in landscape horticulture. His commitment to industry education began unexpectedly in 2003 when he volunteered to fill in for a missing speaker during his student days, a tradition he has maintained every year since.
Looking to the Future
As Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company continues to build on its strong foundation while embracing new opportunities for growth. Kevin’s father, who retired at 51 and provided invaluable assistance during the business’s early years, serves as an inspiring example of how family support and business acumen can combine to create lasting success. Today, the company focuses on expanding its comprehensive service offerings while maintaining the exceptional quality that has defined its first quarter-century.
Customer Relations and Business Philosophy
A pivotal moment came in 2006 when a client from the home and garden show gave Werbrich’s their first big break with a large-scale residential project. “They took a chance on us,” Kevin recalled gratefully. Today, Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living distinguishes itself by handling all services in-house without subcontractors, a feature highly valued by their customers.
Twenty-Five Years of Continuous Growth
Through economic ups and downs, Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living has demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistent growth. From learning to sharpen mower blades to managing a full-service outdoor living company, Kevin’s journey exemplifies how dedication, continuous learning, and investment in people can build a lasting legacy in the landscape industry.
Creating Your Dream Outdoor Space
From daily blade sharpening to sophisticated 3D designs, from solo mowing jobs to managing complex outdoor living projects, Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living’s 25-year journey reflects the power of continuous improvement and unwavering dedication to quality. Today, with a full team of experienced designers, project managers, and skilled craftspeople across two locations, the company stands ready to transform any outdoor space into a stunning, functional environment that families can enjoy for years to come.
Ready to bring your outdoor vision to life? Contact Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living today to schedule a consultation and join the countless Cincinnati homeowners who have trusted us with their outdoor transformations for the past 25 years. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene garden retreat, a poolside paradise, or a complete backyard makeover, our team has the expertise and dedication to make it happen.
