Our Story: Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living Since 1997
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 basic lawn care has blossomed into full-service landscape design from 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 story began with just a lawn mower and his brother by his side in 1997. The brothers started by mowing lawns throughout Cincinnati’s west side neighborhoods, building their reputation one yard at a time. While his brother eventually moved on to other endeavors—recognizing that outdoor work was “Kevin’s thing”—the brothers maintain a close relationship to this day, speaking daily and even collaborating professionally. By 2000, the business had grown beyond simple grass-cutting into Werbrich’s Landscaping, as clients increasingly requested 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
In 2004, two key hires shaped the company’s future. Raido joined as foreman and quickly rose to production manager through his exceptional skills and leadership. Bryan also came aboard as a truck driver, proving to be an invaluable team member. A few years later, Kevin expanded the leadership team by bringing on several Project Managers—most of whom still lead projects today, demonstrating the company’s strong culture and remarkable 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.
A pivotal moment came in 2006 when a client from the show gave Werbrich’s their first big break with a large-scale residential project. “They took a chance on us,” Kevin recalled gratefully. This opportunity helped shape the company’s core philosophy—handling all services in-house without subcontractors, a feature highly valued by their customers.
He continued participating as a vendor until COVID-19 hit in 2020. As digital marketing evolved, Google became the primary source of new business. This shift in marketing strategy supported the company’s expansion into more sophisticated services, including lighting, retaining walls, comprehensive landscape design, and more.
Strategic Expansion
The company reached a milestone in 2020 by expanding to a second location in Loveland, strategically positioning the business to serve both sides of Cincinnati. While the original Cleves location had built a strong reputation on Cincinnati’s west side for the last 20 years, the new space opened doors for ambitious growth. The Loveland facility enabled Werbrich’s to launch pool installation, carpentry services, and an arborist division. It also became home to the company’s dedicated design studio, where clients can now collaborate with designers to bring their outdoor visions to life.
Technological Advancement
Compared to other landscape design companies in Cincinnati, 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 compliments their landscape design, and even transforming their home interiors to harmonize with their newly created outdoor spaces.
Commitment to Industry Education
Kevin’s passion for nurturing future landscape designers stems from his own roots at Cincinnati State University, where he earned his degree in landscape horticulture. What started as an impromptu fill-in for a missing speaker during his college days in 2003 has blossomed into a two-decade commitment to sharing industry knowledge. Today, beyond actively participating in peer group organizations, Kevin returns to Cincinnati State annually to inspire the next generation of landscape professionals—sharing real-world insights from his journey from mowing lawns to leading one of Cincinnati’s premier landscape design companies.
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. The Werbrich family has been integral to the company’s success from day one. Kevin’s brother helped launch the business and remains connected to the company’s journey. His father, who retired at 51, provided invaluable guidance during the critical early years. Kevin’s wife Missy brings her design expertise to both outdoor and indoor spaces, expanding the company’s creative capabilities. Together, they exemplify how strong family bonds and business acumen 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.
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
Today, Werbrich Custom Outdoor Living stands ready to transform any outdoor space into a stunning, functional environment. With a full team of experienced designers, project managers, and skilled craftspeople across two locations, we combine sophisticated 3D design technology with proven expertise to bring your vision to life. 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.
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.
