David Baldwin: A Legend in Landscape Leadership

Today, David Baldwin, one of our very best Regional Vice Presidents, will officially hang up his hat. And let’s be honest... it’s going to be hard to imagine Heritage without him.

He’s spent over 30 years in the industry and has done everything from public water management and sales territory management to leading some of the largest landscaping contracting businesses. He’s spent the last 15 years taking on serious leadership roles in the green industry and, most recently, took Heritage’s Florida region to new heights. Over the past four years, David’s work ethic and visionary planning transformed Florida into one of our top-performing regions. His impact set up an entire region for long-term success.

Jeff Patrick, who’s worked closely with David, says, “The most influential person in my 40+ year career. David Baldwin has been a great leader and mentor for me and all of the Florida team. I can’t thank David enough for the hard work and sacrifices he has made to make the team in Florida successful. My hope for David is that he finds a way to unwind now and enjoy the next chapter of his journey with Norma and the family.”

Susan Macina recalls the famous “Gladiator Games” meeting and says, “This was the first in a series of annual meetings that still happen today. But this, being the first post-recession event, will always stand out in my mind. How much fun we all had, which helped us all move and look forward to the future. It also helped bring everyone together as one family.”

Nicole Mosteiro adds, “I have been managed by many throughout my career, but there are some special managers that I will always remember and am grateful for being under their guidance. David is one of those people. In a very short period, David had a way of making me feel respected and empowered and that he believed in me. In turn, I respected him, believed in him, and was always impressed by his knack for diving in and getting involved regardless of the task. I quickly learned that he was a stand-up guy who loved his family and treated his team as his family. Thank you, David, for making me feel like I always had a seat at your table, for believing in me, and for having a hand in guiding my career to where it is today. While I will miss working with you, I am so grateful that our paths crossed and we got to know each other. You deserve this retirement, and I know you will enjoy the time with your wife, kids, and grandchildren. Cheers to you and this next phase of life!”

From epic meetings to everyday leadership, David has been as much a mentor and friend as he’s been a leader. Brian McIntire had this to say: “You have been a great mentor and leader over the past 15+ years to me, but most of all, you have been an even better friend. I thank you for all the great advice over the years, and I wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavors. You will be missed greatly.”

David also made a lasting impression on Chris McMurrough, who sums it up best: “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside David for the past four years. His vast industry experience, impeccable leadership skills, and genuine love for his team, his customers, and the FIS and Heritage brand were the guiding principles he put in place when we asked him to lead this business. I couldn’t be happier with what he guided this FIS team to accomplish and what a strong and vibrant business he is handing off. I tip my hat to you today with tremendous respect and gratitude for the leader that you are and the legacy you leave behind. Enjoy this next chapter with Norma.”

David, thank you for showing us how it’s done. Here’s to your ideas, guidance, and a retirement filled with as much enjoyment and passion as you’ve given us all.