Monica Reyes is changing the face of a male-dominated industry
By Luana Ferreira
Landscaping is a $93 billion industry in the United States and is traditionally male dominated. Men are responsible for running 83% of landscaping companies in the country. Still, female entrepreneurs like Monica Reyes, CEO at CME Landscape Corp., are working hard to change those numbers.
Monica had worked for corporations in the U.S. for over two decades and had experience with corporations but not in the landscaping industry. Her husband had a background in the field, and they teamed up to open the company in 2015. "Eight years ago, I knew nothing. I could barely water my grass," Monica says.
CME Landscape Corp. is a California-based business that started as a door-to-door service specializing in crafting outdoor spaces. "We started with a $4,000 truck, some equipment, internet, and off we went," says Monica.
The company offers landscape maintenance, clean-ups, and water management. "Especially with the drought in California and climate change, we come out and do water assessments to ensure that our clients save money and water. Yet still having beautiful curb appeal," Monica explains.
The company has evolved significantly in less than one decade, and they're on track to becoming a $1,000,000 business and an energy-efficient company. To achieve that goal, they will replace all machinery with battery-operated equipment.
Corporations represent 95% of CME Landscape Corp.'s portfolio and have contracts with the state of California, Los Angeles County, and significant aerospace organizations and retailers.
Monica knows that being one of the few women leading a landscaping business is challenging and raise a few eyebrows. Yet, by providing high-quality services, Monica and her company became a reference in the landscaping business. "Providing excellent service reliability has given us a reputation and great referrals in the industry. I think that with small businesses, it's difficult to get in front of well-known suppliers because we're not as big as many other vendors," she explains.
To overcome those challenges, Monica has worked tirelessly. She often spent her days on calls and follow-ups, talking to suppliers, researching, and trying to create positive exposure to CME Landscape Corp.
As a Latina, Monica knows that she brings diversity to the table, directly impacting the business. "I see that as an opportunity for emerging businesses and creating new business lines. Also, for corporations to capture the percentage of diverse businesses that are not included," Monica adds.
The company is a certified minority supplier, a process that demands time and money. Yet, those businesses also must deal with defiance to have resources such as loans. "There's a disconnect regarding our community when you are starting. Unless you can engage or have experience with other entrepreneurs or small business owners in your community, you're on your own."
As people are becoming more conscious of new entrepreneurs' community support, the environment is changing. Monica will continue to grow her business while empowering other diverse minority entrepreneurs.
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Editor’s pick: As a Latina, Monica knows that she brings diversity to the table, directly impacting the business.
_ photo: Courtesy of Monica Reyes