From lawns to landscapes… the journey of building something real
After finishing high school, Dave could never have guessed that a simple job mowing lawns would one day lead to a thriving, seven-figure landscaping business on the Sunshine Coast. But from the very beginning, the seeds of DR Landscaping were there… work ethic, curiosity, and an eye for opportunity.
Dave’s first gig in Sydney involved basic garden maintenance: mowing, trimming hedges, and blowing leaves. But as clients kept asking for more… edging, timberwork, even concreting… he realised the demand for landscape construction was much bigger than he’d originally thought. That was the spark. He enrolled in TAFE, working Tuesdays while picking up a job under a landscape construction business owner who also happened to be a property developer. Over the next few years, Dave built a skill set that would eventually become the foundation of DR Landscaping.
He worked under a tough ex-British Army supervisor who showed him how to earn respect, work hard, and spot the dollar signs in the trade. Jobs on weekends turned into private projects. He was learning fast, working harder, and gaining momentum.
After a brief stint living abroad, Dave came back and worked with a high end construction company, where he got a taste of high-end projects. But the GFC hit hard, and the work dried up. Out of a job, but not out of ideas, Dave began doing odd jobs for friends and their parents. Word spread. Before long, he had three months’ worth of work booked in… and no formal business yet.
That changed in the winter of 2007. DR Landscaping was officially born.
Scaling from the suburbs to the Sunshine Coast
In its third year, DR Landscaping brought in $375,000 in revenue… not bad for a one-man show with a couple of casual labourers… particularly back then. Dave had his eye on more than just growth, though. He wanted land. And while Sydney’s housing prices made that dream feel out of reach, the Sunshine Coast called with its lifestyle, affordability, and opportunities.
So in 2010, Dave and his wife Katie packed up their lives, gear, and tools and moved north. The timing couldn’t have been more challenging. Queensland was facing floods. The economy was still sluggish. And Dave had just $10,000 in savings. He took a full-time job with a commercial landscaping company to stay afloat, and later worked with other firms before eventually returning to self-employment.
The turning point came around nine years ago when the business started to hit its stride. As the workload increased, so did the calibre of staff, and Katie… formerly an event manager with Ironman… slowly transitioned into the business full-time.
Building a business around culture
While DR Landscaping has long surpassed the seven-figure mark, revenue isn’t what Dave is most proud of.
The real success lies in the team culture.
After experiencing toxic workplaces earlier in his career, Dave was determined to create something different. Today, DR Landscaping is a crew of mates who respect each other, enjoy their work, and turn up with purpose. There’s laughter, trust, and a shared belief in what they’re building… not just with tools, but with values.
“It’s more important than money,” Dave says. “Sure, we’ve got to make a living. But when your team wants to be there… that’s when you know you’ve built something special.”
Lessons learned (and shared)
If there’s one guiding principle Dave and Katie have held onto, it’s this:
“Don’t let your ego run the show.”
That, and always prioritising communication… especially when things get tough. They’ve also learned that the right people can make or break a business. “Choose your team carefully. Make sure they’re on the bus with you. It has to be more than just a pay check.”
Their advice to other business owners? Find people who share your vision. And find a coach who challenges you (bonus points if they like fishing, Dave jokes).
What’s next?
The next three years are about doubling down… not necessarily on size, but on quality. DR Landscaping has carved out two areas of specialty that they’re proud of: high-quality retaining walls and nature-based play spaces for childcare centres.
Retaining walls have become the backbone of their commercial and residential work, delivering strong margins and consistent demand. But it’s the Nature Play projects that have lit a new fire. These are more than just landscaping jobs… they’re about creating spaces for kids to grow, explore, and thrive.
“It’s given me a whole new lease on life,” Dave says. “Reignited the passion. There’s something powerful about building spaces that leave a legacy.”
You’ll find their work showcased across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube… a blend of structural expertise and creativity, always delivered with care.
What drives them?
At the end of the day, it’s not about hoarding wealth or building an empire. Dave and Katie are driven by something simpler: a good life. A home with space to breathe. Family holidays. A bigger boat. A community they’re active in and proud of.
“I want to be generous, fair, loving, and kind,” Dave shares. “That’s how I want to lead. That’s what drives me.”
And that’s what DR Landscaping is really about… building something solid, not just with bricks and plants, but with intention, loyalty, and heart.
