The origin of Simón Landscape, which will celebrate 22 years of business in Savannah in November, began with a simple concept.

“Grass always grows,” my husband, Luis Simón, said to me after studying his new surroundings in Savannah in 2004. 

This was a gift of clarity that arrived on the heels of the complex, three-year journey that brought us together. 

From Havana, Cuba, Luis had moved here only weeks earlier. He speaks Spanish and Italian and studied economics, but didn’t know how this would translate to job opportunities and connections within a new community that was as confounding to him as Cuba was to me.

I traveled to Havana in early 2001. At the time, a U.S. embargo against Cuba had been in place for almost 40 years, and tourism by Americans was largely off-limits. Still, I felt compelled to go. I met Luis within hours of landing. Our connection was immediate, and when I returned almost a year later, we both knew we'd marry.

By the time Luis arrived in Savannah, I had begun to understand his world. It was his turn to navigate a new culture.

Luis wasted no time. Within weeks of his arrival, he looked for opportunity, surveying neighborhoods until he found a ranch-style home to purchase, renovate and flip for profit. He continued the real estate path, restoring multiple properties, including a 12-unit residential complex near Forsyth Park that earned a preservation award from the Historic Savannah Foundation.

Along the way, Luis became part of the community, one relationship at a time. 

“The community of Savannah embraced me,” Luis said. “And without the community, you're not going to make it very far anywhere. Savannah is very unique that way.” 

Luis’ entrepreneurial instinct led to the creation of Simón Landscape, following the purchase of a small company that serviced a dozen customers at The Landings. He considers his attention to detail one of his greatest assets, and one that has allowed the company to flourish.

“I think that's one of the qualities of a good entrepreneur,” Luis said. “It's what inspires you to do something. You can make things happen because you have that quality.”

As the residential landscape business grew, real estate developers also began to take notice, and gave Luis room to grow as he adapted to a new business environment.

“The customers will get you as long as you are attentive, responsive and you give your word,” Luis said. “When you say you're going to do something, you make it happen. And even when you’re starting out, trying to do your best, and your knowledge is not completely out there, experienced people see you trying and they will give you time.”

While much of the company’s growth continues to be organic, another key component of its success has been the acquisition and successful integration of three additional established landscape businesses in coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Today, Simón Landscape is one of the region's most recognized full-service landscape companies with offerings that include landscape architectural design, hardscape and lighting installation, chemical and pest management programs, and small and large-scale installations, among others. 

Luis generously credits his employees, many of whom have been with the company for more than a decade. Mutual respect and care are key.

“The employees are your family,” Luis acknowledged. “And when you treat them like that, they stick with you.”

Together, we’ve created our own family, raising three children, and a life that reflects our bicultural roots. And more than two decades after Luis stepped off a plane with little more than determination and curiosity, he has established much more than a landscaping company. He's grown a business rooted in relationships and a reputation earned one customer at a time.