Ruppert Landscape has expanded its landscape construction operations to include a permanent location in Charlotte, North Carolina. This branch joins 10 existing construction locations serving the State College (PA), Baltimore (MD), Washington (DC), Manassas (VA), Raleigh (NC), Charleston (SC), Atlanta (GA), Jacksonville (FL), Nashville (TN), and Houston (TX) markets.
Ruppert has been providing full-scope landscape construction services in Charlotte from the Raleigh (NC) branch since 2009. Ruppert established a Charlotte satellite operation in 2020 to more effectively take on large-scale projects in this market. At the time, the full-time staff consisted of 16 employees; four years later, the team has established a permanent presence and has grown to a team of 36. In converting from a satellite operation to a full-fledged branch, Ruppert hopes to put down roots and continue building ties to the Charlotte market.
Ruppert’s Charlotte construction branch provides comprehensive commercial landscape construction services, including estimating and pre-construction services; installation of landscape, hardscape, and special decorative structures; irrigation and water management; and turnkey project management. Ruppert is currently working on several projects in the region, including the Eli Lilly manufacturing facility, Radius Dilworth, and Modera LoSo, with upcoming projects including The Pearl, Hanover South End, and Ascent South End.
This location is led by Chris Southworth, who has recently been promoted to Branch Manager. In this position, his responsibilities include planning, budgeting, personnel development, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Southworth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Eastern Kentucky University and has over 20 years of construction industry experience. He joined Ruppert in 2011 and served four years as Senior Estimator in the North Carolina construction branch before relocating to the Texas construction branch to serve as a Business Developer. In 2021, he returned to North Carolina and was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager to help oversee the Charlotte satellite operation.
“Chris is a high-energy leader who really focuses on his people and taking care of customers. He sweats the small stuff and does a great job bringing people together,” said Bob Jones, President of Ruppert’s Landscape Construction Division. “We are excited to see him step into this new role and are confident in his ability to lead the Charlotte team as we continue to grow our presence in that market.”
In addition to bringing job opportunities to the Charlotte economy, Ruppert is committed to giving back to the local community. Five percent of the company’s annual profit is used to support charitable causes. A large portion of the giving is managed directly by the local branch teams to ensure that employees are intimately involved—preferably with hands-on projects—and have a greater connection to what’s being donated. Organizations to which the Charlotte construction team has donated funds, time, and/or materials include the Ground 40 Recover Program and Safe Alliance.
Ruppert Landscape, founded as a family and employee-owned business, is a leading provider of commercial landscaping services. Headquartered in Laytonsville, MD, Ruppert is proud of its 2,300 team members who serve customers from over 45 branches primarily throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern US. The company prides itself on its strong culture, commitment to its employees, unmatched attention to its customers, and giving back to the community. For more information, please visit www.ruppertlandscape.com.