DLC Resources

Edward Jones Spirit of Enterprise Award

The owners and managers of landscape management company, DLC Resources, Inc., work for their employees.

The founders -- Colorado school buddies, Rick Robinson and Jeff Penney -- believe they prosper when their people do. Mark Skidmore, the third founder, is not directly involved in day-to-day operations. Rick is president; Jeff is vice president.

The business began in 1989 with a team of 17. It employs about 240 now. Current contracts include 25 master-planned communities and one municipal property that include turf, xeriscape and desert areas.

Company Profile

Name of Business: DLC Resources, Inc.
Nature of Business: Commercial landscape maintenance
Address: 6135 N. 7th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Web: www.dlcresources.com
Founded: 1989
Employees: 240

Core values – efficiency, quality, integrity, safety and teamwork -- are the "roots" of DLC's success. It rewards employees with incentive plans and bonuses, tied to the company's performance and safety record.

DLC's business model includes conserving energy and keeping the air clean. Sophisticated management of irrigation systems reduces water consumption. Scheduled vehicle and equipment maintenance help reduce energy consumption. Most employees work at only one jobsite and often travel to the site as a group in one vehicle, provided by the company.

The company is a recognized industry leader in GIS technology. GPS coordinates plot a map that records each tree's size, condition, species and other specifications. Also mapped are irrigation components such as clocks and valves to help manage systems and conserve water.

DLC measures success by how well it communicates with clients, employees and vendors. As Jeff tells new employees: "We're not just in this for ourselves. We communicate with each other...It takes integrity to do that. That's the kind of company you're joining."