Peer Landscaping

What started as a modest one-man venture, with Bailey Peer working hands-on with clients, has evolved into a well-established company known for quality service, detailed designs, and a unique approach to landscaping. From its humble origins to a full-service operation, Peer Landscaping’s growth is a testament to Bailey’s determination and the clear vision he holds for his company. In the early days he handled everything from mowing lawns to initial consultations to physical installations. The landscape of his business changed quickly, though, as Bailey realized that in order to scale, he needed to refine his processes. It was no longer sustainable for him to juggle every role. The next step was to bring structure to the company, organizing each aspect into specialized departments.

“I was doing everything myself—designing, installing, even estimating,” Bailey says. “I loved it, but I came to understand that to grow, I had to step away from doing it all. I couldn’t be everywhere and still move forward.” As the business matured, so did its operations. The original one-man operation expanded to multiple teams specializing in design, maintenance, and installation. This shift allowed Peer Landscaping to handle a broader range and size of projects and build a more formal business structure. With the team in place, Bailey focused on the bigger picture—ensuring the quality of every project, maintaining client satisfaction, and developing an operation that could scale to meet the demand.

As the company grew, Bailey was confronted with new operational difficulties. Managing cash flow, ensuring profitability, and structuring the business in a way that could handle future expansion were all issues Bailey needed to address. He knew that to keep the company moving forward, he needed guidance. That’s when Bailey reached out to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “I had gotten to the point where I was doing okay, but I knew I wasn’t moving as fast as I could be. I needed help. That’s when I heard about the SBDC,” Bailey recalls. “I didn’t know exactly what they could do, but I decided to reach out. I didn’t realize how much they’d be able to help me get the tools I needed.” Andrea Walker of the SBDC provided a range of valuable services to Bailey, allowing him to address many of the business challenges he was facing. One of the most important areas of support was business planning and strategy. With the SBDC’s help, Bailey crafted a detailed business plan that not only set clear goals for Peer Landscaping but also outlined a roadmap for achieving them. It wasn’t just about expanding the business—it was about expanding thoughtfully, with clear, actionable steps.

“The SBDC helped me break down my business goals,” says Bailey. “Before I worked with them, I had a vague sense of direction, but it wasn’t specific. They taught me how to take the big picture and break it into smaller pieces. That made it easier to act on. I got a better understanding of the market we’re in and the potential for growth.” In addition to strategy and planning, the SBDC provided Bailey with the tools and resources to improve his financial management. Bailey had no formal training in business finances, and many of his decisions were made without a full understanding of the implications. The SBDC introduced Bailey to key financial concepts—budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and financial statements—which allowed him to make better-informed decisions. “The financial side of the business used to be something I avoided,” Bailey admits. “But with the SBDC, I learned how to read my numbers and make informed decisions based on them. Now, I know exactly where my business stands and where it’s heading.”

As a result of his work with the SBDC, Bailey implemented several operational changes at Peer Landscaping. These changes focused on streamlining day-to-day operations, improving workflow, and ensuring that the company could handle an increasing number of projects without sacrificing quality. By establishing clear processes and assigning specific roles to each department, Bailey made the company more efficient, and it showed in their client interactions. “The SBDC showed me how to create systems,” Bailey says. “Before, it felt like we were always putting out fires. But with the right processes in place, we could focus on doing the work without constantly worrying about the logistics.” Perhaps one of the most significant areas of change for Peer Landscaping came in the form of customer service. As the company expanded, Bailey wanted to ensure that every client felt valued and heard. He worked with the SBDC to fine-tune the client experience, ensuring that each step, from initial consultation to project completion, was seamless and personalized. The result was a business that not only met client expectations but exceeded them.

“The SBDC helped me realize how important it is to have a system for interacting with clients,” says Bailey. “It’s not just about doing the job right—it’s about making sure the client knows we’re on top of things from the moment they call us until the job is finished. That consistency has made a huge difference. It’s been an amazing experience, and I feel like we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.” Bailey also has a long-term vision of making the company more sustainable. Environmental concerns are increasingly shaping the way people think about landscaping, and Peer Landscaping is committed to offering solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. By using sustainable materials, incorporating eco-friendly practices, and diligently employing 3-D previsualization and design, Bailey is ensuring that the company remains relevant in a changing industry. “I believe in taking care of the environment, and I want to make sure that the work we do reflects that,” he says. “We’re focusing on things like drought-resistant plants and sustainable materials to ensure that our designs don’t just look good—they’re also good for the planet.”

Another priority for Bailey is employee development. He believes that the strength of Peer Landscaping lies in its people, and he’s committed to providing ongoing training and growth opportunities for his team. This investment in his employees not only enhances the skills of the team but also helps maintain a positive, motivated work environment. In the early days of Peer Landscaping, Bailey had no employees, often relying on friends to help with occasional large jobs. On one such occasion, as he stopped to buy ice for his crew, he encountered Tom Marsh, a homeless man who asked for a dollar. Instead of offering cash, Bailey impulsively suggested Tom work for it. To his surprise, Tom immediately stood, grabbed his belongings, and accepted the offer. During the short ride to the job site, Tom shared his life story, forming an instant and profound connection. Despite initial hesitation, Bailey soon realized Tom’s work ethic was unparalleled. Tom outperformed younger workers, tackling tasks with tireless dedication.

For years, Tom was a cornerstone of Peer Landscaping. Bailey would pick him up from where he lived behind a Chuck E. Cheese, ensuring he had a meal, a chance to shower, and essential supplies. Over time, Tom’s circumstances improved. Through steady work, he transitioned to a trailer in North Fort Myers, obtained a car, and built a new life. Tom’s presence left an indelible mark on the company. He worked alongside Bailey for eight years until his passing from cancer. Even in memory, Tom remains a testament to resilience and opportunity, a vivid symbol of the values that underpin Peer Landscaping. Bailey’s journey has been one of hard work, strategic planning, and a willingness to seek guidance when needed. The support of the SBDC has been instrumental in helping him refine his business strategy and operational systems. With a clear vision for the future, Bailey continues to steer Peer Landscaping toward greater success, always focusing on the core values that have made the company what it is today—quality, customer satisfaction, and a commitment to excellence.