The winter of 2007-2008 was long and hard. But summer is inevitable—even in Michigan. And summer means entertaining on your private deck, surrounded by lush greenery while in the background your serene pond with its burbling waterfall lends an idyllic touch to the festivities. Sound alluring? However, if your backyard or front lawn looks more like the “before” picture from that new landscaping show Ugliest House on the Block, Richard Luke is waiting for your call!

Luke, the 2008 recipient of the Entrepreneurial Award in the service category, is the founder and president of Luke Landscaping. Since 1986, he has been bringing his own unique sensibilities to landscape design, installation and maintenance. As he said, “I have a passion for what I do, and I keep learning all the time. For me, it’s not just a job; it’s a pleasure.”

It started with a simple plan to make extra money for college by going into business as Luke Lawn Care & Snow Removal. But a teacher at Lansing Community College, John Walters, inspired Luke to take a closer look at the way he ran his enterprise. Writing a business plan, researching business formation, learning about marketing and establishing accounting procedures all led him to a deeper understanding of the small business model. Not only did his landscaping business benefit from his increased understanding, but, in the mid-‘90s, he also established and ran a consulting firm, Business Management Systems, which assisted service businesses in setting up management and billing systems.

These days, Luke is concentrating on his landscaping business, which has grown and prospered as his reputation for creativity has spread. He specializes in residential “hardscapes” and water features. And just what is a hardscape? Luke described it this way: “Hardscapes incorporate features like rocks; water details like fountains, ponds and waterfalls; elevations; benches and retaining walls. Luke travels to Canada as well as to quarries in the United States to hand pick the stones and large rocks used in his designs.

According to Luke, “When I sit down with a new client, I ask a lot of questions about just what they are looking for. I try to get a good idea of how they will use the space, whether they have children or grandchildren, what kind of entertaining they do, whether they have a formal or more casual lifestyle. By finding out the answers to these questions, I can design something that will not only meet but exceed their expectations.”

While Luke concentrates on residential projects, he is also in demand for commercial work. On the Michigan State University campus, Luke Landscaping has created six waterfalls and a 35,000-gallon closed system water feature. Playmakers in Okemos also features Luke’s work. Farther from home, the Mackinac Island Butterfly House incorporates a waterfall designed and created by Richard Luke.

Luke graduated from East Lansing High School and attended both Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, taking advantage of MSU’s extensive offerings in turf grass, horticulture and landscaping. Luke is now a member of the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, along with the MSU Alumni Association, Michigan Turf Grass Foundation and Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. He and his company support the Susan B. Koman Breast Cancer Association and the MS Foundation and are sponsors of the Special Olympics Run Along. They also support the Ingham Regional Medical Center and several Sparrow Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network events, as well as the Ron Mason Fund for Kids.

Luke’s skill, artistry and understanding of his customers’ needs and expectations have led to award-winning success in business. Gardens and greenery throughout the Lansing area attest to that. Now imagine your property, complete with the gentle sound of flowing water, fragrant flowers nestled around intricate rock formations and verdant serenity just outside the back door. Richard Luke is waiting for your call!