In this episode of Signature Stories, we traveled to Mason, Ohio to meet Jack Holmes—founder and owner of Degree Lawn and Landscape. What began with a single trailer and two mowers has grown into one of southwestern Ohio’s most respected landscaping operations.
Read on to see how Jack turned a post-college office job, a generous offer, and an eye for perfectly striped lawns into a thriving landscaping business. All built on a rock-solid team-first culture—and powered by Exmark mowers.
From the Cubicle to the Lawn
Like the best dreams always do, Jack’s landscaping career began behind a desk. While working an office job at a local paper company, he spent each day looking out the window at the immaculately maintained grounds. Week after week, he noticed how the lawn would go from ragged on Friday to picture-perfect and pristine on Monday. And that incredible transformation stuck with him.
So, he took a chance. With only a Jeep, a 12-foot trailer, two mowers, and a friend, Degree Lawn and Landscape was born.
Year one saw steady growth. And year two is when things really took off. A local retiring landscaper, impressed by Jack’s ambition and growth, handed him 45 accounts. The rest, as they say, is history.
Built to Grow
Today, Degree Lawn and Landscape employs 40 people for its commercial accounts, and another 25 to 30 for its residential team. Each day kicks off early—around 6:30 in the morning—with equipment checks, crew huddles, and a plan of attack. And, every day always brings something new—be it changing conditions, or the incredible interactions with customers and employees.
It’s this energy that helps keep Jack locked in.
Team First
But what drives Jack isn’t just the work and the interactions with customers, it’s the people doing the work.
Since day one, he’s been deeply invested in his team’s well-being and growth. And a lot of that investment starts with his sister—one of his greatest inspirations. She’s battled breast cancer for nearly a decade, while serving as the company’s office manager. Jack says if he’s ever having a bad day, all he has to do is look to her for the strength to keep moving. She’s not only a part of his family, but she’s a vital part of the team.
And, this sense of family runs deep. Due to Jack’s mentorship and compassion, he’s able to bring a lot of hardworking people together and make them want to stay for a long time. Foremen like Max, who has been with Jack for over 15 years, are a testament to that fact. Jesse White, now the Mowing Production Manager, is further proof—he started in the field and has now become a leader in the company.
Powered by Exmark
The turning point for Jack came when a local dealer suggested he try Exmark. The smooth ride, the precise cut, and the dependability were game changers.
And he’s been a loyal customer ever since.
Longtime Exmark dealer, Jamie Lovelace out of Mason, Ohio, says he’s been dealing with Jack for well over a decade. Meaning he’s been able to see him grow from a small company to the brand-new building he just moved into.
Today, Jack and his team run Exmark walk-behinds and stand-ons. Thanks to these legendary machines’ versatility, they’re able to easily tackle the hills and tight spaces Degree Lawn and Landscape come across daily. Even better, thanks to Exmark making maintenance easier than ever, they’re able to keep everything running strong and get back out on the job in record time.
Degree Lawn and Landscape is more than just a company: it’s a team, a family, and a reflection of everything Jack Holmes stands for. And with Exmark by their side, they’re making an incredible mark on local lawns and the community—one picture-perfect, pristine lawn at a time.
*NOTE: This video depicts real-life situations from professional landscapers. Some parts and accessories shown are third-party and not endorsed by Exmark. Always follow all safety guidelines and wear appropriate PPE. Reference your user manual for proper operation.
