The OriginFlorencio Ortiz was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico in January of 1942. The 7th of 12 children he was raised on a multi-generation farm primarily growing tobacco. His dedication to the family farm did not allow him to go beyond the 8th grade. His limited education did however help him to succeed in his adult life. Part of his school curriculum involved learning how to work the land. He was taught the proper use of a shovel, machete and other tools. Most importantly he was taught how to work safely.

A move for Prosperity At 18 years old in March of

1960 Florencio moved to New York for the American Dream. He was given $7 from his father who had taken a loan so his son could start his journey.

His move was to Inwood, Long Island, NY where his brothers

had already planted roots.

Within 2 weeks of arriving in NY, Florencio began working for an Italian gentleman.

His knowledge of working with plants came in handy but he had plenty to learn in the landscaping industry.

After receiving his first week of pay he made sure to send the $7 back to his father. He still has 2 of those original dollars he borrowed with him to this very day.

Landscape Beginnings After his first year of work in NY, Florencio changed jobs to

work for his brother and cousin, expanding his knowledge and

abilities. A majority of his family, siblings and many cousins,

made their way to NY and got involved in the landscaping

industry. It became a familiar and comfortable field for his

family and many of them today are still involved in the

landscaping industry.

A Business of his Own Over the next 6 years many changes came

Florencio’s way. In 1963 he met his soon to be wife whom he married a year later in February of 1964. They soon started their own family.

In the fall of 1967, after years of saving he managed to purchase his first pickup truck, equipment and some tools. Florencio Ortiz Landscaping was born which focused on landscape maintenance.

The first half of 1968 he managed it on his own but by the middle of the year he required some help. He hired his first employee by the middle of that year.

His first year was a tough one working 7 days a week and finding work through the winter . With the long hours and little time to relax he managed to have a very successful start to a prosperous career.

• In the early to mid-70’s Florencio became a member of local landscaping associations where he became part of a strong network. Through these associations he educated himself on new regulations and the evolving industry he was part of.

• He found a mentor and friend that educated and guided him on the operations of a successful business. Florencio’s mentor saw the dedication Florencio had to his customer’s, his business and his family and took him under his wing.

• Through this time his family grew and so had his business. He said the key to his success through this time was the dedication he had to learning from the industry and others on how to create and sustain beautiful landscapes and develop lasting relationships.

“Putting in the time, 12+ hour days, working in the dark by the light of the trucks headlights all rolled up to creating a proper foundation for success.” – Florencio

Ortiz

• In the early to mid-80’s, is when the business began to really take off and grow due to an acquisition of much larger private residential accounts from Florencio’s mentor in the landscaping industry.

• His success came from his attitude to the work. His philosophy is:

“There is no such thing as manana (tomorrow)! What people want tomorrow, they will get today. “

• Service is the name of the game. As he developed as a business owner he stayed true to the customer always being right and providing exceptional customer service.

Being a lot like his father, Noel had a desire to be as knowledgeable as

possible. With Noel at Florencio’s side for various local and state conferences, Noel realized the potential success and vast industry that his father is a part of.

At 16 years old Noel decided to pursue a formal education in landscaping and

turned to the assistance of his high school guidance counselor to help him find the

college to pursue this endeavor.

In the fall of 1991 Noel began his studies at SUNY Cobleskill in Environmental

Design and Horticulture. After getting his degree he went back to work for the

family business.

In 2001 Noel started a family of his own when he got married. In 2002 he decided to venture on his own creating Great Outdoors Landscaping, LLC. This new venture specialized in landscape design and build. As a result, Great Outdoors became the exclusive sub-contractor of Ortiz Landscape Management, LLC.

In 2005, after 47 years in the landscaping industry and putting all of his children through college, Florencio decided it was time to retire. Ortiz Landscape Management, LLC transitioned over to Great Outdoors Landscaping, LLC. This allowed Great Outdoors Landscaping to become a full service landscape provider.

The traditions created by Florencio continue on in Great Outdoors Landscaping. He is still actively involved in the business as that familiar personality everyone has learned to love. He is also a mentor to Noel and all of GOL’s staff as he passes on his knowledge and words of wisdom to those that listen.

His philosophy of “no such thing as manana” still resonates in the company culture. As we have built our customer base, many with us for 20+ years, we strive to treat them as family and provide complete satisfaction with our service.

We look forward to building and maintaining many beautiful landscapes and relationships with our clients, for many years to come.

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