Happy Monday Everyone! Our Vision is to be The Most Trusted and Admired Landscape Company in the World. What’s that mean?
Trust is the belief or confidence that someone or something is reliable, honest, and will act in accordance with your expectations or best interests — even when you can’t verify or control the outcome. It’s built slowly through consistent behavior and broken quickly through betrayal or failure. At its core, trust is what makes cooperation possible — without it, nearly every human relationship and social structure would collapse.
Episode 113: Mike Kinney, Senior Workplace Consultant at The Gallup Organization, joins John for a practical conversation on employee engagement, leadership, and the human experience at work. Mike shares what most organizations miss when measuring performance, how great leaders turn data into meaningful action, and why aligning employee and customer experience is critical for long-term success. He also reflects on decades of working with organizations across industries—and what it really takes to build a workplace people want to be part of.
Happy Wednesday Everyone and Unhappy Tax Day! Today’s Core Value is: We Create Our Future.
Last Wednesday, Fernando who is our Branch Ambassador from Kansas City, shared a message from Ana who is one of our team members at the KC Branch. Ana is a single mother of four, who is creating her future and recently bought a home. She wanted Fernando to share the story with me, and he did in last Wednesday’s Morning Message.
Someday, many years from now, I would like to sit in a rocking chair on …
Focal Pointe is proud to announce that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award.
The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners online and at the National Awards Summit in Las Vegas.
The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology …
John Munie speaks to a crowd of volunteers at O’Fallon park.
On March 30, 2026, 38 trees were planted at O’Fallon Park through Focal Pointe’s Broken Bat Program in partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals.
This year’s planting carries added significance. O’Fallon Park lost more than 350 trees during last May’s tornado, and these 38 trees represent an important step in the park’s ongoing restoration—contributing to a broader effort to rebuild a space deeply rooted in community and history.
“When a collaboration project is successful it is such a great feeling. While …
Happy Tuesday Everyone and Happy Last Day of the First Quarter! I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to believe we are 25% through 2026. The world needs to slow down its rotations!
Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First. “Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.” Nancy Astor.
If you take that quote, and make it a reality for yourself – it will serve you better, and create more value in …
Episode 112: Kirk Elmquist joins John for a thoughtful conversation about what truly makes a place stand out. Drawing from decades of experience across tourism, community development, and leadership, Kirk shares why the success of southwest Missouri isn’t built on attractions alone, but on something deeper: a culture of hospitality, generosity, and pride in taking care of others. From the intentional design of unforgettable experiences to the power of family, faith, and community, this episode explores how meaningful environments are created, not just for visitors, but for the people who call them home. If you’ve …
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Create Our Future.
“Success is the product of daily habits — not once‑in‑a‑lifetime transformations.” James Clear
After a last gasp from Winter, Spring is roaring back starting today and our two busiest months are on our doorstep. With that in mind, I want to offer a friendly reminder that where we’re headed isn’t decided by one big moment or one big decision. It’s shaped by what we do every day — the habits we build, the standards we keep, and the small choices …
Happy Friday Everyone…Friday the 13th! Today’s Core Value is: We Inspire Communities.
This Tuesday, Barry Phillips, from our Construction Branch stuck his head in my office for a quick chat. He thanked me for what Focal Pointe is growing into, and the impact it’s making on him. “I enjoy working here so much, I almost feel guilty. This place makes me a better person.”
When we talked about how he ended up at Focal Pointe, he said that Mark Doering, our Senior Superintendent in Construction recruited him. During that discussion, Barry …
Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First.
During a dermatologist visit some years ago, the doctor was encouraging me to wear sunscreen and said, “what goes in when you’re young, will come out when you’re old.” We’ve all been told about the importance of sunscreen, but she put the advice in real terms that I could visualize. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have a future with wrinkly hands and sunspots.
Because her advice struck me so clearly, I’ve reflected on that from time to time, …
Episode 111: John DiJulius joins the podcast for a candid conversation on what separates average companies from world-class companies. Having helped brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks elevate their customer experience, John shares how his journey—from building a family salon to advising global organizations—shaped his belief that exceptional service is never accidental. Together, he and John explore why price complaints are often experience failures, why humanity will matter even more in the age of AI, and how small daily disciplines create lasting impact.
At the heart of Focal Pointe’s culture of service is a deep and consistent commitment to people. Our fourth core value is to Inspire Communities — not only through the quality of our work, but through how we show up in the world. To live with humility, gratitude, and generosity is to live with purpose.
Each year, that commitment takes tangible form through our Branch Impact Award. The award recognizes excellence across Safety, Client Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, and Profitability — and includes a $10,000 donation to a charitable organization.
Happy Monday Everyone and Happy President’s Day! Our Core Purpose is to Beautify the World. I love rainy weekends, and true to form, I had one of the more relaxing weekends I can remember – I even got eight hours of sleep Saturday night! Combine that with my deep appreciation for our Founding Fathers…let’s go!
In 1755, George Washington was a 23-year-old colonial volunteer for the British army in the French and Indian War. During the Battle of Monongahela, Washington had two horses shot out from under him and four bullets pass …
Happy Thursday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Embrace Results. “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” Abraham Lincoln…today’s Birthday Boy!
Results don’t just happen—they’re earned through the choices we make in the moment. In our work and in our lives, progress comes from leaning into responsibility, not around it. When we decide to tackle the small things today with discipline, focus, and pride, we stack the deck for big wins tomorrow.
Whatever is in front of you—an overnight snow event, a full production schedule, a challenging …
We’re proud to share that our St. Louis team was recognized through the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge, an honor that reflects a year of meaningful environmental stewardship, innovation, and community leadership.
This recognition isn’t about a single project or moment. It represents consistent effort across properties, neighborhoods, and partnerships—driven by teams who care deeply about creating landscapes that serve people, communities, and the environment.
2025 Accomplishments
Over the past year, our work focused on advancing sustainable landscapes while delivering real, measurable impact across the St. Louis region.
Episode 110: The Munie Kids join John for an honest conversation about building a business while raising a family. Together, they reflect on what it was like to grow up alongside the company, the values that carried from home into work, and the lessons learned about trust, sacrifice, and presence. The episode explores how intentional leadership, shared purpose, and grace over time can lead to success at work and at home, without losing what matters most.
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Create Our Future. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Victor Frankl
All of us have gone through hardship at some point in our lives. Some more difficult than others, but all of us have faced loss, fear, hurt, and a feeling that life isn’t fair. Sometimes those situations can become a story in our minds that gets replayed, repeatedly, in slow motion, trying to get our brains to process what took place, hoping if …
One of the best things about landscaping is the scenery is always evolving. The changing seasons, the passage of time, and shifting expectations for how your property should serve you all shape your landscaping. And while some of these transformations happen naturally, others require the help of the right experts. That’s why at Focal Pointe we’re proactive about proposing landscaping enhancements that deliver the impact you desire. Here’s why that’s key to creating truly memorable environments.
What are landscaping enhancements?
Landscaping enhancements are projects that go beyond your basic maintenance to improve the appearance, function, and safety …
Great landscaping—the kind that truly makes the moment—is one part art, one part science, and a whole lot of accountability. It’s the result of a deep commitment to the craft and you, the client. Accountability is more than just a promise. Here’s what it means to us.
Deep Brand Alignment
It’s not uncommon for people to refer to their landscaping as an “expense.” But we think it’s an asset, not just a line item in your budget. That’s because great landscaping delivers returns on your investment, in the form of satisfaction of your employees and those you …
There’s a lot more to landscaping than mowing and pruning. In fact, one of the most important things we do in service of our clients is quality assurance. At Focal Pointe, that means not just creating beautiful outdoor spaces but doing so reliably. Here are some of the ways we do landscaping differently, with a consistent focus on quality.
We Have High Standards for Our Employees
Our employees have the power to make a difference in your day-to-day, whether by delivering an impressive result, or simply being attentive along the way. That’s why we invest in their …
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Create Our Future. “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In the very early days of owning my business, I had a client who was the managing partner of a local Northwestern Mutual office. He had gone to a conference for entrepreneurs, and during a talk in his driveway one Saturday, he shared with me a lesson …
Great communication is a beautiful thing, especially when it leads to outdoor spaces that truly enhance your world. So why is it that communication so often breaks down with landscaping partners? Let’s examine the biggest culprits, and how we avoid those pitfalls at Focal Pointe.
Unclear Expectations
One of the most remarkable aspects of landscaping is all the possibilities—from the diversity of plants and materials to the riot of colors. But with that comes a lot of room for interpretation. A directive for a spectacular bed of pink flowers could mean baby pink to some, and fuchsia …
Happy Monday Everyone! Our Core Purpose is: To Beautify the World. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, our Nation honors the memory of Dr. King. I have long been inspired by the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, and I think that inspiration is strengthened by the fact that many of them had a broken nature. It’s my personal belief that their wisdom was not limited to their own potential – divine wisdom was sewn into their thoughts.
Happy Monday Everyone! Our Vision is to be The Most Trusted and Admired Landscape Company in the World.
“Trust is the ability for everyone in an organization to confidently rely on (and predict) that others will do the right thing and make good on their promises.” Marie-Claire Ross.
What in your life may get in the way of keeping your promises and growing into someone people confidently rely on? It’s important to know that not all trust eroding actions are due to bad intentions. Just because you may have good …
Focal Pointe of Kansas City has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2026 honor by Great Plains Top Workplaces 2026. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few..
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something …
Happy Monday Everyone! Our Mission Statement is intended to articulate what, at our core, we provide for our clients. At Focal Pointe, our Mission is to Create the Backdrop for Life’s Most Impactful Moments.
The start of the New Year isn’t only a good time to take inventory of your personal and professional goals, but what about the goals of our clients? What improvement opportunities do you see in how we serve them, or the results we produce for them? Living our Mission means that we look beyond the task we need …
Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First.
For the past several years, Molly and I have taken the family skiing at Crested Butte, CO. We didn’t go this year due to a pesky Freshman boys’ basketball schedule, but the habit of the trip has that vacation on all our minds.
I bring this up, because eight years ago, we started a tradition in Crested Butte of going out to dinner at the “Wooden Nickel” on the night of January 1st, which was usually our last day or …
Episode 109: Brett Gordon joins John for a candid conversation about partnership, leadership, and building a business rooted in shared values. Brett reflects on his entrepreneurial path, the lessons learned from starting from scratch, and how humility and trust shape strong teams. Together, they discuss sustaining culture through growth, preparing for what’s ahead, and why meaningful relationships remain at the heart of long-term success.
Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First.
Looking for the Christmas Spirit, Sunday night, my daughter Amanda and I watched the 1946 Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” where Jimmy Stewart plays the character George Bailey. In the movie, George wants to move out of the small town he grew up in, get a college degree, and do big things in the world, like “plan modern cities.” As George’s life story unfolds throughout the movie, life events send him on a different path, and he questions the worth …
Happy Friday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Inspire Communities. Two cool stories to share this week that brought today’s Core Value to life. The first coming from the hygiene kits we put together at the Leadership Summit at Big Cedar…
“Hi Molly, I wanted to reach out and sincerely thank you for your generous donation of hygiene kits. Our Club staff absolutely loved them, and the parents were incredibly appreciative. These items were a high priority for many families, and your support made a meaningful difference. Thank you for helping meet …
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Create Our Future.
The Holiday Parties are in full force, which reminds me of a story. Several years ago, I was at a dinner party, and somehow, I got in a conversation with a few lawyer-types about what we’re all good at. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t give compliments well and I don’t take them well…the only thing more awkward than my relationship with compliments is vocalizing what I think I may be good at. “Get me out of this conversation” was the …
Focal Pointe has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by Oklahoma Top Workplaces 2025. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few..
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. …
Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Put People First.
Last Friday, I was listening to a very busy gentlemen who facilitates retreats. Prior to one of his upcoming retreats, he was looking over the attendees list, and saw his dad’s name on the list. This was not good, because his dad was a “cash cow” of stories for his presentations – some flattering, some not so flattering, and almost all were…humorous.
This was not an ideal situation for the son, so he reached out to his dad, and the conversation went …
Episode 108: Wayne and Carolyn Munie join John for a rare multigenerational conversation that reaches back nearly seven decades to explore the foundations of family, resilience, and a life shaped by faith and quiet determination. Married for almost 68 years, they share how they first met in the 1950s, the early struggles of young marriage, raising five children, navigating loss, and the discipline-driven parenting style that shaped their family. This heartfelt, wisdom-rich episode reminds us that legacy isn’t measured in accomplishments, but in the stories we carry, the love we show, and the quiet, consistent …
John Munie shares how Focal Pointe grew its business to climb the rungs of the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 including lessons in leadership, company culture and business partnerships.
Read the article on Lawn & Landscape’s website by clicking on this link.
We’re pleased to announce that The City of Overland Park awarded its prestigious Legacy of Greenery Landscape Excellence Award to Focal Pointe Kansas City for its beautification efforts at The University of Kansas Health System – a world class academic medical center located in Indian Creek.
The award was presented to Focal Pointe Account Manager, Greg Arnold, by the Overland Park City Council on November 3rd.
Focal Pointe maintains a continued leadership in making a difference in people lives. From advancing sustainable practices to improving the quality of life, we’re growing stronger, more resilient communities–one landscape, one …
Episode 107: Tim Moloney joins John for an inspiring conversation about shaping the next generation of leaders in the green industry. Drawing from nearly two decades in landscape design and his current role as a professor at the University of Missouri, Tim shares how real-world experience transforms the classroom—and why teaching pride, ownership, and accountability matters most. Together, they explore the future of horticulture education, the power of internships, and how passion continues to drive purpose in an evolving industry.
Episode 106: Jeremie Kubicek joins John for a candid conversation about leadership, culture, and what it takes to prepare for Focal Pointe’s annual meeting this November. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at how John is thinking about strategy, vision, and the future — plus insights from Jeremie’s decades of leadership experience and his unique approach to support and challenge.
Episode 105: Verne Harnish, founder of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and author of Scaling Up, joins John for a candid conversation about growth, grit, and gratitude. Verne shares why most companies stumble in the “valleys of death,” how focus and boldness shape success, and why mentorship matters at every stage. He also reflects on pursuing big goals later in life—and what it means to keep playing to win.
It’s funny how the scents of summer can be both nostalgic and comforting: the sweet smell of freshly cut grass, the warmth of the sun on an endless afternoon, the fragrance of a favorite flower.
To make the most of these last few weeks of summer, Focal Pointe Horticulturist, April Fierros, says memories are made in the details. Whether it’s the texture of tree bark, the vibrant color of a single blossom, or the moments that connect us more deeply with the landscapes we love, there is beauty everywhere.
Episode 104: Greg Herring, data analyst and CEO of The Herring Group, joins John for a powerful conversation about leadership, loss, and finding purpose in service. Greg shares how humility, perspective, and heart shape the way he leads—and why meaning matters more than titles.
John Munie was recently featured on Jeffrey Scott’s podcast to talk leadership, growth, and what it really means to build something that lasts. In the episode, John talks about:
Why connecting emotionally with clients and employees is a real business strategy How to grow without compromising quality or culture What it means to truly lead—not just manage Why having a strong balance sheet gives you more than just financial security His take on organic growth vs. acquisitions
You’ll also hear some great stories about the early days of the business, and how his “why” has stayed the same even …
Remember when snow days felt magical? We haven’t stopped holding on to the nostalgia. In fact, we think it’s still possible for snow to bring joy and wonder. The secret lies in your snow and ice removal services. Working with a good snow and ice removal partner takes the unpleasant parts out of a winter storm. So instead of a day filled with problems, it’s a day filled with memories. Here’s how we make that possible for our clients.
Protect What Matters Most
From holiday shopping to festive parties, Valentine’s Day dinners and more, winter is filled …
Episode 103: Joel Sullivan joins John for a conversation about leadership, growth, and gratitude in the green industry. From expanding his company to mentoring others, Joel shares what it means to build something lasting—and why staying people-first matters most.
CASEYVILLE, Ill., June 23, 2025 – Focal Pointe has once again been recognized as a Top Workplace by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In addition to the award, the company was also recognized for Spring Culture Excellence in the Category of Purpose and Values.
“I just love the fact we’re getting the story out that the landscape industry isn’t a career you settle for anymore, it’s a destination. You look at our team, and they would be successful at any job they choose, and this is where they want to be.” said Founder and CEO, John Munie. “When …
Focal Pointe, a leading commercial landscape company, announced the appointment of Michael O’Connell as Executive Director of Business Development.
“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Michael to the team,” said CEO John Munie. “This is a uniquely challenging role at Focal Pointe because we don’t simply sell landscaping. We provide landscape experiences that can lead to decades-long partnerships, and that takes a different approach. We’re the service solution most people want but didn’t know was out there. Under Michael’s leadership, I think we can change that.”
With over 25 years of experience, O’Connell is known for his …
Episode 102: Molly Munie joins the podcast with John for an open and honest conversation about their life together—29 years of marriage, four kids, and a business that took years to get off the ground. Molly shares what it’s really like being married to an entrepreneur: the uncertainty, the sacrifice, the laughter, and the love that held it all together. From the early years scraping by on a teacher’s salary to the quiet pride of watching their kids succeed, this episode is full of heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.
Remember making mud pies and forts when you were a child?
Playing outdoors is the perfect place for kids to run faster, climb higher, jump farther, and discover the wonders of the natural world. From rooftop play areas to interactive nature space, anyone who has ever visited a playground has heard the joyful noise of children with ample room to explore.
Focal Pointe’s Director of Construction Operations couldn’t agree more. “Most of us got started in this industry because we enjoyed spending time outdoors as kids,” said Brian Bobikiewicz, who has been leading the company’s construction division …
Episode 101: Bruce Wilson, a Lifetime Achievement Award winner and legendary green industry entrepreneur and mentor, brings his inspiring backstory to a conversation with John Munie about character. Bruce grew a small $1M company into a $100M industry giant, and along the way, inspired and shaped the careers of so many others. Bruce opens up about key influences, pivotal lessons in leadership, and how gratitude—not ego—shaped his definition of success.
From recruiting high-potential team members to navigating acquisitions and starting a respected consulting firm, Bruce’s insights are grounded in decades of hands-on experience. He reflects on …
Focal Pointe announced a new podcast series exploring the journey behind true success in business. “To the Pointe of Gratitude” debuts Friday April 25 with green industry legend Bruce Wilson.
The podcast will feature exclusive interviews, commentary, and monthly conversations between John Munie and thought leaders, authors, visionaries and more, as well as visits from special guests. The podcast will be available on Focal Pointe’s YouTube channel, with audio versions available on all platforms. Episodes will be released the last Friday of every month.
Focal Pointe’s expansion into audio content reflects its desire to elevate the industry …
