On Pointe

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.

April has a passion for gardens and a …

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.

If you’ve ever …

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 …

Episode 000: John’s experience working for, and with, high performing people has led him to the belief that true success is best defined by one’s level of gratitude.  Each podcast will explore that journey and provide a view into the personal story behind the success story.  The hope is to improve the human experience for business owners, leaders, or anyone who may feel the weight of trying to create a life well lived for themselves and others.

Two years ago, my two oldest sons and I had the good fortune of visiting with Dan Cathy, chairman of Chick-fil-A. Dan and I have a mutual friend in Jeff McManus, who is the current landscape director at the University of Texas and former landscape director at Ole Miss. Jeff was gracious enough to set up a visit for us.

Ironically, a few months before our visit, I remember reading an article about the top fast-food restaurants based on store revenue. Don’t quote me on these numbers, but I remember something to this effect: The average Burger …

“John Munie and Aaron Lorenz recently met with Stoney Hayes, BGCOzarks’ CEO, to talk about the importance of serving others. John is Founder and President of Focal Pointe, one of BGCOzark’s Sustainability Partners. Aaron is Focal Pointe of the Ozarks,  Account Manager and Partnership Executive.

When I started Focal Pointe in 1998, I worked out of a one car garage with a gravel floor, on the farm I grew up on in Southern Illinois.  Over the years, we did good work, kept our word, and built a business on authentic, humble service to others.  We also …

Focal Pointe is proud to support and participate in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, a program of the Missouri Botanical Garden that recognizes organizations for their ongoing performance in sustainability.  Initiated in 2010, in partnership with the St. Louis Regional Chamber, the Challenge brings together a broad business network of companies committed to green policy and practice.  Focal Pointe has been a sponsor company since 2017, and has attained the level of Challenge Leader.

In 2024, highlights of our accomplishments in sustainability included:

-Installing green infrastructure and nature-inspired playscapes/outdoor classrooms for local schools.

-Receiving the Ralph Wafer …

Focal Pointe, a leading landscape services provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Rogers as director of fleet and facilities.

Rogers has nearly 15 years of management experience in heavy equipment operations and logistics, and will have overall responsibility for accelerating Focal Pointe’s commitment to training and safety. He joins Focal Pointe with a background in residential and commercial landscape construction, and design-build project management.

“We are committed to making every part of our business world class,” said Brett Gordon, Focal Pointe Partner & COO. “Sean will provide strategic direction and leadership to two areas …

Today, our Nation honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  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.  I believe that their wisdom was not limited to their own potential – divine wisdom was sewn into their thoughts.  I have equal conviction toward the thoughts of Dr. King.  Like our Founding Fathers, his words, and view for our country, represented wisdom that’s difficult to relate to.  He wasn’t limited …

At the heart of Focal Pointe’s culture of service, is a deep level of compassion that is universal throughout our team.  So much so, that our fourth core value is to Inspire Communities, not only through our work or the manner in which we do our work, but also how we live.  To go through life, with a sense of humility, gratitude and generosity, is to go through life fulfilled and happy.

We also happen to enjoy a good competition, so this past year, the branch managers created a Branch Impact Award, where the winning branch …

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Christmas Eve!  Today’s Core Value is:  We Put People First.

Over the weekend, my family and I watched the 1946 Christmas classic “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 created a different path, and he questions the worth of his life …

Focal Pointe, a regional leader in commercial landscape services, announced that Tulsa native Reed Stovall has joined its Oklahoma City team as Partnership Executive.

Stovall reports to Focal Pointe Branch Manager, Jimmy Milligan and Vice President Marketing & Sales, Gregg Hibbeler.

“Focal Pointe recruits the best in the industry,” said Hibbeler. “Reed’s extensive industry knowledge, combined with his passion for landscaping, make him a perfect fit as we continue to add value to our growing team and achieve our mission of providing exceptional customer experience. We look forward to his impact on our business.”

Stovall previously served in …

On a beautiful autumn day in St. Louis, nearly four dozen people celebrated the native plants, tall grasses and wildflowers unique to Missouri’s prairie.

“When my client asked me about our prairie restoration project, she proposed a Prairie Day for her employees to learn about the process, where we are now, and what it will become,” said Dan Schaefer, Focal Pointe account manager.

For many Prairie Day seed harvesters, it was their first opportunity to learn about our unique ecosystem and gather seeds they could use at home.

Joining Schaefer in making Prairie Day an unforgettable experience were …

Listen to Brett Gordon on The Commercial Landscaper Podcast, where he dives into how strategic acquisitions and a people-first culture are fueling Focal Pointe’s growth. Learn about our commitment to finding companies that align with our values and our focus on exceptional service.

To listen to the full episode, visit The Commercial Landscaper Podcast here: From Comfort Zone to Growth Zone: A Journey of Selling, Scaling, and Self-Development.

If you’ve reached the point in your company’s journey where it becomes clear you need the expertise of an advisory board, building this board successfully requires careful planning and consideration.

Establishing an advisory board goes beyond simply identifying engaged, knowledgeable individuals. It involves crafting a structure that aligns with your company’s goals and ensuring the board delivers tangible value. Our Founder and CEO John Munie sat down with Jill Odom at the National Association of Landscape Professionals to discuss what steps companies should take to ensure that their boards are effective. To read the full article, …

Focal Pointe has named corporate recruiter Lesa Peterman as Director of Talent & Team Development. In her new role, Peterman will lead staffing and career development as Focal Pointe continues to grow and expand across the Midwest.

Before joining Focal Pointe, Lesa gained experience across several industries, including healthcare, landscaping, manufacturing, and hospitality. Notably, she held leadership roles as Senior Technical Recruiter at Saige Partners and Senior Recruiter at Gateway Wireless, where she developed expertise in talent acquisition and workforce development.

“Lesa understands what makes Focal Pointe unique,” said Company Founder and CEO, John Munie. “During her …

Focal Pointe was recognized by The Professional Grounds Management Society® (PGMS) with a 2024 Green Star Grand Award for CITYPARK, a zero-waste stadium and home to St Louis’ Major League Soccer franchise, St. Louis CITY SC.

The awards were presented in conjunction with PGMS’s annual conference and expo in Louisville, KY, October 15-18.

St. Louis CITY SC is the only MLS facility to have its stadium, performance center, and headquarters all in one location.  Located in Downtown West area of St. Louis, the complex partners with the city of St. Louis, Great Rivers Greenway, and the Missouri …

When does an advisory board make sense for your landscaping business? Our Executive Advisor Bruce Wilson from Bruce Wilson & Co. shared his thoughts with Lawn & Landscape Magazine where he described the key difference between joining a peer group and establishing your own dedicated advisory board. Click here to read or listen to the full article: https://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/when-a-board-make-sense/

The Arboretum of Washington University St. Louis, serving the Danforth Campus and the St. Louis region, earned unique status as a Level III Arboretum by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.

The WashU Arboretum team, led by WashU horticulturist and curator, Chris Anderson, pursued the accreditation program in partnership with campus and arboretum landscape partner, Cody Azotea, account manager with Focal Pointe, a regional leader in sustainable landscaping and campus beautification.

The accreditation is a result of a multiple-disciplinary collaborations within the campus community, including WashU Facilities Planning and Management, Department of Biology faculty and students, WashU Office …

Focal Pointe announced its acquisition of Messenger’s Lawn & Landscape, a Stilwell, Kansas-based landscape and irrigation firm serving the greater Kansas City metropolitan area since 1999.  Messenger’s will be unified under the Focal Pointe brand as part of the Company’s Kansas City operation led by Kansas City Branch Manager, Curt Marchand.

The acquisition doubles Focal Pointe’s footprint in the Kansas City market, brings a high-quality team of professionals into the company, and gives Focal Pointe the depth and scale needed to service large, complex sites that require unique capability.

“They’re a perfect fit for us,” said Marchand. …

Focal Pointe today announced that Luke M. Williams has joined its executive leadership team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Williams’ appointment follows a period of accelerating growth for Focal Pointe as the firm continues to bring best-in-class service and value creation to its stakeholders throughout the Midwest.

“It’s a great privilege to join Focal Pointe at such a pivotal time in their growth,” said Williams. “The team’s unwavering commitment to being people-first, combined with their focus on technology sets them apart to deliver outstanding value to customers and stakeholders. I’m looking forward to collaborating with a …

CASEYVILLE, Illinois, July 24, 2024

Focal Pointe announces that long-time irrigation manager John Combs has been promoted to Director of Irrigation and Water Management.

Combs has an impressive track record and a wealth of expertise, with over 10-years of experience at Focal Pointe in landscape irrigation, irrigation technology, and irrigation training. In his new role, he will oversee and support irrigation and water management operations across the Focal Pointe organization. He is an Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician, and pursuing certifications in irrigation auditing and water management.

“It’s an honor being part of an organization that deeply cares …

Taking a look back at the early years of Focal Pointe is a periodic reminder of just how bright our future can be. Landscape Management Magazine Associate Editor Rob DiFranco interviewed our founder, John Munie to dive into our history, the foundational beliefs Focal Pointe is built on, and what can be expected in our future. Discover how our dedicated team turned a small business into a powerhouse, all while focusing on our people and creating a community-driven, lifestyle company.

Read the full story on Landscape Management Magazine website: www.landscapemanagement.net/2024-lm150-from-bishops-to-cardinals-and-beyond-with-focal-pointe/

Focal Pointe, announced that Curt Marchand has been named Branch Manager, Focal Pointe of Kansas City. He will report to Focal Pointe Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Brett Gordon.

“I’m pleased that we can bring together two highly respected leaders for our next chapter,” said Focal Pointe Founder and President, John Munie. “Curt and Brett are long-established members of the Kansas City community who bring experience, market knowledge and relationships to a region our team is excited to serve. Together, Curt and Brett have already built our culture of servant leadership within the team, which will …

Founder and President John Munie was featured in the most recent edition of Level Up, a blog series from the National Association of Landscape Professionals. The series aims to give companies the tools to reach the next level of business, discussing a range of industry philosophies from business development, recruiting, culture building, and more. In this edition, John briefly describes his journey as a business owner before diving into the details of our ideal partners, our keys to success, and our strategies for recruitment and team member retention. Click here to read the full post: …

During this season of Gratitude, Hope, and Joy, your Focal Pointe team is in the spirit of giving!  Our fourth Core Value calls us to “Inspire Communities” not only by creating beautiful landscapes throughout, but by living life in a humble, generous manner.

As many fiscal calendars are coming to a close, we have customers contacting us about year-end enhancements for their properties.  As a result, we saw the opportunity to make those purchases more purposeful and make December our “Season of Giving.”  In that spirit, for any landscape enhancement sold in December, for an off-season …