Landscaping a Legacy: How Poul’s Has Grown Since 1966

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In this episode of Small Business Big Dreams, I sit down with Dan Kjeldbjerg, President of Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery, and Jennifer, the company’s Director of Marketing, to explore the story behind one of the Midwest’s most respected names in landscaping. Founded in 1966 by Danish immigrant Paul (Poul) Kjeldbjerg, this family business has blossomed from a single-truck operation into a multi-acre, multi-generational powerhouse offering full-service landscape design, installation, and nursery production throughout Chicagoland and beyond.

Dan shares how he and his brother Alan helped evolve the company after joining in the 1980s and ’90s, using their backgrounds in marketing and horticulture to bring new life into the business their father started from humble beginnings. Jennifer gives insight into how the brand continues to modernize while staying rooted in its legacy—through strong storytelling, authentic community connections, and showcasing the beauty of their work in ways that resonate with new generations of homeowners and professionals alike.

We talk about how Poul’s Landscaping has expanded its footprint—from planting the first trees at their Long Grove property in the ’80s to operating a 112-acre wholesale nursery in Wadsworth—all while maintaining a reputation for excellence, craftsmanship, and personal service. From residential landscapes to large-scale nursery operations, Dan and Jennifer explain how the company continues to thrive through thoughtful leadership, passion for the craft, and a commitment to nurturing not just plants, but people and partnerships.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How Poul’s Landscaping started with a single pickup and a dream
 ✅ The evolution of a family-run business into a regional leader in landscaping and nursery operations
 ✅ How Dan and Jennifer balance legacy with innovation and growth
 ✅ The importance of storytelling, branding, and relationship-building in a traditional industry
 ✅ Insights into running multi-acre operations, seasonal cycles, and team management
 ✅ What it takes to thrive in the green industry for over five decades

Why Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery Stands Out:

With deep family roots and a relentless commitment to quality, Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery has become synonymous with professionalism, reliability, and nature-inspired design. Their ability to combine generational experience with modern strategy—from operations to marketing—makes them a standout example of how traditional businesses can grow with purpose while staying true to their core values.

Perfect For:

🌿 Landscaping pros, designers, and home improvement enthusiasts
 📈 Family business owners navigating growth and legacy
 💡 Entrepreneurs interested in blending tradition with innovation
 🌱 Green industry professionals & plant lovers
 🎙️ Anyone inspired by stories of perseverance, evolution, and leadership

Connect with Poul’s Landscaping & Nursery:

📍 Offices in Long Grove, IL and nursery in Wadsworth, IL
 🌐 Website: https://pouls.com/
 📲 Instagram: @Pouls_Landscaping
 🪴 Serving Chicagoland with expert landscaping and nursery services since 1966

🎧 Listen now to hear how Dan and Jennifer are helping Poul’s Landscaping grow stronger than ever—planting the seeds of legacy while leading with vision, family, and heart.

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