From Lawn Cuttings to Nearly 200 Employees: The Story of Landscape Design Services | Inspire West Michigan
What does it take to build a landscaping company that has thrived for over 60 years, survived the 2008 recession, navigated COVID, and is now planning for the next 50 years? Matt Baker, President of Landscape Design Services, sits down with us to share the remarkable story of a family business rooted in people, passion, and plants.
From wielding a machete as a teenager to leading a team of nearly 200, Matt opens up about the lessons learned from his father, the heartbreak of layoffs during the recession, the unexpected boom of COVID-era demand, and why relationships — with both clients and team members — are the true foundation of their success. You’ll also hear the incredible story of two families, the Bakers and the Martinezes, whose partnership helped shape one of West Michigan’s most respected landscape companies.
Whether you’re a homeowner curious about transforming your outdoor space, an entrepreneur navigating family business dynamics, or someone who loves a great story about grit and community — this episode is for you.
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⏱️ Timecodes:
00:01:29 – How Matt’s father started Landscape Design Services in 1968 and what the early days looked like
00:09:04 – Matt joins the business full time and how the company and client needs have evolved over the decades
00:14:22 – Surviving the 2008 recession: a 37% revenue drop and the hardest decisions Matt has ever made
00:16:41 – How COVID transformed demand for outdoor spaces and the hiring challenges that followed
00:45:13 – Building an inclusive workforce: the Martinez family legacy and the Hispanic Leadership Council
Matthew Bakker is the President of Landscape Design Services, a multi-generational West Michigan company that has been helping shape outdoor spaces across the region since 1968.
What began as a small landscaping operation started by Matt’s father, Larry Bakker, has grown into one of the region’s leading full-service landscape architecture, construction, and maintenance companies. Today, Landscape Design Services serves communities across West Michigan with a team of nearly 200 employees.
Matt’s story is deeply rooted in the business itself. Growing up alongside his brother Jeremy, he spent his early years pruning trees, operating equipment, and working in the garden center long before he could drive. Those hands-on experiences gave him a deep appreciation for both the craft and the people behind the company.
After earning his degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University, Matt returned to the family business, eventually stepping into leadership during one of the company’s most challenging seasons — the economic downturn in 2008. Through resilience, innovation, and a people-first approach, Matt helped guide the company into its next generation of growth.
Under Matt’s leadership, Landscape Design Services continues to evolve beyond traditional landscaping, creating outdoor living environments that blend architecture, design, functionality, and long-term client relationships.
