At Good Earth Plant Company, growth is something we celebrate, not just in our plants, but in the people who make our success possible. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that our Service Supervisor, Cody Shough, has become our company’s first Certified Plantscape Technician through I-Plants Magazine. This milestone showcases Cody’s dedication to mastering the art and science of interior plantscaping, from plant care and installation to safety protocols and client interaction.
Good Earth Plants’ History of Expertise and Certification
At Good Earth Plants, certifications hold a special place. Since 1977, we’ve provided award-winning plantscaping service, setting the standard for excellence in the industry. Our owner, Jim Mumford, was the first and only person at our company to become a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP). Jim earned his certification 30 years ago, during a much more challenging process. Unlike today’s straightforward certification programs, becoming a CLP once required submitting photographs of your work and client reviews to prove your expertise, essentially putting your name on a national stage to be judged. Jim was recognized as an industry leader, his knowledge and expertise met the rigorous standards set by the certifying body.
Since then, Jim has also earned his Green Roof Professional Certification through the Green Plants for Healthy Cities organization. He joined the program early on, and was a part of the first graduated class. Jim is currently the only GRP in Southern California.
Who knew how big Good Earth Plant Company would grow 45 years ago?
Today, the certification process is managed by a third-party company and serves as an essential credential for those looking to demonstrate their technical horticultural expertise. Cody Shough is now one of only 60 plantscape technicians in the nation to earn this distinction, adding to the legacy of excellence established by Jim.
A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth
Good Earth Plant Company’s First Certified Plantscape Technician, Cody Shough
Cody’s motivation to pursue the certification was clear: “I wanted to become the first certified plantscape technician at our company, so that I could share the information with my colleagues.” Earning this certification was not only a personal goal for Cody but also a way to enhance the skills and expertise of our entire team.
Cody shared that one of the biggest challenges was focusing on his studies after being out of school for so long. However, his dedication paid off, and he found creative ways to stay engaged, like listening to music while studying. For Cody, completing this certification was especially meaningful, as it marks the first certification course he’s ever completed—a milestone he’s proud to frame and display.
Bridging Knowledge and Experience
The certification process involved a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. As Cody explained, “A surprising amount of the questions were relevant to my real-life horticultural technician experience.” He found that many of the problems presented in the modules mirrored situations he had encountered in the field, making the learning process highly applicable to his work at Good Earth Plant Company.
Cody is particularly excited about using the certification to train new technicians. “Before, our training was mostly shadowing other more seasoned technicians, but this certificate program gives us a way to focus on specific areas while training out in the field,” he said. This structured approach to training is something Cody believes will significantly improve the learning curve for new team members.
Further Credibility for Good Earth Plant Company
Cody’s certification is not only a personal achievement but also a significant boost for Good Earth Plant Company’s credibility. As one of the few certified technicians in the nation, Cody’s expertise adds an additional layer of quality assurance for our clients. He notes that having a certified technician on the team means fewer mistakes, better decision-making, and ultimately, higher-quality service. “The expertise associated with our name builds recognition when we do good work,” he shared. “The certified technician can add another way to assess and implement quality within that work.”
For businesses and property managers looking to elevate their spaces, this means more reliable, efficient plant care and service. If you’re ready to experience the difference that comes with working with a certified team, contact us today to discuss how we can transform your space with expert plantscaping.
In an industry where precision and plant care are paramount, certifications like Cody’s help ensure that our team stays at the forefront of horticultural knowledge. As Cody explained, “Improving the ability of the technician to take care of their plants leads to fewer replacements and better quality of service. It’s essential if we’re trying to be the best in our industry.” For clients looking for dependable service and long-lasting plant care, learn more about how our certified team can enrich your workspace.
Looking to the Future
Cody’s certification paves the way for continued growth within our company. We’re proud to have one of our plant technicians, Sabrina T, recently earn her certification as well, with the goal of having all of our technicians certified in the future. This focus on training and certification will not only enhance the skills of our team but also elevate the quality of service we provide to clients.
As we continue to grow, we’re always looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our award-winning team. If you’re ready to grow your career in plantscaping, visit our website to explore job opportunities.
For Good Earth Plant Company, having Certified Plantscape Technicians means more than just credentials; it means a commitment to excellence and an investment in the future of our industry. As we continue to invest in the development of our team, we remain committed to providing exceptional service and expertise to our clients.
Stay tuned as we continue to grow and evolve—because at Good Earth Plants, growth is something we celebrate in every form. And as our trucks proudly say, “Good People…Great Service”.
