For many, the transition from education to another career might seem like a leap. But at Ruppert Landscape, we’ve seen firsthand how the skills developed in the classroom translate seamlessly into landscaping and construction.
Educators bring strong planning, organization, and communication abilities, which are essential for coordinating crews, managing projects, building client relationships, and training new team members. The experience of breaking down complex concepts into clear, understandable guidance translates seamlessly to explaining landscape designs or maintenance plans to clients. Beyond that, the patience, problem-solving, and leadership developed in the classroom equip education professionals to navigate the fast-paced, hands-on challenges of outdoor projects, making them a great fit for supervisory or management roles in the landscaping industry.
Connecting with People
Carolyne Fischer, Business Developer in our Hilton Head Island, SC branch, reflects on her journey from educator to landscape professional:
“In education, people are your product—and connecting with them is everything. Motivating young minds requires empathy, creativity, and the ability to truly understand their challenges. It also means building strong relationships with parents to uncover how each student learns best, identifying their strengths and areas for growth, and designing lessons that inspire.”
These principles, she explains, are just as critical in business development. Crafting proposals, networking with potential clients, and motivating others to trust Ruppert all draw on the same skills that made her an effective teacher. “The ability to connect, communicate, and inspire—skills honed in the classroom—are now the foundation of my success in business development,” Carolyne adds.
Building Trust and Inspiring Success
For Brandon Orr, a former teacher who now serves as a Operations Manager in our Virginia installation branch, the move to Ruppert was all about impact. “I transitioned to Ruppert from teaching because of ‘sphere of influence,’” he says. “Ruppert is just the thing I was looking for—a growing, family-oriented company that was looking for highly motivated people who care about their community.”
Brandon sees many parallels between teaching and project management. “Being able to communicate with a variety of people and gain their trust as a partner is key,” he explains. “I used to say that I ‘conned students into doing their schoolwork every day.’ Now I ‘con’ the GCs into liking Ruppert and giving us the next job. Other skills are being organized, meeting deadlines, being flexible after you’ve made plans, and having high expectations of others around you.”
That same desire to help others succeed continues to drive him. “Seeing others succeed has always been a highlight of teaching. Now I get to see coworkers succeed in various ways as we work together to build and create these lasting projects,” he shares. “I enjoy being able to help others and to create beautiful landscapes throughout the community that I can point to and say, ‘I helped create that.’”
Translating Structure and Empathy into Growth
Marianne Warren, Business Developer in Fredericksburg, VA with a background in education, echoes this sentiment:
“After years in education, I realized that what I loved most—building relationships, creating structure, and helping others grow—didn’t just belong in the classroom. Ruppert’s strong culture of teamwork and community instantly stood out to me. It felt like the perfect place to continue doing meaningful work while learning and growing in a whole new way.”
Marianne notes that teaching taught her how to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and bring out the best in others—all essential skills when collaborating with clients, teams, and vendors in the field.
Seeing Growth in a Different Way
Both Carolyne and Marianne highlight a unique aspect of working in landscaping: the tangible, visible results of their work. “I love seeing the results of our work come to life. There is something special about watching a project transform a space and knowing you played a part in it. It is still about helping people and communities grow, just in a way that is a little more hands-on and visible,” Marianne shares.
Carolyne agrees, adding that the learning never stops: “I love discovering how to care for turf, selecting the right plant materials for our climate, and staying curious about the natural world. I also appreciate the freedom of setting my own schedule, engaging with fellow professionals, and being out on the road. While I sometimes miss the rhythm of summers off, I wouldn’t trade that for the incredible relationships I’ve built at Ruppert. It’s more than a company—it’s a community, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
A Career That Grows With You
At Ruppert Landscape, we value the diverse experiences our team members bring. Teaching provides a foundation of skills—empathy, organization, communication—that not only enhance professional success but also enrich our culture and the communities we serve. For educators considering a new path, construction and landscaping offer a chance to continue impacting lives, with the added reward of seeing growth in a literal, hands-on way.