By Craig Ruppert, Founder/Executive Chairman of the Board
I want to share a story that reminded me just how lasting and impactful our culture can be. I recently received an email from a former business owner and longtime supporter of Ruppert who was struck by how strongly our culture and values continue to shine through—thanks to the dedication of our team members.
Brian Kopec sold his company, A Neater Nature, to Ruppert over 20 years ago. This month, he reached out after spotting one of our trucks in a parking lot near Orlando, Florida, where he now lives. That chance encounter turned into a meaningful reminder of what makes our brand and our people special.
Pictured right: A Neater Nature team when they joined Ruppert (2004)
What struck me most about his message was how clearly our impact had endured. Brian recalled first seeing Ruppert trucks in the mid-1980s while mowing lawns in New Market, Maryland. He followed our work in industry publications and even modeled parts of his business after what he saw us doing.
When the time came to sell his company in 2004, he called our office one evening—unsure if anyone would even know his name. I was fortunate to be there and take the call and knew his name and his company. A few months later, his company became part of the Ruppert family.
Fast forward to just a few weeks ago. After seeing our truck, Brian walked over and introduced himself. The crew welcomed him warmly and invited him to visit the branch, which was just around the corner. He shared how impressed he was by the team’s professionalism and pride. They had recently attended training and were excited to talk about the company’s history and values. Then, while walking through the branch, Brian saw a familiar face on a uniform poster—a former crew leader he had worked with over two decades ago. That employee was a tenured leader at Ruppert.
Over the years, several of Brian’s former employees have reached out to thank him for connecting them with Ruppert, where they’ve built lasting careers. Seeing that poster and meeting the crew reminded him that our brand and our culture truly have staying power.
Inspired by the visit, Brian shared a lead with the Florida team—an opportunity to bid a large commercial property in the area. It was a meaningful full-circle moment, and I couldn’t help but feel that it was no accident.
We’ve spent decades refining our brand with our uniforms, trucks, equipment, and facilities. But in reality, the heart of our brand lies in the way our team members treat people: with respect, warmth, and genuine interest. Every interaction matters, and sometimes, the impression we leave can open doors years, or even decades, later.
While much has changed—our size, markets, and services—our culture, commitment to training, attention to detail, and our dedicated team remain constant. Whether it’s a new partner in Florida or a long-standing branch in Maryland, the same values apply. And when that consistency impresses someone 900 miles from Laytonsville who’s known us since the ’80s, it’s clear we’re doing something right.
To our Florida team, thank you for setting the example. Your professionalism and hospitality didn’t just make a great impression, you reignited a connection that began four decades ago and may have opened the door to new opportunities.
To everyone across the company—never underestimate the power of the Ruppert name or the role you play in keeping our culture strong. Whether someone is seeing us for the first time or the hundredth, that impression matters. Let’s keep making it count.