SALINAS, CA — K&D Landscaping was named Outstanding Large Business of
the Year at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce's 105th Annual
Awards Luncheon on April 9, 2025. The honor recognizes a company that
evolved from a small family operation into a regional leader while
remaining deeply rooted in community, culture, and purpose.

"This award belongs to every single person on the K&D team," said
Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping. "We started as a humble family
operation in 1986. Everything we have built since then rests on the
shoulders of people who show up every day and give their absolute
best. We are incredibly proud to be recognized by the community that
raised us."

Deep Roots, Bigger Vision

Founded in 1986, K&D Landscaping has grown into a $20 million regional
operation with a team that reflects the Salinas Valley it serves. In
2016, K&D launched its Community Beautification Projects to give back
to the region. The company has since beautified more than 35 local
nonprofits, investing over $200,000 last year alone in community
greening efforts. K&D also hosts the annual Central Coast Water
Summit, now in its fourth year, bringing industry professionals
together to tackle regional water conservation challenges.

Leading the Industry into the Future

K&D is not just growing. It is redefining the modern landscaping
company. The company operates California's first Level 5 autonomous
commercial mowing fleet and has transitioned its maintenance division
to 100% electric handheld tools. These are not experiments. They are
fully operational systems deployed at scale, fundamentally changing
both the economics and the environmental impact of commercial
landscape maintenance.

People First, Always

Even as technology advances, K&D never loses sight of the people
behind the work. The company maintains an 85% employee retention rate
in an industry historically plagued by turnover. K&D is actively
building toward a $100,000 minimum salary for its team members. This
commitment reflects a core belief: taking care of people is not a cost
center, but a competitive advantage.

What Comes Next

On March 1, 2025, K&D launched Branch 805 in San Luis Obispo County,
bringing its all-electric Kress equipment and people-first culture to
a new market. That is just the beginning. With sights set on the
entire California market, the company's long-range vision is to reach
a $1 billion valuation by 2035. This goal serves as a guiding
principle shaping every hire, system, and investment made today.

"We are grateful for this recognition, and we are just getting
started," White added. "The Salinas Valley has given us everything.
Our goal is to keep raising the bar for what a landscaping company can
be for our team, our clients, and the communities we serve."

About K&D Landscaping

K&D Landscaping is a Salinas Valley-based commercial landscaping
company founded in 1986. Led by CEO Justin White, K&D has grown into a
$20 million regional operation with branches expanding across Central
California. Known for its people-first culture, community investment,
and leadership in sustainable and autonomous landscaping technology,
K&D is on a mission to raise the bar in the green industry.

Learn more at kndlandscaping.com.