Scott Benson
President, Benson Landscape and Design
Victor, N.Y.
1. What is Benson Landscape and Design, and how did it get its start?
I started Benson Landscape and Design in 1987, when I was a sophomore in high school. I did not have a truck, I did not have a formal business plan — and I couldn’t even drive yet — but I had something that shaped the future of this company: discipline, vision and the belief that excellence creates opportunity.
My parents were executives with traditional corporate careers, and they encouraged me to finish college and secure a stable job in case the business didn’t work out. But I never built Benson with a backup plan in mind. From the beginning, I believed that when you find a real problem to solve, deliver exceptional service and surround yourself with great people, you can build something meaningful — and help others grow and succeed along the way.
I started by servicing my neighborhood and hiring friends. Over time, it grew into a full-service company because we committed to delivering exceptional product quality with an exceptional client experience. We’ve always operated with extreme attention to detail — so much so that even today, my team says, “That’s the Benson way.” It’s not standard service. It’s craftsmanship, communication and follow-through at the highest level.
2. Any trends you’re noticing with your clients?
Clients want more than just landscaping; they want a functional, private and restorative outdoor retreat. Since COVID, this desire for home-as-a-destination has grown, increasing demand for a full-service, trusted team to manage the entire process with attention to detail.
3. What do you and your family do for fun?
My wife and I really enjoy spending time with our family and making the most of life outside of work. We have three girls in our world, ages 14, 16 and 20, so life stays busy in the best way.
One of the things we enjoy most is traveling and exploring different parts of the world. It’s how we recharge, create memories and stay curious. For me personally, travel is also a huge source of inspiration — I’m always paying attention to design, architecture, outdoor spaces and how different places create atmosphere and lifestyle. Those experiences often spark new ideas that I bring back into our work, helping us continue to elevate what we create for our clients.
4. What motivated you to join a peer group, and how do you like it?
I was first introduced to peer groups through Marty Grunder’s GROW!, and later I met people like Jason New and Jim Cali who helped open the door to a whole new level of learning and leadership. What surprised me most is that the greatest value hasn’t just been personal — it’s been what has allowed me to do for my team.
Being part of a peer group allows you to share experiences in a safe, non-competitive environment, while also gaining exposure to stronger systems, better processes and more effective leadership habits. Peer groups have helped us build a stronger organization with clearer operational structure, better communication and accountability and better opportunities for our people.
5. Do you have a most memorable day at work?
One of the most memorable days of my career was a trip we took to Mexico a couple of years ago. We have team members from Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia who have been with us for more than 20 years. During the off-season, many return home, so we went and hosted a gathering — and more than 120 people attended, including extended family members.
What made it unforgettable was that they shared how working with us created real opportunities for them and their families.
