Ryan Lawn & Tree, No. 45 on the 2021 LM150 list, completed its largest merger to date with the addition of CM’s Outdoor Solutions of Omaha, Neb.

Founded by Chuck Monico in 1987, CM’s Outdoor Solutions, formerly known as CM’s A Cut Above, has grown from providing only mowing services to offering complete turf, tree, irrigation and landscape services, as well as snow removal for both residential and commercial clients.

“When we met with Chuck and the CM’s team, we liked them right away,” said Larry Ryan, founder and president of Ryan Lawn & Tree. “We saw Chuck as someone who cares about his associates. … He hires good people and he’s committed to the industry.”

Monico said it was important to merge with a company that held similar values as CM’s and a company where he knew his employees would continue to be taken care of.

“One of the biggest things that’s different about Ryan Lawn & Tree is that it’s a faith-based company,” said Monico. “If you have a faith-based company, if you’re looking to take care of your people, if you’re looking to take care of your community and grow the industry, those are companies that would be a great fit for Ryan.”

With their values aligned, the pair saw merging the two companies as an opportunity to innovate and lift the green industry.

“When we meet most companies that want to sell, the people are worn out,” explained Ryan. “The facilities are worn out, the equipment is worn out, and really what you’re buying is a customer list — and that’s not what we have here. We have a company that is looking to continue its growth and become a major player in the green industry.”

CM’s Outdoor Solutions employs 61 people and all of whom will be retained and both companies will operate under the name of Ryan Lawn & Tree.