Jacob Hong

Senior Vice President at Woodlawns Landscape Company

Jacob Hong's journey in the landscaping industry is a testament to resilience, transformation, and unwavering belief in personal growth. Hailing from Idaho, Jacob began mowing lawns with his brother at the tender age of 13, a humble start that planted the seeds for a thriving career. It wasn't until college at Brigham Young University that he discovered the professional potential of landscaping. Initially undecided on his major, a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and subsequent marriage prompted a pivotal shift. Working with BYU grounds crew, he enrolled in the landscape management program, defying industry stereotypes and his wife's initial surprise. 'I felt it was the best of both worlds—a little bit of business along with working outside,' he recalls [[Faces of the Industry](https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org/faces-of-the-industry-jacob-hong/)]. Participating in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition proved life-changing, opening doors to networks and opportunities. Directed to Minnesota, Jacob joined Southview Design in 2015 as a Landscape Care Representative. Over nearly a decade, he climbed the ranks: Senior Landscape Care Representative, People and Culture Director, and Director of Client Care until 2024. In a bold move reflecting his career transformation, he relocated to the Greater Chicago Area as Senior Vice President at Woodlawns Landscape Company, a leading commercial landscaper founded in 1997 [[Woodlawns Landscape](https://woodlawnslandscape.com/)]. Jacob's philosophy centers on growth and people. 'I believe that I will grow and change. I believe in people and believe that if people are put in the right situations they will succeed,' he states in his LinkedIn about section [[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhong)]. Responsibility drives him; once a people pleaser, he's evolved into a 'realistic people pleaser.' He observes, listens, recommends policies for better work environments, hires, trains, and encourages teams. Bad days are temporary—tomorrow is better. As a devoted husband, father, and champion for stay-at-home moms, family and faith anchor his life. At Woodlawns, serving Chicagoland's commercial properties with services like landscape management, seasonal color, tree care, snow removal, and enhancements, Jacob contributes to a company of 11-50 employees excelling in sustainable, aesthetic landscapes [[LinkedIn Company](https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodlawns-landscape-co)]. His resilience shines in challenging industry perceptions of unprofessionalism and navigating daily unique issues. Career advice: 'If you want something, start doing it... You do not have to wait for a promotion' [[Faces of the Industry](https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org/faces-of-the-industry-jacob-hong/)]. Looking ahead, he aims for a team providing living wages and continuous improvements, embodying leadership that transforms lives.

Key Insights from Jacob Hong

I believe that I will grow and change. I believe in people and believe that if people are put in the right situations they will succeed.

— Jacob Hong on People-Centric Leadership

If you want something, start doing it... You do not have to wait for a promotion.

— Jacob Hong on Career Advancement

I felt it was the best of both worlds—a little bit of business along with working outside.

— Jacob Hong on Industry Passion

I use to be a people pleaser. Now I am a realistic people pleaser.

— Jacob Hong on Personal Growth

Notable Quotes from Jacob Hong

"If you want something, start doing it... You do not have to wait for a promotion." [[Faces of the Industry](https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org/faces-of-the-industry-jacob-hong/)]

— Jacob Hong

"I believe in people and believe that if people are put in the right situations they will succeed." [[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhong)]

— Jacob Hong

Frequently Asked Questions about Jacob Hong

How did Jacob Hong transition from mowing lawns as a teen to executive leadership in landscaping?

Starting in Idaho, Jacob mowed lawns from age 13. At BYU, post-mission and marriage, he shifted to landscape management after grounds work. Competitions connected him to Southview Design in 2015, where promotions led to Director roles. In 2024, he became SVP at Woodlawns Landscape, showcasing proactive steps and mentor guidance [[Faces of the Industry](https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org/faces-of-the-industry-jacob-hong/)], [[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhong)].

What makes Woodlawns Landscape Company stand out in commercial landscaping?

Founded in 1997 in Mundelein, IL, Woodlawns specializes in Chicagoland commercial properties with services including landscape management, seasonal color, tree/shrub care, snow removal, and enhancements. Client-centered, they prioritize sustainable, aesthetic solutions. Recognized as Best in Commercial Landscape Maintenance 2025 by Landscape Illinois [[Woodlawns](https://woodlawnslandscape.com/)], [[LinkedIn Company](https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodlawns-landscape-co)].

What leadership principles does Jacob Hong live by?

Observation, listening, policy recommendations for better environments, hiring/training/encouraging talent. He values responsibility, hope amid challenges, and people development. As a family man, he champions stay-at-home moms and believes in situational success [[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhong)].

How has Jacob Hong demonstrated resilience in his career?

Defied stereotypes switching majors, navigated industry biases, handled daily unique challenges at Southview/Woodlawns. Post-2013 career pivot mentioned in posts, evolved from people pleaser, optimistic about tomorrow despite bad days [[Faces of the Industry](https://blog.landscapeprofessionals.org/faces-of-the-industry-jacob-hong/)], [[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhong)].

Jacob Hong — Areas of Expertise

  • Leadership in Landscaping
  • Career Transformation
  • Team Building and Culture
  • Commercial Landscape Management
  • Resilience and Personal Growth
  • Client Care Excellence
  • Joining for center stage and deep dive segment to discuss career transformation and resilience

Jacob Hong — Show Appearances

  • Mornings in the Lab (2025-04-09)

Jacob Hong — Signal Brief

Signal Score: 6/100

Generated 2026-04-16T01:26:20.238Z