I never had any intension of getting into landscaping. My family originated in Newark, New Jersey, specifically the ironbound and west side sections. Son of small business owners, I was destined from the beginning to be my own boss. I worked the summers throughout High School cutting the neighbor’s lawns trying to save up money for the future. Who ever thought that that would be the start of my future business endeavor? Academic time was spent on math and science and music. I’ve been studying violin since age 10. Upon graduation of High School, I headed to Cook College, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Originally majoring in Biology, I worked nights and weekends in the family owned pharmacy. Biology didn’t seem to want to work out and I quickly changed gears and transferred to Mason Gross School of the Arts, at Rutgers. Having a natural talent in music, I tried my hand at Music Education and violin performance. Even though fulfilling, the thought of making a living in music pushed me to again change my major. This time, it was a permanent change to Landscape Architecture. I spent the next four years completing my B.S. in Environmental Planning and Design and Landscape Architecture at Cook College, as well as completing a minor in Music and continuing to study violin. In 1998, I interned at Birch Hill Landscaping as field laborer. I worked through the ranks and became partner in 2003. As I have worked at all aspects of the business, I am now responsible for managing project installation. Coupled with the business aspect of Birch Hill Landscaping, I am an active member of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA). I became a Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) in 2001 and have spent the last four (4) years on the CLT Test Administration Committee. I have lectured at Cook College Continuing Education Classes on the same subject. Recently, I served as a guest landscape professional at the County College of Morris (CCM), critiquing design projects. I am currently working on a Certificate Program in Leadership at the Rutgers Center for Management Development. When I am not avidly working on your landscape project, you might find me gigging* in the local symphony, community theatre group or perhaps your best friend’s wedding. *Gig n. A job, especially a booking for musicians. intr.v. gigged, gig·ging, gigs To work as a musician Contact me! vincent@birchhillinc.com
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