The Rockaway Inc. Story: A Landscaping Legacy Built on Professionalism and Growth
From Family Roots to Industry Leadership:
The story of Rockaway Inc. is one of passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations. Founded in 1981 as Rockaway Garden Center in New Jersey, the company’s roots were firmly planted in the love of the Burghardt brothers, Greg Jr. and Brian, for all things green. Their childhood experiences working in the family nursery and tree farms, coupled with their degrees in Plant Science and Landscape Design, laid the foundation for their future success.
Building on a Strong Foundation:
After honing their skills at two of the nation’s leading landscaping companies, Davey Tree and ValleyCrest, the brothers returned to their entrepreneurial roots in 2009. Rebranding the family business as Rockaway Inc. in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, they embarked on a new chapter, expanding services beyond the garden center to encompass comprehensive, sustainable landscape solutions.
Innovation and Adaptability:
Rockaway’s journey has been marked by continuous innovation and a keen understanding of market trends. Recognizing the changing landscape of the industry, the company strategically closed the garden center in 2020, focusing its resources on the burgeoning landscaping and maintenance sectors in Northeast Florida. This bold move solidified Rockaway’s position as a major player, mirroring the service capacity of industry titans while maintaining the core values of a customer-centric, local business.
Investing in People and Technology:
Rockaway’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its services. The company fosters a culture of professionalism and invests heavily in its employees. Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and a leadership team that leads by example – wearing the same safety vests as the field crew and prioritizing hands-on training – are just a few examples of Rockaway’s dedication to its workforce.
A Portfolio of Success:
Rockaway landscape architects, designers, account managers, foremen, crew leaders, and support staff work closely with leading industry technologies and maintain high-quality communications standards to ensure client satisfaction. Employees are paid above industry standard rates, with benefit offerings that include health insurance, a 401K with company match, PTO, paid holidays, and vacation time. Northeast Florida service sectors include:
Healthcare organizations including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.
HOA communities including Ocean Edge, Pablo Bay, and Artisan Lakes, a 66-acre community of 196 homes in the heart of Nocatee.
Retail segments including The Markets At Town Center and Publix retail centers, to name a few.
Residential custom design and builds throughout Northeast Florida.
A Vision for the Future:
Rockaway Inc. is not resting on its laurels. The company continues to adapt and evolve, embracing the latest technologies and staying ahead of the curve in the ever-changing landscaping industry. With a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and exceeding client expectations, Rockaway Inc. is poised for continued growth and success, leaving a lasting mark on the Northeast Florida landscape.