In the world of commercial landscaping, where men have traditionally dominated the field, Monica Reyes stands out as a trailblazer. As the Founder, President, and Chief Visionary Officer of CME Landscape Corp, she has not only carved a niche for herself but has also transformed the way landscaping services are approached in Southern California. What started as a small residential landscaping business with one truck and a single lawnmower has evolved into a thriving company serving major commercial properties, retail spaces, and government agencies.
From Residential to Commercial: A Strategic Evolution
Transitioning from a business-to-consumer (B2C) model to a business-to-business (B2B) structure was a challenging yet rewarding shift for CME Landscape Corp. Residential clients typically involve direct communication with homeowners, while commercial projects require navigating vendor management systems, compliance regulations, and corporate guidelines. Despite these hurdles, Monica found that commercial clients often have clearer expectations, making operations smoother and more structured.
Beyond Lawn Care: The Art and Science of Landscaping
Monica and her team at CME Landscape Corp go far beyond mowing lawns and trimming hedges. They specialize in sustainable landscaping solutions, water management, and battery-operated machinery to align with California’s environmental regulations. Their expertise also extends to detecting irrigation issues, preventing water leakage, and implementing eco-friendly landscape designs. By adopting a consultative approach, Monica ensures that clients receive more than just basic maintenance—they get expert insights on sustainability and landscape health.
Lessons Learned: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges
The journey to success has not been without its struggles. Monica openly shares the challenges of entrepreneurship, from cash flow issues and losing contracts to navigating the complexities of state certifications. Being self-funded and learning to balance business operations with personal responsibilities has given her invaluable experience. Her persistence led her to obtain a C-27 Landscape Contractor License in California, which significantly elevated her company’s credibility and expanded its opportunities.
The Power of Community and Certification
Monica credits much of her growth to her involvement with WBEC-West and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). These certifications opened doors to federal contracts and partnerships with major corporations like Home Depot. She emphasizes that obtaining certification is a rigorous process, but the networking, mentorship, and business opportunities that come with it make it well worth the effort.
Giving Back: The Mi Hija Foundation
Beyond her business success, Monica has a deep commitment to community service. Her personal experience as a caregiver for her late father, who was a veteran, inspired her to create the Mi Hija Foundation. This nonprofit aims to provide resources and support to individuals navigating caregiving responsibilities, particularly those unaware of the assistance available to them. Through this initiative, she continues to make a meaningful impact beyond the realm of landscaping.
Expanding Horizons: The Future of CME Landscape Corp
As CME Landscape Corp continues to grow, Monica envisions expanding her services beyond Southern California, potentially reaching Northern California and other states. She also sees opportunities in biophilic design—bringing nature indoors with living walls and sustainable plant installations. This approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes wellness in corporate environments.
Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Industries
For women considering careers in male-dominated industries, Monica offers valuable advice:
Confidence is Key – Stand your ground, even when faced with skepticism. Knowledge and preparation will help earn respect.
Continuous Learning – Take advantage of resources, certifications, and mentorship opportunities to stay ahead in your field.
Build a Support Network – Organizations like WBEC-West provide invaluable connections and support.
Embrace Challenges – Every setback is a learning opportunity that can pave the way for future success.
Final Thoughts
Monica Reyes’ journey exemplifies resilience, strategic growth, and the importance of community in business success. Through CME Landscape Corp and her foundation, she continues to break barriers, proving that women not only belong in construction but can thrive and lead with vision and innovation. To learn more about Monica and CME Landscape Corp, visit https://www.cmelandscapecorp.com/ and listen to her full journey on Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/monica-reyes/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.