Steve Jacobs is a speaker, instructor, and Owner of Nature Designs Landscaping, a general contractor company serving in San Diego. For over 40 years, Nature Designs has specialized in building and maintaining water-conscious landscapes, creating award-winning residential and outdoor living spaces. Steve earned his landscape contractor's license in 1988 and has since ventured into swimming pool and spa installation. He is a certified arborist, water manager, irrigation expert, and general contractor.

In addition to having a degree in horticulture from Cuyamaca College, Steve has been teaching the Landscape Contracting class at the college since 2003. He is also a former president of the state chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). An industry thought leader, Steve is passionate about speaking on design, horticulture, irrigation technology, plant disease, and pest control. He often holds seminars on water-conscious planting, how to save money in gardening, and firescaping strategies.

In this episode…

Poor communication between contractors and clients is one of the major impediments to successful project delivery. Have you ever wondered how successful contractors effectively handle demanding clients and projects?

As the leader of a leading landscaping company, veteran horticulturist Steve Jacobs maintains the value of active listening in improving customer satisfaction. This approach shows you empathize with them and want to solve their problems. Steve has discovered that effectively implementing customers’ ideas entails asking open-ended questions to clarify their needs and expectations. Patiently attending to their requests and concerns and relaying back situations allows customers to feel genuinely understood and satisfied.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill sits down with Steve Jacobs, renowned speaker and Founder of Nature Designs, to discuss the value of effective communication in building trust and understanding with clients. Steve emphasizes active listening for project managers and provides insights on streamlining landscaping operations. He also reflects on his career path in horticulture and how he navigates the challenges of San Diego's hot and dry climate as a landscape designer.