Massachusetts Volunteer is All in On GreenCare for Troops

Values like ethics, integrity, and hard work are what built Bluestone Companies of North Dighton, Massachusetts, a do-it-all grounds care and landscape construction company, from humble beginnings.

Co-founder Steve Reed grew up working in the family business – a vegetable farm and three garden centers – and when he came of age in the late 1990s he took over management of the garden centers.

“We weren’t making money in the winter, so I decided to plow a little snow,” he recalls.

A conversation about his ambitions with Eric Thibert, his long-time best friend who was dabbling in landscape maintenance and snow removal himself, turned into the partnership that was the foundation for Bluestone.

Through hard work and Reed’s admitted unwillingness to say no to any project, the business has continued to grow and diversify over more than two decades.

“You only get so much time on the planet, let’s see what we can accomplish,” he says.

When the company found out about the volunteer opportunities with Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops, they were all in.

“We have a lot of military connections with friends and family, and military families are a group of people that we love to support,” says Joe Dupont, business development with Bluestone Companies, North Dighton, Massachusetts. “GreenCare for Troops aligns perfectly with our values as an organization and is a great way we can give back.”

No Hesitation

Dupont came across the GreenCare for Troops program in January and brought it to Reed. Based on his deep personal respect for the sacrifices of military families and a near encounter with military service himself, Reed didn’t hesitate to sign on.

“Like a lot of young men coming out of high school, I was considering what to do after graduation and felt like I was invincible,” says Reed. “A recruiter came to our school and after listening to him for 45 minutes I went home, ready to join the Air Force. When I told my dad, he was much less enthusiastic – I could see the fear in his eyes, the prospect of losing his son. He managed to talk me out of it.”

Reed has carried a certain amount of guilt over the years about the decision, and he admires his fellow Americans who risk the ultimate sacrifice in service to country.

“Whether there is a war or not when you sign up, once you are in there is a chance you will go,” says Reed. “Everybody in the military has a lot more at risk than I do and by estimation they are vastly underpaid. All I do is get up every morning and enjoy my life – I don’t have to think about getting sent away from my family for months at a time.”

Bluestone currently services two military families and is looking to add more in the months ahead.

“We are cutting some lawns, spreading mulch, and providing a service for military families, which is great, but compared to the sacrifice they make it feels so small. It’s a small price to pay for me to show my appreciation, and I don’t even expect a thank you from them. From my perspective I can’t possibly thank them enough.”

Become A Volunteer Today

Are you ready to step up for a military family? Register today

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program Title Sponsor is Nufarm. SnowCare for Troops program in BOSS Snowplow. Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, AMGUARD Environmental Sciences  and Heritage Landscape Supply. The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel.

Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals