Founded in 1986 in Lexington, South Carolina, Heritage has grown into one of the leading commercial landscaping companies in the region. This success stems from the vision and dedication of its founders Robert and Debbie McLeod, who each developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors early in life. Robert fondly recalls childhood visits to his grandfather’s nursery in Clinton, SC, where he learned the art of growing and shipping creeping phlox plants. Similarly, Debbie cherished memories of time spent in her granny’s yard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, surrounded by roses, red poppies, pansies, and flourishing vegetables. These early experiences laid the foundation for their future in landscaping.
A Journey Inspired by Nature
A devastating drought on the McLeod family farm in McBee, SC, led Robert and Debbie to relocate to Lexington where they established their landscaping business. Drawing on their knowledge of farming and gardening, they embraced the role of “urban farmers” or landscapers. From humble beginnings, working from their home with just one employee, they provided services to both residential and commercial customers.
“We would do whatever we could to get established, even if it was pulling weeds for an elderly lady,” Debbie McLeod once recalled.
As Heritage gained momentum, it became clear that their true strength was in commercial landscaping. They soon found themselves renovating landscapes for shopping centers and office complexes, with a focus on breathing new life into older properties.
Building a Legacy of Integrity
In 1996, Heritage moved to Gilbert, SC, a decision that allowed them to better serve their growing team and expand operations. This move marked a significant evolution in the company’s services, but throughout their journey, one thing remained consistent: Robert’s leadership, grounded in integrity and a commitment to excellence.
“My dad built a solid foundation of caring for our customers, employees, and the community,” said Ashley McLoed, President of Heritage. “His strong faith has been the north star for the business (and our family) through the ups and downs of life. This has become the DNA of Heritage and we are committed to continue living these values out today and into our future.”
The Strength of Family Leadership
Today, the legacy of Robert and Debbie McLeod lives on through the leadership of their son, Ashley, and son-in-law, Kleck Harman, who lead the company. Together, they uphold the family values that have defined Heritage since the beginning. Their partnership exemplifies the strength of family leadership, helping Heritage reach new heights while remaining a focus on sustainable practices and client satisfaction.
“Every day, business decisions must be made, and with the foundation that Robert laid—built on his strong work ethic and Christian values—we continue to apply these principles in our daily operations,” said Kleck Harman, Senior Vice President at Heritage. “Robert has maintained high standards and never wavered when making tough decisions, which has helped the next generation become strong leaders and continue the legacy he has passed on to Ashley and me.”
About Heritage
Heritage is dedicated to helping businesses achieve net-zero, water-positive, and zero-waste goals through innovative landscaping solutions. With a focus on balancing sustainability and functionality, Heritage ensures safety, visibility, and public access to every site. Click here to get a quote today.
