Father’s Day isn’t just a calendar date. At Heritage, it’s a reminder of who we are and where we come from. As a family-owned third generation business rooted in Christian values and an honest work ethic, we have seen the beauty in generational leadership firsthand.
Our founder, Robert McLeod, was inspired by his childhood in the outdoors with his grandfather. He spent his youthful years tending a small nursery and shipping creeping phlox plants alongside his grandfather in Clinton, SC. Those early mornings in the soil taught him more than landscaping but also discipline, stewardship, and pride in a job well done.
Once Robert, along with his wife Debbie McLeod, established Heritage as a Columbia-based commercial landscaping company in 1986, he poured those same life lessons into his son, Ashley McLeod, who is now the President of Heritage, managing teams in the Midlands, Upstate and Lowcountry.
Ashley McLeod (left) with his father Robert McLeod (middle)
Today, the second generation carries our legacy forward. Ashley McLeod and his brother-in-law, Kleck Harman, lead Heritage with the same hands-on approach and commitment to serving others as their father, Robert McLeod. Since their children could crawl, Ashley and Kleck have instilled the same passion for nature and landscaping into them.
Large Sod Replacing Project 2014
Kleck Harman with his son.
And now, a third generation is rising. Kleck and Ashley are teaching their children the art of landscaping as third-generation workers, watching their dads manage team members and clients with integrity and honesty.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
This verse speaks to the heart of what we strive for—not just in our families, but in our business. At Heritage, we believe good work and strong character go hand in hand. We believe legacy isn’t built in one generation—it’s nurtured over time, with care, consistency, and faith.
This Father’s Day, we’re grateful for the dads who lead with wisdom, serve with humility and take the time to guide the next generation. We honor our fathers of Heritage for the roots they’ve planted in their children and the growth still to come in the next generations.
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Heritage!
Through the Years
Kleck Harman with his father, William Harman
Gilbert Primary School Farm and Career Day 2015. Ashley’s sons, Mason and Tyler McLeod, had to test out the Heritage equipment.
Third generational Heritage leaders
Ashley’s son, Levi McLeod completed his Eagle Scout project, joining other dedicated Scouts to help landscape around a local church, Christ Community Church in Batesburg-Leesville. (2014)
Levi McLeod representing Heritage at his little sister’s Career Day (2024).
Kleck Harman’s four children – Parker, Mallory, Ryan, and Weston (2015).
