Student Spotlight: Learning the landscaping business

This article is the latest in a series produced in association with Rhinelander Partners in Education.

Given Wisconsin's unpredictable weather, it can be hard to know when it would be a good time to take care of one's lawn. However, RHS student Layne Roeser might have a better idea than most as he has been learning the landscaping business hands-on with the help of his father, Tom.

Outside of school, Layne works for Outdoor Rooms Landscaping, a local landscaping business in Rhinelander. This landscaping business offers services in such areas as lakeside steps, sprinkler systems, brick paving, walkways. They serve various Northwoods cities including Boulder Junction, Lac du Flambeau, Woodruff and more.

Layne's dad, Tom Roeser, introduced him to landscaping through his mowing business nearly five years ago, and Layne has been learning the tools of the trade through on-the-job training. He has been able to learn how to use specialized equipment like zero-turn mowers and skid-steer tractors. Layne considers it a great opportunity to bond with his dad. In the summer, Layne also works for his dad's friend, Mark Stroede, who also runs the business.

Even with the infamous Wisconsin winters, Outdoor Rooms has been able to adapt with that as well. They offer a snow removal service during the winter months, and according to Layne, that service was booming this past winter.

While Outdoor Rooms consists of Layne, his dad, and Mark Stroede, they have received assistance from other people within the community.

"A lot of my clients that I have are my friends and my friends' neighbors," Layne said, "and I have friends that help out if I have a big job that I can't do by myself."

Of course, Layne has had to face his fair share of challenges on the job, such as his allergy to bees and the area's propensity for sudden and intermittent snowstorms. There have also been some rather unique jobs.

"We did a lot of steps this year, which are 500-pound stone steps that you have to put in," Layne explained. "That's challenging, but it's fun trying to problem solve."

Layne has been able to balance working at Outdoor Rooms while keeping up with his academic and extracurricular activities. "Through school, I have a couple of hours off in the morning for work," Layne said. "That's nice, and I get credit for that as well."

After high school and attending Nicolet College for entrepreneurship courses, Layne intends to stay in the Rhinelander area and start his own landscaping business. Once he retires, he also plans to offer his landscaping services to his peers for free.

Whether he's working alone or with his father, Roeser is doing his part to make sure that ensure that every home is looking the best it can, sun or snow.

Outdoor Rooms Landscaping can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 715-482-0330. Their website can be visited at https://www.orlandscape.com.

Jake Schexnaydre may be reached at [email protected].