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Powering the Next Chapter: Green Impressions Joins Exscape Group

Transforming a one-stop landscape powerhouse into a scalable, sales-driven brand.
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Overview

Green Impressions had already built a reputation as a top-tier landscaping partner in Northeast Ohio, known for quality, professionalism, and full-service capabilities. But like many growing companies, its next chapter required more than hard work and reputation alone.

By partnering with Exscape Group, Green Impressions gained the strategic infrastructure and operational clarity needed to scale sustainably, without losing what made them great.

The Background

Founded in 1993 and rebranded in 2011, Green Impressions grew from a modest lawn care business into a 40+ person team offering high-end residential design/build, full-service commercial maintenance, and pool installations under the Blue Impressions brand. With branded vehicles, uniformed crews, and award-winning craftsmanship, Green Impressions built its name on:

  • Turnkey outdoor living solutions
  • Long-term commercial maintenance contracts
  • Polished, trustworthy client service
  • Consistent team execution with low turnover

Led by founder Joe Schell, the company hit a critical inflection point in the 2020s: strong demand, but a need for better backend systems, growth planning, and operational support to reach the next level.

The Challenge

Green Impressions wanted to evolve from a production-heavy company into a sales-driven growth machine, but faced barriers common to founder-led businesses:

  • Too much operational burden on the owner
  • Fragmented tech stack (Boss, HubSpot, spreadsheets)
  • Limited commercial expansion outside core HOA portfolio
  • A need for better cross-selling and irrigation development

Joe Schell wasn’t looking for an exit. He was looking for a partner who understood his goals, and could help get there without compromising team culture or service quality.

The Solution

A Strategic Partnership With Exscape Group

In 2025, Green Impressions joined Exscape Group, a Private Investment-backed landscaping partnership purpose-built for owner-led companies. The partnership delivered:

  • Centralized back-office support (HR, IT, finance, recruiting, marketing)
  • Technology unification, including the rollout of Aspire for CRM + job costing
  • Co-branded positioning: "Green Impressions, Powered by Exscape Group"
  • Strategic collaboration with other high-performing operators across Ohio

The relationship allowed Joe to focus on leadership and growth, while Exscape Group brought systems, scale, and strategic clarity to support the business’s evolution.

Since joining the organization, Green Impressions has:

  • With Aspire rollout and shared sales best practices, the team is shifting from reactive to proactive selling.
  • Targeted growth into healthcare, retail, and high-end multifamily properties beyond HOA-heavy portfolios.
  • Centralized systems replaced patchworked tools, reducing admin time and data inconsistencies.
  • Continued marketing as “Green Impressions” with enhanced polish and group-powered trust signals.
  • Access to recruiting tools and group hiring support has freed up leadership to stay focused in their zone of excellence.
  • Focus on converting D/B clients to maintenance, and snow clients to year-round service.

  • Joe and key leaders now benefit from the success of the broader Exscape Group.

  • Aspire and shared systems now support smarter, faster decision-making.
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Comprehensive Maintenance Services
Lawn care, pruning, bed maintenance, snow removal, and seasonal clean-ups for commercial and residential properties.
Landscape Design & Installation
Enhancements, renovations, and installations that elevate curb appeal and long-term property value.
Horticultural Expertise
A deep bench of plant, soil, and seasonal knowledge guides every service plan and site execution.
Client-Centered Support
Hands-on account management, fast response times, and proactive recommendations that keep properties performing at their best.
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Proudly Serving Northern Ohio

Headquartered in Sheffield, OH, Green Impressions supports properties across:

  • Sheffield, OH 
  • Painesville, OH
  • Surrounding Northern Ohio markets

Green Impressions continues to lead with integrity, performance, and pride in its work, representing exactly what Exscape Group looks for in its partners.

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Looking Ahead

Green Impressions is more than a success story, it’s a blueprint for what’s possible when a founder-led business is supported, not swallowed.

"We’ve always been a one-stop shop for our clients. Now, with Exscape Group behind us, we’ve become a one-stop shop for growth."

 — Joe Schell, Founder of Green Impressions

"We knew we had built something special, and we wanted to take it further. Exscape Group gave us the tools, the team, and the vision to scale the right way."

 — Bill Dysert, CEO of Exscape Group

Contact Us
Cincinnati, OH luxury backyard with manicured lawn, stone patio seating, ivy-clad home, and mature trees

Our Core Offerings

  • Strategic Acquisitions
  • Centralized Back-Office Operations
  • Growth & Market Expansion Support
  • Operational and Financial Optimization
  • Seller Transition and Equity Rollover Options
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Our Process

A Smoother Path to Growth & Transition

01.

Connect & Explore Strategic Fit

We listen and understand what a "win-win" outcome looks like for you.

02.

Due Diligence & Deal Structuring

Financial review, LOI preparation, and transition planning, typically within 60-90 days.

03.

Integration & Shared Success

You join a platform designed to grow your legacy, empower your people, and expand your impact.

Grow With Us

If you’ve built a great company and want to scale without sacrificing what makes it special, you don’t need to do it alone. Exscape Group is ready when you are.