40 Years of Growth, Relationships, and Leadership: Celebrating Arnie Kroeze
After four decades with Bruss Landscaping, General Manager Arnie Kroeze is retiring—leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship, leadership, and care. From selling grass seed in his parents’ garden center to helping shape one of Fairwood Brands’ most respected companies, Arnie’s journey is a story of dedication and evolution.
From Garden Center to Growth
Arnie’s story begins at his parents’ garden center, where he sold Christmas trees and grass seed before joining Bob Bruss at Bruss Landscaping. “When I started, Bob was growing trees,” he recalls. “People began asking for installation—and that’s really how Bruss Landscaping took root.” Early on, crews were hired only seasonally, until one client’s request for year-round plantings changed everything. “That one service transformed how we operated—and set the stage for steady growth.”
Arnie in his early days at Bruss Landscaping
The Changing Landscape
Over the years, Arnie has watched the landscaping industry expand in both complexity and creativity. “Clients today expect more diverse skillsets and services—outdoor kitchens, lighting, four-season spaces,” he says. “It’s not just a patio anymore—it’s how people live.” Under Arnie’s guidance, Bruss Landscaping grew from a local operation into a trusted design-build partner known for excellence, innovation, and relationships—values that align perfectly with Fairwood Brands’ commitment to quality and long-term stewardship.
Reflecting on this evolution, Fairwood Brands CEO Mike McRae shares his thoughts on Arnie’s impact on Bruss and the Fairwood platform:
“I can’t thank Arnie enough for 40 years of leadership at Bruss, up to and through the transition to Fairwood Brands. Arnie leads with his heart, with purpose, and with pride. His commitment to our employees and clients has been unwavering. On a personal note, I’ve deeply valued his mentorship and friendship. Arnie has shaped this business and the industry in meaningful and lasting ways.”
Leadership and Culture
Arnie’s leadership philosophy is simple but powerful: listen first, act with patience, and stay consistent. “Not every decision needs to be made in the moment,” he says. “When leadership is steady from top to bottom, everyone can move in the right direction.”
That philosophy helped build a company culture where people can build a career and take pride in their work. “Seeing the pride in our foremen, watching their kids grow up and go to college because of the hard work their parents put in here—that’s incredibly rewarding,” Arnie reflects. “You get to see not just the projects we’ve built, but the lives that have grown alongside them.” Through programs like Bruss University, annual community volunteer days, and holiday gatherings, Arnie cultivated a workplace that feels like family—something that continues to define Fairwood Brands’ broader culture across its portfolio.
Arnie with the Bruss team at a trade show.
Relationships That Last
For Arnie, landscaping has always been about people. “Nobody needs to spend this money—it’s something they want to spend,” he explains. “That’s why relationships matter so much. You have to know your clients, their lifestyle, even their families.”
Some of those connections have lasted decades. “I’ve had three clients I’ve worked with for 40 years—they’re like aunts to me,” he shares. That spirit of trust and personal connection has become a hallmark of Bruss Landscaping and an inspiration for other Fairwood Brands companies that share a service-first mindset.
Looking Ahead
As outdoor living continues to evolve, Arnie sees tremendous opportunity ahead. “Families are truly living outdoors now—with kitchens, firepits, and spaces that connect seamlessly to the home.” He adds that being part of Fairwood Brands has opened new doors for collaboration, resource-sharing, and innovation across the industry. “Fairwood Brands has built full teams of professionals that can only help our staff grow and attract future Bruss team members as a major player in the landscape industry and the employer of choice.”
Before wrapping up, Arnie offers one final reflection: “Do something you love—because you spend so much time doing it."
