MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Faces of the Industry: Emilie Steinauer By Jill Odom


IN COLLEGE, EMILIE STEINAUER WAS UNDECIDED ABOUT HER MAJOR until she took a landscape appreciation course to fulfill a core credit requirement. Before taking the class, she had no idea the landscape industry existed as a career path.


“That class opened my eyes to the


world of horticulture, and I quickly real- ized my passion for the green industry,” Steinauer says. “From that moment on, I was committed to pursuing a career in this field and never looked back.” After working as a summer intern at CM’s A Cut Above, based in Omaha, Nebraska, Steinauer returned to work for CM’s full-time following her graduation. She had been there for just over a year before CM’s merged with Ryan Lawn & T ee based in M iam, Kansas


g y Trree,, based in Merriam, Kansas.. “The transition was relatively smooth,”


Steinauer says. “Chuck Monico and Larry Ryan did a great job of preparing us by clearly explaining the changes and answering all our questions to ensure we felt comfortable. A key factor in the seamless transition was the alignment of company values — both organizations had the same business practices in terms of open-book management, workplace culture and how to care for customers.” Steinauer says her favorite aspect of working at Ryan Lawn & Tree is the peo- ple she in eracts with, both the commu- nity members and her co-workers. “I’m luck


wo ing a ple she int y mem


luc y to be surrounded by some


of the most talented folks in the industry,” Steinauereinauer says. “We genuinely look out for each o derie is w


off the mo


r each other, and that sense of camara- derie is what makes RLT special.” She say


with benefits. career pa


company with bene


Steinauer says many individuals have shaped her professional development, but t o who stand out in particular are her college professor, Kim Todd, and Ryan Lawn & Tree CEO, Chuck Monico. An one who’s had the chance to


Steinau


shaped h but two w her colleg Ryan Law “Anyon


She says she’s also lucky to work for a y that offers full-time positions


“If the if the industry can create more stable career paths, it’ll help attract and retain more gre space for ys.


e great people and create a better space for everyone who works in it,” she says.


learn from her (Todd) knows how knowledgeable and respected she is in the industry,” Steinauer says. “She sets high standards, leads by example, and has been an incredible role model as a strong female in this industry.” Steinauer encourages other wom- en who love being outdoors, creating beautiful spaces and making a difference in the environment not to be intimidated by entering the industry. “Find a good mentor, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” Steinhauer says. “You belong here just as much as anyone else.” She notes that the more women come into the industry, the more we can change the outdated perception that landscaping is a ‘man’s job.’ “Women bring different perspectives,


problem-solving approaches, and skill sets that make teams stronger and the industry better as a whole,” Steinauer says. “If we want to see real change, we have to actively recruit, support, and promote more women — representation matters, and when people see women thriving in these roles, it encourages even more to join.” Steinauer says Monico has helped her


grow in industry knowledge as well as a leader, shaping how she approaches her work and career. She says finding her voice was a challenge. “Even though I had the education and


experience, I struggled with confidence in the beginning,” she says. “Whether it was because I was young or new to the


“A homeowner might not know exactly how to describe what they want, so it’s up to us to really hear them and translate their vision into reality. The same goes for working with a team being able to understand different perspectives


allows for a more cohesive work environment.” - Emilie Steinauer with Ryan Lawn & Tree


10 The Edge //May/June 2025


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