Jim Wilkinson | SeaScape Inc. founder and president
Believe it or not, lawn technicians aren’t usually known as the biggest power players in the room. While I could not care less about proving my smarts or my worth, I do want my employees to feel like what they contribute to society has value.
We do not have many employees who have college degrees. I wanted to demonstrate that people can have a good-paying, sustainable career in the “green industry” right out of high school, if that is the path they choose.
In conjunction with the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association, I developed the green industry’s first registered apprenticeship program in Rhode Island. Through a classroom curriculum that I wrote and on-the-job training which I oversee, I’ve helped SeaScape employees learn how to be great at their jobs. I’ve also given them marketable skills, so they are ready for their next opportunities.
I’ve seen every peak and valley the U.S. economy has to offer. What I have learned through it all is that investing in people always has the highest [return on investment]. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the Rhode Island economy and opportunities for my employees with SeaScape.
