Andrew Ryan is new Sposato Landscape production manager
For as far back as he can remember, Andrew Ryan wanted to be out in nature. So it's no surprise he chose a career that put him smack dab in the middle of it. Ryan is a newly promoted production manager at Sposato Landscape, where he's practically ensured to get as much nature as he wants - and then some. "I'm just grateful I got this opportunity," said Ryan. "A lot of people showed their faith in me and I'm not going to let them down. I can't wait to build my team and go out and get more business."
Ryan's team consists of 45 landscapers on 12 crews who mow, edge, trim and mulch both commercial and residential properties in and around the beach resort area. But Ryan said his first task will be to instill a safety culture with his team. "My job is to make sure my crews have the training and support to get the job done. But safety will be job No. 1. I tell my guys I want them to go home from work in the same condition they came to work," he said.
Ryan's excitement for his new opportunity is evident, mostly because he's back in the environment he loves. Growing up in Georgetown, he and friends spent much of their childhood in the 90 acres of woods behind his house building forts, fishing or just exploring. As he got older and became interested in organized sports, he chose baseball and golf because they let him play outside in beautiful surroundings.
At Sussex Technical High School, he majored in environmental science and horticulture, where he studied soil, water and plants. At Delaware Tech, he is majoring in environmental engineering. All these experiences led him to his blossoming career at Sposato Landscape.
Ryan joined Sposato in October 2015, working as a landscaper in the commercial maintenance department. In 2016, he was assigned to a mowing crew and got a wider view of the operation. "I was fortunate enough to have some great trainers like Nelson Rafael Villagran and Eduardo Gonzalez Batista. They really showed me how to do the job in the safest and most efficient way," he said.
Ryan also said his work is more than just cutting grass and edging sidewalks - it's adding value to people's major investment - their home. "Whenever I pull up to a house to visit someone, the first thing I notice is the landscaping," he said. "The landscaping should enhance the value of the home, not detract from it."
