In 1997, at the age of 12, Brian Awad was struggling in school. Students constantly bullied him, and learning was difficult. Testing revealed he had a learning disability requiring special education classes.

As a hands-on learner with a passion for nature and the environment, Brian decided to create a lawn maintenance company, A1 Landscaping. By the time he launched his business, he had acquired 18 lawns to mow weekly.

His lawn maintenance business helped him focus on schoolwork and build self-esteem. It also gave him a purpose in life and a successful career.

At age 16, Brian Awad enrolled in Fremd High School’s cooperative education program. In the morning, he expanded his trades knowledge and skills by building homes. In the afternoon, he applied those new skills in his business, which he had grown to the point of being able to purchase his first truck and trailer along with more landscaping equipment.

By his senior school year, Brian Awad earned over $100,000 annually performing lawn maintenance and snow removal and building some landscaping projects; had two part-time employees; and those students who were bullying him were now asking for employment.

A1 Landscaping was a successful business, but Brian experienced a series of life-changing events that caused him to sell the company and work for someone else for a while.

From 2012 to 2015, Brian gained invaluable on-the-job knowledge about different software, landscaping techniques, and other skills while working for a large national lawn maintenance company and a sizeable Chicago-based landscaper. He became a Certified Lawn Sales Representative and worked as a Project Manager and Sales/Design rep.

Brian Awad’s experiences working for other companies in the industry reignited his love and passion for designing, building, and maintaining outdoor living experiences. With his new knowledge and a “work smarter, not harder” mantra, Brian launched Awad Landscaping & Design.

Awad Landscaping & Design purchases Grove Landscaping to expand their clientele base.

In a short period of time, Awad Landscaping & Design earned a reputation for designing, building, and maintaining high-quality outdoor living experiences in Chicago. We were invited to participate in the Chicago Flower & Garden Show as an Official Garden Builder. Unilock and a few other companies sponsored our 3000 sq. ft space.

As Brian merged Grove Landscaping into Awad Landscaping & Design, he decided to change its name to reflect better what the company does.

As Elegant Outdoor Design’s business grew to the suburbs, Brian decided to establish a new headquarters location by purchasing a long-vacant building and property at 220 Keyes Avenue in Hampshire, Illinois.