Talus Holdings launches High Ground Services

Talus Holdings is proud to announce the creation of High Ground Services, a new commercial landscaping platform based in Central Florida and positioned for growth throughout the Southeast.

Led by entrepreneur and U.S. Army veteran Travis Hawkins, High Ground Services will partner with exceptional local landscaping companies that have built their success through quality craftsmanship, trusted customer relationships and strong community reputations.

The company’s goal is to establish a new standard for commercial landscaping: combining the local leadership and personal service of an independent business with the technology, operational structure and professional support typically associated with much larger organizations.

High Ground Services is being built around a simple idea: successful local landscaping companies should not have to sacrifice their people, culture or legacy to reach the next stage of growth.

The platform will seek to acquire and support established commercial landscaping businesses across the Southeast. Its ideal partners are companies with talented employees, loyal customers, respected local brands and an unwavering commitment to quality.

High Ground’s acquisition approach prioritizes the qualities that made each company successful in the first place. That means retaining employees, investing in equipment, protecting customer relationships and preserving the hard-earned reputation of the business.

For owners who are ready to step back, High Ground can also help establish and support the leadership needed to guide the company forward. Each transition will be handled thoughtfully, confidentially and with respect for the owner, employees, customers and community.

“Our approach is rooted in respect, confidentiality and a shared goal of ensuring that the legacy you’ve created continues to thrive,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins brings a distinctive combination of military leadership, operational experience and mergers and acquisitions expertise to High Ground Services.

Raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, in a farming family, Hawkins developed an early appreciation for disciplined work and owner-led businesses. He attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he played Division I football, double majored in business and economics and served as Battalion Commander of the Corps of Cadets.

Following graduation, Hawkins spent five years as a U.S. Army officer during the Global War on Terror. Leading soldiers in demanding environments helped shape a leadership philosophy grounded in accountability, structure, service and execution.

He later earned an MBA in finance and operations from the University of Georgia and built a career spanning M&A consulting, operational improvement, private investment and the management of service-based businesses. His experience acquiring, operating and scaling service companies has contributed to more than $150 million in revenue growth.

Today, Hawkins lives in Orlando with his wife and twin boys. As a Florida local, he understands the importance of landscaping companies to the customers, employees and communities they serve.

Under his leadership, High Ground Services will operate according to four core principles:

• Ethics and values: Making decisions with integrity and doing what is right for employees, customers and business partners.
• People-first culture: Supporting colleagues and customers while recognizing and celebrating the contributions of employees.
• Leadership: Building trust through honesty, transparency, accountability and a strong work ethic.
• Operational ingenuity: Improving productivity and service through effective processes and thoughtfully implemented technology.

As High Ground Services grows, Hawkins and his team will be supported by the operational resources and long-term perspective of Talus Holdings.

Talus partners with entrepreneurs by providing flexible capital, investment experience and practical support across the many functions required to build a successful organization. This allows leaders such as Hawkins to remain focused on serving customers, developing employees and strengthening the businesses that join their platforms.

High Ground will have access to Talus support in areas including accounting, corporate finance, corporate development, legal, technology, human resources, treasury and operational improvement.

Unlike investment models driven by short holding periods or external shareholders, Talus is focused on building stable, successful companies for the long term. Decisions can therefore be based on what is right for High Ground Services, its employees, its customers and the landscaping businesses that become part of the platform.

That shared outlook makes High Ground and Talus natural partners. Both organizations believe sustainable growth begins with strong people, disciplined operations and respect for the foundations built by business owners.

The launch of High Ground Services represents an exciting addition to the Talus Holdings family and another opportunity to support an exceptional entrepreneur as he builds a market-leading organization.

Commercial landscaping business owners across the Southeast who are considering their next chapter can expect a straightforward, respectful and confidential process. Whether an owner wants to remain involved, gradually step back or transition into retirement, High Ground will work to develop an approach that supports the future of the business and its people.

We are excited to welcome Travis Hawkins and High Ground Services to Talus Holdings. We look forward to helping the company grow while creating lasting opportunities for landscaping business owners, employees and customers throughout the Southeast.

To learn more about High Ground Services or begin a confidential conversation, contact us through our online form and ask for Travis.