Are you interested in unplugging from the world, relaxing, and enjoying your outdoors? Well you have come to the right place.
As our lives become ever more consumed by technology and information, it is becoming increasingly important to find time for yourself to unwind and reconnect with nature. We know that there is a lot of hard work and planning that goes into making your outdoor dreams a reality. That is where we specialize – turning your dreams into reality. Maplehurst Outdoor Living& Landscape Co. specializes in premiere outdoor living.
When you entrust someone with transforming your outdoor living area, you want to make sure you have hired the right professional. That is why I want to take a moment to introduce myself and my family. We want you to have full confidence in us and our abilities before we ever begin the process of design and build.
I am Joe Wilkerson, owner and manager of Maplehurst Outdoor Living.
My Childhood and Family
It’s often said, “To hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.” I’m sure He has had plenty of good laughs at some of my best and worst laid plans. Life is full of the unexpected, and while I have definitely had my fair share of the unexpected, I’ve always found there was character building moment or lesson to be learned in all of life’s detours.
I am married to my best friend and smoking hot wife KB, and we have two determined, independent, full of life daughters named Bailey and Talley. We are very thankful (though often tested) for the determination of our first born, Bailey. She was born 13 weeks premature, weighing 2 lbs 9oz, and leading us down a path we least expected. Although a stressful and taxing experience, I thank God for it. The reward was great, many lessons were learned, and my life was changed for the better. Since the birth of my first child, I have learned tolerance, patience, a whole different level of stress, empathy, compassion, and most importantly love. We have also become active fundraisers for the Children’s Miracle Network. What a blessing it is to be a father.
My passion has always remained in the outdoors. It is just in my blood. I love the connection with God’s magnificent creation. No matter how busy I get or how many times I have seen it, I still find awe in watching a calve or piglet being born, the mothers nurturing care, and how it all just is too perfect to not have a plan. Fresh turned dirt remains one of my favorite smells. I still have dreams about tobacco, sometimes waking up in a panic like I forgot to do something before I realize that was a decade ago.
The road that has led me to where I am today, was full of curves, mountains, ruts, and also a great view. Today, I own and manage Maplehurst Outdoor Living, and also manage our cow/calf operation of about 100 cows that my father and I own. My family farm transitioned from tobacco to a 1200 sow farrowing operation in 1992. This is where I learned my work ethic, ability to grind when the going is tough, and love of the outdoors.
I returned home to my family farm in 2003 after graduating from Virginia Tech and brief employment stint with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company (cubical office life was not for me!). Upon returning home, I began the humbling journey into the tree nursery business. Things went well for a while, until 2008 when my blind ambition came crashing down, along with the rest of the market, when you could not give away a tree. I used this opportunity to transition into the landscape construction business. Today we specialize in landscape construction and maintenance, and we strive to allow our customers enjoy their outdoors.
Today We Build So You Can Enjoy Your Outdoors
In 2005 we built our first patio. We designed and installed a prayer garden at our home church in Alton, Va. It was during this process I began to realize that I had a passion to be creative and think outside the box. Subtle details create uniqueness to every job. I always strive to listen first to your ideas, and make them reality. It is in this way you know that your project is YOURS.
After our first sidewalk and patio job, we began the often slow yet steady progress of honing our skills, gaining the knowledge, and acquiring the right equipment to get the job done right. I take great pride when leaving a job that you are completely satisfied for years to come.
Today, over 10 years later, we have the experience and ability to transform your outdoor dreams into reality. Our business has grown, and we have been fortunate enough to have built some great outdoor areas. Whether you are interested in a small wall or patio, or an extensive outdoor room or kitchen we can lead you through the process from design to build.
We Continue To Give Back
No one wakes up in the morning to go to work with the hope someone will manage us. We wake up in the morning and go to work with hope that someone will lead us.
– Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller
In order to be lead, there must be leaders. I am well aware of my direction from God to serve my fellow man. Servant leadership is a great gift. Today, I actively seek ways to serve in the community. I am an active deacon at First Baptist Church in South Boston, VA. I have also participated in local charities, mission trips, and civic organizations here in the community.
I also recently had the privilege to further my leadership skills through a fellowship in Virginia Tech’s VALOR program. This program gave me great insight into myself as well as developed my leadership skills. The introspective times we spent looking at our strengths and weaknesses opened my eyes to areas I needed for personal growth, as well as my strengths that I can utilize to be a stronger leader for my company and community.
Now I’d Like To Hear Your Story
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you can sense my level of commitment to my craft, family, and God. I look forward to soon meeting you, hearing your ideas for inspiration, and hopefully realizing your own outdoor dreams.
Sincerely,
Joe Wilkerson
Owner of Maplehurst Outdoor Living
