September 1972 - The Start Up

Ron Mark, founder of the Xeris Group, graduated from Arizona State University in 1965 with a business degree in marketing. He started his career in advertising and real estate, but wanted to own his own business, and in 1972 purchased a landscape maintenance company and named it Mark Inc. Landscape Developers.

1972 to 1990 - The Contractor Years

Unlike many startups in the landscape industry, Mark Inc. primarily served larger commercial and industrial properties and homeowners’ associations. Like most successful landscape maintenance companies, Mark Inc. was quickly lured into the landscape installation business, and the company soon became a licensed landscape contractor. As Mark Inc. grew, it became clear that the company needed to enhance its technical skills. To do this, Mark Inc. joined and became active in the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association. Ron became President of the association in 1984 and was reelected to the position in 1985. During that time, Ron began attending national conventions of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, and attended a seminar on “design-build” services–arrangements whereby a contractor designs and constructs landscapes under a single contract. Landscape architects joined Mark Inc., creating a company that served all landscape disciplines of Design, Construction and Maintenance. Through his involvement with the executive board of the national association, Ron gained a broader understanding of the landscape industry.

Mark Inc. began to tackle new challenges and opportunities in landscape water management as public policy makers and private developers became more concerned about water use. As the concept of “xeriscape”–the prudent use of water in the landscape–gained more acceptance nationally and in Arizona, the company started to change its focus. In 1990 the company was renamed Xeris Group, Inc. By that time the company had grown to 35 employees, but with the company changing its mission, Ron knew the business had to reinvent itself to remain a leader in the industry. Trucks and equipment were sold and a new era as a consulting firm began.

1990 to 2002 - The Consulting Years

Combining the professions of Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Irrigation Design and Landscape Water Management, Xeris Group created a holistic approach to solving landscape water issues. The consulting firm worked not only in Phoenix, but also statewide and regionally in the development of water management programs both public and private. Xeris Group’s reputation expanded with training programs for city parks departments, resorts, and contractors; long range landscape water management programs for municipalities; and irrigation system evaluations and water use analysis for large multi-family housing properties. Participation in national water conservation symposiums of Conserve 90, 93 and 96 enabled Xeris Group to share and contribute knowledge on how best to save water in the landscape. The consulting continues to this day, but with a new twist.

2002 to Present - The CHAMP Years

With a desire to learn more about Arizona gardening and fulfill a personal goal, Ron became involved in the Master Gardening Program provided by the University of Arizona County Extension Service. With this expanded knowledge and an intimate understanding of the landscape industry, Ron created a whole new niche of a horticultural service for single family and patio home backyards. Not knowing if there was a need for this niche market, Ron approached four clients he had consulted and asked if they would be interested in monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly horticultural maintenance. All agreed that they could use such a service. By their nature, patio homes have small backyards and do not require weekly maintenance. In addition, most landscape companies want to keep their lawn equipment busy on a weekly schedule and do not want small landscapes on limited schedules. After four years of operation, CHAMP boasts more than 280 clients, satisfying a need within the marketplace. CHAMP’s success has become a testament to the fact that homeowners appreciate the value of a professional service.