John Cornelius
Riverview,FL
Summary
Versatile and results-driven landscape operations leader with over a decade of progressive experience in franchise consulting, field operations, installation execution, and client relations. Proven success in launching new divisions, developing training programs, optimizing enhancement operations, and leading performance improvement initiatives across multi-state territories. Expert in KPI tracking, P&L oversight, strategic planning, and field team leadership.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Franchise Advisor
U.S. Lawns
11.2024 - Current
- Serve as primary advisor for franchisees across 10+ states, delivering guidance on operations, sales, customer service, and financial performance.
- Lead Installation 101 training workshops nationwide, teaching franchise owners commercial installation practices, estimating, and operational execution.
- Analyze KPIs and P&Ls to develop tailored improvement plans that align with brand expectations and business goals.
- Oversee compliance, service delivery, and operational discipline across franchise portfolios.
- Assist with franchise development, onboarding, and brand engagement.
- Conducted in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, enabling clients to capitalize on new investment opportunities.
- Developed comprehensive risk assessment tool, enabling more precise investment recommendations.
- Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring client portfolios and making timely adjustments.
- Portfolio size $41 Million
General Manager
Exclusive Landscaping Group
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Directed landscape operations for commercial accounts, including daily execution, crew leadership, and financial performance.
- Launched a commercial installation division, servicing theme parks, HOAs, and Class A properties in Central Florida.
- Oversaw the enhancement division and directly managed the enhancement manager, driving performance, upsell strategy, and seasonal project execution.
- Managed budgeting, reporting, and proposal development for new revenue opportunities.
- Built and maintained client relationships while leading operational growth initiatives and strategic market expansion.
- Portfolio size $23 Million
Director of Operations & Business Development
Fieldstone Landscape Services
12.2022 - 02.2024
- Oversaw full-field maintenance operations, including budgeting, scheduling, reporting, and quality assurance.
- Directed crew training, procurement, and compliance for daily service delivery.
- Helped launch Fieldstone’s Outdoor Living Design-Build division, providing operational planning, vendor alignment, and workflow execution.
- Supported new market development and implemented service protocols to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Portfolio Size $ 18 Million
Senior Account Manager/Associate Branch Manager
BrightView Landscapes
11.2016 - 11.2022
- Directed large commercial portfolios, ensuring contractual fulfillment, proactive client communication, and site excellence.
- Led all branch commercial enhancements and beautification projects, including seasonal color design, install coordination, and property improvements.
- Generated enhancement proposals and collaborated with crews for seamless project execution and visual impact.
- Portfolio size was $21 million
Student Intern
BrightView Landscapes
08.2014 - 11.2016
- Supported field crews and branch operations across service reporting, scheduling, and enhancement tasks.
- Portfolio size $500,000
Project Intern – Landscape Development
ValleyCrest Landscape Companies
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Participated in a structured landscape development internship, working with commercial install teams on layout, materials, and site operations.
- Assisted project managers in field prep, procurement, and delivery.
- Gained early exposure to the construction cycle, from planning through project closeout.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL04-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL02-2020
Skills
- Landscape Enhancements & Installations
- Franchise Consulting & Training
- Operational Leadership
- Budgeting & P&L Management
- KPI & Data-Driven Improvement
- Design-Build Operations
- Team Development & Supervision
- Client Retention & Sales Growth
- Commercial Property Strategy
- Regional Market Support
Certification
LCAM- Licensed Community Association Manager
FCLMT- Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician
FCHP- Certified Horticulture Professional
FFLCP- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional
FCLT- Certified Landscape Technician
FCLIST- Certified Landscape Irrigation Service Technician
GI-BMP- Green Industries Best Management Practices
Hunter Irrigation Programming
Baseline Installation and Repair
Timeline
Regional Franchise Advisor
U.S. Lawns
11.2024 - Current
General Manager
Exclusive Landscaping Group
11.2023 - 11.2024
Director of Operations & Business Development
Fieldstone Landscape Services
12.2022 - 02.2024
Senior Account Manager/Associate Branch Manager
BrightView Landscapes
11.2016 - 11.2022
Student Intern
BrightView Landscapes
08.2014 - 11.2016
Project Intern – Landscape Development
ValleyCrest Landscape Companies
08.2013 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
University of South Florida
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