At just 14 years old, Will’s dream of starting a landscape business took root. He saved up his money to buy a little red wagon that he used for odd jobs like trimming shrubs, mulching, and cutting grass throughout his neighborhood. His love for landscaping continued to grow and Will decided to pursue a degree in horticulture at Penn College. He graduated in 2019, gained a few years of field experience, and launched Xavier Landscapes and Designs. Today he employs four full-time employees and as many as eight seasonal workers.
Ever since I was a kid, I had a passion for machines, experiments, the outdoors, and landscaping. As I grew up, I did odd jobs here and there until I decided in high school this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
I’m more of a hands-on learner. At Penn College, I knew I would get lots of lab time and gain job-like experience. Overall, I wanted to get more experience with hardscaping, which I definitely did. I was able to pick courses that aligned with my interests.
Yes, I visited. I liked how everything was new and updated. I also liked how there was a good balance between class and lab work.
I get to work outside everyday. I get to employ some of the greatest men in the Pocono Mountains who take a lot of pride in their work and I'm having fun doing what I've always wanted to do.
"I get to work outside on all of the nicest days. I get to do what I love every day and I wouldn't trade it for the world."
Will DeMarco
From patio design and hardscaping to lighting and creative landscapes, Will does it all. He takes pride in creating an outdoor oasis for his clients.
Will tested his skills at a national level. As a student, he traveled with a group of classmates to Colorado State University to compete in the National Collegiate Landscaping Competition. He tied for fourth place in the hardscaping category.
During his time at Penn College, Will took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about his future career. Accompanied by one of his instructors and several other students, he attended the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), the nation’s largest trade show in that field and LANDSCAPES, a premier networking and educational conference.
Pursue a career in horticulture at Penn College and you’ll be at home in our living labs, cultivating real-world experience and nurturing the in-demand skills to thrive.
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