It takes nine months to have a baby, but it requires a full twelve to have a merger that works.  Exactly one year ago today , Austin Outdoor and Cornerstone Solutions Group’s landscape managment division joined forces. In many ways, the process was like an adoption into a large family.

The real work begins after the papers are signed. The initial excitement gives way to navigating life together on a daily basis. That process requires give and take on both sides, more than a little patience and shared determination to make progress. Some days are better than others and occasionally a step forward is followed by one backward, before momentum is restored again.

Most mergers don’t fail as a result of the work not getting done, however, just like adoptions don’t fail from lack of trying. On a fundamental level, it comes down to whether the families were compatible in the first place; in a business setting, it’s what we call “Culture”.  Both organizations shared comparable values, which built compatible and vibrant cultures.

Our past year’s theme centered on the realization that “Culture Requires Cultivation” and, for all those involved, you know we’ve done plenty of that. Our work had a purpose, anchored in the belief that together we could do an even better job of creating premier properties and building lasting relationships.

As the remainder of the Cornerstone team adopts our Austin Outdoor name, we can look back with pride at the expanded family that we’ve created together!  We’re really glad you’re with us. This official unification leads us into a year ahead full of promise, as long as we approach every day with a Plan for Success and the dedication to execute it.