Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
Like I mentioned last month, I never know what will happen to shape the contents of this column. This month, unfortunately, is another example of that truth. I was poised to write about the ASLA, new trends in the profession and how the hope for a better next year could shape the future . . . And then . . . On September 30, 2011 the landscape industry suddenly lost one of its true pioneers, one of its true leaders, and definitely one of the top success stories in the nation. Burton S. Sperber, FASLA, was the founder of Valley Crest, in all of its forms, and built an empire with a shovel, pickup truck and a loyal family that grew to include those who worked for and with him for decades. The loss of Mr. Sperber to the landscape industry is like the loss of Steve Jobs to the world of the PDA. Hardly a single member of this great industry has had the same tremendous impact, and hardly a single member of this great industry has not, in some way, been affected by his presence. This magazine might not be in front of you today if Mr. Sperber had not paid for an entire year?EUR??,,????'?????< Mr. Sperber?EUR??,,????'?????< Countless employees, past and present, have taken his lead in elevating the industry to new heights of ethics, workmanship, innovation and respect. Even those who left the company have good things to say about the company?EUR??,,????'?????< I was fortunate enough to sit with and interview Mr. Sperber and his son Richard about a year ago, and I can tell you that he was very much involved with the growth and direction of the company and the projects in front of him. His passing is one of those ?EUR??,,????'?????< No . . . Mr. Sperber didn?EUR??,,????'?????< The uncertainty doesn?EUR??,,????'?????< The one thing that is certain, though, is that we are all better off today because of the works, wisdom and leadership of Burton S. Sperber, FASLA. Still, there is so much to say about his life and impact that I could not possibly fit it into this space. Please click on this link to read more about his extraordinary life and accomplishments. After that, turn to Google and read even more about this great man. If you are in this industry, you were affected by this great leader, and if you are serious about this profession, you should take the time to learn from whence you come. If you do, you will read about a great man. A man that will be missed . . . Rest in Peace Mr. Sperber . . . and God Bless . . . George Schmok, Publisher
Like I mentioned last month, I never know what will happen to shape the contents of this column. This month, unfortunately, is another example of that truth. I was poised to write about the ASLA, new trends in the profession and how the hope for a better next year could shape the future . . . And then . . .
On September 30, 2011 the landscape industry suddenly lost one of its true pioneers, one of its true leaders, and definitely one of the top success stories in the nation. Burton S. Sperber, FASLA, was the founder of Valley Crest, in all of its forms, and built an empire with a shovel, pickup truck and a loyal family that grew to include those who worked for and with him for decades.
The loss of Mr. Sperber to the landscape industry is like the loss of Steve Jobs to the world of the PDA. Hardly a single member of this great industry has had the same tremendous impact, and hardly a single member of this great industry has not, in some way, been affected by his presence. This magazine might not be in front of you today if Mr. Sperber had not paid for an entire year?EUR??,,????'?????<
Mr. Sperber?EUR??,,????'?????<
Countless employees, past and present, have taken his lead in elevating the industry to new heights of ethics, workmanship, innovation and respect. Even those who left the company have good things to say about the company?EUR??,,????'?????<
I was fortunate enough to sit with and interview Mr. Sperber and his son Richard about a year ago, and I can tell you that he was very much involved with the growth and direction of the company and the projects in front of him.
His passing is one of those ?EUR??,,????'?????<
No . . . Mr. Sperber didn?EUR??,,????'?????<
The uncertainty doesn?EUR??,,????'?????<
The one thing that is certain, though, is that we are all better off today because of the works, wisdom and leadership of Burton S. Sperber, FASLA.
Still, there is so much to say about his life and impact that I could not possibly fit it into this space. Please click on this link to read more about his extraordinary life and accomplishments. After that, turn to Google and read even more about this great man.
If you are in this industry, you were affected by this great leader, and if you are serious about this profession, you should take the time to learn from whence you come. If you do, you will read about a great man. A man that will be missed . . .
Rest in Peace Mr. Sperber . . . and God Bless . . .
George Schmok, Publisher
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.