January 13, 2026
From labourer to leader
Jesse Collins’s journey with the GROW program
By Matt Hill
When Jesse Collins joined Lawn Troopers in 2019, he didn’t picture himself leading dozens of crews or managing large-scale operations. He was simply looking for steady work and a chance to learn. What he found was a career path; one that took him from pushing a mower to managing 25 crews as field manager, thanks in no small part to LO’s GROW program.
Humble beginnings
“I started out as a labourer with no real idea of where it could go,” Collins recalled. “Landscaping felt like just a job at the time. But I wanted to work hard and prove myself.”At Lawn Troopers, Collins quickly showed he had the drive. But it was through the GROW program that he was able to turn that raw effort into leadership skills. The program gave him training, mentorship and the confidence to take on bigger responsibilities.
Building confidence and skills
“The GROW program changed the way I saw myself,” Collins said. “It wasn’t just about learning how to do the work, it was about learning how to lead people. That gave me the confidence to step up.”As Collins progressed, his responsibilities grew. He went from working on a crew to leading one, and eventually to overseeing multiple crews at once. Today, as field manager, Collins coordinates a team of over 50 landscape professionals, a role that requires not just technical knowledge, but communication, organization and the ability to inspire others.
Paying it forward
Now in a leadership role, Collins sees it as his responsibility to give back.“The program helped me believe in myself,” Collins said, “and now I get to do the same for others. When I mentor new team members, I can see myself in them. I want them to know this can be more than just a job.”
His story has become a powerful example inside Lawn Troopers. Crew members see his trajectory and realize there’s room to grow. It has boosted morale and retention, and created a culture of advancement from within.
A win-win for company and employee
For Lawn Troopers, Collins’s journey shows the business value of investing in people. Promoting from within has given the company loyal leaders who know its culture and expectations. For Collins, it has meant a fulfilling career he never anticipated.“The GROW program bridged the gap between potential and opportunity,” said Matt Hill, owner of Lawn Troopers. “Jesse is proof of what can happen when the right person gets the right support.”
Collins’s career path
2019: Joined Lawn Troopers as a labourer.2020: Completed GROW training modules and began leading a small crew.
2021-2022: Advanced into a supervisory role, mentoring new hires.
2023: Promoted to oversee multiple crews across the GTA.
2024: Became field manager supervising a team of over 50 people.
Final thought
What started as an entry-level role has become a leadership career. Collins’s rise from labourer to field manager isn’t just his story; it’s a story about the power of training, mentorship and opportunity. And it’s a story the GROW program continues to write across Ontario’s landscape industry.More information about LO's GROW program can be found at growtraining.ca.