Akehurst Landscaping Services recently observed the company's 140 birthday, making the Joppa company one of the oldest businesses serving Harford and Baltimore counties still operating under the same ownership.
The nearly century-and-a-half long history of company began with Charles A. Akehurst, an English immigrant who moved to the Baltimore area at age 10. Charles worked in farming until he started a landscaping company in Perry Hall in 1876.
Since then, six generations of the Akehurst family have owned and operated the company and meeting the landscaping needs of commercial and residential clients of Central Maryland. In recent years, their services have grown to include landscape management, interior plantscaping and snow and ice removal.
"It is because of you (Akehurst team) that we have spent the time to provide our customers with quality service, expertise and value that made this company what it is today," President and CEO John Akehurst told guests gathered at the Waters Edge Events Center in Belcamp for the Sept. 17 celebration. "Because of [this team], our client retention rate stands at 95 percent-plus and allows us to continue to grow our market share. We're proud to be a part of this community, and look forward to continuing to serve the needs of those who live and work here."
Local officials were on hand as well to take part in the festivities, including Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, who presented John Akehurst with a citation honoring the company's achievements.
"Akehurst has been a blessing not only to Harford County but to the State of Maryland...when you think about the many men and women who have jobs and the all of the production you contribute," Glassman said.