Charles Gonzalez

About Charles Gonzalez

I was introduced to the landscaping industry while in high school, cutting grass to earn money—a typical job for any teenager. That started a career that wasn’t expected, as my ambition at the time was to go into accounting. Life has a way of taking charge, but I\'m proud to say I’ve no regrets about my journey.Beginning in 1985, I owned and operated Turtle Head Palms, a South Florida boutique landscaping company that provided installation and maintenance services for residential and commercial companies. In 1991, I joined Tropics North, Inc, a landscape company primarily focused on wholesale projects in South Florida and the Bahamas. As Operations Manager, I oversaw 400+ acres of nurseries and approximately 160 employees. After 11 years, I purchased Tropics North, Inc, becoming president and sole owner. Under my leadership, Tropics North achieved a ranking by industry trade publication Lawn & Landscape as the 30th largest landscape company in the United States. Furthermore, Tropics North was recognized by the Professional Landscape Network (PLANET) with a Decade Award, becoming one of only 16 companies to have received the distinction since 1967. Five years later, after establishing Tropics North as the largest landscape maintenance firm in Southeast Florida, I sold the business to ValleyCrest Landscaping Companies, the leading integrated landscape firm in the United States, which has subsequently been purchased by BrightView Landscape Services.Retained by BrightView as Senior Vice President in South Florida and the Caribbean, my primary responsibilities include:• Managing over $165 million in yearly sales• Direct oversight of 16 BrightView branches• Administering all marketing & financial analysis• Directing customer relations activitiesA highlight of my work is my involvement in the BrightView Foundation, which offers funding to employees who have experienced hardships. The Foundation is 100 percent employee funded with no admin fees—all of the monies are directed to the recipients.Aside from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and boating. Contact info: 30••••••11 or c••••••••@brightview.com

Experience

1. Vice President and General Manager at Brightview Landscaping

   BrightView Landscapes

   Jul 2023 — Present · Miami, FL, US

Education

• Miami Dade College

  Associate of Arts (AA), Business

  1985 — 1987

• Florida International University

  Accounting and Business/Management

  1987 — 1988

Skills

• Business Development
• Negotiation
• Sales
• Contractors
• International Sales
• Sales Operations
• International Business
• P&L Management
• Operations Management
• Inventory Management
• Budgets
• Sales Process
• Account Management
• Budgeting
• Direct Sales
• Pricing
• Procurement
• Construction
• Team Building
• Strategic Planning
• Forecasting
• Contract Management
• Cold Calling
• Project Planning
• Leadership
• Contract Negotiation
• Selling
• Sales Management
• New Business Development
• Construction Management
• Purchasing
• Key Account Management
• Process Scheduler