Richard Sperber, Author at The Commercial Landscaper Podcast

richard-sperber

Richard Sperber is a veteran landscape industry entrepreneur best known for leading the family legacy behind ValleyCrest Landscape Companies and later founding Sperber Landscape Companies. He began his career at ValleyCrest, the business started by his father, Burt Sperber, and went on to take leadership of the company in 2001, helping expand it to more than 100 locations worldwide. In 2014, he led ValleyCrest’s merger with The Brickman Group to create BrightView, which became the industry’s largest landscape company. After stepping away for a short period, he returned in 2019 to launch Sperber Landscape Companies, building the business around trust, strong local brands, and a people-first operating philosophy. In his own telling, Sperber’s leadership has been shaped by a belief that lasting success comes from doing right by employees, customers, and partners, preserving company culture through growth, and creating opportunity for the next generation. Company messaging has likewise emphasized training, safety, career development, craftsmanship, and long-term stewardship as central to the Sperber identity. Industry reporting in March 2026 said Sperber had parted ways with Sperber Landscape Companies, while also indicating he did not view that departure as retirement from the industry.