MLS Landscape & Design, Inc. started as a part-time job with one tractor trailer mower and was simply known as Marks Lawn Service. Now, more than 30 years later, the company serves commercial and private clients in all corners of the state, employs 12 full-time employees, ten more summer employees, and is the states only firm to construct two skate parks.

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Through the early years, and while Mark was working full time at a phone company, and Cindy, his wife, worked full time as an RN; the couple, with the help of their three children, developed an ever widening client base, invested in equipment, and kept up with the bookkeeping. At that time the work was mainly residential mowing/landscaping and moving snow.

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In 1990 Mark left his day job and focused exclusively on MLS Landscape and Design, that same year,

he acquired his first commercial contract, design and maintenance of a 9 hole golf course expansion

in LeMars, Iowa.

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As the company began to provide services to a number of commercial and private clients throughout the state, more of the Klein family became full-time employees. Klein’s daughter took over CFO of the firm in 1999;

Dana daughter-in-law, took on the HR position, Christopher, son, manages all municipal projects; and Tommy,

son-in-law, is chief designer/estimator and handles sales. Mark’s older brother, Jake and his son Doug, also apply their skills in the family business - working in erosion control and in private mowing services, as well as commercial. This full-family affair, provides a number of services to a number of communities. The projects range in the dollar amount from $1,000 to $800,000. The business operates out of a 8,000 sq. ft. office/shop

in Granville, Iowa.

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The company expanded into concrete work and landed two of it’s most unique projects. MLS is the only firm to have constructed a 20,000 sq. ft. skate park in Sioux City and a 12,000 sq. ft. skate park in Ames.

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Mark points out that his is lucky to live in a country where the kids are talented hard workers and the community rewards his entrepreneurial spirit. Mark credits his faith in God for keeping himself and his family

in good health and consequently MLS on the right track.