Today we’d like to introduce you to Martel Summers.
Martel , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a deep connection to the outdoors and a passion for creating spaces that bring people together. After studying Construction Science at Texas State University, where I also played Division I football, I learned the value of hard work, discipline, and teamwork—principles that continue to guide me today.
After college, I stepped into the industry by co-founding a restoration company, then transitioned into commercial sales with Whittlesey Landscape Supply. There, I helped manage the sports division that was being launched with Nolan Ryan’s infield material, blending my athletic background with a love for land and design.
Eventually, I struck out on my own, starting small as a sole proprietor in landscaping. I rekindled friendships and relationships I had built over the years in business and leaned on those connections to help jumpstart my company. I said yes to every job—no matter the size—and poured myself into building trust, strengthening relationships, and delivering quality work.
That mindset led to Summerscapes Co. LLC, a company built not just on landscaping but on turning dreams into reality. From land maintenance to design and installation, every project has been carried out with care, experience, and the belief that we are adding value to people’s lives, properties, and businesses. What started with just me and a vision grew into a real, thriving reality.
Today, I continue this journey not only through Summerscapes, but also in my role with Keller Commercial & Home Services—working alongside Nick Keller, Owner, and Uriel Reyes, Vice President, who I consider family. Together, we’ve built on the 25+ year foundation of Keller Services to expand annual landscape maintenance, design, and enhancements for businesses, prestigious neighborhoods, phenomenal golf courses, and homeowners across Central Texas, from San Antonio to Waco. For me, this isn’t just business—it’s personal. It’s about legacy, family, and creating something lasting in the places where we live, work, and grow.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In my eyes, starting a business will never be a smooth road—but it’s a road worth taking every single time. The first struggle I faced was starting without investors or business loans. Instead, I took $10,000 of my own saved revenue and put it on the line for the opportunity to build something from the ground up.
The second struggle was not having a company website. With my luck, though, I had a lifetime partner—Giselle Paris—who has been in the tech industry as a User Experience Designer for over a decade. She stepped in to create, develop, and continuously improve the Summerscapes website, which became a huge piece of our brand and growth.
The third roadblock was not having many leads to lean on in the beginning. What I did have, though, was my outgoing, friendly, and genuine personality. I used that to connect with people in my everyday life and through business circles, which often turned into opportunities—a proposal, a lunch meeting, or a conversation about budgets and scopes of work. Many of those conversations opened the door to new vendor relationships and landscaping contracts that helped me push Summerscapes forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Summerscapes Co. and in my role with Keller Commercial & Home Services, I specialize in both landscape design and annual maintenance for residential and commercial properties. Our work ranges from enhancing curb appeal for homeowners to maintaining prestigious neighborhoods, golf courses, and large-scale commercial sites across Central Texas.
What I’m most proud of is that my business was built on relationships and trust. I’ve always believed in saying “yes” to opportunities, no matter the size, and in delivering quality with genuine care. That mindset has led to long-term partnerships and the chance to turn clients’ visions into reality, whether it’s a backyard transformation, maintaining multi-acre communities, or elevating a commercial property.
What sets me apart is not just the service itself, but the personal investment I bring. For me, landscaping isn’t just about mowing lawns or planting trees—it’s about legacy, family, and creating lasting spaces where people live, work, and grow. I bring years of hands-on experience, a background rooted in construction science and athletics, and the support of a team that feels like family. That combination of technical skill, personal connection, and passion for people is what defines my work.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the landscaping industry becoming more technology-driven, sustainable, and customer-focused than ever before. Clients are looking for not just beautiful landscapes, but also smart solutions that save water, reduce maintenance, and improve long-term value. That means a bigger push toward drought-tolerant designs, native plants, and high-efficiency irrigation systems—especially here in Central Texas where water conservation is critical.
On the commercial side, I think property managers and businesses will continue to demand full-service partnerships where they can rely on one company to handle design, maintenance, and enhancements seamlessly. For residential clients, technology will play a major role—things like 3D design previews, drone mapping, and even AI-powered planning tools will become part of the everyday process.
What excites me most is the shift toward creating outdoor environments that truly add to people’s quality of life. It’s not just about curb appeal anymore—it’s about building spaces where families gather, communities thrive, and businesses stand out. I believe the companies that embrace innovation while keeping relationships and trust at the core will be the ones that set the pace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summerscapes.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAdmbXox3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martel-summers-504b69273
- Other: https://www.kellerservicestx.com
Image Credits
Summerscapes Co. LLC & Keller Commercial & Home Services
