Soul of 78: Chad Frye

Professional Landscaping, Inc

Words by Thomas Ingle | Image by Ryan McGill

Chad Frye is a third-generation tamer and beautifier of the outdoors.

He was practically raised at his family's business, Professional Landscaping, Inc., and, despite his early declarations of "never doing it," landscaping has become as natural to him as breathing.

From a young age, Chad spent his days alongside his grandmother, helping her water and pot plants. After high school, uncertain of his future path, he enrolled in business school and simultaneously worked at Professional Landscaping, dabbling in installations on the side. "I started to enjoy it a little bit," Chad admits. "I never wanted to be cooped up in an office that's just not for me."

The 2008 economic downturn forced the Fryes to adapt. They temporarily shut down their retail operations to focus on lawn maintenance and commercial projects, traveling across the state. "For several years, we worked on bigger projects, constantly on the road," Chad recalls.

The family reopened their store in 2013 as businesses in the Smith Lake area began to rebound. The reopening was spurred in part by Chad's wife, Nevada, who was a strong advocate for resuming retail operations. Their business continued to grow, and eventually, they opened a second location in Jasper. "We’d considered expanding to Jasper for years," Chad notes. "When the property owner reached out to us, and we realized the existing business already had a customer base, we knew the timing was right."

Though only four miles apart, the two stores cater to distinct demographics. The Curry location serves the lakeside lifestyle of Smith Lakers, while the Jasper store attracts city dwellers and county residents alike.

In the fall of 2021, the Fryes broadened their scope by launching The Plantique at their new Jasper site. This addition features a garden center offering annuals and shrubs alongside a gift shop. Meanwhile, the original Curry store focuses on bulk materials and a more extensive selection of shrubs.

As he does with the landscapes he fosters, Chad keeps the family business alive and growing, setting up for success in every season. 78