Brookfield, Wis. – Grounds Maintenance Services is a finalist to be named “Best Overall Company” in a global competition sponsored by ActionCOACH, the world’s largest business coaching firm.

Grounds Maintenance Services is one of just five companies remaining in the “Best Overall Company – Less than 50 Employees” category, from a cast of nominations submitted from around the world. The Brookfield landscaping and winter services company is competing in ActionCOACH’s annual “Business Excellence Awards” competition.

The “Best Overall Company” award recognizes businesses “that demonstrate exceptional ‘best practices’ that lead to outstanding results year-over-year.” The award has four levels based on number of employees. Winners of this award, and 11 others, will be announced Jan. 25-26 at ActionCOACH’s “Business Excellence Forum” in Las Vegas.

The “Best Overall Company” nomination for Grounds Maintenance Services detailed how the business not only survived - but grew - during a year when weather conditions seemed to conspire against it. The mild winter of 2012 gave way to an early spring and lengthy drought, conditions not friendly to a business dependent on plowing snow, cutting lawns and building landscapes.

“The last year was certainly challenging, but we continued to grow and move forward by improving customer service and operational processes,” said Todd Ruedt, owner of Grounds Maintenance Services. “We’re both proud and humbled to be a finalist for this prestigious award. We thank all our customers and hard-working employees for helping create the opportunity.”

Ruedt also commended Tom Palzewicz, his longtime adviser at ActionCOACH of Elm Grove, for their work together. Ruedt, a Brookfield native, has more than 25 years experience in landscaping and lawn maintenance. His company has a long record of involvement with and support of organizations dedicated to improving the Brookfield community.

Founded in 1999, Grounds Maintenance Services offers a full range of landscaping and yard maintenance services, plus in-home Christmas tree delivery, holiday lighting setup and snow plowing. Its professional staff prides itself on helping homeowners grow their dreams, one yard at a time.

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