yard elves in the news

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Q: Can you tell us about your business? A: Yard Elves Inc. is a family-owned and operated landscape construction compa- ny in Northern Colorado. Beyond normal landscaping maintenance, our crews spe- cialize in new construction, renovations, water features, ponds, stone patios and stone walkways. Q: What is your previous experience? A: I started my career in the horticulture industry over 18 years ago, by maintaining residential and commercial properties as a young teenager. This developed into a love for the industry that ultimately led me into landscape construction. Q: What do you like most about the business? A: Building new relationships. I enjoy meeting new cus- tomers and having the opportunity to be involved with designing and constructing an area that people can enjoy and appreciate. Q: What are the challenges of your business? A: Convincing customers how important it is to research who they are speaking to. Using a professional can help a homeowner avoid unnecessary future costs.Take the time to plan your project: Planning and designing something colorful and functional will make your area more enjoyable and will help maintain the value of your property. Q: What do you wish more people knew about yards? A: Don't forget to spend time in them. They can be used as a place to relax and enjoy our families. Q: What are trends you are seeing this year compared to previous years? A: Trends from the '70s are coming back into style. I dig it! On a serious note, Yard Elves Inc. completes back- ground investigation checks and supports a drug-free working environment. Alan Horne YARD ELVES, INC © Rich Abrahamson/The Coloradoan Alan and Nicole Horne own Yard Elves, a company that specializes in custom landscaping and stone work. The pair are pictured at a south Fort Collins residence that has undergone a complete yard renovation, including a stone patio, rock work with integrated waterfall and a wood railing. Alan Horne Profession: Owner and manager of Yard Elves Inc. Internet: www.yardelves.com Phone: (970) 224-5369

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Page 1: Yard Elves In the News

Q: Can you tell us about your business?

A: Yard Elves Inc. is a family-owned and

operated landscape construction compa-

ny in Northern Colorado. Beyond normal

landscaping maintenance, our crews spe-

cialize in new construction, renovations,

water features, ponds, stone patios and

stone walkways.

Q: What is your previous experience?

A: I started my career in the horticulture industry over 18

years ago, by maintaining residential and commercial

properties as a young teenager. This developed into a

love for the industry that ultimately led me into landscape

construction.

Q: What do you like most about the business?

A: Building new relationships. I enjoy meeting new cus-

tomers and having the opportunity to be involved with

designing and constructing an area that people can enjoy

and appreciate.

Q: What are the challenges of your business?

A: C o nvincing customers how important it is to research

who they are speaking to. Using a professional can help a

h o m e owner avoid unnecessary future costs.Ta ke the time

to plan your project: Planning and designing something

colorful and functional will make your area more enjoya bl e

and will help maintain the value of your propert y.

Q: What do you wish more people knew about yards?

A: Don't forget to spend time in them. They can be used

as a place to relax and enjoy our families.

Q: What are trends you are seeing this year compared

to previous years?

A: Trends from the '70s are coming back into style. I dig

it! On a serious note, Yard Elves Inc. completes back-

ground investigation checks and supports a drug-free

working environment.

Alan HorneYARD ELVES, INC

© Rich Abrahamson/The Coloradoan

Alan and Nicole Horne own Yard Elves,

a company that specializes in custom landscaping and

stone work. The pair are pictured at a south Fort Collins

residence that has undergone a complete yard renovation,

including a stone patio, rock work with integrated

waterfall and a wood railing.

Alan Horne

Profession:Owner and manager of Yard Elves Inc.

Internet:www.yardelves.com

Phone:(970) 224-5369

Page 2: Yard Elves In the News

To whom it may concern,

Yard Elves Inc. installed my landscape in November of 2004. I wanted to let everyone

know I couldn’t be more pleased with the project. The initial meetings with the

management were very professional and there was no question I would get what I

wanted. I did and then some. The crew was professional prompt and accurate. Your men

have a knack for attention to detail and that’s very important to me. I would recommend

Yard Elves Inc. to anyone looking for an honest contractor for landscaping services.

Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely,

Darrell Franklin

Patrol Officer

Fort Collins Police

Dear Yard Elves,

I have been a customer of Yard Elves for many years. Year after year I am constantly

impressed with the level of service I am provided. Your crew is always well dressed and

polite. Having a landscaper that I can count on to be fair, courteous and always available

is a valuable asset to me as a homeowner. I look forward to a long relationship with your

company.

Cindy Gordon

Sergeant

Larimer County Sheriff’s Office

Alan,

Just a quick letter to let you know I spend many hours with my family out by my

waterfall. My wife and I have found it to be the focal point of our property.

Our neighbors have been found in our backyard enjoying it as well. One other point I

would like to mention was that whenever something comes up regarding maintenance or

repair your office staff is always helpful in getting someone over here usually within 24

hours. This speaks volumes to the commitment you have to your customers considering

my waterfall was built in fall of 2002. I have already recommended your company to

several of my colleagues and will continue to do so. Thank you very much for a quality

product.

Sincerely,

Rick Bernum

Captain Station 5

Poudre Fire Authority

Page 3: Yard Elves In the News

Yard Elves Inc.

I contacted your office to install a landscape in my lot which was bare. From design

through final installation your entire staff was helpful, courteous and professional. Being

the former equipment manager for the Denver Broncos for the last 11 years, I know that

attention to every detail is vitally important to all other facets of an organization.

I would recommend your company to anyone looking for a company to provide

outstanding service, quality and value. My project was completed in what I consider an

amazing amount of time considering the quality and detail put into it. I couldn’t be

happier. I will recommend Yard Elves Inc. to everyone I know.

Sincerely Yours,

Doug West

National Football League Footwear Specialist

Reebok Intl. Ltd.

Former Equipment Manager Denver Broncos

Page 4: Yard Elves In the News

Letter of Recommendation:

Yard Elves Inc.

Fort Collins, CO

To whom it may concern:

This letter is intended to recommend Yard Elves Inc. to prospective future

customers. We are local residents, home and business owners and clients of Yard

Elves. I also feel my background qualifies me to recommend a landscape

company. In 2005, I retired after twenty-four (24) years in the hospitality

industry. My most recent positions included President of Caesars Tahoe, Lake

Tahoe, CA and President of Flamingo Las Vegas, NV. I have employed entire

departments of landscapers and hired companies for multi-million dollar projects.

In 2005 we relocated to Fort Collins, CO. We purchased a home on

approximately two-thirds of an acre that required extensive landscape renovation.

The project also required removal of the existing landscaping. After interviewing

three local companies we decided to retain Yard Elves for the project.

Alan Horne was the only company owner of the three companies solicited that

attended the first meeting. He made an impact on us with his commitment to be

involved in the project, and he was, nearly every day for four months. He also

stressed the company’s efforts in customer service. Alan also displayed an

impressive company history along with samples of past projects. Through each

phase of the project from concept, to working design and execution of each

aspect, we were impressed with the quality of craftsmanship, knowledge and

ability of the Yard Elves team.

Our project required heavy equipment to maneuver and fit numerous boulders

over two tons, extensive sprinkling and lighting systems, a double water feature,

fencing, concrete work, retaining walls, two large flagstone patios and extensive

planting of trees, shrubs and plants. Much of the materials removed from the

existing landscape were reused during the project, saving on expense whenever

possible. This work was done in an occupied house with neighboring homes

close-by. Not one complaint was heard during the project. Additionally our

Homeowners Association was satisfied before, during and after the project.

Very little extra effort has been required since completion of the project,

however, Alan, Nikki and some of their staff follow-up with us to ensure

satisfaction on a regular basis. They also respond quickly to any of our requests.

We are very pleased with the outcome of our project and highly recommend Yard

Elves to those considering them for a project of any size.

Sincerely,

Mark Rittorno

Fort Collins, CO

Page 5: Yard Elves In the News

Sometimes, the challenges of a job can become an artistic catalyst.When obstacles become minor triumphs, they can add up to a showpiece.

Alan Horne, owner of Yard Elves, Inc., recently enjoyed a particularly challenging landscape remodel in south-east Fort Collins.

The job was extensive. “Everything was removed but the driveway!” Horne says. The yard had a tough gradeto work with. The backyard design had to accommodate a walkout basement.

Accepting the challenge Ya rd Elves and the homeowner worked out a plan! In the front yard Horne addedberms--dirt mounds cut with boulder accents to give the landscape a sense of depth. Ya rd Elves also integrated anew irrigation system, lawn, beds, plantings, and outdoor lighting throughout the yard. In the backyard, Hornecustom built a moss rock retaining wall with a waterfall and custom flagstone patio to create a courtyard feel!

The waterfall was engineered very care f u l l y. “We didn't want water going down behind the retaining wall and caus-ing a problem,” Horne states. “We made the waterfall out of two separate systems.” Water cycles out of two individ-ual fountains, which flow into their own cobble pits. From the patio, the two independent systems appear as one cas-cading waterfall. “When running, the sound of the water adds a certain level of privacy and tranquility,” Horne says.“ You can sit and have a great conversation while the water washes away outside noise.”

The wandering lines of the custom flagstone pathways and stairs mimic the flow ofthe waterfall. The fire pit acts as an off-center focal point for the courtyard. The total eff e c tis stunningly natural. “We created the landscape to make it seem as if the house wasd ropped right into it,” Horne says.

The renovation was started in September and took several months. “That's actual-ly a good time to look at big jobs,” Horne explains. “At that time of year, I can nego-tiate pretty favorable rates.”

Yard Elves can custom design build just about anything you can imagine. What Ilove,” most, Horne says, “is working with customers who allow us to be creative.I interview the client, and find out what type of functionality, taste, lifestyle and

themes they most enjoy and then find a way ofcustom-building that in the field.”

Page 6: Yard Elves In the News

Ac reage projects are land-

scapes for properties of

an acre or more. A c reage landscaping involves

m o re than just filling a yard with grass and a few bushes.

How will the landscaper deal with drainage on the property? What sort of plant life will he use? How

will decorative elements echo a central theme?

One ranch style home in Loveland provides a recent example of this type of project. Landscaper Alan Horne

of Yard Elves, Inc. designed and implemented a plan for more than an acre of residential landscaping. Beginning

with the front yard, Horne landscaped around a circular driveway to create a dramatic entry-way. The use of an

old wooden cherry sorter as a planter, accents the walkway to the front door.

The back yard continued Horne’s creative approach. He bracketed the irregularly shaped lawn spaces with

gravel, stone and rural design elements. Horne says, “I had an opportunity to create natural, rustic scenes because

the project property backs to a farm.” Horne incorporated xeriscaping, enabling the homeowner to manage water

use on the property thanks to a combination of native plants, rock and imaginative design.

Horne created three separate scenes, all visible from the rear porch. On the left, Horne placed an antique

manure spreader among the mulched wildflowers and boulder accents. Horne imbedded the spreader’s metal

wheels and spokes in the ground, helping to meld the scene to the natural landscape. In the center, flagstone step-

pers lead to a raised garden, topped by a burst of colored wildflowers.

On the right, Horne placed a decorative waterfall. Water

tumbles from flat-stacked boulders into a five-foot deep pond.

Boulder accents, driftwood, a metal wagon wheel and a variety of

Northern Colorado plants decorate the scene. Nearby, creeping

plants spill from stacked, old-fashioned barrels, echoing the

actions of the waterfall. A sign dedicating the pond to the home-

owner’s wife is a final, distinctive touch.

The xeriscaped portion of the acreage mimics natural shapes,

including rock outcroppings and a dry creek bed. Horne achieved that

e ffect using several diff e rent sizes of gravel and the eye of an artist.

Yard Elves designs and installs acreage projects from a half-

acre and up. Horne’s work results in effective water use, proper

soil conservation—and a beautiful landscape that is guar-

anteed to be functional but more importantly, unique!

Page 7: Yard Elves In the News

p r e s e rvation and integra t i o n : landscape and remodels

Your home is more than just a building. The trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and lawnadd to the overall character of your home, as well as adding thousands of dol-lars to the home’s value. When the time comes to remodel, your landscape willbe an important consideration. But how do you protect your landscape dur-ing a building remodel? And should you remodel the landscape itself?

ometimes remodels focus on the landscape itself. Changes to landscape can enhance a home’svalue while adding significantly to the lifestyle opportunities of the home’s occupants.

Alan Horne is the owner of Ya rd Elves, a landscape company in Fort Collins. Horne’scompany is a true Cinderella story. “I came to town with a car, a sleeping bag and a televi-sion,” Horne laughed. “I feel really blessed to have done so well in this community. Ours t a ff is really excellent.” To d a y, Ya rd Elves boasts more than 70 years combined experiencebetween senior staff members.

Integrating changes into existing landscape and Integrating a landscape theme intothe natural ecology is a challenge and Horne recommends proper planning.

“It’s like a puzzle,” Horne said. “You’ve got to be delicate and take your time, thinking thingst h rough and constantly readjusting.” Jobs are done in sections with a solid day-by-day plan.”

Ya rd Elves tackles jobs of any size. “I’ve done jobs from $1,000 to two-and-half mil-lion,” Horne said. “Every job is diff e rent. Every job is fun.”

Often, the small jobs are the most challenging. “The tighter the space, the harder it isto minimize impact,” Horne said, explaining that homes with close-in neighbors allow lit-tle workspace for heavy equipment.

L a rger jobs involve diff e rent considerations. Aspen Rock in Estes Park gave Horne a chanceto integrate his work into a beautiful natural landscape. The project had to be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers, ensur-ing that wetlands weren’t harmed.

The original work included the construction on a one-acre trout pond. It was critical to both the homeowner andHorne that the pond appeared natural. “We had a lot of parties involved trying to minimize the environmental impact.”The results were outstanding. Local wildlife began using the remodeled area as a habitat. “You’d see 100 head of elk jump-ing into the pond at once,” said Horne. “Spectacular. ”

The homeowner was pleased, and ord e red more work. The next step was a million-dollar waterfall, running thelength of the pro p e r t y. Again, Integrating the work into the natural landscape was the goal. “We landscaped it to look likeit was always there,” Horne said. “As if they took the house and set it down on this beautiful setting.”

The finished work appears natural, though every stone was engineered and placed in accordance with the re m o d e lplan. Horne even added a mine shaft with a decorative small-gauge mining cart.

Showpiece job aside, Horne focuses on landscaping starter, middle class and high-end homes along with commer-cial properties. “Each customer has their own taste. There’s so much diversity.” Horne even crafts xeriscapes with inter-esting natural touches like dry streambeds and wooden bridges.

No matter what the homeowner’s budget is, Horne advises finding and expert to help with landscape remodels, andto “Check re f e rences. Ask to see prior pro j e c t s . ”

“People throw down rock, grass and a tree,” he added. “[It’s] better to design something colorful and functional. Agood company can help.”

S

Reproduced with permission - The Coloradoan - March 11, 2006 Remodel and Décor

A one-acre trout pond built by Yard Elvesreclines in the sun near Estes Park.

Trails, an artificial waterfall and a stream andeven a mining cart complete with tunnel all blend

neatly into the environment around the home.

By Brian Kaufman Photos courtesy of Yard Elves

Page 8: Yard Elves In the News

Nearly a decade after founding Ya r dElves, Inc., owner Alan Horne has

announced the addition of a new commerciallandscaping division. The company had pre-viously concentrated on residential land-scapes. Horne decided to expand after work-ing on several large residential projects. “Werecently completed one of the largest residen-tial landscape installations in NorthernColorado,” Horne notes. “This particularlandscape construction job took place on aforty acre estate. It gave me the inspiration totake the next step.”

Horne is no stranger to large accounts. Hisclients have included persons associated withFortune 500 companies, upper level manage-ment personnel, CEO’S, and CFO’S fromsome of the areas largest employers. Hornehas even completed landscape jobs for a for-mer Hollywood Director and a President of aVegas Casino.

Still, Horne’s hard-earned successes cameg r a d u a l l y. “Yard Elves started small. I sold myGTO and used credit cards to finance the startof the company,” Horne laughs. “When I start-ed, I had one employee—me.” After nearlyten years of steady growth and alot of support from hisfamily and the commu-n i t y, the “little compa-ny that could” islarge enough for anew challenge.

The turning pointwas a two-and-a-halfmillion dollar resi-

dential project that began with the construc-tion of a one-acre trout pond. Because the pondwas constructed near wetlands, the ArmyCorps of Engineers had to approve the project.Horne and his skilled staff worked to mini-mize the environmental impact of the project.The resulting pond drew lots of local wildlife,including herds of elk. “We landscaped it tolook like it was already there,” Horne says.

The pond project was so successful that theowner commissioned a million dollar water-fall and landscape, running the length of theproperty. Horne’s goal was to integrate thelandscaping into the existing environment,“as if they took the house and set it down onthis beautiful setting.”

Every rock in the project was engineeredand placed according to plan. Horne built amineshaft with a small-gauge mining cart fora touch of authentic decoration. The entirepanorama can be viewed from the home’srear porch. At night, lights mark the water’spath, providing a spectacular view of thetumbledown waterfall.

The initial response to Horne’s expansioninto commercial landscaping has been posi-tive. “So far, we’ve completed greenbelts, and

entryways.” Upcoming projects willinclude an athletic track, park, and a

series of town homes. Horne says,“These jobs are similar to the largerresidential projects we’ve done inthe past. I feel very fortunate to havebeen given the opportunity to workfor developers, general contractors

and builders.”

The challenges of the new endeavor don’tfrighten Horne. “It was a struggle getting towhere I am now. You have to watch everypenny, even when times are good, that is oneof the biggest lessons I’ve learned over theyears. In the business world, you’re alwaysone foot in and one foot out. I try not to takeanything for granted.”

Horne’s long-term plans include spinningoff a separate company to handle landscapingfor high-end estates and commercial proper-ties. He feels strongly about being involvedwith the community and supporting the con-tinued economic growth of NorthernColorado. Eventually, he plans to be involvedwith commercial real estate development.

Horne’s strategy is old school. “If I had itmy way, every job would be contracted on ahandshake,” Horne says. “All you have to dois deliver what you sell. It’s that simple.”

After nearly ten years of steady growth…

the“little company that could”is large enough for a

new challenge.

Page 9: Yard Elves In the News

Everyone ages, but the changing needs of homeowners aren'talways reflected in the design of their homes. Narrow hallsand doorways, steep staircases and yard elevations may be

beautiful, but they aren't always user-friendly. Homeowners are notalways prepared for the very predictable needs of natural aging. Whatcan homeowners do to design new homes or remodel old ones so thatthey can age gracefully in their own home?

J e ff Schneider of Armstead Construction believes that more andm o re people are asking that question. “My opinion is, after 9-11 hap-pened, a lot of people stepped back and decided that they needed to thinklong-term about their lives. It's a huge change in the marketplace. Peoplea re looking ahead and planning rather than moving to another home.”Homeowners want to know what they should do to be able to stay in theirhomes comfortably, safely, re g a rdless of their age or level of ability.

What are the building and remodel tips for people who want tolive in their homes long-term? They include:

• Levered door handles. Those round doorknobs are tough to grip!Levered door handles allow residents to open the door with a softpush from a hand or elbow.

• Touch pads for entryways. Rather thanfumble with the house keys, some residentsuse keypad locks that are both secure andaging-friendly.

• Accessible appliances. Whole new genera-tions of appliances feature waist-high pullout drawers, including refrigerators anddishwashers. Built-in drawer pantries storefood at countertop height. Front-loadingwashers and dryers help avoid bendingand lifting.

• One level houses. Stairs are beautiful, butthey're hard to climb! One level houses arewheelchair accessible.

• Low doorway thresholds. Instead of the standard front-door threshold ofone and a half inches, CAPS builders put an angled, 3/4 inch threshold.The rounded threshold helps wheelchairs avoid the sharp angles of a tra-ditional entryway.

• Curb-less shower stalls with plenty of space. Showers without a curballow wheelchairs to roll into a shower unimpeded, turn around androll back out.

• Four-foot hallways and doors. The ADA (American Disabilities Act) rec-ommends 42-inch wide halls and doors to allow for wheelchairs.Schneider feels that four feet “gives you room for both a wheelchair andgrab rails.”

• 3/4 inch plywood wall surfaces. Instead of plain drywall, plywood-backed drywall allows for the future installation of grab rails withoutmajor remodeling.

• Extra clearance space below sinks and counters-this will allow close “park-ing” for wheelchair-bound residents to use the workspaces in the home.

Schneider believes that these design ideas will “help the elderly adapt to theirhouses instead of pulling them out and moving them somewhere else.” But whatabout outdoor space? For example, can landscape be made wheelchair friendly?

Alan Horne of Yard Elves, Inc. recently designed a landscape project forPeggy Graff and Jon Wright of Fort Collins. The project features a back yarddeck with an elevator that drops down to a custom flagstone pathway. Thesloped path curves through a small aspen grove and rock garden, and then con-tinues down to a small patio and boulder fountain.

Horne designed the project to allow Peggy to enjoy her yard from all van-tage points. He installed new beds, boulder accents and plants to enhance thev i e w. A redwood rail offers protection for Peggy, while linking the path to ap re-existing deck.

The results were spectacular. Peggy said, “Yard Elves did three importantthings. They had great attention to detail. They cared about my safety. Andsince they completed the project, they've been by every few days to make sureeverything is okay.”

“This project meant a lot to me,” Horne admits.The work crew brought Horne's vision to life. “My crew really outdid

themselves.” Peggy and Jon's offered input as the job progressed. Horne said,“They're the reason this job was successful.”

Indoors or out, experts advise planningfor aging in the design phase of building ahouse, rather than waiting for problems toforce a remodel. Schneider notes, “A lot of lit-tle things can be done in advance, like puttingin that plywood instead of drywall. It willsave money when the time comes to remodel.It will also save time. A person can install ahandrail themselves if they've plannedahead. When we remodel, we come into your'safe place,' tear it up and make a lot of dustand noise. A little planning avoids that.”

Adapted from the Coloradoan Article - Coloradoan Connection, September 6; Windsor Beacon, September 7; The Coloradoan, September 9, 2006

By Brian Kaufman

ABOVE: Accessibility equals freedom. Peggy Graffand Jon Wright’s landscaping was designed to letGraff move around her yard without help using an ele-vator and an inclined path. Left to right: Alan and NickiHorne, Peggy Graff and Jon Wright.

LEFT: A bench lies at the end of a custom pathwayin Graff and Wright’s yard. A boulder fountain andsmall rock garden set off the view, and the path andrailing make it easy for Graff to move around andenjoy the open space.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN KAUFMAN

Page 10: Yard Elves In the News

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Their True Colors

Charitable Elves

Landscaper authors book on Inspiration Playground to help kids in need

Julie Piotraschke

1:05 a.m. MT Oct 7, 2007

The Yard Elves are perhaps best known in Fort Collins as landscaping designers for homes and businesses.

Now the able creatures and their creator are making the move to the

children’s bookshelf.

Fort Collins resident Alan Horne, the owner of Yard Elves, together with

notable comic book writer Ron Fortier of The Hulk, Popeye and Green

Hornet fame, have written The Yard Elves Visit Inspiration Playground.”

The 42-page color book is about a group of magical elves, a brother

and a sister, and their neighbors who come together to build a children’s park.

The tale is woven around Inspiration Park here in Fort Collins, which is

currently being built just south of Overland Trail and Drake Road. The $1.35 million playground will accommodate children of all abilities. It is planned to open Oct. 27.

Horne, who founded Yard Elves about a decade ago, has been active in the funding of the park, but

he was inspired to write after a visit to a Ronald McDonald House. When a relative had to have a leg removed because of cancer, Horne, with his wife Nicole, spent time visiting him at the Mayo Clinic.

Across the street was the Ronald McDonald House where Horne saw children who had lost legs or

arms from cancer. It made a lasting impact.

So when the Yard Elves landscaping business became more successful than Horne anticipated—he

started it out of his garage and has since completed $10 million in landscaping projects—he knew how

he wanted to share his fortunes.

A friendship with Craig A. Secher, president and founder of Realities for Children Inc., provided him

with further motivation. And Fortier, who also is Horne’s stepfather, provided an ideal writing partner.

Horne hopes the book will not only provide an amusing and moralistic tale for kids, but will also be a

way to help children like the ones he saw years ago at the Ronald McDonald House.

Horne is donating all proceeds from the book to disabled children and at-risk youth in Larimer County.

“I wanted to take something close to my heart and do something good about it,” Horne said. “To me,

that’s true charitable giving. You want to be there for the community and to make a difference.”

This book isn’t the last chapter for the Yard Elves, rather it’s the first in a series. Horne says the elves will appear in a book on cancer followed by one for burn victims. And after that, maybe a toy line too.

Wherever the elves go next, Horne said they’ll go where they’ll help others.

“Our dream is to build a strong business and have enough revenue to reach children all over the

world,” Horne said.

ARTICLE TOOLS

Print Email Comments

INTERESTED?

The book The Yard Elves

Visit Inspiration Playground

can be ordered for $15.50

at lulu.com/content. Horne is hoping to have the book

on the shelves of Barnes &

Noble and B. Dalton in the

near future. Horne can be reached at

[email protected]. All

proceeds from the book will

be donated to children with disabilities and at-risk

youth.

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Page 11: Yard Elves In the News

Installing Quality……One Yard at a Time!

I nominate Alan R. Horne for the “2006 Entrepreneur Bravo Award.”

Alan is the owner and operator of Yard Elves, Inc. which is a locally owned andoperated landscape business that started here in Fort Collins.

Alan’s life long passion of becoming a businessman and his dreams of a betterlife fueled him in the start up of Yard Elves.

Alan started small in business dominated by larger companies. Despite manystruggles and a highly competitive industry, Yard Elves Inc. has close to a ten-year track record of growth and profitability.

Alan is always striving to improve the industry and to make it more pro f e s s i o n a l .This professionalism appeals to both his employees, but more importantly to hiscustomers. He prides himself on making each landscape unique. From selectingthe designer, to picking the construction crew that best fit’s the job, Alan’s coach-ing style and team approach makes him successful at integrating landscape arc h i-t e c t u re into almost any enviro n m e n t .

One thing I particularly enjoy about Alan is that he is willing to take chances onmore challenging jobs. His determination is unmatchable and one of his strongestassets. I truly believe this is the reason he has been awarded five, six, and evenseven figure projects during his career.

Alan keeps himself well grounded by being humble. He acknowledges that hissuccess comes from the company that he keeps which are his family, friends,employees and loyal customers. He constantly tries to support anyone in need ifwithin his abilities. Alan currently supports Realities For Children, The Boys andGirls Club, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Adoption Dreams Come True.Alan has even commissioned and co-authored a book for children with disabili-ties. Proceeds will benefit Larimer County at-risk children.

Respectfully Submitted,

Remi L. AbramsSales Associate, Yard Elves, Inc.

YARD ELV E S, INC.2519 S. Shields, Suite 110 • Fort Collins, CO 80526 Phone: (970) 224-5369 Toll Free: 1-888-824-5369

w w w. y a r d e l v e s . c o m

An Inside Lookat Alan R. Horne