Interview with Doug Bonnell, Owner of TruNorth Landscaping

Doug Bonnell's journey in the landscaping industry began at an early age—sweeping garages and cleaning offices before he was even a teenager. After spending his high school summers working in the field, Doug went on to earn an engineering degree and spent several years in the automotive industry.

In 2021, Doug received an unexpected call from his father with an opportunity that would change everything: a chance to join the family business, TruNorth Landscaping, based in Traverse City, Michigan. After thoughtful consideration, Doug and his wife decided to uproot their lives, leave behind stable careers, and invest in building the future of TruNorth.

He began as Chief Operating Officer, leading the fertilization and maintenance division and later managing Green Team Lawn Care following its acquisition in 2022. By year three, Doug became heavily involved in the design-build side of the business as the succession plan progressed.

Today, Doug and his wife are proud owner-operators of TruNorth Landscaping. Just a few months into ownership, they're already on pace for another record-setting revenue year—continuing the legacy while putting their own stamp on the company's future.