“Over 100 years later the quality remains” not only pertains to Red Diamond coffee and tea, but its grounds as well.

Attaining a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Turf Grass Management and a master of business administration (MBA) from UAB, Red Diamond Groundskeeping Manager Brandon Haley strives to develop the best-maintained landscape in the Southeast.

Recently Haley and his staff of three received one of the ultimate awards in groundskeeping—the 2012 Green Star from the Professional Grounds Management Society.

In the company of such properties as the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina, University of Virginia and The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Red Diamond is honored to receive this national recognition.

“To be in the same league as this incredible list of properties is amazing,” said Red Diamond Director of Brand Management Steva Austill.

“This place is unique,” said Haley. “We are valued here and you can tell.”

Applying for the Green Star for the first time, Haley never expected to receive this top honor on the company’s first try.

Eligible to apply again in two years, Red Diamond will attempt to make history by securing the Green Star with back-to-back wins.

Judging was based on manicured grounds with a high degree of excellence and were rewarded by merit, honor and the grand award.

“Applying the first time, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to receive the 2012 Green Star. It was a shocker,” said Haley. “We have a tough act to follow.”

At 16-years-old Haley worked at a private club in his hometown of Delaware, which is where his love for groundskeeping flourished.

“It’s a passion for me. I love doing this,” said Haley.

Garnishing the grounds with Mary Nell Hollies, Wannamaker Magnolias and Heirloom roses from the Bowron family brought over from their former residence on Vanderbilt Road, the Red Diamond grounds are also home to four different grasses and 65 acres overall.

At his home in Leeds, Haley also shares his love of groundskeeping with his wife and their three-year-old daughter Savannah.

“Savannah waters the flower baskets every night with me,” said Haley.

Continuing the Red Diamond path of excellence, Haley says they’re not stopping here and plan to apply for other awards such as irrigation.

“We hope to be doing massive irrigation upgrades next,” said Haley. “We’d like to have the most state-of-the-art irrigation system in Alabama.”

“We want to improve efficiency,” said Austill. “That’s the whole goal.”

Recycling all rainwater for irrigation purposes, Red Diamond works toward maintaining an environmentally sustainable campus.

“As a food and beverage production company, we maintain particularly high standards when it comes to avoiding chemicals and pesticides,” said Red Diamond President and CEO Bill Bowron. “That makes this recognition from Professional Grounds Management that much more of an honor. We take pride in maintaining our grounds as naturally as possible.”

Proud to be a part of the Red Diamond family, Haley looks forward to further developing the natural beauty of the company’s landscape and keeping St. Clair County at the forefront of national recognition.

Extending his thanks to the Red Diamond staff, Haley believes being passionate about something allows you to do great things.

“Our staff is amazing,” said Haley. “Frankly, there’s no way we would’ve won this award without them.”