Founding Partner, Hoerr Schaudt
Joined Vistage in 2016
Growing up on a farm in Indiana instilled in me a love for the outdoors and building things, which seemed to inevitably lead to a career in landscape architecture. After 10 years in Peoria designing and constructing landscapes, my curiosity led me across the Atlantic.
In 1988, I bet on my future with a life savings of $25,000 and embarked on a sabbatical. I immersed myself in English gardens working daily with three of Britain’s greatest plantsmen and designers, all for £3 an hour.
Two years later, without any relationships and with only $3,000 in my pocket, I moved to Chicago to see if I could make it in the big city. Building from the ground up, I founded a design firm that, over the course of 18 years, flourished beyond my wildest dreams — taking us coast to coast.
In 2008, I merged with a friendly competitor, Peter Schaudt, who brought new dimensions to our work by combining his scholarly approach with my craftsman’s sensibility. Just as the firm was working to stay afloat through the Great Recession, Peter’s sudden passing struck another blow. Yet out of adversity grew strength as I worked to honor Peter and forge a new beginning.
Leadership taught me that letting go is as crucial as holding on. Slowly stepping back, I wanted to prepare my successor and ensure future growth. Having her in a Vistage group helped me do just that.
As a result, I watched my team evolve and exceed expectations. When I founded this company 35 years ago from the confines of my tiny apartment, I never dreamed I’d now be taking pride in our legacy and the legacy the partners are forging as they continue to run the business while I embrace being “a more-present Doug.” There’s a great peace that comes from letting go — but also a little melancholy. I didn’t expect that.
I’m an old farm kid. These days, I have more time to go fishing and hunting — I even bought a nursery. I don’t think I’ll ever quit working, though. My passion for design endures, but I no longer wake up with the weight of the business on my shoulders. Life has gently reminded me that for everything, there is indeed a season.
"Blooming Business"
