Celebrating 30 Years: An Overview of RLM’s History
RLM’s History
Dean began mowing lawns when he was 10 years old. He bought his first Lawn Mower and pulled it behind his bicycle in the Lakes of the Four Seasons subdivision. Dean’s first trailer was fabricated out of an old Sears dolly cart by his dad. He welded a brace that acted as a 5th wheel tongue to pull behind his bike. In 1984, he bought his first tractor with a 36” deck for $736.00 which was modified by Dean Sr. to pull the trailer he used to pull behind his bike. When he got his drivers’ license, he got the family station wagon and purchase a 12’ utility trailer which is still a member of our fleet in 2024. By senior year of high school, Dean had 2 trucks and 2 trailers with 3 walk-behind mowers.
He continued to do lawn care through High School and College and was able to pay for his own education through his dedication to his clients. After graduation from Indiana University in April of 1994, Ricci’s Landscape Management, Inc. became a reality when Dean incorporated Ricci’s Lawn & Hedge Service into Ricci’s Landscape Management with himself running a crew and his girlfriend (now wife, Jamie). In 1995, Dean bought his first NEW truck and expanded the company to landscape construction and snow plowing.
In 1997, Dean’s Father, Dean Ricci, Sr. joined the team and was a big part of the success of the company until his retirement in 2005. In 1999, RLM, Inc. was growing rapidly and relocated to 502 Norbeh Dr. in Hebron, Indiana. In order to service clients with everything, Dean decided to offer more services by adding the irrigation and lawn care/fertilization divisions.
In 2013, the business started transforming from an owner driven business to a management team business which included additional sales personal. Keeping quality and production at a premium during this overhead restructure was a huge challenge and took over 5 years for the growth pains to subside. In 2018, the crews doubled to keep up with all the rain that year. And in 2021, the new 2nd facility was built across the street to accommodate for our 20% growth streak over those 5 years.
Nick Ricci joined the company in 2021 as a full-time Landscape Sales/Design Representative and Inventory Executive. As of 2024, RLM, Inc. starts their 30th year in business with over 1500 clients in the Northwest Indiana area.
The Organizations That RLM is a Part of
Dean joined Prosult in 2003 after meeting Monroe Porter, the consultant in charge. Monroe thought Dean would be a good addition to the business ground and Prosult would be good for RLM. Prosult is member-based peer community specifically for Painter, Landscaper, and Roofer small business owners lead by Proof Management, LLC. Dean said that joining Prosult was the best thing he could have done for RLM.
Dean joined the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association in 2004 because of George Brenn. It was a great opportunity for networking and increasing professionalism. He joined the INLA board in 2008 until 2022, where he served as the President for 2 years. He was able to be on the INEF board to provide scholarships to green industry students. 
Dean passed his Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Exam in 1996 and then went on to earn his Masters in 1998. He also holds 4 pesticide licenses, ICPI certification, Class A CDL, and multiple other certifications involving landscaping and drainage.
Dean believes strongly in giving back to the community. He has been a part of many non-for-profit organizations over the years and donates to worthy causes both personally and through RLM because he believes in helping others.
Q&A with Dean
What makes you proudest about the last 30 years and what you have accomplished?
“The talent level of my team now is nothing less than impressive. I feel proud of the team and what they have accomplished with our business development. I had no idea what RLM would have looked like 30 years ago.”
What do you hope for the next 30 years?
“I hope for our continual improvement as a business and seeing our people grow professionally. Watching my young managers develop and my field staff grow into craftsmen gives me the most satisfaction. People are our biggest asset yet our biggest challenge so watching them succeed is very rewarding.”
Is there anyone that you attribute your success to or had a huge impact in giving you the tools to succeed?
“Outside of the RLM Team, my mom and dad who encouraged and helped me start my career. Monroe Porter of Proof Management (Prosult) who showed me the path to business success. Dan Kohler, my business psychologist who has coached me through the challenges of running a business for the last 20 years. Jamie, my wife, who has been the cornerstone of my life and career. She has given me sound advice, emotional support, and financially helped me at the beginning while I was struggling as a young entrepreneur. Without her, I would never have made it.”
What is your personal Mission / Vision Statement for yourself?
“Be self-aware and humble so I can be a better leader. Be fiscally responsible so we can be sustainable and reach our goals. Continually care for and invest in people. And not be discouraged when they sometimes disappoint.”
