Scott Johnson - Senior Estimator
Landscape Industry Since: 1981
Signature Landscape Since: 2000
With more than four decades in the landscape industry and 25 years (and counting!) at Signature Landscape, Scott Johnson brings unmatched experience, deep horticultural knowledge, and a genuine passion for the green industry.
Scott’s journey began when he started mowing lawns in his Overland Park neighborhood at age 12 to earn a little extra money. That part-time gig evolved into a career when he joined the J.C. Nichols Company full-time in 1981. For over 16 years, he was part of their in-house grounds maintenance team, managing everything from turf care and landscape installs to irrigation, spraying, and tree work across iconic properties like the Country Club Plaza and outlying apartments.
He credits much of his early knowledge to two important mentors: his uncle, Walt Stewart, who was the longtime superintendent at J.C. Nichols Company, and Chris Carter, a colleague who became a lifelong friend. “Walt and Chris were like teachers to me. I learned so much from them, just being in the field, working hands-on.”
In 2000, after a brief stint helping construct Tom Watson’s National Golf Club in Parkville, Scott joined Signature Landscape when founder Bill Gordon called at just the right moment. Since then, Scott has helped shape Signature’s approach to estimating for new business contracts. From calculating bed maintenance hours to rating turf difficulty and crafting seasonal cleanup plans, Scott’s field experience translates into clear, customized service plans for hundreds of commercial properties each year.
He’s watched the industry evolve dramatically, from hands-on tape measuring properties to aerial imaging, from walk-behind spreaders to ride-ons and remote-controlled mowers. “The equipment, the chemicals, even the professionalism in the industry has all changed. It’s more elevated now, more respected.” But despite all the progress, one thing hasn’t changed: “I really enjoy working with the people I work with. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Outside of work, Scott is a proud grandfather and family man. He’s an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting. He’s also a highly awarded model builder, having earned multiple “Best of Show” awards for his 1/35-scale military armor builds at national competitions.
Ask Scott about his favorite memories, and he’ll tell you about summer road trips with his family, camping across the U.S. in a pop-up camper, visiting 49 states and every roadside landmark his history-loving dad could find. That same appreciation for the journey is evident in his work: decades of consistency, learning and evolving with the times, and always rooted in respect, loyalty, and excellence.