Life at LOVING

Ryan McKuhen Appointed as LOVING’s NEW Vice President of Farming and Logistics

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – LOVING is proud to announce the appointment of Ryan McKuhen as Vice President of Farming and Logistics. With more than two decades of experience in the sod/turfgrass industry, Ryan exemplifies a profound commitment to excellence and innovation in agricultural practices.

Before joining LOVING, Ryan’s distinguished career encompassed pivotal roles including Operations Manager, General Manager, and Golf Course Superintendent. These positions have honed his skills in quality control, innovation, and operational optimization — which he now brings to the forefront of LOVING’s farming operations.

LOVING, known for its culture of collaboration, resonates deeply with Ryan. “The TEAM-oriented environment at LOVING is truly inspiring. It fosters a sense of belonging and motivates us to achieve the best in everything we do,” says Ryan, reflecting on what he values most about LOVING.

Based out of Bluffton, South Carolina, Ryan’s role also involves travel throughout the Carolinas and Florida to oversee our farms and ensure the highest standards are met. His holistic approach and keen eye for detail are instrumental in elevating our farming and logistical operations.

Off the field, Ryan is a family man, celebrating 12 years of marriage with his wife, and cherishing moments with their two daughters and two stepsons. His love for the outdoors is evident in his passion for hunting, fishing, camping, and woodworking.

“Ryan McKuhen is more than just a leader; he is a visionary with a remarkable ability to blend traditional farming techniques with innovative strategies. His appointment marks a significant milestone in LOVING’s journey towards agricultural excellence and sustainability,” said Mike Haynes, Founder/CEO of LOVING.

For more information about Ryan McKuhen or LOVING, please contact Marketing@theLOVINGcompanies.com.

LOVING is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and offers landscaping, outdoor living and sod supply to a wide array of clients across the Southeast. In addition, LOVING supports landscape companies and DIYers alike by offering a user-friendly online platform for ordering sod with free next day delivery through its affiliate company, NextDaySod.com. LOVING has grown at a rapid pace and is now one of the largest landscaping and sod farming operations in the United States.

LOVING Launches Cabless, Fully Automated Semi Truck for Sod Deliveries in the Southeast

CHARLOTTE, NC – LOVING, a trailblazer in agricultural innovation, is excited to announce the testing of the first-ever cabless, fully automated semi truck for sod deliveries in the United States.

This groundbreaking venture comes after receiving the green light for testing, marking a significant leap in modernizing agricultural logistics. The automated truck (TDR-720), boasts state-of-the-art technology and is designed to revolutionize the way sod is delivered, enhancing efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.

Additionally, this autonomous truck is not just a standalone marvel. It seamlessly integrates with LOVING’s recently unveiled proprietary farming operations platform, NXXT. NXXT, a cutting-edge platform for Harvesting, Freight, and Logistics — has already set new standards in farm management and operational efficiency. The combination of NXXT and the automated truck promises a symbiosis of technology and agriculture like never before.

“Embracing innovation is at the heart of everything we do at LOVING. This automated truck, together with our NXXT platform, underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology,” said Mike Haynes, Founder/CEO of LOVING.

As LOVING moves forward with this pilot project, it underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability, technological advancement, and most importantly — company culture. Our commitment to fun in the workplace is what drives initiatives like this where we can remind you that today is April Fool’s Day. So, the joke is on you!

While we are always exploring new technologies and innovations, this cabless concept is only for fun as we are committed to helping freight companies throughout the Southeast optimize their businesses for scale with our new platform, NXXT.

For more information about LOVING’s real and existing innovations, NXXT, or our commitment to agricultural advancement, please contact Marketing@theLOVINGcompanies.com.

LOVING Reveals Its Proprietary Farming and Freight Operating Platform

Charlotte, NC – LOVING, a leading regional sod farming and distribution organization, is proud to unveil to the public its cutting-edge operating platform, NXXT. Following over a year of intensive development, we are thrilled to unveil to the public our transformative tool that seamlessly integrates every facet of our sod farming business, from point of sale to harvest and freight operations.

“This new platform underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction. NXXT has been meticulously crafted to empower our TEAM and elevate service delivery to our valued clients”, says Mike Haynes, Founder and CEO.

With a focus on streamlining processes and leveraging machine learning and automation, our internal and external software experts have collaborated to address industry pain points and bridge existing gaps in workflow. “This strategic initiative not only enhances client experiences but also lays the groundwork for our company’s future growth and service expansion across both farming and distribution segments…” says Wes Miller, President of LOVING.

In addition to benefiting our clients, NXXT extends support to our freight partners, providing them with tools for business growth within our platform ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship enables us to scale our delivery services, while offering enhanced convenience and efficiency to our clientele.

The comprehensive nature of the platform is exemplified by its forthcoming customer portal, launching this Spring. Clients will have unprecedented access to place orders and monitor their status in real-time, akin to tracking a pizza delivery. “This innovative approach establishes the industry’s first 24/7 sod store, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our clients at all times,” says Ryan McKuhen, VP of Farming and Logistics at LOVING. With intuitive tools provided within the platform, clients can seamlessly manage and update orders while receiving live updates from harvesting and delivery operations.

NXXT represents a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the sod farming and distribution industry. LOVING remains dedicated to empowering our clients, partners, and TEAM members with state-of-the-art solutions that drive mutual success and satisfaction.

LOVING is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and offers landscaping, outdoor living and sod supply to a wide array of clients across the Southeast through its affiliate companies. In addition, LOVING supports landscape companies and DIYers alike by offering a user-friendly online platform for ordering sod with free next day delivery through its affiliate company, NextDaySod.com. LOVING has grown at a rapid pace and is now one of the largest landscaping and sod farming operations in the United States.

Jersain Laris Celebrates 15 Years of Exceptional Service at LOVING

Charlotte, NC – LOVING, one of the most respected landscape companies in the United States, proudly celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Jersain Laris, a highly valued member of their TEAM who has grown remarkably within the company. Starting his journey as a Crew Foreman, Jersain has impressively risen through the ranks to become a Field Manager in the Carolinas, a role in which he continues to excel.

Over the years, Jersain has distinguished himself as an expert in Hardscaping, demonstrating not only exceptional skill but also an innate ability to lead and inspire those around him. His commitment to excellence and his approach to problem-solving have ensured that he consistently delivers outstanding results in every project he takes on.

TR Haynes, Vice President of Landscape Operations in the Carolinas, stated, “Jersain is as consistent as they come. His positive attitude and energy are contagious, and he is always willing to jump in and help out wherever he is needed. He embodies the values of LOVING, making him an instrumental member of our TEAM.”

Jersain’s journey with LOVING highlights the company’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent within its organization. His progression from Crew Foreman to Field Manager is a testament to LOVING’s dedication to providing career growth opportunities to its employees.

Under Jersain’s leadership, the company has seen significant advancements and innovations in its landscape operations across the Carolinas. His expertise in Hardscaping has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of numerous properties but also significantly contributed to the region’s environmental sustainability.

LOVING, with its extensive presence across the Carolinas, remains committed to delivering exceptional landscaping services while fostering a culture of excellence and growth among its employees. Jersain Laris’s 15-year tenure is a shining example of this commitment and a source of inspiration for his colleagues and the industry at large.

LOVING is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and offers landscaping, outdoor living and sod supply to a wide array of clients across the Southeast through its affiliate companies. In addition, LOVING supports landscape companies and DIYers alike by offering a user-friendly online platform for ordering sod with next day delivery through its affiliate company, NextDaySod.com. LOVING has grown at a rapid pace and is now one of the largest landscaping and sod farming operations in the United States.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOVING Welcomes Wes Miller as President

Charlotte, NC – LOVING is pleased to introduce Wes Miller as its new President. Miller formerly served as the Co-Founder and President at ICON Management in Florida. He boasts an illustrious career spanning multiple roles since 2007. His exceptional leadership transformed a modest team of three into a workforce of 2,000 employees, extending services into five states while meticulously preserving a first-class culture. He is among the most innovative leaders in the Green Industry and brings a wealth of knowledge that promises immediate value to LOVING, its customers, and vendors.

Miller’s remarkable expertise in customer service and operations yielded substantial results for ICON, including its sale to Troon Golf Management, the world’s largest golf course management company.

“I‘ve known Wes since our expansion into Florida and have gained an immense amount of respect for who he is and how he leads”, says Mike Haynes, Founder and CEO of LOVING. “We’ve been on the search for a seasoned leader to assume the duties of President for over a year, so when discussions began with Wes of his interest in joining our organization, I was elated to say the least. Wes has both the skills and experience that will serve our organization extremely well as we enter our next phase of opportunity and expansion,” Haynes adds.

“What truly drew me to LOVING is its TEAM,” says Miller. “To be a part of and help lead an organization that values people as much as profits. alongside leaders who embody the company’s culture daily, is a remarkable opportunity. I am grateful to Mike for this chance and am so excited for LOVING’s future, our dedicated TEAM members, and our valued clients.”

Miller’s roots trace back to Johnson City, TN, and he later graduated from Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, TN with a degree in Business Administration. During his college career, Miller was named captain of the NCAA Golf Team. In 2000, Miller married the love his life, Meredith, with whom they have two children: Claire (11) and Caleb (9). Outside of his professional life, Miller enjoys spending time with family, volunteering with the local church, and always loves the opportunity to slip in a round of golf.