Brittany Knevelbaard
Brittany Knevelbaard is the Director of Internal Affairs at Greenscape Design Inc., where she brings a deeply human-centered approach to organizational leadership and workplace culture. Known for her empathetic and people-first philosophy, Brittany integrates structure and spontaneity to balance business objectives with employee well-being. Her leadership style emphasizes authenticity, open communication, and mindfulness—fostering an environment where teams feel heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.
With an extensive background spanning human resources, office management, and creative direction, Brittany has cultivated a versatile career defined by compassion and adaptability. Before her current role, she served as Human Resources Manager at Greenscape Design Inc., Office Manager at Living Colour Landscapes, and Creative Director at Stone Medical Group. Her earlier career experience as Regional Human Resources Manager at Kohl’s and HR Generalist at Top Cut Lawn Services further strengthened her expertise in recruitment, employee relations, and conflict resolution. Across every role, Brittany has been guided by a belief in the transformative power of connection and transparent leadership.
Beyond her professional achievements, Brittany champions the idea that workplace culture flourishes when authenticity and empathy lead the way. She advocates for mindful management—what she calls “barefoot leadership”—where humility, presence, and humanity guide decision-making. Through her leadership at Greenscape Design Inc., she continues to shape a culture rooted in trust, inclusion, and growth, proving that successful organizations begin with people who feel valued and inspired.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of my mentor, Steve Miller, the owner of Top Cut. He believed in my potential even when I lacked industry experience, and his confidence in me motivated me to grow, learn, and excel in my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never underestimate the power of emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership. In this industry, things change fast - weather, clients, crews, priorities - and staying calm, empathetic, and solution-focused is what truly earns respect. Someone once told me, ‘People won’t remember the spreadsheet you fixed or the schedule you built - they’ll remember how you made them feel in the middle of chaos.’ That stuck with me. As a woman in a field that’s still very male-dominated, I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t always have to be loud - it can be steady, thoughtful, and consistent. Lead with grace, hold your boundaries, and always stay curious.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in your abilities and never let the absence of a traditional path, like a college degree, define your potential. I built my career through hard work, persistence, and a genuine commitment to learning - earning my SHRM certification and gaining invaluable experience through on-the-job training. In a male-dominated field, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring your voice is heard and respected, but confidence, consistency, and professionalism will always set you apart. Keep showing up, keep learning, and let your work speak for itself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is attracting and retaining skilled labor while balancing the rising costs of doing business - from materials to insurance to wages. But within that challenge lies our biggest opportunity: to modernize the way we lead and operate. This industry is shifting from being purely production-driven to people-driven. The companies that invest in culture, training, communication, and employee well-being will not only keep their teams longer but also deliver higher-quality results. There’s also a huge opportunity to elevate professionalism in landscaping - to show that it’s not just about cutting grass, it’s about creating and maintaining luxury outdoor environments that improve lives. The more we treat it like the sophisticated, client-focused business it is, the more respect and growth we’ll see across the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in work, and in life, are deeply tied to what we stand for at Greenscape, really! I believe in growing continuously, not just as a professional, but as a person. Every challenge, every mistake, every win has taught me something about patience, leadership, and resilience. I never want to stop learning or helping others find their next level, too. I’ve learned to refine every detail, because excellence lives in the little things - how we communicate, how we show appreciation, how we follow through. Those small touches are what build trust and pride in what we do. Embracing change with purpose has been one of the hardest and most rewarding lessons. In this industry, nothing stays the same for long, and I’ve realized that change doesn’t have to be chaotic, it can be clarifying, if you lead it with intention. And speaking of intention, I try to execute everything with it. Whether it’s a policy, a conversation, or a decision that impacts someone’s day, I want it to come from a place of purpose and integrity. But the value that grounds me the most is nurture what matters. People, relationships, and culture. At the end of the day, our success isn’t just about the properties we maintain; it’s about the people who make it all happen. Those same values guide me at home, too. To slow down, be present, and invest my energy where it truly counts.