Letter: Literally, figuratively, Rood left mark on Martin County landscape

Scott M. Fay, Hobe Sound

Letter: Literally, figuratively, Rood left mark on Martin County landscape

Roy S. Rood has left behind a legacy of strong values of faith, family, business, philanthropy and leadership. At Treasure Coast Irrigation and Landscape and Rood Landscape, we strive to continue that legacy, honoring his memory with a spirit of gratitude for the road he paved for us.

Mr. Rood was well known and respected throughout the community. He was a founding member of the Jupiter/Tequesta Kiwanis Club and American Legion, Grace Emmanuel Church, Jupiter Christian Academy, and the first bank to open its doors in Jupiter/Tequesta, just to name a few. He was very involved with the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum, and in 1938 he planted the ficus there that can be seen growing and prospering to this very day. He opened Rood Landscape in 1946.

A man who cared passionately for excellence, he built this company with the simple vision: “Do it right the first time.”

This vision will live on with every member of the TCI Rood family, where we share and respect his passion for the industry. Mr. Rood was a founding member of the Florida Nursery Growers Landscape Association, and received several state and national awards, including an award from First Lady Barbara Bush for landscaping the Gardens Mall.

A consistent theme to every talk given to the industry (and he gave many) was to keep learning and make this profession better than ever. He was dedicated to giving back to the community he lived and worked in, and ensured his company would continue his philanthropic efforts.

As we reflect with gratitude on the life and legacy of our founder for the strong infrastructure he built for generations to come, we look forward to carrying his memory into the future through excellence and commitment to the landscaping industry and the customers we serve.

Scott M. Fay is the CEO of TCI Rood.