Ask the Experts

The Top Qualities of a Successful Commercial Account Manager

Explore the soft skills, career growth traits, and daily habits that define success in commercial landscape management.

If you’re considering a career in commercial landscaping — or already in the industry and looking to grow — understanding what makes a strong account manager can set you apart. At Southern Botanical, Commercial Account Managers aren’t just site checkers or schedule enforcers. They’re relationship builders, solution-finders, and landscape stewards.

Ali Bennett, a Commercial Account Manager at Southern Botanical, shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in this dynamic role — and why it’s one of the best landscaping jobs in DFW if you’re driven by growth, collaboration, and purpose.

Adaptability: The #1 Trait for Account Manager Success

“Landscape is something that’s ever-changing,” Ali says. “Learning to adapt to that — with the environment, the water restrictions, and even how the seasons affect your properties — is a big part of being successful in this role.”

Ali describes commercial landscaping as both unpredictable and rewarding. Whether it’s adjusting to drought conditions or troubleshooting a sudden pest problem, adaptability is key. “With things that are rewarding also come challenges,” she adds. “You’ve got to roll with the punches.”

This kind of agility isn’t just about plant health — it’s about client relationships too. Clients notice small changes before anyone else. “They’re on the property more than we are,” Ali explains. “So asking them, ‘What are you seeing?’ helps me spot things I might have missed.” Southern Botanical’s account managers are true client partners, not just another vendor.

Key takeaway: The ability to adapt quickly and listen actively is one of the most important landscape management career skills.

Time Management (and When to Ask for Help)

Ali says Commercial Account Managers at Southern Botanical are often managing multiple high-end portfolios, with a lot of people depending on them to get things right. “Time management is huge,” she says. “You have to be efficient and effective, but also know when to ask for help.”

Unlike other landscaping jobs where you’re on your own, Southern Botanical encourages teamwork and tapping into expertise. “We have a ton of resources here,” Ali says. “If you need help, it’s always welcome and encouraged. You can say, ‘Hey, what would you recommend in this situation?’”

Ali also emphasizes the power of writing things down. “When you’re starting out, it can be a lot. One of the best things I’ve done to build client relationships is to do what you said you were going to do. Taking notes helps me stay accountable.”

Communication and Client Partnership

Being a Commercial Account Manager is, at its heart, a people-first job. “I think to be successful in this role, you have to be a people person who’s flexible,” Ali says. “You’re working with so many different clients, and they all operate differently.”

This requires more than communication. It calls for empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence — all essential commercial landscaping soft skills. “You have to be able to get along with everybody, adapt to their communication styles, and hold yourself accountable,” she adds.

Seeing the Impact Makes It Worth It

What keeps someone motivated in such a high-visibility job? For Ali, it’s seeing the results.

“Getting to take over a property that wasn’t in the best shape, and seeing the look on a client’s face when we’ve transformed it — that makes all the other challenges go away,” she says. “You get to walk with the client and plan ahead,” Ali adds. “What do you want it to look like six months from now? That kind of forward thinking keeps me excited.”

Growing with Southern Botanical

Ali says Southern Botanical offers something you don’t always find in landscaping: a collaborative, growth-minded culture. “You’re never alone here,” she says. “There are people constantly looking for ways to improve, and they share that knowledge with you. It helps you feel confident in what you’re passing along to your clients.”

Should You Apply?

If you’re someone who enjoys solving problems, building relationships, and watching a property evolve season by season — this might be your dream job. “Absolutely apply,” Ali says. “It’s a challenging role, but a really rewarding one. You get to be outside, interact with the environment, and work with great people. That’s not something everyone gets in their job.”

FAQ: Careers in Commercial Landscaping

What are the top qualities of a successful account manager in landscaping?

Adaptability, time management, people skills, and accountability are key. The ability to listen to clients, think proactively, and stay organized makes a huge difference.

What kind of career growth is available in commercial landscaping?

At companies like Southern Botanical, account managers often grow into senior leadership, operations, or business development roles. It’s a strong path if you’re interested in management or client services.

What soft skills are important in commercial landscaping?

Flexibility, clear communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential commercial landscaping soft skills. These help you navigate daily challenges and build lasting client relationships.

Is being a Commercial Account Manager a good job in Dallas?

Yes. It’s one of the best landscaping jobs in DFW for people who want variety, responsibility, and career growth — especially at a firm like Southern Botanical with award-winning projects and supportive teams.

What do landscape management careers look like long-term?

They offer upward mobility, especially for those who take initiative and continually learn. With the industry’s focus on sustainability, tech, and design, the career outlook is strong.