How H-2B Workers Helped JAGS Lawn & Landscape Grow from 3 to 35
- May 1
- 3 min read
For most successful landscaping companies, growth isn’t limited by customer demand – it’s limited by a lack of labor.
JAGS Lawn & Landscape found themselves in this situation. Founded in 2017, the company built its reputation serving residential customers while continuing to expand operations. As demand grew, they realized that finding reliable workers wouldn’t be as easy as they thought.
As owner Josh Gwennap explained, “The kind of work we do is very physical and demanding,” making it hard to find available workers. Like many employers in the landscaping industry, JAGS found that maintaining a dependable workforce was one of the biggest obstacles to their growth.
Discovering the H-2B Program
Josh first learned about the H-2B program through other businesses already using the program.
At the time, the process felt intimidating. His company had never used H-2B before, and they weren’t familiar with how it worked.
“We didn’t know a thing… It was a whole new territory for us.” Josh said.
The learning curve was steep. For many employers, the H-2B process is overwhelming at first, between labor certifications, recruitment requirements, and filing deadlines. Josh described it best as “nerve-wracking.”
Jumping Right Into the H-2B Process
Like many seasonal employers, JAGS continued trying to solve its workforce challenges through traditional hiring methods. But eventually, they realized they needed a different approach.
“I think it just got to the point where we said, ‘enough’s enough,” Josh recalled.
That decision ultimately led them to move forward with the H-2B program. According to Josh, JAGS started with three workers and never looked back. What started as an experiment quickly became a core part of their workforce strategy.
The Difference Reliable Workers Made
One of the most powerful themes throughout Josh’s story is reliability. Rather than constantly worrying about staffing shortages or turnover, the company gained access to workers who were focused on doing the job well.
“Those guys are here to work, they’re under contracts,” Josh explained. “They’re here to support their family.”
According to Josh, the H-2B workers became an essential part of the company’s operations because of their work ethic and commitment. “They want to work, work, work,” he said.
That level of consistency and commitment allowed JAGS to better serve customers and keep projects moving.
Removing the Administrative Burden
One of the biggest concerns employers have about the H-2B program is the complexity of the process. The paperwork, deadlines, and compliance obligations all add up fast, quickly becoming overwhelming for business owners already busy running their companies.
Rather than trying to handle the process internally, John credits Youngblood & Associates with helping simplify the experience.
“You guys took that part of it and just made it super easy for us.” He said.
Having experienced guidance allowed him to focus on operations while still getting support through the immigration process.
Growing Through Workforce Stability
For JAGS, the biggest impact of the H-2B program was the amount of growth it allowed for the company. Rather than simply filling positions, the program allowed them to expand their business significantly.
“We’ve went from three guys to 35.” Josh said.
For a seasonal business, that type of growth requires the ability to consistently staff projects and support expansion. Access to reliable workers helped give them that opportunity.
“These guys took our business to a whole ‘nother level,” Josh remarked.
What Other Employers Can Learn From JAGS
The experience of JAGS Lawn & Landscape highlights a challenge many seasonal employers face today: Businesses have the customers, but not the workers to support them.
For employers in landscaping, hardscaping, irrigation, pool construction, and other seasonal industries, workforce shortages limit opportunities for growth. Not to mention the additional operational stress that labor shortages result in.
The H-2B program helps qualified employers address those challenges by providing access to temporary workers when domestic labor is unavailable. JAGS’ story clearly demonstrates how solving workforce challenges creates opportunities for long-term growth.
Partner With Youngblood & Associates
Youngblood & Associates helps US employers like JAGS navigate every step of the H-2B process, from workforce planning to immigration filings. Whether you’re exploring the program for the first time or looking to strengthen your existing workforce strategy, our team of expert immigration attorneys can help you understand your options and prepare for success.
If labor shortages are holding your business back, schedule a consultation with us today to learn how the H-2B program may be able to help.
