Will DeMarco

Alumni
Landscape/Plant Production

At just 14 years old, Will’s dream of starting a landscape business took root. He saved up his money to buy a little red wagon that he used for odd jobs like trimming shrubs, mulching, and cutting grass throughout his neighborhood. His love for landscaping continued to grow and Will decided to pursue a degree in horticulture at Penn College. He graduated in 2019, gained a few years of field experience, and launched Xavier Landscapes and Designs. Today he employs four full-time employees and as many as eight seasonal workers.

TAKING THE LEAD

Q&A with Will

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY HORTICULTURE?

Ever since I was a kid, I had a passion for machines, experiments, the outdoors, and landscaping. As I grew up, I did odd jobs here and there until I decided in high school this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO PENN COLLEGE?

I’m more of a hands-on learner. At Penn College, I knew I would get lots of lab time and gain job-like experience. Overall, I wanted to get more experience with hardscaping, which I definitely did. I was able to pick courses that aligned with my interests.

DID YOU VISIT PENN COLLEGE BEFORE MAKING THE DECISION TO COME? WHAT WAS YOUR IMPRESSION?

Yes, I visited. I liked how everything was new and updated. I also liked how there was a good balance between class and lab work.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR INSTRUCTORS?

I had a very good relationship with all my instructors. They taught me everything I needed to know to help me get my business started and help me grow my business.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF YOUR CAREER CHOICE?

I get to work outside everyday. I get to employ some of the greatest men in the Pocono Mountains who take a lot of pride in their work and I'm having fun doing what I've always wanted to do.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE GO TO COLLEGE TO EARN A DEGREE IN LANDSCAPING?

If you're thinking of starting a business, it's a good idea. In the long run, you will learn a lot, you will look better against the competition, and you will be able to experience something most others don't experience.

Student Experience

"I get to work outside on all of the nicest days. I get to do what I love every day and I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Will DeMarco

Guaranteed Momentum

Living his dream

From patio design and hardscaping to lighting and creative landscapes, Will does it all. He takes pride in creating an outdoor oasis for his clients.

Check out some of his latest projects

Real-World Ready

Tops in the nation

Will tested his skills at a national level. As a student, he traveled with a group of classmates to Colorado State University to compete in the National Collegiate Landscaping Competition. He tied for fourth place in the hardscaping category.

Making connections

During his time at Penn College, Will took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about his future career. Accompanied by one of his instructors and several other students, he attended the Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO), the nation’s largest trade show in that field and LANDSCAPES, a premier networking and educational conference.

Landscape/Horticulture

Pursue a career in horticulture at Penn College and you’ll be at home in our living labs, cultivating real-world experience and nurturing the in-demand skills to thrive.

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