Kian partnered with Diamond Landscaping in 2021 and has since completed five acquisitions, nearly tripling revenue and EBITDA
ATLANTA & CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 26, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kian Capital Partners (“Kian”), a lower-middle-market-focused private investment firm, announced its partnership with Diamond Landscaping. Kian partnered with Founder and CEO Brian Diamond in December 2021 and has since completed a multitude of strategic growth initiatives to enhance service capabilities, expand the leadership team and continually invest to support sustainable growth in the Diamond Landscaping platform.
Founded by Brian Diamond in 1991, Diamond Landscaping is a leader in the luxury residential landscaping space. The platform focuses on providing white-glove service to high-net-worth residential clients in the broader Los Angeles market. Since partnering with Kian, the platform has expanded its footprint and now serves clients in the broader Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, the Hamptons and Jackson Hole markets. The company offers custom installation and craftsmanship, creating beautiful landscapes that are thoughtfully maintained via recurring service contracts.
Since partnering with Kian, Diamond Landscaping has nearly tripled revenue and EBITDA through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth initiatives. The platform has completed five strategic acquisitions, partnering with established operators in key geographies to build additional density in existing markets and plant flags in new high-end residential markets, including Mahoney Associates in Southampton, NY; Pardee & Fleming in Los Angeles, CA; MountainScapes in Jackson Hole, WY; Steve Hanson Landscaping in Santa Barbara, CA; and James H. Cowan & Associates in Los Angeles, CA. With Kian’s backing, Diamond Landscaping aims to continue partnering with leading operators in high-end residential landscaping markets to foster growth while respecting and preserving the legacies of the acquired businesses.
“Since founding Diamond Landscaping, I have worked to build an organization based on the core values of honesty, hard work and trust,” said Diamond Landscaping Founder and CEO Brian Diamond. “It was clear from the beginning that Kian shares these values, and they have been a collaborative partner as we have grown the business. Our collective goal is to build the leading luxury residential landscaping business in the U.S. by partnering with operators and key executives who take pride in creating unique gardens and maintaining them with consistent white-glove service. Over the years, we have grown substantially and accomplished many key milestones to position the business for future growth. As I look to the future, we remain focused on driving growth in our existing markets, entering targeted new areas, investing in our team and ensuring that we maintain the top level of service for our loyal clients.”
Diamond Landscaping has also made several key hires and partnerships, recruiting industry veterans to bolster the platform and equip the company for enduring growth. Tom Powell and Roger Zino joined as CFO and Executive Chairman & Board Member, respectively, in the fall of 2023. Powell is a highly experienced finance executive, bringing over 20 years of industry experience to the position and focusing on acquisition integration, professionalization of accounting capabilities and serving as a thought partner to the operating executives at Diamond. Zino has vast operating experience in the broader landscaping and home service sectors, serving as a valuable resource for Diamond Landscaping’s partner companies. Additional notable hires include Suzanne Wilutis as EVP and Regional Manager of Mahoney Associates, Christian Galindo as Branch Manager of Diamond Maintenance and Chas McClure as Maintenance Division Leader at Steve Hanson Landscaping. Looking to the future, the Diamond leadership team seeks opportunities to partner with industry leaders focused on driving sustainable growth across the expanding platform.
“Look, Diamond Landscaping is cool. Brian Diamond has a strong combination of creativity, operational ingenuity and customer relationship mastery that enables the business to create and maintain some of the coolest luxury residential landscapes in the country,” said Executive Chairman & Board Member Roger Zino. “The business is built upon practical horticulture enabling the creation of truly beautiful, customized environments for people to enjoy life in with their loved ones. Further, Brian has such great energy and passion that he attracts committed entrepreneurial residential landscape professionals, both in his market and from other markets, who eagerly want to be part of what we are doing here – unique landscapes, passionate gardeners, and loyal customers. Somedays it simply feels like a master class of who can create the coolest gardens. I am having a blast – the opportunity to lend my experience to build a growing platform for such talented entrepreneurs built in a unique way that honors the gardening profession is something that fires me up.”
“Brian Diamond has built a strong reputation as a leading operator in the luxury residential landscaping sector,” said Kian Principal David Hare. “We believe that there is a significant opportunity to execute a disciplined buy-and-build growth strategy within this fragmented sector by partnering with strong operators in key markets across the U.S. It has been extremely rewarding to see the success of the business to date and we look forward to supporting the team through additional strategic acquisitions and further investments in technology and talent to enable sustainable growth.”
Diamond Landscaping is actively seeking partnerships with operators focused on providing top-level service in core luxury residential markets across the U.S. Business owners interested in learning more should contact David Duke, Partner, Business Development at Kian, at dduke@kiancapital.com.
About Diamond Landscaping
For 30 years, Diamond Landscaping has been a leader in the luxury residential landscaping space, focused on installing and maintaining residential landscapes for high-net-worth clients in broader Los Angeles and in key geographies across the United States. Diamond’s team of world-class craftsmen focuses on custom landscape installation, meticulous craftsmanship, and long-term recurring maintenance services to provide one-of-a-kind outdoor living spaces for the company’s loyal clients. Through key strategic partnerships, Diamond now has locations in the broader Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, the Hamptons and Jackson Hole markets. To learn more, visit www.diamondlandscaping.com.
About Kian Capital Partners
At Kian, we forge partnerships to ignite growth and build enduring value. Our goal is to provide flexible financial resources and additional operational horsepower to scale lower-middle-market businesses, realize aspirations and deliver long-term investment returns through genuine partnership. Proud to be recognized on Inc.’s Founder-Friendly Investors list for three consecutive years, Kian is a private investment firm with $825 million of capital under management and a focus on four core industry sectors: consumer, services, value-added distribution and specialty manufacturing. Our team of seasoned investors has over 100 years of collective experience providing transformational capital solutions and board-level strategic and operational guidance to founder/owner operated businesses. To learn more, visit www.kiancapital.com.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
