​We are proud to feature Ruppert Landscape in this month's Partner Spotlight.  The company has been a Gold Partner of MHLA since 2021 and first joined the Association in 2018.  Read below to learn more!

Company Overview
The roots of Ruppert Landscape started as many businesses do: a young person wanting to make some money to buy a car and hang out with friends. With a push mower and the use of his parents’ garage as home base, Craig Ruppert began asking neighbors if he could mow their yards in the early 1970’s. Within a few years’ time, that neighborhood yard business grew, and he was able to expand his services and hire a few employees, including his brother Chris. He started trying to learn everything he could about horticultural practices and running a business.
 
The first ten years progressed slowly. There were challenges and plenty of mistakes made along the way, all of which taught the team many life lessons. As the business evolved, we realized that our success was tied to a few simple values: work hard and do right by your employees, who will in turn take great care of your customers.
 
Over the next 50 years, the projects grew in scale and complexity. Residential lawns turned into developments, parks, and corporate campuses, while the focus on hustle and efficiency expanded to include horticultural knowledge and technical specialization.
 
Today, Ruppert employs over the company employs over 2500 people and serves customers from 50 branches primarily throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern US. The company prides itself on its strong culture, commitment to its employees, unmatched attention to its customers, and giving back to the community. The culture and values that made Ruppert Landscape a dynamic and successful business in its early years remain at its core today.
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How does your business positively impact the lodging industry?
Ruppert Landscape delivers a customized, proactive approach with careful execution to keep your hotel property looking its best and meeting guest expectations year-round. Our comprehensive landscape enhancement services address not only aesthetics but also functionality, safety concerns, drainage challenges, and aging or unhealthy plant material. Backed by strong horticultural expertise, our crews tailor services to your specific climate zone and plant varieties, offering recommendations that enhance sustainability and promote eco-friendly practices.

Awards
​​The company has received both local and national awards for these notable Maryland projects including: The Baltimore Peninsula (2024), District Wharf (2023), Washington Harbor (2021), MGM National Harbor (2018), Sagamore Pendry Hotel (2018).

To explore our full portfolio of work, please visit: www.ruppertlandscape.com/portfolio
 
Contact Information
Patty Pescrille-Brockmeyer
Regional Business Development Manager
Email [email protected]
Phone 301-748-9023

Deb Stipa
Regional Business Development Manager
Email [email protected] 
Phone 202-579-6156
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Company website
https://www.ruppertlandscape.com
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Social Media
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35th Annual Event Featured Special Message from Governor Wes Moore and Surprise Performance by UMD Marching Band

Annapolis, Md. – The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association (MHLA) celebrated a historic milestone on April 25, 2025, as it hosted its 35th annual "Stars of the Industry" Awards Luncheon. This year’s celebration was the largest event in the organization’s history, setting new records for attendance, sponsors and honorees. Over 550 guests gathered at The Hotel at the University of Maryland to recognize 258 outstanding employees from Maryland’s lodging industry for their exceptional service and contributions.
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The event opened with remarks from MHLA Chair Linda Westgate, followed by Jim Mumm, CEO of presenting sponsor Sunlight Energy Group, and MHLA President and CEO Amy Rohrer. Adding to the significance of the day, Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered a pre-recorded video message, congratulating all award recipients and commending their impact on the state’s tourism and economy.

“Being selected as a winner is a true testament of your dedication and also your passion. Your hard work elevates Maryland’s hospitality experience, from the front desk to housekeeping and everything in between,” he said in the recording. “Maryland's hospitality industry is vital.  Supporting more than 115,000 jobs in our great state, $4 billion in total taxes and over $10 billion in hotel guest spending in Maryland’s economy. So, thank you for making Maryland shine brighter.”

Chris Riehl, owner of Rent-A-Tour and Baltimore tour guide, podcaster and entertainer, served as the emcee for the "Stars of the Industry" Awards ceremony, which featured a new format this year. MHLA members were each invited to submit one deserving front-line staff member or manager across eight categories, including Back of House, Culinary & Kitchen, Food & Beverage, Front Office & Guest Services, Housekeeping, Community Service, Events & Sales, and Management. All the submitted honorees were recognized at the event, with winners in each category enjoying their moment in the spotlight as they participated in a joyous group “winner’s walk” across the stage as celebratory music played and their colleagues cheered them on. In addition, each Star received a lapel pin and certificate, and each property received a plaque engraved with the names of their 2025 winners.

The response to the reimagined program was overwhelmingly positive from MHLA member properties in attendance, who appreciated the expanded opportunity to spotlight the hard work and dedication of those who power Maryland’s hospitality sector.

“It’s extremely valuable that the Stars of the Industry Awards provides a forum to acknowledge and appreciate our crew members’ contributions to our property,” said Alix Monacelli, Director of Human Resources, Inn at Perry Cabin. “The emcee made each winner feel special as their name was announced and they hit the catwalk. This honor makes our crew members feel valued and more connected to their work. The whole event was incredibly engaging.”

A surprise highlight of the afternoon came when The Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band made an unannounced appearance, electrifying the crowd and adding festive energy to the celebratory atmosphere.

“The "Stars of the Industry Awards" are a chance to shine a light on the people who make Maryland’s hotels and lodging establishments warm, welcoming, and successful,” said Amy Rohrer, MHLA President & CEO. “This year’s event was truly unforgettable—not just for its size, but for the spirit of pride and recognition that filled the room.”

​We invite you to view more photos from the event by clicking the link below.