Every year, the most talented installers in the Mid-Atlantic region come together in Richmond, Virginia to be recognized for their exceptional work at the Belgard Hardscape Hero Awards.
Now in its 7th year, the Hardscape Hero Award Ceremony was designed to celebrate and reward contractors in our region who artfully combine functionality and design to make a homeowner’s dream come true. This year’s event was unique because we celebrated monthly and yearly winners from the past two years … and the competition was fierce.
The day began with another form of competition and a tradition of the Hardscape Hero celebration, the Techniseal Clay Classic. Over 20 installers from across the Mid-Atlantic region ventured from downtown Richmond to Old Forge Sporting Clays in Providence Forge to test their shooting skills in hopes of being crowned champion and win a Yeti backpack cooler. Equally important is not finishing in last place and being the subject of Techniseal National Account Manager Aaron Phifer’s legendary roast.
The award ceremony began that evening at the beautiful Dominion Energy Center with an hors d’oeuvre and cocktail hour. The fraternity of craftsmen and guests shared stories and laughs, most certainly enjoying the opportunity to spend time together again after a challenging year of social distancing.
After dinner was served, Matt Kwarta, Sales Director of Belgard Mid-Atlantic, stepped to the podium and kicked things off by offering heartfelt thanks for the hard work and dedication of all the Hardscape Heroes, dealers and the entire team at Belgard Mid-Atlantic. He continued with a quick overview of the amazing prizes that are rewarded to monthly and yearly winners.
Monthly Hardscape Hero winners receive $750 in Belgard Bucks, $250 in gas cards, features in the Belgard Mid-Atlantic blog and on social media and of course, a chance to win Hardscape Hero of the Year.
The yearly winners for 2020 and 2021 take home $5,000 in tools and equipment, $5,000 in gifts and prizes, $500 credit for Technical products, $500 in custom marketing materials and features in the Mid-Atlantic blog and on social media.
The dealers that provided the Hardscape Heroes with product for the winning jobs also take home prizes including a $250 catered lunch and yearly winners are awarded a $3,500 credit applied to their next product order and outdoor and digital banners.
As the cinematic video introduction and project photography played on the two giant screens in the theater, the names were read of the twenty-four installers recognized as monthly winners over the past two years. After handshakes and pictures, the winners returned to their seats and the lights dimmed. The music stopped and the spotlights refocused on the podium as the collective energy from anticipation buzzed in the room.
The emcee then read the two names of the prestigious Hardscape Heroes of the Year as confetti cannons exploded and applause erupted. The winners made their way to the front through pats on the back and high fives.
2020 Hardscape Hero
Joel Cross, JC Design Construction and Landscaping
Dealer: Yorktown Materials
2021 Hardscape Hero
Donald Sherbeyn, Sherbeyn’s Landscape
Dealer: AB Kearns
Touching speeches of gratitude for their teams from Joel and Donald were the perfect conclusion to the award ceremony. But like most formal events, the guests were ready to party. They quickly descended onto the dance floor, as the high-energy soul band inspired more than a few moments to remember.
Like all good things, this amazing event came to an end deep into the evening as guests made their way outside, taking one last glance over the shoulder at their logos displayed on the theater marquee before heading back to the hotel. Until next year, Hardscape Heroes. Here’s to a fantastically successful 2022!
If you would like to submit your work as a possible Hardscape Hero, please click here.
