Hall Of Fame Inductees

Wayne DuBois

 

In 1973, with little more than determination, a 1971 Ford half-ton pickup, and a push mower, Wayne DuBoise began mowing lawns to provide a service to his neighbors. At the time, Wayne was already working full-time as Superintendent of the Pressroom at the Daily Pilot newspaper, just before its acquisition by the Los Angeles Times. He carried the responsibility of the graveyard shift, balancing family, work, and his growing side business. But as his passion for the outdoors and his dedication to serving people grew, Wayne recognized a deeper calling. Soon after, he left behind the overnight pressroom schedule and dedicated himself fully to the landscaping industry.

 

Wayne’s first commercial client was SWANK, a men’s accessories company. But his vision stretched far beyond simple contracts. He drew inspiration from the California Catholic missions, which served as centers of community, industry, and growth. With this idea in mind, he founded Mission Landscape Services—a company built on the belief that landscaping could be more than just cutting grass. For Wayne, it was about creating beauty in public spaces, supporting families through employment, and building a community around dignity, hard work, and service.

 

His philosophy was straightforward yet powerful: “A good, honest day’s work, punctuality, and doing the right thing.” These principles became the foundation of Mission Landscape’s reputation and culture. Under his leadership, the company became known not only for quality installations and maintenance but also for its people-first ethic. Wayne believed that when employees were treated with respect and given the opportunity to grow, the work they produced reflected the pride they felt in their craft.

 

Wayne’s impact extended well beyond his own business. Through the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), and specifically its Orange County Chapter, he rose to leadership as Chapter President. His vision of making Orange County a truly “beautiful county” took shape through large-scale beautification projects that touched both commercial spaces and nonprofit organizations. Over the course of more than a decade, Wayne spearheaded efforts that resulted in over 75 beautification projects each year—an extraordinary contribution that transformed landscapes, communities, and lives.

Some of Wayne’s fondest memories come not just from the projects completed, but from the friendships and relationships he built within the CLCA. As both a member and leader, he found lifelong camaraderie and support. In the good years and the difficult years alike, it was these bonds of friendship that carried members and their families forward, giving them the strength and encouragement to continue excelling. To Wayne, CLCA has always been more than an association—it has been a family.

 

Looking back on his career, Wayne identifies his greatest achievements not as the contracts won or the awards earned, but in the people he guided. “The highlights of my career,” he reflects, “were guiding others in a craft that took an ordinary design or installation and inspired them to excel while living up to the guiding principles of the CLCA.” His mentorship produced not just beautiful landscapes, but generations of professionals shaped by his example of integrity, service, and pride in their work.

 

Today, as the recipient of the CLCA Lifetime Achievement Award, Wayne’s legacy stands tall. From a young man mowing lawns after graveyard shifts, to the founder of Mission Landscape Services, to a statewide leader in his industry, his journey reflects resilience, faith, and vision. Most importantly, it reflects his belief that landscaping, at its best, is about more than grass and plants—it’s about people, community, and building something lasting together.