Born and raised in Montrose, Michigan, Christy grew to be a down-home country gal. She fished, hunted, but grew interest in racing. During one particular season, her father encouraged her to participate in an ice race competition at 15-years old. Christy took off and worked her way up to third place. While turning on the bell lap, she slid under the second place holder but lost her grip and slid across the track. Another racer struck and severely broke her leg and she was never able to race again.
After years of healing and graduating high school, Christy left her hometown, to play college basketball and attend the University of Denver, to receive her degree in physical education. In 1987, she moved to Wilmette and started her career as a P.E. teacher at Regina Dominican (an all-girls Catholic School). Although she enjoyed empowering young women and championing them through winning games, Christy yearned for another sport of her own.
After moving back home, Christy would mow her family's yard, and eventually, found herself cutting lawns around town. Following numerous self-reflections, mother nature won her heart. And at 28-years old, Christy set off to explore her vocation in landscaping.
With an ambitious spirit, she settled in Chicago and launched a mowing business. Although identifying as a lesbian in a traditional city created many challenges, she had the support from her family and friends to continue growing her career. Her mother financed her first truck, and her gay friends offered their homes to be restored and maintained.
In 1994, Christy incorporated the business calling it Christy Webber & Company, and by 1997, the name changed to Christy Webber Landscapes. Through her hard work, humility, and gentle heart, she partnered with passionate landscapers like herself, and her staff grew to over 400 employees.
Christy will personally tell anyone that her business was and will always be about the dedicated people that chose to work for her. She took risks on those that had no more chances and hired professionals in areas of her business that she didn't understand. What Christy brought to this business was an undying love of landscapes, curiosity, and the patience to learn and grow.
At 60 years old, you will still see her driving around a dump truck, operating a skid steer, or cutting your lawn herself! From Millennium Park to vacant lots on the Westside, she is still driven to make Chicago a more beautiful and peaceful place to call home.
