Community Highlights: Meet Max Korfhage of Korfhage Garden Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Korfhage

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts long before me, so in honor of those that have gone before me, I would like to offer some background. I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky in the mid 90’s by two hard working parents. I had a middle class upbringing with a healthy dose of blue collar. The Korfhage family name was synonymous with high end residential and commercial landscape design in the area where I was raised, and for good reason. The early traces of our lineage in America were Dutch-German immigrants that farmed and sold vegetables. In succeeding generations came nurseries, garden centers, florists, and full service landscaping companies, growing and expanding with each passing generation. The unchanging constant, however, was landscape design and business. As for me, my father and his father both had me on jobsites from a very young age. I became familiar with the basic fundamentals early on. Every summer, working for the company offered me more knowledge than the last. Through gradeschool, highschool, and into my post college years, I worked for the family business, learning the ins and outs both on the design and installation side, as well as, the business side. Eventually, I was introduced to Nashville and quickly thought, I could live here. I didn’t know where or how at the time, but I was going to try. In 2019, I decided to open my own branch of the family business, in Tennessee. That summer, Korfhage Garden Designs, was open for business. On one hand, I had years of real world experience and knowledge in high quality landscape design. I knew how to operate heavy machinery. I knew how the process worked. On the other hand, I knew practically no one. So, I began cold calling realtors that had homes listed for sale around Nashville and Franklin, handing out business cards, and getting to know as many people as I could. I knew I had the knowledge and experience to deliver high end workmanship for clients, I just needed to start brand building, marketing, and networking. Five plus years later, business is doing very well. We have designed and carried out some amazing landscaping projects in Davidson and Williamson county and continue to grow in those markets every year. More notably, I have met and worked for some incredible people around Nashville. These relationships have even opened doors into the larger outdoor industry of land improvement, hunting and fishing which I really enjoy. With a growing business and a growing family, I think the story is just beginning here.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have been blessed but I wouldn’t say its been a smooth road. Starting a business near Nashville has it’s advantages and challenges. As far as opportunity goes, there is plenty. The challenge in the beginning was getting the word out. I felt like I had a lot to offer as a business, but I had a lot to learn in the marketing department.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Korfhage Garden Designs?
Korfhage Garden Designs is a unique business for a few reasons. Firstly, we work very close with our clients to provide them with creative solutions for their outdoor living projects. This is not a ‘here today gone tomorrow’ type of landscaping experience. We offer Nashville homeowners outside the box and long lasting landscape designs. Planning for the future when designing is critical. We service Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and surrounding Davidson and Williamson County. Our specialties are Residential Landscape Design & Installation, Landscape Lighting, Hardscaping Accents like pea gravel patios and boulder work, Property & Farm Improvement, Tree Lined Driveways, Privacy Plantings, and more. We focus specifically on features that really impact the ‘feel’ of the property, from the first turn into the driveway, to the moment you walk through the door. The second part of that equation for me is communication. I am available for my clients whenever they have questions or concerns surrounding their project. As for our brand, I am most proud of the family legacy behind it. Over five generations in one industry speaks volumes about knowledge and quality. Additionally, finding honest and qualified contractors can be a chore for many home or property owners which is why I have a trusted network of honest and professional tradesmen and craftsmen that I can connect clients with if they are looking for services outside of our specialties.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Aside from my work interests, I enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. I am very passionate about bow hunting in particular but I also enjoy fishing, and even just observing wildlife. Being in a wild animal’s domain and having the ability to observe their natural behavior is a unique feeling. Its almost as if you are getting a glimpse into another society. The verbal and nonverbal communication, The constant head snaps in search for predators. Browsing from one food source to another. Males, establishing their pecking order. It’s all fascinating to me. Some of the most important lessons in my life have been taught to me by experiences afield.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.korfhagegardendesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korfhagegardendesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KorfhageGardenDesigns/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KorfhageGardenDesigns
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/korfhagegardendesigns/