Every year, extraordinary hardscape projects are completed across the country. Landscapes are transformed, complex design challenges are solved, and contractors pour countless hours into delivering exceptional results for their clients. Yet many of these projects never receive recognition beyond their local markets.
That’s one of the reasons Gerry Garcia, Business Consultant: Project & Construction Strategy at Rosetta Hardscapes, is passionate about submitting projects to the HNA Awards on behalf of his clients.
Great Projects Deserve a Bigger Stage
According to Garcia, some of the industry’s most impressive work often goes unnoticed because contractors have to focus on what comes next.
“Contractors are constantly focused on the next project,” Garcia said. “Once an installation is complete, it can be difficult to revisit the site months later when the landscaping has matured, plantings have filled in, and the project truly shows its full impact.”
Many contractors simply don’t have the time, photography, or documentation needed to complete an awards submission. As a result, award-worthy projects are often never entered.
Garcia sees an opportunity to change that.
By helping gather information, photos, and project details, he ensures exceptional work gets the visibility it deserves on a national stage.
More Contractors Are Award-Worthy Than They Realize
One of the biggest surprises Garcia has encountered is how many talented contractors underestimate the quality of their own work.
“There is a level of humility within the industry,” he said. “”Our industry is filled with some of the hardest-working people I have had the privilege to know. Many contractors spend years building incredible projects without ever seeking recognition for the level of detail, creativity, and effort involved.”
Because Garcia supports projects across multiple regions, he has a unique perspective on the incredible craftsmanship, creativity, and problem-solving happening throughout the hardscape industry. He regularly sees smaller installation companies producing projects that rival the best work in the country.
Recognition of Team Effort
For Garcia, submitting projects is also about recognizing everyone who helped make a project successful.
“The recognition doesn’t belong solely to Rosetta,” he said. “It belongs to the producers, dealers and distributors, sales representatives, designers, and contractors who supported the project locally and ultimately brought it to life.”
Every award submission tells the story of collaboration. From design and planning to installation and execution, successful projects are the result of many people working together to solve challenges and create something exceptional.
The submission process can be an opportunity to celebrate that teamwork.
Strengthening Relationships Through Support
Helping clients enter projects into the HNA Awards has also strengthened Garcia’s relationships throughout the industry.
By assisting with project documentation, collecting photography, and managing the submission process, he helps busy contractors and sales teams gain recognition without adding another task to their already full schedules.
“Being able to help gather project information, collect photos, document details, and handle the submission process helps alleviate some of that workload while still giving their customers and markets the recognition they deserve,” Garcia said.
The result is a true win-win: clients receive recognition, and industry partners know they have someone invested in their long-term success.
Seeing Contractors Win
At the 2025 HNA Awards, Garcia’s client’s Amphitheater at Camp Lutherlyn project took home the top prize in the Combination of Hardscape Products– Commercial category and seeing his clients win never gets old.
“Seeing the contractor’s reaction to winning is probably my favorite part of the entire process,” he said.
When projects receive national recognition, the response is often appreciation, excitement, and pride. But even more importantly to Garcia, winning creates momentum.
“It encourages teams to keep pushing their creativity and craftsmanship and reinforces that the quality work being done in their local regions deserves to be recognized on a national stage,” Garcia said.
Don’t Let Great Work Go Unseen
If you’ve completed a project you’re proud of, the 2026 HNA Awards are an opportunity to share your work with the entire industry.
The HNA Awards are about celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, collaboration, and the people who make outstanding hardscape projects possible.
Submit a project today on your own or on your client’s behalf!
