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September 28, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMs. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Five Sons Landscape & Design of Madison County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
and his oldest son Brady to start their own landscaping company. Eric earned a forestry degree from Iowa State University and had long considered starting a business, while Brady gained several years of landscaping experience as a teenager. Their plans were put on hold when their military commitments sent both Eric and Brady to Afghanistan in 2010. After returning home, Brady went back to college and began taking landscaping jobs on the side, purchasing a wheelbarrow and gathering tools from family garages to get started. What began as a summer hobby quickly grew into a passion and, ultimately, a lifelong career. After completing that first season on his own, Brady officially formed the business in April 2013. The company's name pays tribute to founder Brady and his four brothers—the five sons of Eric and Monica—who have all supported the family business throughout its growth.
family operation. Brady, Logan, and Eric own the company, while Monica manages the office and other family members continue to lend a hand when needed. Each brings unique skills to the business. Brady specializes in hardscape design and construction; Eric contributes his extensive knowledge of trees, shrubs, perennial plants, and land management; and Logan helps bring customers' visions to life through construction and maintenance. Together, their talents have helped transform a small landscaping operation into a full-service family business.
patios and sidewalks, retaining walls, boulder walls, plantings, and property maintenance. The family also incorporates its commitment to conservation into its work by using environmentally friendly products whenever possible and prioritizing native plants and shrubs that attract beneficial insects. Eric works with urban and rural landowners on prairie restoration and conservation, while the entire team continues to research landscaping best practices. Through this work, Five Sons strives to provide customers with the two standards it values most: high-quality service and long-lasting outdoor spaces.
Five Sons is also a veteran-operated business. Eric served in the military for 28 years, while Brady has served 25 years and continues his service in the Army National Guard. The family's commitment to service extends beyond military duties into the greater community, where Five Sons is actively involved with local schools and veterans' organizations, including the American Legion. Through this involvement, the business continues to demonstrate its commitment to serving fellow Iowans and setting an example for other small businesses.
tools, and a determination to build something of his own, Five Sons continues to demonstrate the hard work, perseverance, and family values that define Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate the Pugh family and their entire team for their dedication to their customers and commitment to serving Iowa communities. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.