Modern Edge
Female business owner blazes her way through landscaping industry
Entrepreneur Drew Sarkisian relishes walking into a room full of men as a woman in the male-dominated world of landscape construction. Especially with a first name that leans toward the masculine side!
“At one of my first big meet-and-greets I attended, an executive of a large company walked up to me, saw my nametag and said he thought he was going to meet the owner and not the secretary of Modern Edge.”
With a huge smile Drew responded: “You must not know much about Modern Edge then” as he quickly remembered the minority status came from a woman owner. Drew put her hand out and said, “My name is Drew Sarkisian the owner, nice to meet you.” This moment is a constant reminder why she loves this industry but most of all loves being the unexpected.
Drew has forged her own path in business ownership, which started in event planning after she earned her degree in communications with a concentration in speech and PR. Suore Events focused on weddings, corporate parties and beyond, but dominated Drew’s personal life.
“The company grew and grew, taking over every weekend of my calendar! Within that time, I had gotten married and had my daughter and realized if I can’t have a life outside of work, it is not worth it. I slowly stepped back,” she said. “I started to learn the landscaping business and realized I want to do this!”
Launched in 2011, Modern Edge was initially residential and small commercial projects, such as mowing, snow removal and landscape curbing. Today, Modern Edge is a proud Union company that specializes in commercial Erosion Control Installation and all Landscaping services.
The company has tripled full-time employees, obtained women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprise certifications, and participates in large-scale commercial projects in the heavy highway and solar industry.
Today, Drew is flourishing from her family’s roots and cultivating employee pride.
“I am blessed to come from a family that knows nothing but hard work and dedication,” she said. “In the future, I want to grow Modern Edge for my daughter, my family, but most of all my employees.”
Modern Edge
653 Steele Drive in Valparaiso (866) 504-3343