Our Story
ABOUT
OUR STORY
KEI started as a family-operated landscape company that has been in business since 1926.
At the heart of KEI’s culture is an overall philosophy and a formal value system. It guides us toward our goal of making your life easier as the premier full-service, four-season Landscape Management contractor.
Chris Kujawa
President of KEI
Successful Companies
Our values are driven by a desire to reach higher levels of performance, give our best possible effort, make the most of our talents and skills, and always strive for excellence.
We believe that our success can only be measured in terms of high client satisfaction and progressive employee development. If we can excel at this, the rest will follow.
In 1926, F. Scott Fitzgerald introduced us to The Great Gatsby. The newly opened Route 66 showed a growing country the way west. Calvin Coolidge was President, and on June 2nd a young rookie from Columbia replaced Wally Pipp at first base for the Yankees. Lou Gehrig went on to play another 2,130 consecutive games on his way to the Hall of Fame.
That same year, Joe Kujawa and Peter Benka planted the first seed for what would become today’s KEI. With little more than their good names, the two hard-working brothers-in-law established Cudahy Flour and Feed, and provided agricultural seeds, supplies and equipment to meet the demands of southeast Wisconsin’s growing population.
The ’60s and ’70s saw the company prosper as a landscape restoration provider to the local utility companies.
The 1980s saw KEI’s rise as a respected landscape management contractor.
KEI continued to expand its service offerings throughout the 1990s to meet the ever-changing needs of its growing client base.
Sperber Landscape Company #8 on the 2022 Landscape Management Top 150, grows with the addition of Kujawa Enterprises (KEI)
Company’s Inception
Joe Kujawa and Peter Benka
In 1926, Joe and Peter planted the first seed for what would become today’s KEI.
Leadership & Growth
The company evolved and transformed itself several times over the years, adapting to the many challenges it faced. It made it through the Depression selling live poultry and farm supplies.
During Prohibition, sugar sales spiked. When alcohol was repealed, the first legal truckload of beer was delivered in Milwaukee County.
During the war years, they organized metal drives and made other sacrifices on the home front.
Caretakers of Wisconsin Landscapes
KEI takes great pride in being the guardian of Wisconsin’s most treasured landscapes, fulfilling this responsibility with exceptional commitment and attention.
As a united front, SPERBER and Kujawa Enterprises (KEI) have increased capabilities for innovation and solidified our position as market leaders.
The strategic alliance between Kujawa Enterprises (KEI) and Sperber Landscape Companies enhances our competitive edge by leveraging the collective talent and technological resources of both organizations.
A Century of Experience
Boasting nearly a century of experience, KEI is a respected authority in landscape management and design.
KEI builds deep trust with clients through open, honest communication, earning a reputation as a leading landscape contractor in Wisconsin.
A Client-Centric Approach
KEI, a full-service landscape contractor, is deeply rooted in Wisconsin’s values and beauty.
We offer unparalleled solutions for our clients, tailoring our services to deliver exceptional results. Our skilled team is dedicated to enhancing the region’s landscapes and contributing to its vibrant community.
Dedicated, skilled, and highly talented team
KEI has expanded its team to about 200 dedicated and well-trained landscaping professionals, guaranteeing top-quality service for local residents and business owners.
Full-Service Landscape Contracting Company
KEI stands out as a premier full-service landscaping contractor, delivering unrivaled value to both commercial and residential clients.
With a steadfast commitment to excellence, KEI continues to thrive in the landscaping industry. It consistently surpasses its clients’ expectations through innovative, sustainable solutions and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.
Dedication to Sustainability and Enhancing Communities
We are the leading provider of sustainable landscaping, dedicated to innovation and environmentally conscious transformation. We are at the forefront of developing regenerative solutions that beautify communities and restore local ecosystems.
Our teams will continuously push the boundaries of what is possible while also nurturing new generations in the art and science of restorative land care. Exciting advances in materials science, automation, and biophilic design are on the horizon, and we are just starting to unlock the full potential of landscapes to benefit both people and our planet.
Our company will lead the industry with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability for a brighter, greener future.
Service Areas
Team
KEI has developed a very dedicated and quality-driven staff; each member possesses the particular educational and professional experience necessary to ensure your project’s success.
Our Leadership Team and Managers share decades of experience. Our crew leaders and skilled technicians have years of field experience and participate in ongoing, professional and company-sponsored training to keep abreast of the latest advancements in techniques and materials.
Certifications
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) offers Landscape Industry Certification, and the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) offers a Snow Professional Certification (CSP). These programs are perfect ways to support our commitment to the growth and development of our people while achieving our industry’s standard of professionalism. Less than 1% of all landscape professionals have achieved this prestigious certification.
Our goal is to certify every foreman, supervisor and senior manager. We provide fees, in-house training and study time, and the test time required for these certifications. At KEI, we’re proud that we’ve certified more landscaping professionals than any other firm in the state of Wisconsin, and that many of our employees hold multiple certifications.
