Longtime landscape industry consultant Charles Vander Kooi dies

Charles Vander Kooi, a respected green industry business consultant for more than three decades, died early Saturday in Akron, Ohio.

According to a family member, Vander Kooi began to feel ill after a full day of consulting and presentations this past Friday and “decided to call 911” late that evening. He later died of an apparent heart attack, she said.

Charles Vander KooiCharles Vander Kooi

Head of Vander Kooi & Associates in Littleton, Colorado, near Denver, he maintained an exceptionally busy schedule of speaking engagements at seminars in the United States and abroad. He wrote several books through the years, at least one of which is considered must reading for landscapers specializing in hardscape construction. Titled “The Complete Business Manual for Concrete Paver Contractors,” the book was adopted by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) as a textbook for paver contractors.

In 2003, Vander Kooi launched Hardscape Magazine, which offers coverage of both the design and installation of hardscape projects as well as providing business management advice for companies in the industry.

Because Vander Kooi was away from home when he passed away, arrangements have yet to be finalized. The family member indicated a memorial service most likely would be held on or about April 1.

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