When a family office with a long-term lens backs a landscaping company born in a grandmother’s garage, it signals more than just a transaction—it marks a strategic bet on scaling craftsmanship without losing its soul. MRE Capital, the family office of David Williams, has announced its investment in Terren Landscapes, a full-service provider of high-end residential landscape design, installation, maintenance, and enhancement services. The deal establishes Terren as MRE’s newest platform company and lays the groundwork for building a scaled, market-leading residential landscaping services operation.
ANNAPOLIS, MD, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — MRE Capital, a family office focused on partnering with founder-led and family-owned businesses to build scalable, market-leading companies, today announced its investment in Terren Landscapes ("Terren"), a full-service provider of high-end residential landscape design, installation, maintenance, and enhancement services. The transaction establishes Terren as MRE's newest platform company and creates a foundation for building a scaled, market-leading residential landscaping services platform.
John McCaughey and his brother Jim originally founded Terren in 1983 out of their grandmother’s garage and have spent more than 40 years building it into one of the Philadelphia Main Line's premier residential landscaping companies. John became sole owner in 2005 and will continue leading the business as Founder and CEO.
"What John and his team have built is rare. Terren has earned a reputation for exceptional work and loyal clients across the Main Line, and it did so the right way, with a deep commitment to craftsmanship and to its people," said David Williams, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of MRE Capital. "We're proud to partner with the Terren team, and we see a real opportunity to build on that foundation and grow Terren into the leading residential landscaping platform in the region and beyond, through new markets and complementary services."
Today, Terren is an award-winning business with over 120 employees serving homeowners across the Main Line and greater Philadelphia. Headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company provides landscape design, installation, maintenance, enhancement, and snow removal services.
"When Jim and I started Terren, we wanted to do work we were proud of and take care of the people who trusted us with their homes. More than 40 years later, that hasn't changed," said John McCaughey. "It was important to us to find a partner who respects what we've built and is committed for the long term, and we found that in MRE. Our clients and our team can count on the same care and quality they've always known, and we're excited for what's ahead."
Ken Geis, who began working with Terren as a consultant in 2023 and joined as General Manager at the end of 2024, has helped sharpen Terren's systems and processes heading into this partnership. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience at Merkle and dentsu, where he scaled agency operations and grew major client relationships. Terren represents the second time Ken Geis has worked with David Williams, having joined Merkle in 2007. Following the transaction, Ken will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer.
"Terren already had what's hardest to build: a talented team, a loyal client base, and a brand that stands for quality. My focus has been on building the systems and processes that let us scale without losing any of that," said Ken Geis. "Partnering with MRE gives us the support and resources to grow thoughtfully: hiring great people, strengthening our operations, and bringing the Terren experience to more clients across the region."
About MRE Capital
MRE Capital was formed as the family office of David Williams focused on private company investing and development. With a long-term investment horizon and a hands-on approach, MRE Capital focuses on creating value through operational excellence and strategic growth. For more information, visit www.mre-capital.com.
About Terren Landscapes
Terren Landscapes is a full-service landscaping company based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, providing high-end residential landscape design, installation, maintenance, enhancement, and snow removal services throughout the Philadelphia region. For more information, visit www.terrenlandscapes.com.
Jon Schwartz
MRE Capital
jschwartz@mre-capital.com
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Why it matters: This deal underscores how family offices are increasingly backing service businesses with deep local roots and long track records, rather than chasing tech-driven growth alone. For homeowners on the Main Line and beyond, it means Terren’s renowned quality could soon reach new markets and offer complementary services, all while keeping the same leadership and crew in place. The partnership also highlights a blueprint for scaling a founder-led company without sacrificing the craftsmanship that built its reputation.
