This is our story

Joe Martin Jr. was raised in the construction business…

He can’t remember a time when he wasn’t working with his dad, Joe Martin, Sr. The father-and-son team built homes from the foundation up. From framing and wiring to plumbing and roofing, Joe was taught every aspect of home construction and excavation from his dad.

After getting married, Joe and Denise continued down this path, starting their own construction company called JP Martin Building, where they specialized in building homes in and around Joe’s stomping grounds of New Fairfield. Together they built a reputation of integrity and craftsmanship that would be synonymous with the Martin name.

But in 1987, major events took place requiring a shift in direction that would be life-changing both professionally and personally.

First, the building boom took a dive, with the crash of the housing market in ’87, which required the team’s focus to shift in a completely new direction. Second, Denise was expecting!

Denise left the corporate world to become a stay-at-home mom and business partner. Thanks to years working with his father, Joe knew how to excavate and install septic systems. The Martins realized this could provide a secure future for their burgeoning family. They named their new business AJM Septic and Excavating— “AJM” being the initials of their newborn son.

Years later, Joe would even enjoy working together with his son Austin on countless jobs, passing down his knowledge and expertise.

But Joe and Denise suffered another serious hit to their business in 2008.

The Martins put their house on the market just before the economy crashed in ’08. Under the financial weight of a new mortgage and a dwindling income, the Martins were forced to reinvent the family business once again. So Joe, Denise, and their kids put their heads together.

A division focused on creating beautiful backyard designs was born under a new name: AJM Earth.

Joe and Denise didn’t want this new division to be limited to just landscape design, however, so they coined the word “earthscaping” to more fully embrace the work they could provide their customers.

Joe and Denise both felt that with the launch of a backyard beautification division an expansion of their education was needed.

So, Denise enrolled in classes at the New York Botanical Gardens to become certified in Horticulture & Sustainable Gardening. After a year of dedicated study, she put her certification toward the new AJM Earth division. Denise became the official head of visual design with a vast knowledge of horticulture & green design to back up her skill set.

After years of learning how to adapt together, Joe and Denise’s indomitable teamwork has resulted in a business backed by skill and expertise. They believe that with dedicated teamwork, there is no challenge that cannot be overcome and they infuse that belief into their family business. As a result, they provide a superior experience to their clients unlike any other. And after 35 years, they have built a list of satisfied clients all over Western Connecticut.

Start your own project with Joe and Denise and turn your landscaping dreams into a reality.

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Please note: we do not offer lawn mowing services.