Frisella Landscape Group and Legacy 1106 are two standout small businesses in the St. Louis area that not only delivery exceptional service but also preserve their distinct identities through a clear, values-driven approach. Both organizations demonstrate how small companies thrive by remaining closely aligned with their principles– even as they adapt to broader economic and cultural shifts.

Frisella Landscape Group, with deep roots in the region since 1953, has built its reputation on more than just striking outdoor designs. Their mission revolves around integrity, continuous improvement, and leading with heart. This strong internal compass helps the company maintain a cohesive culture that permeates every employee interaction, client relationship, and decision they make. Similarly, Legacy 1106 is a consulting firm that puts community empowerment at the forefront. Founded to support local entrepreneurs– especially in underserved communities– Legacy 1106 focuses on integrity, collaboration, and education as pillars of their work. Their commitment to people over profit keeps them grounded and connected to their clients.

Maintaining autonomy allows both companies to operate on their own terms. For Frisella, this means prioritizing craftsmanship and relationship-building over high-volume production. Legacy1106 uses its independence to advocate for small businesses without the red tape of large corporations. Autonomy gives them the flexibility to make fast decisions, be transparent with clients, and nurture a team environment where values like trust and service are more than corporate slogans– they’re actionable daily commitments.

Globalization presents both opportunity and complexity for these businesses. For Frisella, it may mean sourcing materials from broader markets or staying current with global design trends while still embracing their local roots. For Legacy 1106, globalization raises new questions about how to position their clients in increasingly interconnected and competitive markets. Yet both companies respond not by diluting their identities, but by reinforcing their uniqueness– offering authenticity in a global sea of sameness.

However, upholding values doesn’t make their job free of challenges. Employees at both companies may occasionally face ethical dilemmas– like balancing a client’s unrealistic expectations with honesty, or navigating partnerships that may not align with the company’s ethos. There may also be tension between delivering quick results and maintaining quality or resisting pressure to scale in ways that could compromise their mission. In those moments, a strong internal culture acts as a guidepost, helping staff choose principle over confidence.

Ultimately, Frisella Landscape Group and Legacy 1106 show that staying small and intentional isn’t a limitation– it’s a strategic advantage. They use their autonomy to uphold values that not only attract loyal customers but also shape a healthier, more sustainable business model. Their stories serve as a blueprint for any organization seeking purpose alongside profit.

References

Frisella Landscape Group (n.d.) Core values. Frisella Landscape Group. Retrieved June 24, 2025 from https//frisellalandscapegroup.com/core-values/

Legacy 1106. (2024, August 8). Business profile: How Legacy 1106 is empowering small businesses in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis Argus. Retrieved June 24, 2025, from https://stlargusnews.com/business-profile-how-legacy-11060is-empowering-small-businesses-in-st-louis-mo/