Business earns award for beauty

Bob Hockman believes that what's on the outside of a business is just as important as what's on the inside.

//

"When people are building a business, I think the last thing they look at is the landscaping. Sometimes that is thrown in at the last minute," said Hockman, owner of Bob's Tropical Fish, which relocated to Columbia County in April after more than 20 years in Richmond County. "I think the curb appeal has a lot to do with the success of the business, and we didn't stop without addressing the landscaping."

It is that extra effort to improve the landscape surrounding the Old Petersburg Road business that recently earned Bob's Tropical Fish the Point of Pride Award, presented by Keep Columbia County Beautiful.

"Each quarter Keep Columbia County Beautiful presents a local business this recognition," said Stacie Adkins, the Community Events manager for Columbia County. "The award is given based on a business making a significant effort in beautifying the landscape surrounding its property."

Hockman said his tropical landscape, which boasts large palm trees and tropical plants, is exactly what he wanted when he chose Jack Blue of Environmental Life Plannings of Augusta to do the work.

"I chose somebody who I thought could pull off the type of job I wanted done," he said. "Mission accomplished."