He was 19 with a mower and a plan—eight years later, this young entrepreneur has grown Nuscape Landscaping into a seven-figure full-service outdoor design company—including landscaping, hardscaping, a garden centre, an online store with over 3,000 plants and products, and more.
After graduating high school, Dustyn Pilger wasn’t sure what his future held, but he knew one thing for sure—he had a natural gift for gardening. He could name off plants with ease, and not just their names, but what they needed to grow, and where they thrived best. This passion was rooted in the hours spent alongside his dad and grandmother as they tended their gardens.
There was something about the process—the planning, the planting, the watching things come to life—that stuck with him. So in 2019, with a lawnmower, a shovel, and a rake, Pilger started cutting lawns.
“At first, my friends and family were skeptical,” says Pilger, “but I had nothing to lose, and enjoyed the hard work.” He never imagined how his passion, a few clients, and timing would eventually shape his future.
Today, Nuscape Landscaping offers design and construction services across Muskoka, Parry Sound, Simcoe County, Haliburton, and Georgian Bay, including grading, drainage, septic systems, patio construction, stone work, property maintenance and seasonal care. Nuscape even has a garden centre at 1584 Coopers Falls Road in Washago, where avid and first-time gardeners can find soil, mulch, plants, and fertilizer, with native plant specialists on hand ready to answer questions and guide you to the right plants in the right space.
But behind the success story is the entrepreneur rollercoaster journey most people don’t see.
The Making of a Young Entrepreneur
Although enrolled in the Landscape and Horticultural Design program at the University of Guelph in 2017–2018, Pilger changed direction and launched his landscaping business in 2019. Shortly after, the 2020 pandemic hit. “For some industries like construction and landscaping,” says Pilger, “this turbulent time was favourable, as people were isolating at home or at their cottage.”
Outdoor space wasn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it became essential. “People wanted beautiful and functional spaces that felt comfortable,” says Pilger, “where they could relax, host family safely, and actually enjoy being outside.”
Suddenly, in 2020, Pilger went from a one-man show to a three-person operation. “Through a bit of social media, but mostly word of mouth, we were booked all summer long,” says Pilger.
When he landed his first big landscaping job, he learned some hard lessons.
Pilger recalls, “With my youthful face, this first client was skeptical, but I listened closely and asked the right questions. When I delivered a detailed proposal that didn’t just list services but directly addressed every concern, detail, and overall goal, the client hired me on the spot.” Pilger’s thoughtful design plan translated the client’s vision into reality. “I believe they chose me because they could see I understood exactly what they wanted.”
“I was proud of the work we did, but I underquoted that first big job,” admits Pilger. “However, I didn’t see it as a loss or failure. I saw it as an opportunity to learn.”
Those early lessons were invaluable and helped Pilger expand. As he took on more intricate landscaping projects, Pilger opened the NuScape Garden Centre, hired a full-time crew, and was fully booked throughout 2021. As demand increased, he grew right alongside it. In 2022, he doubled his operations with a second crew.
Seeking Expert Guidance to Scale with Strategy
“I’m a planner,” states Pilger, “and I was interested in purchasing a Muskoka landscaping company as a second location. It so happened that a good client of mine suggested I contact the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) to inquire about their BizLink program, which connects budding entrepreneurs with retiring business owners.”
Located at 22 Peter Street South, the CDC is the region’s business success centre. The CDC’s mission is to help entrepreneurs increase the net worth of their business, create local jobs and foster a vibrant regional economy. Along with their expert advisors and in-depth regional knowledge, the CDC provides counselling, workshops, and funding to help entrepreneurs plan, start, grow, buy, and sell their businesses.
“At the time, I was just 23,” says Pilger. “I walked into the CDC looking for guidance on how to buy and finance another business. Even with a substantial down payment, the conversations with business advisors opened my eyes to what’s truly involved—not just in the purchase, but in training a new crew and getting operations up and running afterwards.”
Pilger explains that the CDC offers more than business information, guidance, resources, and networking opportunities. He submitted a proposal and applied for the annual Community Capacity Building Fund Grant, which supports innovative, impactful, and sustainable regional projects that strengthen individual businesses and the local community.
In 2021, Pilger was awarded a grant that helped him open the garden centre, creating seven new jobs. “Through winning various grants over the years,” says Pilger, “I created a total of 26 new jobs, provided additional horticulture training to three employees, streamlined the landscaping supply yard operations by hiring a loader and administration personnel, and renovated the main office with additional technology for better back-house coordination.”
As of 2026, Pilger has three landscaping construction teams for stone patios, stairs, and retaining walls; three maintenance crews for mulching, weeding, planting, and seasonal cleanup; and two site services teams who prepare the land for excavation, building, and septic systems.
Pilger’s approach to business—and life—comes down to trust, accountability, and genuinely caring about what you do, including how you bounce back when things don’t go as planned.
Pilger’s mom reportedly says, “When he states he has a new idea, it’s not long before he makes it happen.”
Encouraging the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
For young people considering a path in business, the biggest advantage isn’t having everything figured out—it’s knowing where to go for the right guidance.
“I can’t recommend the CDC enough,” says Pilger. “If you have an idea, don’t be intimidated. Take advantage of every conversation as it can open doors to opportunities.” The CDC provides early-stage entrepreneurs with experienced advisors, practical tools, and real-world insight that can fast-track growth and prevent costly mistakes.
Whether it’s understanding financing, exploring expansion, or navigating the realities of ownership, having the CDC’s support can turn a simple skill or idea into something much bigger.
To book a consultation or for more information on the Orillia Community Development Corp., visit orilliacdc.com, or call 705-325-4903.
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