Michael W. Forness is a design-build landscaping specialist whose career is characterized by technical discipline and a strong connection to the coastal environment he serves. Also known informally as “Mike” or “Michael Forness”, the New Smyrna Beach-based landscape contractor focuses primarily on high-end residential landscaping, where he has more than two decades of hands-on experience. Mike Forness studied at the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business, before continuing his career in landscaping and construction. In 2005, he obtained a certified state building contractor license through the Florida State Construction Licensing Board. His academic background and years of practical experience have contributed to a professional approach centered on organization, planning, and dependable project execution. In 2001, he established Coastal Landscapes of Volusia, focusing on residential landscaping projects throughout the New Smyrna Beach area. Since founding the company, he has worked closely with homeowners who want outdoor spaces designed to fit both their properties and the surrounding coastal environment. Many of his projects involve homes located near waterfront areas where drainage conditions, environmental exposure, and soil composition require detailed preparation and careful coordination. His work is built around a design-build process that integrates planning, engineering, scheduling, and installation into a single, organized system. By overseeing projects from beginning to completion, Michael W. Forness remains involved in client communication, on-site coordination, scheduling, and project management. This hands-on approach allows him to maintain consistency throughout every stage of development. His landscaping projects often include hardscape construction, irrigation systems, outdoor layout planning, and plant selection tailored to coastal conditions. Rather than treating landscaping as a separate finishing detail, he believes outdoor spaces should function as a natural extension of the home. Operating in coastal Florida also requires an understanding of the environmental challenges connected to the region. Salt air, moisture exposure, and changing weather conditions can all impact the long-term performance of outdoor projects. Through years of experience, he has developed practical methods that support durability while maintaining functionality and visual balance. Within the local market, Michael Forness New Smyrna has become recognized for his steady project management and thoughtful outdoor planning. In addition to field operations, Michael Forness manages his company's day-to-day operations. Estimating costs, organizing schedules, coordinating resources, and maintaining communication with clients are all important parts of his daily work. His background in Business has helped support the operational side of his company while balancing the demands of residential landscaping projects. Outside of work, Mike enjoys activities connected to Florida’s coastal lifestyle, including offshore fishing and surfing along the east coast. Family life also remains important to him. His wife supports the company as the office manager and marketing director, contributing to both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Together, they have three daughters who are pursuing different educational and professional paths. One is continuing her nursing education, another is working toward a career in accounting, and their youngest daughter remains active in academics and competitive soccer while attending high school. He has also remained involved in the local community by supporting youth athletics and school sports programs. Through personal involvement and company sponsorships, Michael Forness New Smyrna continues to support the New Smyrna Beach community while remaining focused on quality landscaping and dependable project management. https://speakerdeck.com/michaelfornessnewsmyrna