We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jose Antonio Muñoz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jose Antonio below.
Jose Antonio , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
That’s such a loaded question. I do my best at maintaining a solid focus on short term and long term goals. My time is very carefully allocated so I don’t have time or energy to worry about those trying to tarnish my dreams. In my experience, those who aren’t in your favor are usually afraid of your drive, potential, and success. Constructive criticism is always welcomed as a creative because it allows me to reflect and grow. Per contra, throughout the years I realized the importance of not allowing unwarranted negativity to fog my mindset and become a hindering factor in my life. Take in the sweet with the sour, but do not permit unnecessary burdens to hold you down.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Jose Antonio Muñoz, I’m a native Angeleno and first generation Mexican-American. My father has been a gardener throughout southern California since the late 70’s, so branching off as a Landscape Designer, Contractor, and Certified Arborist was a very natural process for me. One very important thing that this industry has given me is a sense of agency and community, with both colleagues and clients alike. As a kid, I remember my father collaborating with his friends within the industry to get projects done, so that’s something I enjoy doing now. It isn’t uncommon to run into clients of mine at the local grocery store, shopping malls, or even at church- I love that sense of community. Most recently, I began honing my skills and education on all things related to wildfire defense due to the need of local certified professionals in landscaping (wildfire defense) and arboriculture (tree risk assessments) after the 2025 California wildfires.
As of February 2025, I am offering anyone effected in the recent wildfires discounted certified arborist consulting (tree risk assessment qualified), landscaping design, and landscape construction in addition to our tree service and other services. I strongly believe that the recent California turmoil is a call to unite as a community, and I’ve been fortunate to see it and experience it first hand. The neighborhoods that I once worked alongside my father as a young boy have been heavily damaged, and I am committed to be a part of the foreseeable preservation and rebuilding efforts as a landscaper , landscape designer and certified arborist.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important for me- don’t take anything personal. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches if you learn to brush things off and keep moving forward.
Educate yourself, you must hit the books! At this stage in my career, I’m very glad I decided to educate myself and obtain credentials in my industry, especially as a landscape designer, contractor, and certified arborist. You can be physically able to do something really well, but a formal education can take you places you never imagined.
Be persistent – don’t take no for an answer. I don’t mean that literally, but you understand me. A seed starts off tiny and covered in dirt. Think of your dreams as that seed, a seed that must persist to grow day and night becoming well rooted and strong enough to face any turbulence.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents are old school Mexican people, so tough love was on the main menu for me. I thank them for that. Growing up, I never really complained about our living situation because I always felt loved and that was a treasure for me. My mother being a strong Catholic woman taught myself and my brothers how to do things like pray the Rosary, and how to talk with God if we needed to. My father taught us to work with our hands, whether it was pushing a lawnmower, changing sparkplugs or anything that needed to be done.
Finding a balance is important, and my parents gave me that discipline that I believe some lack today. A work ethic combined with a spiritual acceptance that we’re here on earth to work together to leave it a better place than we found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theforegrounds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foregroundslandscape/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-mu%C3%B1oz-a081ab301/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/foregrounds-landscape-los-angeles-3
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
