New England Outdoor Materials: Growing a Business with the Right Banking Partner

New England Outdoor Materials (NEOM) has built its success on hard work, adaptability and a commitment to quality customer service. NEOM specializes in manufacturing high-quality bark mulch for landscape companies, garden centers and landscape supply yards across New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The company is run by Jeff and Peter Brown, who have now dedicated their careers to the mulch industry.

For Jeff, the business started early. “Probably when I was 10, I started out as a little boy cutting lawns, and then in ’98, I think, we bought the first bark blower—a machine that blows mulch through a hose,” he shared. Over time, the Browns expanded their business to meet the challenges of sourcing and delivering consistent, high-quality mulch.

NEOM’s dedication to its customers is what sets them apart in the industry. “Our customer service is what makes us unique,” Jeff explained. “Our customers need their product when they need it. It’s not always convenient for us when they run out, but we make sure they get what they need.” With only about 100 days in the season to make their money, reliability is key to their customers’ success—and NEOM ensures they never miss a delivery.

The business’s growth has been steady but strategic. “We were small, then we went fairly big, and then the economy scaled us back,” Jeff said. “Now, we’re slowly bringing it back on a larger scale, but with more controlled inventory.” Managing inventory properly is a crucial part of NEOM’s operations. With different types of mulch requiring specific aging processes, planning production months in advance is necessary to maintain quality.

A business like NEOM requires strong financial backing, particularly when managing seasonal inventory and logistics. That’s where Bank of New Hampshire has played a pivotal role. The company first connected with BNH around five or six years ago, seeking a financial partner who could provide not just funding but also a deeper level of service and understanding.

“They came to me about a line of credit, and from there, we built the relationship,” said Joanne Gagnon, NEOM’s Commercial Lender at BNH. “Over time, that expanded into full-service banking, including lending, deposits and cash management solutions.”

Switching from a larger bank to BNH was a strategic decision for NEOM. “Customer service and terms were great,” Jeff said. “It was a more personal and friendly experience.” The partnership has allowed NEOM to finance essential equipment, maintain cash flow and plan ahead with confidence.

One of the key advantages of working with BNH has been access to tools that streamline operations, such as remote deposit capture, which has made banking more efficient. “Before, we had to physically go to the bank every day. Now, we have an easier way to manage deposits,” Peter shared.

NEOM’s future looks bright, with plans for steady growth. The company currently produces around 115,000 yards of mulch annually but has the capacity to expand to 175,000–200,000 yards with the right customers in place. “Growth, as we can handle it,” Jeff said. “We don’t want to just grow for the sake of growing—we want to make sure we maintain the level of service our customers expect.”

A crucial part of that growth is ensuring financial stability. “Cash flow is more important than profit,” Peter emphasized. “If you can’t make payroll, you have no business. If you can’t pay your suppliers, they won’t supply.”

By working closely with Bank of New Hampshire, NEOM has been able to navigate industry challenges, plan for growth and continue delivering exceptional service to its customers. “It’s a two-way street,” Peter said. “We communicate regularly with Joanne, keeping her in the loop about our growth and any financial needs. That kind of partnership is invaluable.

At Bank of New Hampshire, we take pride in supporting local businesses like NEOM—helping them grow, innovate and continue serving our communities. To learn more about how we can support your business, visit BNH.bank.

Learn more about New England Outdoor Materials, LLC by following them on Facebook.

Ready to start or expand your business? Contact one of BNH’s Commercial Banking Team members to find out how a partnership with BNH can set you up for success.

Jeff & Peter Brown, Owners of New England Outdoor Materials, LLC and Shelley-Ann Cullen, Portfolio Manager & Joanne Gagnon, VP – Commercial Banker for Bank of New Hampshire, stand on top of one of the many large piles of mulch produced by NEOM.