Republic Landscapes was named number three on the 2011 Aggie 100 List. The Aggie 100 identifies, recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses in the world. The Aggie 100 not only celebrates their success, it also provides a forum to pass lessons to the next generation of Aggie entrepreneurs.

 Boasting a three-year sales growth of 476 percent, Republic Landscapes of College Station was named the fastest-growing business in Brazos County by the Bryan Rotary Club and Newman 10 Business Performance Awards. Republic Landscapes owner Brandon Spears received the award Wednesday during a luncheon at the Hilton Hotel & Conference Center. "I didn't even realize we had that kind of growth," Spears said. Republic Landscapes' sales growth was more than double that of second-place business Brazos Technology, which posted a three-year sales increase of 172 percent. Spears worked in sales at a computer company after graduating from A&M with a degree in agricultural economics. He bought his friend's lawn mowing business and decided to pursue landscape contracting instead of returning to school to receive his MBA.

Brandon Spears didn't think there was a future in mowing lawns, which he did throughout college, but the Aggie now owns a landscaping business that has more than doubled its sales each of the last three years.  College Station-based Republic Landscapes took the No. 2 spot Friday at the sixth annual Aggie 100 luncheon, which recognizes the fastest growing businesses owned, operated or founded by former A&M students.  "You don't have to do some grand thing to be successful," said Spears, 38. "It doesn't matter if you're washing cars or working in a restaurant, there will be opportunities. You just have to be flexible and keep your eyes open."  In all, seven College Station businesses, three from Bryan and one from Snook made the list. One other local company made the top 10: College Station-based Brazos Technology at No. 3. It was No. 5 last year and No. 12 the year before that.