Meet The Team
JOHN
Meet John Briggs
John Briggs brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership to GJO. After a distinguished career as a Civil Servant, John chose to dedicate more of his time to one of his lifelong passions – gardening.
John's love for horticulture is evident from the moment you see his own beautiful garden, which reflects the care, attention, and expertise he brings to every project. His knowledge of plants, shrubs, trees, and garden ecosystems is exceptional. In fact, there isn't much John doesn't know about garden life, and he's often able to identify plants by both their common and botanical names with remarkable accuracy.
Recognising the value of his expertise, John took on the role of GJO's Ecology and Horticultural Advisor. He provides guidance on planting, garden health, biodiversity, seasonal care, and sustainable gardening practices, helping both our team and customers make informed decisions about their outdoor spaces.
Beyond his gardening knowledge, John's leadership skills, professionalism, and calm approach have been invaluable to the growth of the business. He is a trusted mentor within the company, always willing to share his experience and support the development of the team.
John is a tremendous asset to GJO, and we are incredibly grateful that he chose to join us on our journey. His expertise, dedication, and passion for gardening continue to strengthen the company and help us deliver the highest standards of service to our customers.
"Experience, knowledge, and passion are qualities that cannot be taught overnight. John brings all three, and GJO is stronger because of it."
Ecology & Horticultural Advisor
RIO
Administration, Marketing & Operations Coordinator
Meet Rio Rickman
Rio joined GJO earlier this month and has already become an important part of the team. Taking on a significant role within the business, Rio is responsible for administration and operational support, helping to keep the day-to-day running of the company organised and efficient.
As he progresses through his training, Rio will move into managing inbound customer enquiries, booking appointments, coordinating schedules, and allocating jobs to our teams. He will also oversee advertising campaigns, social media management, and help drive the continued growth of the GJO brand. With a strong understanding of digital marketing and online platforms, Rio brings valuable skills that will help the company expand and reach more customers.
Rio has stepped into a position with considerable responsibility, and as with any growing business, there is a lot to learn. While he continues to build his knowledge of our systems and operations, the dedication, positive attitude, and work ethic he has demonstrated so far have already made a strong impression on the team.
Looking ahead, Rio is being developed for a senior leadership position within GJO and is on track to become the company's second-in-command once fully trained and established in the role. His commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on challenges make him an exciting part of the future of GJO.
"Every successful business needs people who care about its future. Rio has already shown that commitment, and we're excited to have him as part of the GJO journey
MARK
Founder & Managing Director
Meet Mark Dono
GJO was founded by Mark Dono, a businessman whose journey has been built on determination, resilience, and a genuine desire to help people. What started as a vision to create a reliable, trustworthy service has grown into a company built on strong values, hard work, and personal accountability.
Mark believes that a successful business is about far more than profits. It is about earning trust, building relationships, and leaving every customer feeling that they have received honest value and exceptional service. His hands-on approach means he is never afraid to roll up his sleeves and work alongside the team, leading by example and maintaining the high standards that GJO is known for.
Having faced challenges throughout his life, Mark understands the importance of second chances, perseverance, and supporting others. Those experiences have shaped the culture of GJO, creating a company where loyalty, respect, and teamwork are valued as highly as skill and experience.
As Managing Director, Mark oversees the day-to-day operation of the business, business development, customer relationships, and the long-term vision for the company. His ambition is not simply to build a successful business, but to create an organisation that customers trust, employees are proud to work for, and future generations can look up to.
Away from work, Mark is a proud father and grandfather whose family remains his greatest motivation. The values he brings to family life—honesty, commitment, and care—are the same values he brings to GJO every day.
"Success isn't measured by how big a company becomes, but by how many people trust it, support it, and believe in what it stands for."