SARATOGA, Calif. (KRON) -- Most companies have realized the benefit of using social media to gain business. Applewood Landscaping in Saratoga is a prime example of that that. Tigran Gertz started the company nine years ago, using YouTube videos to get word out about his new landscaping business. Wh en short-form videos started to become more popular after the pandemic, he turned to Instagram and Tik Tok to gain more followers. The secret to success has been his workers: Martin Santiego, Julio Guzman and Puma Rodriguez. The trio are often featured in the company’s video posts. San Francisco taco shop closing after only 1 year in Union Square “A lot of people in the construction industry and it’s just very relatable for everyone to see the videos and we kind of make landscaping cool because landscaping is pretty boring,” said Gertz. The number of followers across all of Applewood Landscaping’s social media accounts speak for itself. The company has 1.6 million on TikTok, 2 million on Facebook and 2.2 million on Instagram. The most popular posts usually include Puma as the front man and he’s constantly getting recognized in public because of it. “Well, when I go out, they say, 'Hey, Puma, Puma,'” said Puma in Spanish. “OK, you want a photo, does the other person want a photo too? It’s beautiful.” Martin used to get embarrassed making the videos in public, but after seeing the positive response online, he’s always on board to make another. “They like the videos, it feels good,” said Martin. The masterminds behind making the posts are videographers Gabe Coaster and Ben Larsen. The two are in charge of the company’s social media content, talking the trio through choreography and seeing online fame grow. When Puma, Martin and Julio hit one million followers on TikTok and Instagram the group went to Disneyland to celebrate. One of the first times they got to experience their newfound fame in public. “It was really an eye opener when we went to Disneyland and everyone knew who Puma and the boys were and we were just getting swarmed,” said Coaster. Strangers stopping to ask for pictures and autographs. Celebrities are also getting into the DMs and showing love in the comments, including Benny Blanko and Usain Bolt. According to Gertz online fame has been good for business. He’s had several customers call Applewood Landscaping to book a job after watching a reel. “Maybe some guy he’s a brand-new homeowner, $4 million to $5 million dollar house in the Bay Area. He’s scrolling at night and he sees a video, says 'Oh this is hilarious.' He saves it and then the next day he looks at the video again and realizes, 'Wait these guys are in the Bay Area,'” said Gertz. Landscapers first, TikTok dancers second. Even though landscaping is their job, Martin, Julio and Puma make work look fun. ...read more read less