I started this business in 2018 but haven’t focused on developing it until more recently.   I spend a large portion of my week coaching and teaching residents at a local rescue mission.  In the middle of teaching a wellness lesson on pursuing things that “fill you up”, I realized that I unwittingly had missed out on doing that for myself.  A few years ago I chose to leave a successful career in the corporate world and committed myself to a life of serving others.  I’ve done that well but now realize that in that pursuit, I lost touch with some of the things that make me happy.  What makes me happy?   Working hard outdoors and getting after it!  Doesn’t matter if it’s a blistering 95 degrees day in July or 35 degrees and raining in October, … I love being outside and making order out of chaos.  My broad skill set and experience means I am equally adept at mowing your lawn or building your deck so you can trust me to do both.  

As you can see, this Lawn Chief thing doesn’t resemble one of the lawn care empires, nor do I ever intend it to.  It’s just me.  I want to run my business in a way that it does not get so big that it runs me. I started it so I could spend my days filled with sunshine and worthy work for good people who are looking for someone trustworthy to do it. To finish each day a little dirty and a little tired with a smile on my face knowing that I have made a difference.  To do work that fills me up and leaves some margin in each day to be present and enjoy the work I am doing and why I am doing it. I have no intention of growing it so big so that I have to sit behind a desk and run the business (see Mexican Fisherman story below). 

I am blessed to be a part of changing lives and serving others in and out of the mission, but that would not be possible without the financial support from this business. I am grateful to those who choose to trust me with their lawn care and construction needs and who provide the support that makes possible the work I do serving others in need.

Thank you for supporting Lawn Chief and making the work I do possible!

Will

This story below serves as my reminder to slow down and be intentional about my business and my life.

The Mexican Fisherman

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, “only a little while. The American then asked why didn’t he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The American then asked, “but what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life.” The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise.”

The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?”

To which the American replied, “15 – 20 years.”

“But what then?” Asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part.  When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!”

“Millions – then what?”

The American said, “Then you would retire.  Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”