Introduction & Background
Marcus Reed always had a deep appreciation for nature and hard work. Growing up in a small town in North Carolina, he spent his summers mowing lawns for neighbors to earn extra cash. What started as a simple way to help out his community quickly became a passion.
“I loved the way a well-maintained yard could transform an entire home. It was satisfying to see the before-and-after results,” Marcus recalls.
After working a series of unsatisfying jobs, Marcus decided to take a leap of faith and turn his childhood side hustle into a full-time business. In 2020, he launched GreenEdge Lawn Care with just a used mower, a rake, and a determination to succeed.
Building the Business
At first, Marcus relied on word-of-mouth to gain clients. He offered affordable pricing and personalized services, ensuring that every lawn he touched looked immaculate. What made GreenEdge stand out was his focus on customer relationships.
“Anyone can cut grass, but not everyone takes the time to understand a homeowner’s vision for their yard,” he says. “I wanted to make sure each customer felt heard.”
Soon, Marcus expanded his services to include landscaping, seasonal cleanups, and even eco-friendly lawn treatments. Social media helped spread the word, and before long, he was booking appointments weeks in advance.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a business came with its fair share of obstacles. Equipment breakdowns, unpredictable weather, and competition from larger companies made things difficult. One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to manage his time and workload efficiently.
“At first, I thought I had to do everything myself, but that wasn’t sustainable. Once I started delegating and hiring a small team, things became much smoother.”
He also had to navigate financial struggles in the early days, often reinvesting every dollar back into the business to upgrade equipment and expand services.
Giving Back & Looking Ahead
Marcus believes in giving back to the community that supported him. Each month, he volunteers to mow the lawns of elderly residents who are unable to do it themselves.
“A well-kept lawn brings pride to a home, and I wanted to make sure that even those who couldn’t afford professional services could still have a beautiful yard.”
Looking ahead, Marcus hopes to grow GreenEdge Lawn Care into a multi-city operation, train young entrepreneurs in the trade, and continue emphasizing customer care and sustainable lawn practices.
His advice to those looking to start their own business?
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start. Learn from your mistakes, be consistent, and always focus on delivering quality work. Your reputation will carry you farther than any advertisement ever will.”
From a young boy with a lawnmower to a successful business owner, Marcus Reed proves that with dedication, a strong work ethic, and a passion for service, success is within reach.