by Iyana Carter
Junior Griffin Smith and his friend, YS graduate Matthew Toman, created and is now managing his own business, Premier Lawn Care.
Smith said his business started 4 years ago. The two initially came up with idea for it to be an easy way of getting quick money; however, as they got older they began to think they could genuinely make good money managing a business full time.
In the beginning, Smith stated that he always found himself helping his neighbors and wanting to do the right thing by aiding to the needy. From weeding properties, shoveling on a snowy day or even mowing lawns are all ways Smith does his work. He especially adores giving aid to the elderly when they are not in the right shape of doing it themselves.
All of the materials needed and required such as lawn mowers, shovels, rakes, trailers for transportation and weed wackers are all provided by Smith and Thoman, and are all stored at the Smith’s house.
Smith says he thinks other companies find him “tough competition” because he and his colleagues are so young and are able to do work longer, as well as faster for his clients he gets last minute.
He says that when he comes up with his pricing he thinks they are all “ideal” and the same prices it would be at any other lawn care businesses. He expresses that because the prices are the same he would never lower his standards because his clients will always expect more. They would want him and his colleagues to be able to do better because they are younger and are able to do such a difficult task in a certain amount of time.
For those who work for Smith and Thoman get paid far more than minimum wage. Although yes, some of the members in his crew are close friends he says he does not mix friendship with work. He remains appropriate and gets the job done with those he says he can count on.
As of now, Griffin finds himself competing with multiple companies, trying to do better and above all, give better quality. While also keeping his standards high. And on the off season, Smith, Thoman and their crew chop trees in the winter which in his words is a “100% side hustle”.