We were lucky to catch up with Rodney Smith Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodney , thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

This is an insightful question: “Was there a pivotal moment in your life?” For me, indeed, there was. Understanding my true purpose in life was a revelation. Initially, I was drawn to working with computers, believing that was my calling. However, life had different plans, something I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams. Now, I find myself mowing lawns without charge. It’s fascinating how life and divine intervention can steer us in unexpected directions. As a child, I detested the chore of lawn mowing, yet now, it’s my daily, voluntary endeavor. The turning point came in 2015 when I saw an elderly gentleman struggling with his lawn. Stopping to assist him was a defining moment, helping me realize my passion: to provide free lawn mowing services for those in need.

Rodney , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not be familiar with my story, I’m Rodney Smith Jr., the founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to mowing lawns free of charge for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans. Our unique initiative also involves over 5,000 kids nationwide participating in our 50 Yard Challenge. In this challenge, kids mow lawns in their communities without any cost. For every ten lawns they mow, they earn a different color shirt. Those who reach the milestone of mowing 50 lawns receive a black shirt along with brand-new lawn care equipment, including a mower, weed eater, and blower.

This initiative is a win-win situation, benefiting both the kids and the recipients of our service. The children learn the value of hard work, community service, and kindness, while our clients receive much-needed lawn care help. This endeavor sets us apart from others because it’s not just about lawn care; it’s about fostering a sense of community and responsibility in young people.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the impact of our work on both the kids and those we help. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the personal growth in these young individuals and the gratitude from those we assist. For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service is more than just a lawn care provider. We’re a community-focused organization aiming to make a difference, one lawn at a time. Our work goes beyond simply mowing lawns; we’re nurturing a generation of caring, community-minded individuals.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, if I had the opportunity to go back, I would undoubtedly choose the same profession.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

As the founder of a nonprofit organization, building a reputation within our market primarily stemmed from a deep commitment to our mission and the impact of our work on the community. Several key factors played a crucial role in establishing and enhancing our reputation:

Community Engagement and Impact: Our primary focus has always been on serving the community effectively. By addressing specific needs such as assisting the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans with lawn care, we directly impacted lives. This tangible impact helped in garnering positive word-of-mouth and community support.

Consistency and Reliability: Consistently delivering on our promises and maintaining a high standard of service helped build trust within the community. Being reliable and dependable in our services ensured that those we helped, and the wider community, viewed us as a credible and trustworthy organization.

Involving Youth and Promoting Volunteerism: Our 50 Yard Challenge, which engages youth in volunteering, has been instrumental in expanding our reach and enhancing our reputation. This initiative not only aids those in need of lawn care services but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community service among the younger generation.

Transparency and Communication: Maintaining transparency in our operations and regularly communicating with our supporters and the public helped build trust. Sharing stories, achievements, and challenges openly contributed to a strong, authentic relationship with our audience.

Media and Social Media Presence: Effectively utilizing media and social media platforms to share our story and the impact of our work helped in reaching a broader audience. This not only raised awareness about our cause but also established our presence in the digital space.

Adaptability and Innovation: Being adaptable to changing community needs and innovating in our approach to service helped keep our organization relevant and effective, further solidifying our reputation.

In conclusion, it was a combination of impactful community service, engagement of youth, consistent and reliable operations, transparent communication, strategic collaborations, effective use of media, and adaptability that contributed to building a strong reputation within our market.

Contact Info:

• Website: weareraisingmen.com
• Instagram: rodneysmithjr
• Twitter: iamrodneysmith

Image Credits
Evy Ross Photography