Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anthony Mckenzie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Anthony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

I couldn’t be happier as a business owner. I never thought that this would be the route that I would take, but 5 years in, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am a Marine Corps Combat Veteran so hard work is nothing new to me. But for over a decade I had “regular” jobs and I always do my best. But the opportunity for growth and advancement were scarce. I got tired of breaking my back for other people. Now when I get home and I’m hurting and exhausted, I know it was for me. I don’t remember where I saw it but one of my favorite quotes is “Start building your dreams, or someone will hire you to build theirs.”, and I couldn’t agree more. Today, I don’t think I could go back to a regular job.

Anthony, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a 38 year old Disabled Marine Corps Combat Veteran. After I got out of the Marine Corps I had no idea what I was going to do next. I had no direction. For about a decade I wandered from job to job with no real satisfaction. About five years ago my cousin was starting a Lawn Care Company and asked if I could help him get it off the ground. Five years later what was supposed to be a two week favor turned into my passion. Now I own the company and truly love what I do. Don’t get me wrong, working for yourself is a lot harder than working a regular job. I had almost no experience when I started, but working everyday to truly be the best I can be, I have learned the skills necessary to be called an “Artist” by others in the Lawn Care industry. I want my clients to never have to question whether or not they’re getting what they pay for. I’ve had clients hire me because they are tired of the HOA telling them they need to do something about their lawn, and I’ve had clients request that I service their lawn before birthdays, weddings, professional pictures, and even before they sell their home or get it appraised. I am proud that my name has become something to be desired. When people pass by they say “That’s a Triple M lawn.”.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

About a year ago, due to the rising cost of living I actually ended up homeless. I was living and working out of my truck. With the struggling economy I had several clients who had to cut costs, and Lawn Care was on their chopping block. I had people ask me why I didn’t just get a 9-5 job? I told them that I refuse to give up on my dream. I would rather live my life knowing that I gave it everything I had, not asking myself “What if?”. Through learning, growing, and hard work I was able to improve my situation. Now my personal and professional life are getting better everyday.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I’ve tried so many different ways of growing my clientele. But the two most effective ways in my experience are word of mouth and my truck. Going above and beyond for my clients and building trust has been essential. When people ask my clients about their lawn, or if my clients just want to brag a little bit, they pass my name on to their friends and family. My truck has been the most effective advertising tool I’ve used. Wrapping it with my logo and making it stand out has brought me more clients than I ever expected. I’ve had people tell me they took a picture of my truck in a parking lot or at a stoplight. Keeping myself, my truck, and my equipment looking clean and professional gives people a first impression that they remember.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triple_m_lawnz?igsh=ZHJhdnptcGRlODNw&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@triple_m_lawnz?si=DyGGIg053QmB0QzH
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@triple_m_lawnz?_t=ZT-8uC2e828oMl&_r=1