Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Curry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
As a professional commercial lawn maintenance and services organization, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the utmost satisfaction. Our energetic, dedicated, and creative approach inspires us to deliver our services with integrity while promoting professionalism among our vendors.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As the founder and owner of Facilities & Affiliates, a commercial lawn care and maintenance company established approximately six years ago, The motivation behind this venture stemmed from the need to balance my responsibilities as a single mother of three young children after the unfortunate passing of their father, when our youngest child was an infant.
Despite my lack of formal business training or industry-specific knowledge, I was determined to succeed in the landscaping industry. With only my intuition and a strong work ethic, I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, initially working as a an executive assistant . The business quickly gained traction, I was able to grow the company from a modest investment to impressive revenue.
As a single parent for many years, I approached my husband, James, and expressed my desire for him to transition from his current employment to our new landscaping company. I conveyed that I would continue working from home, earning $35,000 annually while taking care of the children. Although he initially seemed surprised, he agreed to the proposal, and we embarked on this venture together.
However, we soon realized that residential projects were not a viable option for us, prompting us to shift our focus exclusively to commercial projects.
A crucial element contributing to my success has been my unwavering self-belief and refusal to let my gender impact my self-worth as a business owner. Furthermore, I acknowledged the significance of pursuing knowledge in fields where my expertise was lacking. Dedicating extensive hours of work, even during the nocturnal periods.
The most significant challenge I encountered was effectively managing cash flow. It was crucial to ensure timely payments from clients before vendor obligations became due.
Furthermore, it was crucial to identify and recruit the most appropriate subcontractors for various positions.
My proficiency in financial management and my ability to maintain a thorough grasp of our financial standing were pivotal in successfully overcoming these obstacles.
There are multiple avenues to gain knowledge in the landscaping industry. Some individuals choose to start their own lawn care business or work for a landscaping company in a manual labor capacity. However, I chose a self-directed approach, utilizing online resources and gaining hands-on experience.
Through our diligent efforts, we have successfully cultivated a robust network of over 25 subcontractors, positioning ourselves for imminent national expansion. Furthermore, we are delighted to announce the forthcoming launch of SunKist Beach Weddings within the next 6 months.
To differentiate from competitors, it was imperative to adopt a distinctive strategy and leverage it effectively. Many landscaping companies suffer from poor responsiveness, failing to promptly respond to calls, emails, or follow up with clients. Recognizing this deficiency, I prioritized exceptional customer service. Consistent follow-ups were implemented, and I personally conducted weekly inspections of our properties to ensure that subcontractors fulfilled their obligations with each visit.
4 facilities and a network of affiliates, our company is a leading provider of commercial landscape maintenance services. We cater to a diverse clientele, including apartments, condominium associations, homeowners associations, and business plazas.
4 Facilities & Affiliates prioritize meticulous attention to detail and foster transparent communication with our valued clients. Our unwavering commitment is to exceed your expectations and provide expert assistance in elevating the value and aesthetic appeal of your properties by meticulously maintaining pristine outdoor facilities.
Our unwavering commitment is to guarantee your utmost contentment with the services we offer. Each client is of paramount significance to us, and we genuinely value the trust you have placed in our organization today.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I approached my husband, James, and expressed my desire for him to transition from his current employment to our new landscaping company, which we have not yet opened. I explained that I have been a single parent for many years and that I am currently working from home, making $35,000 a year with three children. James looked at me with surprise, but he never says no to me. We decided to take the plunge and jump into the business headfirst.
However, we soon discovered that residential projects were not a viable path for us. As a result, we decided to focus exclusively on commercial projects.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Despite my lack of formal business expertise or industry-specific knowledge, I was determined to succeed in the landscaping industry. With only my intuition and a strong work ethic, I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, initially operating as a subcontractor. The business quickly gained traction, and within a remarkable span of 2 years, we were able to grow the company from a modest investment of $500 to over an impressive $500,000 in revenue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://4facilities.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4facilitiesaffiliates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4facilitiesgm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-curry-639059264
Image Credits
James Bell