Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tim Armstrong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tim, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Our mission at Eat Your Yard Jax, Inc. is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. It all began with Tim, our founder, and his son Cody. When Cody was born, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome. This moment was life-changing for Tim and his family, as it brought a new perspective on the challenges and opportunities individuals with special needs face.
From that day forward, Tim was driven by a powerful desire to create a world that is more inclusive and supportive for everyone, regardless of their abilities. He realized that many products, services, and opportunities are not designed with inclusivity in mind, and he set out to change that. This personal journey with Cody ignited a passion in Tim to build a company that not only provides a safe environment but also advocates for and supports the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.
Our mission is to make a difference by promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and support for all. We are dedicated to creating community inclusivity and educating children and adults on growing healthy food. We believe that by doing so, we can help break down barriers and continue to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive and also help fuel the agriculture revolution and help instill the importance of food security.
This mission is meaningful to us because it is rooted in the love and commitment Tim has for his son Cody. It reminds us every day of the importance of our work and drives us to strive for a more inclusive and supportive society. At Eat Your Yard Jax, Inc., we are not just building a business; we are fostering a community where everyone has the chance to succeed and feel valued.
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.
About Tim Armstrong
Tim Armstrong, the visionary behind Eat Your Yard Jax, has always been passionate about sustainable living and the environment. His journey into the world of edible landscaping and urban farming began with a deep-rooted fascination for gardening and a desire to make a positive impact on his community. Tim’s background is diverse, blending his experiences in horticulture, permaculture, and community outreach. His extensive knowledge and hands-on approach have been instrumental in transforming ordinary yards into thriving, edible landscapes.
How Eat Your Yard Jax Was Founded
Eat Your Yard Jax was born from Tim’s recognition of a growing need for sustainable, local food sources within urban environments. Witnessing the disconnect between people and their food sources, Tim decided to bridge this gap by encouraging homeowners to turn their yards into productive, edible gardens. His mission was simple yet profound: to help people grow their own food, reduce their carbon footprint, and foster a greater appreciation for nature.
Services Provided
Eat Your Yard Jax offers a range of services designed to transform ordinary spaces into lush, productive gardens. These services include:
1. Workshops and Educational Programs: We host workshops and classes on various topics such as organic gardening, composting, permaculture principles, and sustainable living practices. These programs aim to educate and empower individuals to take control of their food sources.
2. Community and School Gardens: We collaborate with local schools, community centers, and non-profits to create educational gardens that serve as living classrooms, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
3. Tours for Various Groups: We offer educational tours for school groups, dietetic interns, gardening groups, and families. These tours provide hands-on learning experiences and insights into sustainable gardening practices, helping participants to connect with nature and understand the importance of local food production.
Solving Client Problems
Our services address several key challenges:
• Food Security: By helping clients grow their own food, we enhance local food security and reduce dependency on commercial supply chains.
• Environmental Impact: Our sustainable practices reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation.
• Health and Wellness: Clients benefit from access to fresh, organic produce, which promotes healthier eating habits and lifestyles.
• Aesthetic Value: Our designs not only produce food but also enhance the beauty and biodiversity of urban spaces.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets Eat Your Yard Jax apart is our holistic approach to edible landscaping. We don’t just sell plants; we cultivate relationships with our clients and their environments. Our commitment to education and community involvement ensures that our impact extends beyond individual yards to the broader community.
Achievements and Pride
We are incredibly proud of the thriving gardens we’ve helped create and the positive impact they’ve had on our clients’ lives. Seeing families harvest their own produce, schools integrating gardening into their curriculum, and communities coming together around shared green spaces is immensely rewarding. Our work has also been recognized for promoting sustainability and environmental education.
Key Messages for Potential Clients and Followers
• Empowerment: We aim to empower individuals to take control of their food production and live more sustainably.
• Community: Our work fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for our environment.
• Education: We are dedicated to educating people about the benefits and techniques of sustainable gardening.
• Innovation: We continually seek innovative solutions to enhance urban food production and landscape design.
In summary, Eat Your Yard Jax is more than a business; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable, connected, and healthy way of living. We invite you to join us on this journey and experience the joy and benefits of growing your own food.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson is a seminal work that offers profound insights into dealing with change in both professional and personal lives. The book’s simple yet powerful allegory has influenced countless managers and entrepreneurs around the world.
Key Concepts:
1. Understanding Change:
o The book emphasizes that change is inevitable and that those who adapt to it thrive, while those who resist it become obsolete. This concept is crucial for managers and entrepreneurs who must navigate constantly shifting business landscapes.
2. Anticipating Change:
o By keeping an eye on potential changes in the market, industry, or customer behavior, managers and entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve. The story encourages proactive thinking and readiness to pivot when necessary.
3. Adapting to Change:
o The characters in the story who embrace change and move forward despite uncertainties highlight the importance of flexibility and resilience. This lesson is vital for entrepreneurs who often face unpredictable challenges.
4. Overcoming Fear:
o Fear of change is a natural human response, but the book illustrates that overcoming this fear can lead to new opportunities and growth. For managers, fostering a culture that encourages experimentation and learning from failures can be transformative.
5. Continuous Improvement:
o The narrative reinforces the idea of continuous improvement and seeking new opportunities rather than becoming complacent with current successes. This mindset is essential for sustaining long-term growth and innovation in any organization.
Personal Reflection: Reading “Who Moved My Cheese?” significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. The book’s lessons on embracing change and staying agile have guided me through various professional challenges. It has taught me the value of being open to new ideas, continuously scanning the environment for shifts, and not being afraid to pivot when necessary.
Have you ever had to pivot?
After spending 20 years in the steel industry, I noticed a troubling trajectory for the steel business in America. It became clear to me that I needed to create an escape plan to secure my family’s future. Taking a bold step, I maxed out two credit cards to purchase two condemned houses. I poured my efforts into fixing up one of the houses and successfully sold it, generating enough profit to renovate the second one.
This initial success laid the foundation for a new venture. I established a small rental business that my family and I managed for over 10 years. We continued to buy, flip, and rent homes for about seven years. However, as the real estate market began to overheat, I saw another opportunity.
We pivoted to the nursery business, purchasing a local nursery that became our primary focus. During this period, my boys were younger, and we spent our weekends at local farmers markets, selling plants and using our property as a family farm. This not only supported our livelihood but also fostered a strong family bond.
As my boys grew older and began to chart their own paths, I decided to transform our business once again. I turned “Eat Your Yard Jax” into a nonprofit organization, shifting our focus to community service and education. This nonprofit initiative has allowed us to give back to the community and promote sustainable living practices.
Through these pivots—from the steel industry to real estate, then to the nursery business, and finally to a nonprofit—I’ve learned the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of changing circumstances. Each step was a calculated risk that ultimately led to new opportunities and growth for my family, me, and the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eatyouryardjax.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EatYourYardJax/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatYourYardJax/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eatyouryardjax4033
