Lessons from a Young Landscaper

I'm always on the lookout for inspiring stories and valuable insights from entrepreneurs in the green industry. In our latest episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Ethan Seeley, the 24-year-old owner of Malvern Lawn Care. In just 4 short years, Ethan has grown his company to over $2 million in revenue with 15 full-time employees. Needless to say, I was blown away by his incredible accomplishments at such a young age. What struck me most about Ethan was his maturity, work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement. From implementing weekly leadership meetings to seeking out mentors and coaches, Ethan has clearly prioritized building a strong foundation for his business. He understands that sustainable growth requires more than just hustling - it takes strategic planning, smart hiring, and a relentless focus on optimizing operations. One of the biggest takeaways for me was Ethan's approach to time management. As someone who has struggled with this myself, I was impressed by his intentionality around scheduling, using productivity apps, and delegating tasks to his team. He recognizes that he can't do everything himself, and has worked hard to empower his employees to take on more responsibility. Ethan also shared some valuable insights about the challenges of managing family and friends within the business. Having his dad and brother on the team could be a recipe for disaster, but Ethan has navigated those relationships with flexibility and understanding. He's learned that not everyone will fit the same mold, and that the key is finding the right roles and responsibilities for each individual. Perhaps most inspiring was Ethan's commitment to continuous growth and development, both for himself and his team. He's not content to just maintain the status quo - he's actively seeking out ways to expand his knowledge, expose his employees to new ideas, and position the company for long-term success. As I reflect on our conversation, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism for the future of the green industry. Entrepreneurs like Ethan are proving that with the right mindset, systems, and people in place, anything is possible. I'm honored to have had the chance to share his story, and I hope it inspires other young business owners to dream big and take action.