From Mowing to Growing: Jonathan Lloyd's Journey of Smith & Lloyd
Manage episode 477028584 series 2930525
Two Jons with a trailer, a walk-behind mower, and absolutely zero business education decided to start a landscaping company. Seven years later, they're maintaining the grounds at Amazon's Asheville facility and transforming backyards into community-building spaces. This is the refreshingly honest story of Smith & Lloyd Landscaping.
Jon Lloyd pulls back the curtain on the entrepreneurial journey with disarming candor. "We should have charged more," he admits, reflecting on years of undervaluing their expertise. The growth strategy that propelled their success? Simply showing up and doing good work.
The conversation explores entrepreneurial myths and realities. John shares wisdom about selecting clients (sometimes "the juice isn't worth the squeeze"), managing work-life balance during busy seasons, and the two non-negotiable qualities he looks for in employees. His advice for aspiring business owners is both practical and profound.
About Jonathan:
Jonathan Lloyd moved to Asheville, NC in 2015, after spending most of his life in his hometown of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Jon received his Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, before gaining over a decade of experience in landscaping and construction.
With his extensive knowledge of design and craftsmanship, Jon is dedicated to creating exquisite designs for both function and artistry in the Asheville and Hendersonville area. He and his partner, John, founded their landscaping company to deliver top-notch services to residents and management companies.
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All the best!
Bill
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Bill
Chapters
1. From Mowing to Growing: Jonathan Lloyd's Journey of Smith & Lloyd (00:00:00)
2. Meet John Lloyd of Smith Lloyd Landscaping (00:01:10)
3. Business Lessons: What I'd Do Differently (00:04:54)
4. Charging More and Saying No (00:05:34)
5. Misconceptions About Running a Business (00:07:45)
6. Growth Through Word of Mouth (00:09:38)
7. Balancing Personal Life and Business Demands (00:10:56)
8. What Makes Great Employees (00:13:13)
9. Education, Planning, and Inspiration (00:15:31)
10. Advice for Growing Entrepreneurs (00:18:41)
11. Post-Hurricane Contracting Services (00:21:55)
185 episodes