Southard rakes in the business
Asked his secret, he replied, “I’m honest, people trust me. That’s very important when you’re on someone’s property. I also do a very good job at very competitive rates.”
Southard began his business in 1998 with a 48-inch, walk-behind mower that his dad bought for him. To get business, he devoted time going door to door and handing out flyers. That first season he mowed a modest 25 yards.
The next summer word of mouth, in addition to newspaper inserts, helped boost his business. By last summer, Southard Lawncare and Landscaping had three mowers, two trucks, three trailers, two employees and was responsible for 75 yards. This summer, he expects to have an additional employee and take care of 100 yards or better.
While residential and industrial mowing is currently about 70 percent of his business, Southard also, as the name of his company suggests, works as a landscaper for individuals and businesses. Among his areas of specialty are landscape design, seeding, sodding and water ponds.
March through November is his busiest season. During the summer months, it is common for him to work from 7 a.m. till dark – seven days a week – to stay caught up.
During the winter months, Southard said business is slower, although he still stays relatively busy with leaf and winter clean-up.
He also uses this time to help his father-in-law, Paul Bouldin, with his nursery stock, as he hopes one day to get into the nursery business himself.
For now, however, his focus is squarely on Southard Lawncare and Landscaping.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I love being outside, enjoying the weather. I love physical labor – it makes me feel like I’ve done something. When I get through with a job I know I’ve been there, that I’ve made a difference. It gives me a lot of self-satisfaction.”
Southard said he is happy to give anyone a free estimate on any mowing or landscape job and added this summer he will start bush hogging, as well. He can be reached at 686-8015.