|
Since middle school, South Carolina State University graduate Christopher Simon was motivated to have his own money and be his own man. At an early age, he established a savings account because he was determined to invest in a business he could call his own.
"I was always the type to think ahead and look towards the future. I've always wanted my own," he said.
Simon just received his bachelor's degree in physical education at this spring's commencement. He is proud to say that alongside having a degree, he has his own business that continues to thrive.
"I started C&J Lawn LLC in 2014 when I was in middle school. I was really motivated by watching other people in the neighborhood and learning from their experiences," Simon said. "The business started off small with just a rake and a push mower. But after people started meeting us and learning who we are, the business grew."
The inspiration behind the name C&J Lawn came from his parents' names, Christopher and Joan.
C&J Lawn went from only cleaning yards to renovating them. When he first started, it used to take him hours just to complete one yard.
After growing his inventory, Simon was able to cut that time more than 50 percent, resulting in a profit increase. He was also able to grow his clientele with less effort, having more time on his hands.
Overtime, C&J Lawn went from working on residential properties to being contracted to do commercial properties. They provide services such as planting trees and flowers, mowing the lawn, creating mulch beds and more.
"Anything to beautify your yard -- that's what we professionalize in. We try to accommodate our clients as much as possible and everything is pretty affordable," he said.
Simon considers himself to be an outgoing, family-oriented person and likes to incorporate those values in his business. He said what sets C&J Lawn apart is their ability to connect with the families they work with. He also loves to interact with kids and teach them a little about what he does.
"Sometimes clients have kids who don't want to stay in the house," Simon said. "One time we were working on this lady's yard and her kid was so interested in what we were doing outside. So, we allowed him to ride on the mower with us while we were cutting the yard. Some people wouldn't trust a kid around their equipment, but we actually like to get involved with the families."
Even though Simon takes his business seriously, he likes to make it fun for his employees and clients. He recognizes that to form that trust and comfortability within clients, you must know how to build a friendly relationship with them.
Building those relationships with his clients paid off because not only do they refer and continue to do business with him, but they also invite him to cookouts and neighborhood events.
Simon said as his business grows, he would like to advance the landscaping that they do to cater to more commercial properties. He also wants to delve into forestry and landmarking.
C&J Lawn LLC is located in Dalzell, South Carolina. If you need yard assistance, contact them on Facebook at CJ Lawn or call (803) 458-7015.
|
