10/16/2026
Proud Dad Moment:
Every now and then, something happens that reminds you why you work so hard to build a business and why the values you build it on matter.
Today, a customer sent my son Garrett a message after working with him at our Garden Center. I wanted to share it because, as both a business owner and a father, it means a great deal to me.
The customer took the time to recognize Garrett’s communication, professionalism, follow-through, honesty, and the way he represents our family business.
A few things they shared really stood out:
“You represent your family company very well.”
“It is becoming less common to see the leadership qualities like strong communication, delivering on what you promise, having genuine presence with your clients, having confidence in your services but the humility not to over promote them if they don’t apply to the client, and prompt follow up.”
“You have earned our business … and you deserve it for our landscaping needs and for those within our network to whom we look forward to referring you.”
I’ve spent nearly 30 years building Innovative Lawns, and one thing I’ve learned is that a successful business isn’t built on simply making a sale or completing a job. It’s built on relationships, trust, keeping your word, and treating people right.
Those are the values we’ve always tried to stand behind, and seeing my son demonstrate them without being asked is something I’m extremely proud of.
As a small, family-owned business, we don’t have the resources or advertising budgets of large corporations. What we do have is our reputation, our work ethic, and the relationships we’ve built with our customers over the years.
And those things matter.
To the customer who took the time to send such a thoughtful message, thank you. You probably don’t realize how much your words mean, not only to Garrett but to me as his father.
And to Garrett, I’m proud of the young man you’re becoming and the way you’re representing our family and our business. Keep doing things the right way. It matters more than you know.
