I started my first lawn care business at 18 after working for the man and realizing I could do this myself. For the first 2 years, I put my head down and focused on sales. Just wanted to get the phone to ring so I could build revenue. With this mindset, I knew I wanted to replace myself and business partner on the truck. Year 1 made $12k each. We did this to put $$ back into marketing. Most people don’t do this and it prohibits the business from going. Year 2, I replaced myself and just did BOG marketing.

I told myself to put my head down and focus or get out of the business and do something else. At that point, the day I did something changed inside of me and I became laser-focused on my service company. I wouldn’t even entertain a thought of any other businesses for the next four years. Sales went through the roof, I started working on more important tasks. This was a pivotal moment in my life. This conversation with myself changed everything.

Focusing and being patient was a big deal for me. I wanted things to happen overnight, but that wasn’t a reality. You have to recognize that what you do in this moment isn’t for tomorrow, it’s for the next 5 or 10 years down the road. — Matt Smith