While many successful businesses begin with a simple idea, turning that idea into a thriving company takes hard work, persistence and a commitment to earning customers’ trust.
Joining us on the latest episode of Business Trends Today are Co-Founders of Roadkilling Lawncare and Landscaping, Anthony Heathco and Colton Roush. The pair disclosed their journey from mowing lawns as 15-year-old high school students to running an expanding business featured in Entrepreneur Magazine.
What started with borrowed lawnmowers and door-to-door knocking grew rapidly as the duo took on after-school and weekend projects. Rather than enrolling in college after graduation, Heathco and Roush took jobs with a local landscaping company, working 40 hours a week to learn trade techniques and hardscaping skills while running their own business during evenings and weekends.
Overcoming age barriers
According to the pair, winning high-value contracts as teenagers presented an immediate hurdle, as prospective clients frequently questioned whether young founders could manage complex, six-figure projects. To earn credibility, Heathco and Roush focused on delivering flawless quality on smaller jobs, relying heavily on client testimonials and word-of-mouth to build confidence.
"Don't choose something that makes you money and force yourself to love it. Rather, choose something you love and force it to make you money.” – Anthony Heathco
By maintaining open communication and making customer satisfaction the primary metric for every job, Roadkill Landscaping established a strong local reputation. Today, the company handles comprehensive lawn care along with complex hardscape builds, like paver patios and community projects like an outdoor classroom memorial built with donated Belgard materials.
Scaling operations
Managing capital growth requires patience in equipment-heavy industries. The duo said they gradually scaled up their inventory, starting with simple hand tools before saving up for commercial mowers, Bobcat stand-on skid steers, and heavy earth-moving machinery.
To keep operational workflows running smoothly, the co-founders leveraged modern digital management platforms, such as:
- Jobber CRM: Handles routing, client records, and service tracking across all projects.
- QuickBooks: Centralizes accounting, invoicing, and financial management.
- Vendor financing programs: Leverages promotional interest-free equipment financing to expand machinery fleets without overextending cash flow.
Building a lasting business
For young entrepreneurs eager to start their own venture, Heathco and Roush emphasize that long-term success stems from pursuing work you genuinely enjoy. Long workdays, early-morning equipment prep, and late-night site visits require a deep commitment to sustain momentum through initial growth struggles.
Despite common warnings against partnering with close friends, childhood friendship provided the necessary emotional anchor for their business. By leaning on each other during challenging periods and maintaining a customer-first mindset, Heathco and Roush turned an unconventional business concept into a thriving reality.
ASBN, from startup to success, we are your go-to resource for small business news, expert advice, information, and event coverage.