Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica And Gordon Keene.
Hi Jessica and Gordon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2020, during the COVID shutdowns, my husband and I both lost our jobs. I was fortunate to find new work fairly quickly, but we still needed immediate income to get by. Out of necessity, my husband began doing yardwork and landscaping for friends and acquaintances. Word spread quickly, and before we knew it, a business was taking shape.
Within a year, the company had grown to the point where I was able to give formal notice to my employer and join the business full-time. What started as a way to survive became something we truly believe in and are proud to build every day.
Over the years, our customers have come to know us as reliable, trustworthy, and easy to work with. Because we do very little marketing, the majority of our work comes from referrals. That kind of support means everything to us. There is no greater compliment than having past and present customers recommend us to their friends and family.
At the core of our business is a simple belief: you’re only as good as your word. We show up. We respect your time. We do the job right. And in today’s world, we know how hard that can be to find.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small business definitely comes with its challenges. From hiring reliable employees to trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance, each day can bring a new obstacle. As we’ve grown, one of our biggest struggles has been finding like-minded individuals who take pride in the quality of their work.
Because of this, we’ve had to make some difficult but necessary decisions about the areas we serve and the services we offer, all with the goal of keeping the company running efficiently and staying true to our standards.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Lawn and landscaping companies are everywhere. Anyone can buy a mower or spread mulch in a flower bed. That part isn’t difficult. What truly sets companies apart is how the work is done. We believe we stand out in three main areas: communication, attention to detail, and accountability.
Communication is a top priority for us. We believe in keeping an open line with our customers and letting them know about anything that may impact their service, from weather delays to project updates. This allows our customers to plan their day and gives us the opportunity to work around any scheduling conflicts.
Both my husband and I are very detail-oriented, and that shows in our work. We treat every property like it’s our own and don’t leave until we’re satisfied with the final result.
Finally, we take full accountability for our work and for any challenges that come up along the way. Clear expectations and honest transparency are key. By being proactive and solution-focused, we help prevent issues before they become problems and ensure our customers are taken care of long after the job is done.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There have been so many people who have helped us along this journey. First and foremost, our family—and our very first customers—who probably thought we were a little crazy in the beginning, but believed in us anyway. Their trust and support meant more than they will ever know.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to build meaningful relationships with our vendors, who have supported us far beyond business. From teaching us new products and methods to simply listening after long, exhausting days, they’ve been there when we needed it most.
Along the way, we’ve also formed genuine friendships with fellow business owners in our industry. These relationships have been invaluable. Through the highs and the lows, they’ve offered guidance, encouragement, and honesty. They’ve shared hard-earned lessons from their own companies, new ways of thinking, and best practices that have helped shape who we are today. We truly wouldn’t be where we are without them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keene-landscaping.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenelandscaping
- Other: tik tok @keene.landscaping
