Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Byard
Hi Philip, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began while growing up in Noth Carolina helping my parents garden and learning from both of them about plants and what it takes to take care of them, helping my father by hauling mulch and cutting the grass. My uncle in Alabama was an Albama Master Gardener and his plaque was the first thing you saw on his wall when you walked in his house. I found that so inspiring because I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. My first non-familial job was working for a golf course at 14 on a SOD cutting crew, after that I continued in the field until 2000 when I joined the army. In 2004 I returned to Atlanta, Georgia and began to work at a carwash. I was barely making ends meet and my boss, seeing that, gave me one of his grass cutting clients. Soon thereafter I had built up a route of grass cutting clients. Eventually I got a job in addition to this working with larger landscaping businesses where I learned the art of hardscapes. After a conversation with a friend, they encouraged me to start my own business under the title “Hardscapes By The Yard” in 2007. In 2011 I moved to Nashville and began working with Russell Landscape. I married my wife 2013 and while on our honeymoon in Costa Rica the company had lost a large client and due to downsizing I had also lost my position at the company. This inspired me to make the jump back into self-employment and start Hardscapes by the yard LLC in Nashville and the same year I completed my Tennessee Master Gardner certification in honor of my uncle. Since this time we have slowly grown our business into two divisions, Music City Hardscapes and Music City Pond Pros, all under the umbrella of Hardscapes By The Yard – Nashville.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, but I don’t think many owners of businesses would say that any part of self-employment is easy. We’ve had our ups and downs and even considered closing during the pandemic which was a hard time for everyone I believe. However, we have always persisted and found a way to continue and eventually thrive.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a full-service Hardscapes company. My Hardscapes division of my business offers paver and stone installation, patios, drainage solutions, outdoor lighting, kitchens and more. The Pond Pros division of the company more specifically handles ponds, water features, fountains, installation – repair- cleaning and monthly maintenance.
What sets us apart in this field in particular is that we specialize in finding and repairing koi pond and fountain leaks that no one else can find/repair.
I’m most proud of our Pond Pros division because it’s been the biggest expansion of our business and we’ve been able to work with incredible clients such as The Williamson County Tennessee Renaissance Festival where we designed and built a mermaid exhibit or the 2024 festival.
I would like them to know that we are a full-service company that offers timely and professional service. We are family owned and operated and you’ll always have a person at the other end of the line, answering your call and ready to help.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
When I was 19, through a series of unfortunate events, I found myself homeless in the streets of Atlanta and through sheer hard work and determination I brought myself up to be where I am today. The head of a successful business for over 10 years, a proud husband and father, a veteran, homeowner and any chance I get to give back to the community around me I gladly participate in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musiccitypondpros.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiccitypondpros/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicCityHardscapes/
- Other: https://www.musiccityhardscapes.com
