Meet Steven Butler II of ShortboysLandscapeDesigns and ShortBoy Kennels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Butler II. 

Hi Steven, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised below poverty and come from a good set of parents that were just young when they had me. Due to their young age, I was brought up on free lunch, having less than other kids, and having the drive to want to better myself as I got older in life. As I became a teenager, I fell into the stereotypical cliche “I’m a product of my environment ” and not realizing it. I was never taught about stocks, mutual funds, or anything financial except what was around me growing up which was more less drugs. I made some mistakes growing up wanting to succeed so bad with a lack of knowledge on how to be successful while still being a good person. I always understood things easier than most as I excelled in school until my teenage years. I was very good in athletics, chess champion, and willing to help others. I was like most teenagers but more past my years as far as life exposure. With that being said I went to States custody after making some bad choices. I eventually get out almost 2 years later at almost 19 only to go to jail a few months later doing the same thing I’ve always known selling drugs. I eventually go in and out of jail on driving with no license, and then finally a big drug charge that landed me a 16-year sentence which got enhanced eventually to 20-year sentence on community corrections. I say all this to layout the visual for the change I experienced which to this day I don’t see it as much as others do in myself. After getting into the last trouble, I knew I was too smart to spend my life in a jail or prison and I honestly felt like I was wasting my talent and intelligence like some have told me at times in my life. So, I was accepted to a Program called DC4 in North Nashville ran by the honorable Judge Seth Norman of the courts in Davidson County. After completion of the program, it taught me a lot about myself that I never knew including; Accountability, patience, and work ethic. I have since then 2014 completion of the program slowly got my Driver’s license back, and then I’ve went on to start my own businesses including ShortBoy Kennels where I plan, study, and produce Show Quality American Bullies as well as my Landscaping company where I serve the middle Tennessee area mainly Williamson County area. I am still a small business but I have realized when you live a good honest life, make sure people get the best of the best in service, there are people that will support you and it’s possible to be successful and be a good person at the same time. I feel like many of us have made bad choices maybe more than others but it’s never too late to change! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely has not been smooth the whole time. Some struggles I’ve dealt with are hiring friends as they sometimes don’t want to work hard. I’ve taken out loans to fund my business as I’ve never had any family to help me out financially wise. I’ve dealt with keeping good employees in this while Coronavirus ordeal. 

As you know, we’re big fans of ShortboysLandscapeDesigns and ShortBoy Kennels. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As far as my Landscaping I specialize in hardscape and softscape landscaping. I like to pride myself in unique landscape(s) visuals and ideas. I pride myself in doing things the right way. I am a firm believer in spending more money upfront to have say French drains function for years to come properly instead of spending more money over time because one wanted to save money upfront. But we do work with clients based on their budget. 

As far as my Dogs I study the genetics of each prospect Sire and Dam before I ever pair them to produce a litter. Again, I have maybe one or two litters a year as I’m a firm believer in quality not quantity. 

What matters most to you?
Integrity matters to me the most. It matters because anyone can sell someone on an idea, product and or service but following through and executing it properly is the right thing to do. It builds good character in all aspects of life. 

Pricing:

• French drains -$3500+
• Unique Custom Patios -$5,000+
• American Bully -$3500+

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShortBoyKennels/ https://www.facebook.com/ShortboysLandscapeDesigns/