Huh. Turns out putting people first really IS the key to business success!
My inspiring husband sold his business a couple of weeks ago, a business that has given us much more than income over the past 15 years. As a small business owner/operator in a highly competitive space, Jeff was successful because he did for his clients the kind of work he would do for himself, and he was far more than a service provider: he built relationships with his many loyal clients over the years, many of whom are now and will forever be personal friends.
In fact, the vast majority of his clients had been with our small company for 14 years or more, through economic downturns, new homes, and new family additions. That is saying something in this age of quick turnover and flimsy loyalty.
There are many stories I could share that reflect the kind of impact this hard-working, disciplined, thoughtful man made on a good chunk of Salt Lake City’s east side, but I promise to share just a few.
One of my favorites happened when we had been in business for just a couple of years. Upon arriving at a property, Jeff was met by our client and her young son, who gave Jeff a picture he had drawn. It was a drawing of Jeff's mower - complete with sulky - mowing their lawn. The child’s school assignment had been to draw a picture of someone he admired, and that little kid chose Jeff! Because, as his mom explained, he admired how Jeff showed up on time, every week, rain or shine, and made their yard look great.
To most, landscape maintenance is neither glamorous nor rewarding. This little boy saw past the work to the person doing the work.
I think they are both worth admiring.
That little guy wasn’t the only one who showed admiration and appreciation for Jeff in big ways. The outpouring of love we received when we brought Luji home was almost inconceivable - and it’s all because this one business owner took the time to get to know his clients, listened closely to their wishes, and sincerely cared about them and about doing a phenomenal job for them. Every time. It meant something special and their personal gestures of congratulations – gifts of favorite children’s books and personalized baby towels come immediately to mind – deeply touched our hearts.
And then, earlier this month, Jeff received an email from one of our long-time clients. I share it here because I am so proud of him and because it reflects perfectly the kind of guy he is and the kind of business owner far too many fail to be.
February 16, 2012
Dear Jeff:
Your very thoughtful letter came in the mail today. You had hinted something last fall, so I was not unprepared, but I want to tell you that I cried. You have become such a welcome face in my life, but I know, nothing in life is constant but change. So I wish you and your little family the very best in the future, hoping [Luji] will have a wonderful home with her loving parents and that whatever you plan to do in the future will be as successful as what you have done in the past.
I will miss you terribly and will give [the new owner] a chance to prove that he is as good as you. He is stepping into some mighty big shoes.
Good luck, friend.
I cried when I read her email. Gosh, I’m tearing up now. But just knowing how much those mighty big shoes have meant to so many, and that they are now free to explore the next chapter in our lives, brings a big smile to my lips.
Jeff’s caring, grit and commitment made his properties shine. But his many successful years in business were as much about maintaining beautiful relationships as they were about maintaining beautiful landscapes.
In the end, the former far outshines the latter.
