107 | Entrepreneur Case Study | Craig Attkinson | GreenSide Up Landscaping | ChooseFI Podcast
107 | Craig Attkinson, owner and founder of Green Side Up, a landscaping company in Richmond, Va., explains how he started his business in his mid-20s, what it took to grow and optimize the business, and how he’s optimized other aspects of his life as well.
- Craig started out his career on a golf course, with a degree from Virginia Tech in turf grass and horticulture.
- Green Side Up started in one weekend when Craig bought a truck, a trailer and a mower all at once.
- Craig mowed lawns since he was 10 years old and saved it all until he bought his supplies.
- Jumping straight into landscaping required Craig to do everything himself, and learn on the go.
- When Craig brought on his first partner, he gave him 50% of the company, and guaranteed a salary, knowing that they would have to build up that amount of business.
- How did Craig get contracts in the mid 2000s?
- Craig has a marketing company now that helps now, but early marketing for Green Side Up involved phone books, purchasing ads and a lot of networking.
- Having a partner to build ideas, and watching to see how other similar businesses function is helpful to build efficiency.
- Finding a good system for managing the work processes and clarifying expectations for employees hugely increased the business’ efficiency.
- How can Craig build the company to a point that he can step away?
- As the business gets bigger, purchasing things in bulk, or at higher volumes, helps Craig get better prices.
- How did Craig find the FI community?
- Craig’s goal in life is to not have to ever worry about money.
- Craig’s saving rate is about 70-80% because he benefits from company vehicles, cell phone plan, etc., which makes his personal expenses much lower.
- Craig’s family farm houses the equipment for the business.
- How and why did Craig design his own tiny home, next to his sister’s house?
- Craig loves life optimization; what aspects of his tiny home are most optimized?
-
- Took advantage of a 4’ x 6’ nook for his office.
- Used leftover granite from someone else’s kitchen remodel for his own small kitchen.
- Built a bed with drawers underneath for his closet.
- Craig is technically FI, but is still loving his work, so he’s not retiring anytime soon.
- His next adventures are climbing in Patagonia and biking in Norway.