Trent’s Lawn Care business is growing like a weed!

June 11, 2015 · 0 Comments

He may only be 10 years old, but Trent Wallace of Shelburne knows what he wants.
And what he wants is a good education, a great work ethic, and if the gods are good, a snowmobile that competes with his fathers.
On an average day, Trent heads to Hyland Heights, where he attends Grade 4, and then he’s off to day care. After being collected by one of his parents, dad Ian, or mom Dianna, Trent and his sister Kiera, age 6, head home to load the truck and get to work – where Trent’s the boss!
Yes, that’s right. At 10 years of age (where did I go wrong with my own children?) Trent is the sole proprietor of ‘Trent’s Lawn Care’, where he offers a full–range of lawn maintenance services.
Trent started his business last summer. While cutting his great–grandmothers’ (Mary Hardick) lawn, and her neighbours took notice. Word-of-mouth spread quickly, and a business was born.
“I started by helping my dad, but now my dad is helping me,” Trent told the Free Press.
Trent cuts grass, does the trimming, weeds gardens and whatever else is needed to “make the lawns look good”.
With three permanent customers, Trent says he still has room to grow – especially since he’s “hired” his family members, including his new ‘Administrative Assistant’ (that’s mom, who answers the phones and takes bookings), his ‘Right Hand Man’ (that’s dad, who drives him to jobs and lifts the mower in and out of the truck), and ‘Water Girl’ (that’s his sister, who sits in the truck and hands out water bottles).
Taking his business seriously, Trent says he is offering the most competitive rates in town – which range in price by the size of the lawn (from $15–$25, depending on whose gas he’s using). He also does his own invoicing (with options for monthly billing, if it’s easier for his clients) and bookkeeping, updating his ledger as he completes each job.
As for what Trent plans to do with the money? He says he hasn’t spent a dime – except to buy his own lawnmower and weed whacker.
“I’m saving to buy a snowmobile and I’m putting the rest into my RESP,” he said.
Always looking to expand, Trent was surprised with professional business cards by his Uncle Craig – 500 of them! – at the start of the season, and new shirts bearing his company logo.
Even at his age, Trent understands that customer service is paramount, and what sets him apart from his competition.
“I do a good job for my clients. My motto is, “We push threw until the job is done”, and I don’t leave until the customer is happy,” Trent said, adding that his family, err employees, will even haul away the clippings to make garbage day easier for clients, especially seniors.
“No job is too big, or too small,” said Trent. “I want them all!”
Trent says that he doesn’t want to be a lawn care technician when he grows-up, because he has aspirations to become a full–time fire fighter – but don’t worry, he plans to operate his business throughout high school, so there’s still plenty of time to get your lawn cut.
For more information, or a quote on your lawn care needs, call Trent Wallace’s Administrative Assistant (Dianna) at 519 925-1948. And remember, no one has more energy or enthusiasm for your lawn care needs than Trent. After all, he’s 10!

By Wendy Gabrek