Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathy Pilcher, Owner of Lawn & Order Landscaping Chicago, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own a landscaping design business; the majority of our customers are homeowners of single-family homes, multi-unit properties, and commercial properties.

Tell us about yourself

I originally started as a consultant for an existing landscaping company. After seeing what systems did and didn't work within the business, I decided to expand with my own business specializing in sod and mulch installations, and it pretty much grew from there. I love what I do, and I love the process of how a vision comes to life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to sustain during the pandemic. It was really hard to work with everyone's schedule because the whole world was at a standstill. I wasn't sure if people were even interested in beautifying their homes, let alone spending money on services with a company first starting out.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing the scheduling and payroll and being able to "know your worth" and price everyone accordingly. There have been so many times where I have underbid a project, causing me to lose money; my biggest fear is not being able to sustain my payroll.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Always know your worth, don't give out cheap prices just because you feel that a potential customer will work with you. It will cost you hundreds of dollars in the end.
  2. Always be flexible; life happens. It's always how you finish and adjust to the situation that makes you stronger.
  3. Plan, don't be afraid to try new things; if it weren't for us taking on new projects outside of our normal scope of work, we would have never been able to expand.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Never be afraid to ask for help; as a small business owner, it's assumed that you have to do everything. It's okay to ask for a helping hand and recognize your weaknesses; there are people out there that are willing to help.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lawnandorderchi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawnandorderchi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawnandorderchi/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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