Industry Insights

This past weekend, I flew down to Virginia to celebrate a meaningful milestone: the 30th anniversary of Brandon Rushing Lawn & Garden Care. It was a celebration of growth, leadership, and legacy. But more than anything, it was a celebration of character—of what’s possible when you combine hard work, humility, and heart.

True to form, Brandon kept the spotlight off himself. But here’s what he didn’t say out loud: Thirty years is just the official count. The real story began in 1989.

Brandon was just 12 years old when he asked to borrow his parents’ lawn mower. But even then, he wasn’t just a kid mowing lawns—he was already thinking like an entrepreneur.

He had custom notepads printed with his name at the top. On each, he hand-wrote a short note offering his services—simple, confident, personal. Then he photocopied the note and delivered copies door-to-door on his paper route.

It was a clever bit of grassroots marketing—and it worked. His neighbours hired him. They told others—word spread. A business was born.

He kept it going through high school, and when he enrolled at George Mason University to study business management and HR, he didn’t slow down. He mowed lawns between classes and wrestling practice. By 1995, demand was so high that Brandon hired a small team to keep up. That’s when Brandon officially launched the company.

But like every great founder story, Brandon didn’t build it alone. You’ve heard the old adage: behind every great man is an even greater woman. In this case, that woman is Melissa, and her story is every bit as inspiring.

Brandon met Melissa—now his wife and business partner—at George Mason. She earned her nursing degree and supported the business behind the scenes while working full-time at the hospital. When their second child arrived, she stepped into the business full-time. Years later, she completed her MBA in just 11 months, all while raising four children and working full-time.

Melissa isn’t loud about her role, but she’s the quiet force behind the company’s strong systems and financial discipline. She’s one of the most inspiring people I’ve met.

And then there’s Patrick. For two decades, he successfully ran his own landscaping business in Northern Virginia before joining Brandon’s team in 2016. Patrick brings a rare blend of thoughtfulness and drive—deeply empathetic, methodical, and always focused on the client experience. When he speaks, people lean in. He leads with integrity, and it shows.

Together, Brandon, Melissa, and their team have built something special—a company that’s one of the most respected landscaping businesses in the northeast.

Their culture is strong. Their standards are high. And their growth? Since 2020, they’ve more than doubled their revenue. But here’s what matters more: they’ve done it without cutting corners, compromising values, or forgetting their roots.

Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside Brandon and Melissa—helping rename the company, clarify their story, and design a brand identity that truly reflects who they are. Watching them double their revenue has been inspiring, but none of it would’ve been possible without their relentless work ethic, people-first mindset, and unwavering vision.

Brandon is a rare kind of leader. Visionary but grounded. Ambitious but humble. Still obsessed with excellence, three decades in.

At the celebration, his parents were there, beaming with pride. You could see it on their faces. Thirty years ago, their kid borrowed a lawn mower and started knocking on doors. Today, he leads a company that employs dozens, serves thousands, and inspires even more.

As I flew home that evening, watching the sun dip below the horizon, I couldn’t help but reflect on what this story represents.

Business isn’t just about revenue or profit growth. They exist to serve God and His people.

And Brandon Rushing Lawn & Garden Care is a living example of what happens when a business is built to serve.

Here’s to 30 years—and many more ahead.