10 Questions With: A Small Business Owner

10 Questions With: A Small Business Owner
Featuring: Our Secret Garden (Lori & Justin Mattingly)

In 2010, I started working for a landscaping company called Our Secret Garden. The job was perfect because it was a seasonal job during the Summer. I was just beginning college and it fit perfectly in my schedule. Little did I know that the job would further enhance my work ethic, relationships and knowledge on life. The days were long but rewarding. The other employees were from different backgrounds which led to many great discussions. The business owner was more of a teacher and therapist, than a boss. This Summer job holds a near and dear place in my heart and will forever be my favorite job.

I no longer work for Our Secret Garden but the owners, my very close friends, were nice enough to let me interview them in my new "10 Questions With" series. Enjoy these honest, passionate and humble responses from Lori and Justin Mattingly.

1. Who are you and what do you do?

I am Lori Mattingly, owner of Our Secret Garden. Through word of mouth, our clients initially reach out to us for gardening related purposes. However, we are really caretakers and nurturers. We enable elders to stay in their homes. We help keep property values high. We even sometimes act as therapists for our clients. Many of our clients have been with us so long, that they have become family and we aim to treat them like it.

I am Justin Mattingly, also with Our Secret Garden. I would say that we are more than landscapers or gardeners and instead caretakers for clients' souls. One second I may be laying mulch in their garden and the next I am in a deep conversation with them about their personal struggles. Just the other day, I hooked up an elderly lady's Comcast internet because she needed help. To mirror my mother, our clients are our family and we aim to treat them like it.

2. How did you get into landscaping / gardening and in turn start your own business?

Lori - As a child, my Grandfather would take me around the house to help maintain the landscaping. Some of the Summer tasks included cleaning concrete cracks with a screwdriver, putting salt on slugs, trimming roses and prepping them for the state fair. My Grandfather really helped me develop a love for gardening. The love grew and when I moved from Maryland to Michigan, it stuck with me. My original partner and I had young children at the time and we decided to start Our Secret Garden in order to both be with our children and help put food on the table. That was 24 years ago.

Justin - Being that young child, I was subjected to gardening at a very young age. I tagged along, watching and learning until I was able to take on my own chores. In my teenage years I began working more and eventually full-time. It was not until I decided to leave Our Secret Garden that I realized it was where I wanted to be. At that point, i decided to go with my heart, not the money. Since then, I have doubled down on my future with OSG and haven't looked back.

3. Was owning a business a goal of yours or did you fall into it?

Becoming a business owner was never the plan. It naturally came about to better suit our family and then it grew naturally. It was a domino effect aided by word of mouth that has evolved into a family business that we truly enjoy.

4. How do you pay taxes and get health insurance as a business owner?

We are lucky enough to have health insurance through our spouses but we file taxes as an S-corp with a 1120S tax form. A S-corporation is a pass-through entity where the shareholders are taxed based on their share of the company vs. the company as a whole.

5. What is your favorite and least-favorite part about owning Our Secret Garden?

As a business owner, It is great pleasing our customers. We love to make them happy, so we aim to every time. There are so many things that we love about this job but enjoying nature has to be our favorite. Most people don't get to see the sunrise every day but we do. We get to see the seasons change. We are able to smell the flowers and fresh cut grass. Even the sounds are really enjoyable.

Our least favorite part about OSG is the same as our favorite, Nature. Anything from poison ivy to bugs can really disturb a job. However, we are in their world and understand that. It is on us to do the best we can in their environment.

6. How has the pandemic (COVID-19) effected your business?

Lori - At first, it was panic but once that calmed it was difficult catching up. The seasons do not stop, just because we are in a pandemic. Now, our problem is finding employees. I think the majority of people are weary of covid-19 and the others are earning a hefty amount from unemployment and don't feel the need for a job. Either way, finding employees is difficult right now.

Justin - The time I have been able to spend with my two daughters, one being a newborn, has been priceless to me. Unfortunately, we have had to work less since the pandemic but fortunately that time gained has all went to my family. That means more to me than anything.

7. What is the number 1 reason you'd rather own a business than work for another?

Flexibility! When something outside of work comes up, we are able to take care of it. Our business really allows us to manage our work-life balance. 

8. Would you recommend starting a business to young adults? Why?

Yes. Well, yes, If you have love for the business you plan to start. For example, you wouldn't want to start a landscaping company if you are not green behind the ears. Landscaping has a low barrier to entry but you would lose interest in the daily tasks if you did not enjoy what you were doing. If you love it, have the drive and work ethic, go for it!

9. What tips or advice would you give to those, of any age, thinking about becoming a business owner?

Ask questions, talk to people and test the waters. Not everyone is fortunate enough to know exactly what to do right off the bat. Experienced people can help you save time and money. On top of that, market research is essential. Some markets are over saturated which can cause difficulties. Lastly, you need to enjoy what it is you plan to do. starting a business is tough and you need ammunition to combat those tough times. Your love for your business and industry will give you the ammo you need.

10. What is the secret to owning a successful family business for so long?

Lori - Love, trust, teamwork, authenticity and perseverance. As the great philosopher, Dory (Finding Nemo), said "Just keep swimming". Some days are easier than others, but you have to do the best you can each day.

Justin - Togetherness and luck. I would be a liar if I said luck had nothing to do with our success because it has. We have been lucky at times that saved us. However, our togetherness is what keeps us focused on a daily basis. We have a great team.

If you or anyone lives in or near the Lowell / Grand Rapids, Michigan area and are
​looking for a job, please reach out to Justin Mattingly at 616.745.8566