Why This Software Engineer Quit His Job to Start a Lawn Care Business

Today I'm hanging with my "brother from another" Cedric Owens owner of Steel Cuts Lawn & Landscaping based in Pickerington, Ohio .
After a 3 hour drive, I meet Cedric on location to help him complete a mulch job. Then we go back to his home base to take a look at his shop, truck, trailer, and equipment setup.
Be sure to stick around until the end of the video to hear 3 tips to help people who are just starting out or thinking about getting into the green/outdoor industry.
Don't forget go follow Cedric on Instagram: ...
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[@CedricOwens]

Thanks for watching peeps! Feel free to ask any questions below.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Yes this was a fun video 4sure!!!

[@4SeasonsWithMartin]

Sick setup !!

[@meltonrobles1589]

Y'all are strait up killin it and have done nothin but inspired me to do the same here in my home town out of Victoria tx

[@mack_landscaping412]

💪🏽🔥🫡

[@Jose-ce5yq]

Hey man if you don’t mind me asking where can I get a sign like the one you have on the back of your trailer in the video?

[@emeraldlandscapemaintenanc8711]

I left my Full Time Job as a Lawn Enforcement making 72K after 16 Yrs and I started my Lawn-care Service company and this is my first season and I being bless I'm doing well and I really enjoyed to be able to work for my self and have the flexibility to spend more time with my family in fact I drive my daughter to school every day we have those 10 min ride every day for our selfs.

[@mack_landscaping412]

1ST, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE #SALUTE …Congratulations on making a BIG move and starting your company 💪🏽…FAMILY TIME IS THE BEST TIME 💯…I’m happy to hear your having success bro 😊 Keep killin it!!!

[@emeraldlandscapemaintenanc8711]

@@mack_landscaping412 Thank you, I wish you the best as well, thank you for sharing your story is really encouraging specially for us that we just started God Bless you. 🙏

[@mack_landscaping412]

@@emeraldlandscapemaintenanc8711 Thank you buddy 👊🏽

[@TopNotchPropertyServiceLLC]

Thank you for your service and congrats on starting your business that’s awesome man! I just started mine too in 2022.

[@seanmckay3392]

THATS IT 72K after 15 YEARS! that's not much at all you must've been dumb and blew it on brand new stuff immediately.

[@michaelknowsstocks5170]

abt to quit my 90k job after 27 yrs to go full time lawn care. have 60 yards to cut and ready to start enjoying life again! corp america sux!

[@mack_landscaping412]

60 is a GREAT start 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 I look forward to hearing your 1st season goes💯 …SUCCESS IN 2023 💯💯💯 Lets Gooo!!!!!

[@michaelknowsstocks5170]

@@mack_landscaping412 not going to lie to you...i am nervous as heck.. any advice you may have? how many yards do you have?

[@mack_landscaping412]

Last season I ended with 94 …and it’s only natural to be nervous, your going into the unknown but …It will be worth it💯💯💯 Advice…Get on Google immediately if your not and get some reviews, Create a website if you havent, Network with others in your area 💯💯💯 most importantly SHOW UP & DO THE WORK!!!

[@museum52]

I quit my job as well after 27 years. 10 hours standing on concrete. Corporate sucks, nothing but a number... I'm going to try and start working for myself mowing this coming year. I really hope it works out. I have great equipment, just need to figure out how to get clients.. hopefully I can get 25 a week.

[@mack_landscaping412]

@museum52 Get registered with google, get a few 5star reviews, answer your phone and/or respond to emails quickly and you will be just fine…Just be consistent buddy it will grow over time

[@workingcountry1776]

I like this guy. 2a, small business, organized

[@mack_landscaping412]

💯🔥🫡

[@tsant6591]

Great video man. I always love when people get into lawn service/landscaping. I did it for 35 years! You're gonna do well!

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thank you 🫡

[@mikeboring1293]

Love to see people getting out and working in the great outdoors, landscaping is fun most of the time. As a professional landscaper if I see something on the pages I like to point out a issue to help make the job easier and look better, I’m not criticizing the work when you mulch right up to the house make the mulch line as flat as you can leaves a cleaner line, and let’s face it no one likes waving lines.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks for the tip

[@MoeScrap-yt3di]

We do about 15 jobs a week with a BR 80, 21 inch mower and a weed Wacker. We get it done. Thinking about marketing to gain my cash flow. Easy business to start.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Dope 🫡 Get after it 💪🏽

[@jnj2233]

Yo this cat right here got his setup/biz on point! Great vid!

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks and yes he does💯💪🏽

[@DoyleBros03]

Best looking open trailer out there Cedric! Hands down 🔥 was rewatching video today 👍🏼

[@mack_landscaping412]

Its definitely 🔥🔥🔥🔥 💯💯💯

[@user-ck6zw2ek2b]

Just found you, love the stuff. Lawns are my side hustle for years. 54 and still kicking it solo.

[@mack_landscaping412]

💪🏽🙏🏽🫡

[@SowaScape_Premier_Landscapes]

I feel u man. I’m a financial planning analyst, 85k a year with my masters, and this may be my last year with that company so I can do my landscaping full time. Titles are just titles, gotta do what u love. I go stir crazy in the winters

[@mack_landscaping412]

If we can do it you can to bro💯. Just keep rowing that boat closer to the dock …I left my job 3/15/21 and by 4/15/21 I made my entire year’s salary…when I gave myself my time back everything changed …YOU GOT THIS BRO💯💪🏽💯

[@jeffbarron5500]

If 85 is all you could muster with a masters, might as well mow lawns, LOL

[@vinceschannel8927]

I love the signs on your trailer. They look really professional

[@mack_landscaping412]

💯🔥

[@jonathanolivar272]

Hi I am new here and I am going to love it here I can just feel it

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks buddy 👊🏽 I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT💯

[@tiertwolawncare]

Two great dudes in one great video‼️👍🏼

[@mack_landscaping412]

THANKS BRO 👊🏽

[@CedricOwens]

Thanks brotha!

[@saeedadobashi]

This brother right here made me spire to get a business today ❤

[@mack_landscaping412]

Lets Goooo!!!

[@moneyjunkiemitch9018]

Facts I been doing for companies for years k gotta take Da Leap for myself

[@mack_landscaping412]

Take the leap homie 💯

[@moneyjunkiemitch9018]

@@mack_landscaping412 I am looking at online now I’m go with a Bradley 48 inch stander to get me off the ground gotta start somewhere

[@skynet0813]

Badass trailer setup good vibes towards the business 🤘🤘

[@mack_landscaping412]

🫡👊🏽

[@rayzook]

So glad I found this channel. I am leaving my Network Engineer career to start full time in Landscaping. I have done it part time for the last 2 years but I am ready to make the full time move. It s hard work but I am working for myself and I will never go back to working in a n office again

[@mack_landscaping412]

I’m happy you enjoy the channel 💯 I look forward to hearing how you 1st season full time …Congratulations on taking the leap of faith…You got this 💪🏽🫡

[@rayzook]

@@mack_landscaping412 they gave me an inch so im taking my shot

[@TrekManifest]

That’s my guy!!! Well Done

[@radiantlawnmaintenance]

Mulch job looks good! Nice tour💯✂️

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks buddy 💯👊🏽

[@Zwrld781]

Bro I did the same face with the trailer drop down!! Lol Ordering one

[@mack_landscaping412]

Lol …I immediately got mad at myself lol

[@russk3001]

Love that trailer jack!!! Got them on all my open trailers… you can remove a retainer clip… which allows you to pull it out and open your truck tailgate if you’ve got a short trailer tongue

[@mack_landscaping412]

💪🏽🫡

[@madd2394]

Best guy around!

[@lukedawg357SIG]

Good stuff that is awesome to work for yourself thanks for sharing.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks and you’re welcome buddy👊🏽

[@bbsdad7]

I really appreciate all the info you guys share. Truly inspirational. Bout ready to start trying to find some work on the side. Keep sharing the love.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks buddy💯🫡

[@BrianDoshak]

Nice ass setup! Keep it up.

[@mack_landscaping412]

🫡

[@cleancutslawncare]

Immediately after watching this a couple months ago I bought 2 of those stirrup weed pullers. Works great in certain situations.

[@mack_landscaping412]

I’m gunna grab 1 in the spring…they definitely help make it easier 💯

[@cleancutslawncare]

@@mack_landscaping412 absolutely. If there is rocks in the ground, it’s not great for that area, other than that… great.

[@TPM517]

That ultimate trailer jack is NO JOKE. I LOVE MINE. Dude buy one seriously. Lol

[@mack_landscaping412]

I actually did get 1 last year and put it on a trailer but then I sold that trailer lol …now I need to get a new 1

[@Lipsey9]

Keep grinding.I’m in the same area mowing glade to see some people from my area..👍👍👍

[@mack_landscaping412]

Check out his FB group …Columbus Lawn & Landscaping Business Owners

[@robertrichardsr.6177]

Mack it was great just to be able to see you and meet you man.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Likewise buddy 💯👊🏽…you should come to the next “Meet Up” and thanks for the motivation ill have some new videos out soon bro

[@yolandaowens4451]

I'm seriously so proud of y'all.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks sis👊🏽

[@devorickjohnson7714]

I appreciate the video brother! Keep them rolling!

[@mack_landscaping412]

🫡

[@logansimpson5980]

Great video and great setup

[@CedricOwens]

Thank you. Continuously working to make it better.

[@jonadams2359]

Ok just finished watching all the vids , def keep it up man could tell your next to blow . Cool dude, you got a good personality

[@mack_landscaping412]

WOW Thanks for the encouragement buddy👊🏽…I’m happy you enjoyed the videos 💯

[@IselaCuellar-xu7cs]

You forgot to add the black plastic that divides the grass and the mulch

[@mack_landscaping412]

No we didn’t…The customer did not ask for that …we prefer natural edges here 💯

[@exterminator1]

Cedric is above the cut. Great vid bud

[@mack_landscaping412]

No doubt…my man 💯grand 💪🏽

[@justinparks3312]

Great set up like those multi forces running scag only currently but those toro multiforce look great for all seasons I am in north west Ohio O..H…

[@CedricOwens]

I.O..... Yeah Toro did a great job with the Multiforces. Scag's are great mowers but originally being from Pittsburgh, it's hard to be on a Orange & Black machine all day. 😂

[@meltonrobles1589]

I'm wanting start my lawn service u have inspired me I need a few things like a blower and a better mower I hope some day I get were your at in the game

[@mack_landscaping412]

You will be my man …Just get started and go 💯🫡

[@landerslandscapemaintenance]

Great video! Love the part about pricing! "You are not your customer!!"

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thank you 👊🏽 and “no you are not your customer” let’s SPREAD THE WORD!!!💯💯💯

[@JT-111]

That’s the best looking work truck I’ve ever seen lol

[@mack_landscaping412]

No doubt bro …SONIC!!!! lol

[@Candyman757]

Nice clean work 👍🏿

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks 👊🏽

[@paradisepointlandscapedesi4886]

🌴Easy Money 💯💪🏽😎👍🏽

[@ericstinnett9182]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Thanks

[@mack_landscaping412]

🙏🏽🫡

[@Dr777cl]

Dang Good Video. 👍 👍

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thank you my friend 💯🫡

[@rjslawnmaintenancesllc2197]

Great video always use or had a sit down mower never had the opportunity to test out a stand on mower

[@mack_landscaping412]

I’ve only used a sit down mower 1 time lol …Its been stand ons for me…I deal with a lotta hills so stand on mowers are King for me

[@user-ln4vh2xw7c]

Great video thanks for your time brother I m from Ohio and I will start my business in 2024

[@mack_landscaping412]

Lets goooo….thats 🔥 I hope you have a great 1st year 💯🫡

[@user-ln4vh2xw7c]

I appreciate you brother

[@tonyslawncare]

Super cool setup!!!

[@mack_landscaping412]

He did a great job 4sure🫡

[@EMT1514]

Awsome work!! Looks awsome!!

[@powelloutdoorservicesllc5024]

Great video very informative.💪🏿

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks bro 💯🫡

[@davidtoney9933]

What's up from Pickerington - didn't know you guys were so close .... congrats and good luck Cedric and btw, I'm a Stand-On guy

[@mack_landscaping412]

Dm him on Instagram @steelcutsthebest 💯🫡 How did your season go?

[@ksjohnson219]

Great job i like the uniform

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks bro

[@huntslawncare4130]

Very nice sir

[@happyyardservice2914]

Great video, thank you for posting..

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thank you and your welcome

[@thomas5180]

Great advice on the pricing.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks 👊🏽

[@matthewrobinson6297]

Looks amazing 🎉🎉

[@mack_landscaping412]

🙏🏽🫡

[@jboog7848]

Man y’all could make a episode on ceds last piece of advice. “You are not your target customer”.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks for the recommendation homie 💯🫡

[@cantstopwalkingbutlovemowing]

Good interview 👍 new friend of the channel 😁

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks buddy👊🏽 Welcome to the family 💯💯💯

[@tomblizzard3721]

I have all echo products as well

[@mack_landscaping412]

I love all my ECHO equipment 💯

[@thrillbilliestv354]

thats awsome im from pickerington too

[@mack_landscaping412]

Nice🫡

[@williamm200]

great setup !!!

[@mack_landscaping412]

🙏🏽🫡

[@upscalelawncaremonroe408]

Looking real good guys!!

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks Johnny💯👊🏽

[@raymondjurado9203]

This is so motivating.

[@mack_landscaping412]

💪🏽🫡

[@Platoface]

I’m thinking of doing the same. $83k just don’t cut it anymore. It’s exactly what I make at my crap job behind a monitor.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Make it happen 💪🏽 1 yard at a time towards your dreams💯🫡

[@timeismoneyentrepreneur]

People if the lawn needs edging like the way this gentlemen described please charge do not i repeat do not throw it in with the lawn only if it has an existing edge just that what he done is an extra 75 dollars to 125 dollars depending on where you live if your on alawn that's already edging and need to go over it its 3 dollars a strip so front and back lawn is 50 bucks strip edge existing only 3 dollars a side weed eater around trees and uncover sprinklers 1 dollar to 2 and to blow 5 bucks and 3 dollars a bag if you need to haul so if the price is 100 bucks you tell them its a 100 weekly but give them a deal 75 dollars thats how you supposed to bid it

[@timeismoneyentrepreneur]

Im so happy that i started my lawn care before KZbin my clients are still with me and my city only had 50 landscaping lawn care companies since KZbin hit there 1200 landscaping and lawncare companies same with my roofing company i started my company in 2004 when i was 21 years old there were only 25 companies including myself now because of KZbin in my city theres 789 roofing companies so thank you KZbin for lowering prices for us theres work for everyone but imagine the other cities i have a 200k city i was making 75 dollars a lawn now im only getting 40 a lawn because these new companies dont have over head and don't know shit about bidding

[@Lipsey9]

Looks awesome

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks 💯🫡

[@BrianDoshak]

Looks great but mulch just doesn't do it after about a month. River rock is the way to go and low maintenance. He does a nice job though..

[@mack_landscaping412]

I hate doing rock installs lol …I prefer mulch but I’ve done a few rock jobs and your right its more low maintenance for sure but it’s also more taxing on the body to install if you don’t have machines…Thanks for stopping by the channel buddy 💯🫡

[@bobpierce5429]

I love the rack on your trailer and your advertising. Nice work.

[@mack_landscaping412]

He really hooked his trailer up 💯💯💯

[@Xtravagrasslandscaping]

Your content is dope and very useful I definitely can see your channel is going to take off within the green industry Xtravagrass landscaping N/e Ohio

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks bro👊🏽…I appreciate the support 💯 …Hopefully others feel the same way you do.

[@cleancutslawncare]

Hey man, where about is NE OHIO. I’m in Parma

[@chriswhite102987]

How many customers

[@mack_landscaping412]

He’s around 40-45 accounts

[@ilovepizza8263]

im a software engineer making 158k but one of my favorite things to do is mow my lawn... probably since most of my day is spent behind a screen. I would love to cut grass for a living but lets be honest, aint no way in hell im making the same amount of money unless im running a VERY successful business in a field that already has a ton of supply.

[@mack_landscaping412]

I did a video with 2 18 year old brothers that did 500k last year which blew my mind and I know a lotta people who do very well for themselves …I think it may take a year or 2 but you can do 150k or more if you really wanted to 💯

[@ilovepizza8263]

@mack_landscaping412 soon as I Pay off my house I might start putting money into starting a landscaping business 🤔

[@mack_landscaping412]

@@ilovepizza8263 sounds good my man💪🏽🫡

[@eveleinnyokabi]

​@@mack_landscaping412Can you drop that video link?

[@shannonstover9506]

What are your signs made out of and how did you attach them? I’m wanting signs on my trailer but don’t know how to go about it.

[@mack_landscaping412]

I’m not sure what his signs are made of but they are attached with a bolt, washer, & nut

[@gat-conpaintingandconstruc3730]

How do you create the Google my business page

[@mack_landscaping412]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/epnIloSnfZZ2pc0

[@MrOzzyosborne88]

I know you designed the signs . Who printed them for you. Thanks

[@mack_landscaping412]

Dm Ced on Instagram @steelcutsthebest and I’m sure he can answer your question buddy 💯

[@AbouTto_]

Too much mulch, 2.5 yards is way too much for that space. Unless of course the customer asked for it. More profitable for you to use less. Also you don't create moisture issues. Do not wait too long to go back to work as a Software Engineer. If you don't scale up and get other people working for you in a set amount of time, you'll get burned out. Maybe think about part time work and mowing on the side. Mowing gets old. Good luck. Good video.

[@mack_landscaping412]

👍🏽🫡

[@ronbeeman357]

🔥🔥💪🏾👊🏾💯

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thanks my man👊🏽

[@forbesmowingandlandscaping7760]

how many accounts do you have? does ohio require a license to lay down fertilizer and weed control? i’m in florida and i want to get my applicator’s license i found out i have to work for a pest control company for 3 years before i can get it.

[@mack_landscaping412]

He has around 40 accounts…I’m not sure about the license information for Ohio…but here in Pennsylvania you are required to have a license also

[@ricardohernandez5046]

What in the actual HECK?!?! And here I am working as a teacher studying to get this man's old job lol. Damn. Rethinking life right now. . . I literally have a commercial blower and weed eater at home.

[@mack_landscaping412]

I have a couple friends who are teachers and they do around 20-30 properties during the summer…Maybe get something started in your free time 💯

[@ricardohernandez5046]

@@mack_landscaping412 Thank you man.

[@Gio-m]

This is a great man thank you! I’m also a SE, having the same gripes as you when it comes to Virtual work lol. Do you think a SunJoe 14inch mower is a good place to start? I’m thinking of starting this on the side.

[@mack_landscaping412]

You can start with anything my man…most people start with a 21” push mower, trimmer, and handheld blower…Just get yourself a client or 2 and it will start growing 💯🫡

[@Gio-m]

@@mack_landscaping412 Thank you! You guys are clearing all the doubts people like me have in mind :)

[@mack_landscaping412]

@@Gio-m Lets go 💪🏽 you got this bro 💯🫡

[@universallandscapingandmore]

Nice❤

[@mack_landscaping412]

Thank you 💯🫡

[@nawfking8475]

Who is your go to for advertising

[@mack_landscaping412]

Google…I used a few yard signs but Google is the only advertising I do besides word of mouth or my trailer

[@jaywilliams38]

I'm also ready to make the same move.. may I ask what did you look at for health insurance for your family

[@mack_landscaping412]

My wife’s insurance has our family covered …I think his situation is the same

[@LuisEnriqueRubioChavez]

What do you use to edit your videos? Want to get back at it but don’t have a computer

[@mack_landscaping412]

MacBook Pro/Imovie

[@leonwashington241]

Hey what the name of that tool again he use to making getting the weeds out faster

[@mack_landscaping412]

its a Stirrup Hoe…there’s a link in the description buddy

[@leonwashington241]

@@mack_landscaping412 Thanks making grass fly

[@n8dog2001]

I want to make the move to full time but i cant bring myself to do it. Im making right around $100k and have amazing benefits so i just cant bring myself to do it.

[@mack_landscaping412]

Keep working until you feel comfortable…It took me 5 years but it’s definitely been worth the struggles & sacrifices💯💯🫡

[@rtmlandscapingjunkremoval1875]

Show the gun collection man. 2A

[@multi-kid7771]

i got a lawn care service what stand on mower should i get

[@mack_landscaping412]

Whatever you can afford buddy …I don’t know your situation so I can’t really suggest a brand …I use Toro but all the brands are pretty good …hope that helps you 🫡

[@P8860]

You made the jump to landscaping just like ole boy in Office Space. I don't blame ya. The tech culture is super toxic and overly saturated.

[@mack_landscaping412]

He has a channel that will be dropping content soon 💯

[@richardreese9896]

Were do you get a website at And whats the cost on one

[@mack_landscaping412]

I just used Godaddy and made 1 myself …it was under $250 …there’s also Wix and probably a lot more but those are the 2 I’m familiar with …hope that helps

[@mynorfigueroa7287]

Hi Cedric I’m from Columbus area as well. Would love to connect. I could use some advice.

[@mack_landscaping412]

You can contact him on his Instagram @steelcutsthebest

[@mynorfigueroa7287]

Thank you I will.

[@mynorfigueroa7287]

Where are you from Mack? Just seen your video today which led to finding Cedric!

[@mack_landscaping412]

@@mynorfigueroa7287 Pittsburgh

[@lilchef2930]

What r ur hrs a week in your business?

[@mack_landscaping412]

it varies 38-48 hours a week depending on weather and other variables

[@lilchef2930]

@@mack_landscaping412 thx not bad!!

[@tjmerrigan]

I don't know if u guys know dlt lawn care he is from Ohio too

[@mack_landscaping412]

I dont know who that it buddy…is he on youtube?

[@tjmerrigan]

@@mack_landscaping412 yes he is