Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Kidd.
Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I worked in a public garden for 6 years taking care of it as needed. While there I met three guys who helped me bring together the idea that we could start a landscaping business with all four of our expertise. Each would take be in charge of their area of expertise on each project but all would help out to get it done. At the same time that we started the business, I decided that I needed more education on the matter and so enrolled in college courses through USU. Each of my partners could not leave a secure source of income so they were part-time in the business. I was the only one able to hop on full-time and came the senior partner. As time passed, my partners found out that owning a business was not for them and left. I finished my education, continued growing the business, and have made it to what it is today. I just know that if it was not for those partners, I would not have been able to start it when we did and would not have made it to my 10 year anniversary last year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The three hardest things of running a business are: money management, keeping good employees, and winning estimates.
I have been blessed to keep winning estimates when I needed to help solve money management problems that arise unexpectedly. Still, not knowing who or where you next client will be is a hurdle in itself if you know what I mean.
Keeping good help has been my biggest challenge. I have been blessed to get the help that I needed when I needed them. Yet, the winter months have been a huge hurdle for me to keep the help. Not too much landscaping can be done in the winter months and so I could not provide a secure source of income for those people. But, I think I have found a solution and will implement it this year!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Landscaping had been an unrealized dream while growing up. I did not like to do yard work while growing up. But I did like to create and build things (Legos, Lincoln Logs, art, etc.). In school I loved the Biology, Ecosystems and Chemistry classes. It was not till I started working at the Morinda Gardens in Provo, UT that I realized that all of this started to come together and I realized that I wanted to be a Landscape Designer. As I learned more about plants, nature, ecosystems, sprinklers and landscape installation practices, I knew that I wanted to start my own company.
That is how the idea of Four Square Landscaping was born. Its founders saw the signs of the upcoming droughts in Utah. We wanted to be the leading experts in water management strategies for homeowners. We studied the best plants to use, best irrigation practices, best installation practices and best maintenance practices to provide a successful drought tolerant landscape.
We were the first residential installation company to be QWEL certified (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) in Utah county. We have a Bachelors Degree from USU in Residential Landscape Design and Construction. We have 20+ years of experience in design, installation and maintenance. Other companies may only do design, or only maintenance. By knowing the intricacies of each type of work, you create a more successful landscape.
Helping customers solve problems in the landscape is our joy. Creating outdoor living spaces that are not only economical, but peaceful for the customer is our goal. Utah is a great place to live, but it needs the combined effort of all to keep it this way.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I am a member of the UNLA and serve in places in the organization where I can. There are countless people in this organization that have inspired me, and others, to do better at what I do. So that is my advice, find an organization that suits your needs and get involved. Break out of your comfort zone and stop being complacent. Even if it is just a small step out. It is still a step in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foursquarelandscapingllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foursquarelandscaping/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foursquarelandscaping
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105946107/
