In 2007, John Kohler was talking with his boss Tony Marquez about how to earn some extra money and his boss suggested he mow lawns as he knew John liked to work outdoors. He began mowing lawns on evenings and weekends and for five years did this while maintaining his full time job before deciding to open his own landscaping company, KohlerCare, Inc. KohlerCare, Inc. is a total lawn and landscaping company that provides customized service to residential and commercial properties as well as to acreages and condominiums. They specialize in mowing, aerating, power raking, fertilizing and weed control, over seeding, field and vacant lot mowing, spring and fall yard cleanup, gutter cleaning, tree trimming and stump grinding, landscaping and landscaping design, sprinkler service, and snow removal.
Tell us a little about your family.
My parents live in Norfolk, Nebraska. I have a brother and a wonderful niece and nephew in Yankton. Another brother and his wife with three super sons live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My dog, Kasey, who loves to go out with the crew when it isn’t too hot or too cold, has pretty much become the KohlerCare mascot!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
It might sound cliché, but it took me a few years to “find myself” and decide what I wanted out of life. I quit drinking, determined Lincoln was the place for me to put down roots, and got to know Roland Temme at TMCO from whom I learned a lot. This, plus forming some solid and important friendships, and launching KohlerCare, have all been a part of the most important period of my life to date.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I used to love to surf and scuba dive and I once started a swimming pool business in Southern California.
What are you the most proud of?
In addition to launching KohlerCare and beginning to fulfill my dreams, I’m proud of both my involvement with First Plymouth Church where I serve as a deacon and acing a number of courses at Doane College in a variety of subjects ranging from speech to psychology.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To have a truly rewarding life, you must always be willing to walk in the shoes of others and bestow upon them any blessings you can. Because no one gets where they are in life without the help of others, one needs to extend their hand to others just as others have extended their hand to me.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Having electrical engineering skills.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I need to stop being a workaholic and create some “John time” now and then.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Reverend Otis Young’s Reach Out and Live
What is your favorite movie?
White Squall. The heroism and tragedy of that film is haunting, especially since it is based on a true story at sea.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
La Paz. Always consistent, quality food and a wonderful staff!
If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be?
I can’t limit my answer to one person and they may not be famous, but I would want to have dinner with my grandparents. They were so very important to me all of my life. I loved them immensely and I miss them dearly.
What is the best way to contact you?
Call (402) 202-2929, email me at kohlercare@gmail.com or visit us online at http://kohlercare.com/