Star City Six – Jenni Svoboda
Ray’s Lawn & Home Care (www.rayslawn.com) is a family owned and operated business, specializing in lawn treatments, mowing, tree and shrub care, sodding, seeding, and a wide variety of other lawn and landscape needs. Jenni Svoboda is the office manager at Ray’s Lawn & Home Care.
Tell us a little about your business.
Ray’s Lawn Care was started by my grandparents Ray and Mabel Svoboda and is now run by my father Larry. We are now entering our 53rd year in business and we continue to grow each year. Our company provides many services from mowing, lawn treatments, aerification, edging, and more. Our professional staff helps take the stress of lawn care away from our customers so they’re able to spend their free time doing other things.
How did you get started in the business?
As a child, I was at the office often visiting my grandma, riding along for bids, or work with my grandpa and father. Seeing the passion they all had for their family and the business was always something I looked up to and wanted to imitate. In 2006, the opportunity presented itself for me to work in the office alongside my grandmother, and I took it. She taught me the in and outs of the office work and our relationship grew very strong being together daily. I love being able to work with my family. Having them as role models has been such a wonderful experience and blessing. It formed bonds that are unexplainable. I am proud to be able to carry on their legacy, being a third generation and continuing to grow the company into what my grandpa always dreamed it would be!
Tell us a little about your family.
My wonderful husband Lee and I have four amazing children between the ages of 15 and seven—they are my world!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Days off are usually spent with family. Our children are all very involved in different sports, so we are often traveling and cheering them on! We also enjoy doing home remodel projects inside and out when we can sneak in the time.
Who inspires you?
My father. He is the perfect split of my grandparents. He has my grandpa’s amazing work ethic. He is still out working on jobs on a daily basis and organizing all of the employees and jobs each day. He got his compassion and patience from my grandma, and he always keeps a positive outlook and perspective on life. We are a large family at Ray’s and my father always goes above and beyond for his employees. I learn daily how to be a better person by seeing how he interacts with others.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would like to be more of an extrovert. Thankfully, I am fine over the phone, but very introverted in person when meeting new people.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always remember, you are braver than you know, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I support the Alzheimer’s Association. It is a terrible disease that I would like to find a cure for as so many people are affected. We have walked in memory of my grandfather for several years.
What is your favorite movie?
The Notebook.
What is your favorite TV show?
Most comedy shows. A good laugh at the end of the day is much needed!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Our family enjoys 9 South CharGrill. It has a homey feel, which we like.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 476-8614; Email: jenni@rayslawn.com; Website: www.rayslawn.com.