Tell us a little about your business (lawnpride.com/Lincoln). – We are a brother-and-sister owned franchise based in Lincoln, focused on lawn care services including fertilization and weed control. While we benefit from proven franchise systems and support, we manage the day-to-day operations locally and provide all field service work ourselves.
How did you get started in the business? – We explored opportunities to go into business together as a family, looking for something we could build and run side by side. That led us to the idea of helping neighbors improve their lawns, which ultimately became our decision to open a Lawn Pride franchise.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge we’re facing is proving ourselves as a new business without an established reputation. It’s an ongoing process, but also our most immediate focus.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Opening and operating our local franchise alongside my sister. Building a presence in the community, earning the trust of our first clients and connecting with neighbors we otherwise might not have met has been especially rewarding.
Tell us a little about your family. – I was born and raised here; my family moved to Lincoln shortly before I was born. My sister Kelley and I are both local, and we’ve stayed closely connected to the community through family and local involvement.
What do you see as the biggest turning points in your life? – I was working in an industry I enjoyed, but never fully invested myself in it. The turning point came when my sister and I decided to open a local business together. Now I’m doing work I’m genuinely invested in alongside family, which has made the experience much more meaningful.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Fishing or spending time at the lake. I enjoy being on the water, boating or just taking in the nature around our lakes and reservoirs. I also have a kayak that doesn’t get enough use; taking my dog out to explore always puts me in my element.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Most people probably knew this when I was growing up, but I’m a die-hard Kansas State fan. Our dad was an alumn, and I spent plenty of Saturdays in Manhattan, Kansas as a kid. I’m born and raised in Husker Nation, but I tend to lean Wildcat when it comes to football. The 2011 conference change just made the Husker–Wildcat back-and-forth a little more fun.
What is your theme song? – “A Certain Shade of Green” by Incubus.
What is your superpower? – Flying.
What nonprofit are you passionate about? – The Capital Humane Society. Our family is full of animal lovers, and many of our pets have been adopted through them.
What is your favorite movie? – Office Space. I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve seen it over the years, but if I’m looking to sit back and laugh, it never fails.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Right now, I can’t get enough of Tacos Los Hermanos.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Our company phone number is (402) 307-1827, email info@lawnpride.com, or lawnpride.com/Lincoln. To reach me directly, you can email john.kingston@lawnpride.com or call (402) 282-8595.