04/20/2021
If you are reading this, you have had an impact on my business.
14 years ago, Gary responded to an ad in his mailbox for help around the house
11 years ago, a 14-year-old girl registered her business with the town of Hampden
9 years ago, she learned how to drive her dad’s truck and trailer and was seen around town at job sites
6 years ago, she left for college out of state and remotely purchased a truck and zero-turn mower
2 years ago, she graduated with her master’s degree and the business continued to flourish
Today, that same girl, now 25, has sold her business and is excited to announce the acquisition of DeMarey Landscaping by O’Keefe Landscaping
Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the chance to reflect on my journey as an entrepreneur. While it wasn’t always as smooth as the timeline above appears, this business taught me a lot - how to manage employees, oversee job sites remotely, meet with clients and bid for work. I’ve put my degree to good use by creating and marketing a brand and understand back-end accounting. I’m in awe when I look back and realize that this business has truly shaped who I am today.
It’s funny to reflect on the times when I felt like I was struggling. Now, I can’t help but laugh. I bought my first zero turn mower on eBay and shortly realized it was located in Ohio. I’ve been chased off a property by a client with a backpack blower because her elder father called for a quote. I’ve sent endless amounts of emails at 2AM because I was trying to balance my work, studies, and play.
The biggest part of the DeMarey Landscaping story isn’t me, but you. To my clients, THANK YOU for supporting us through this journey. Whether you referred our services to your friends, shared words of encouragement, skipped a meal out to keep your landscapers employed during the global pandemic, or were just simply patient as we figured it all out, I seriously thank you.
My employees, my boys, my superstars – your hard work, resilience, and dedication is something that must be recognized. You do beautiful work, and I am proud to have had you on my team.
I owe my friends a huge thank you; to the roommates who have dealt with my 6AM Saturday alarms, to my guy friends who made the drive from CT to MA to tackle a few huge jobs when we were low on employees, to my boyfriend for understanding when I’m running late to our dates, and to my best friends for straightening my hair, picking out my outfits and getting me a glass of wine while I created the schedule for the following day, thank you.
And lastly, my family. For the last 14 years, my parents have graciously supported me through the ups and downs. If I serviced your property before I had my license, that thank you goes to my mom for becoming my personal chauffeur. Thank you to my brother for somehow withstanding to work for his big sister for a couple of years and thank you to my dad, for not only becoming an expert on lawn mower repairs, but for always answering my call on the first ring. You guys are my rock.
With all that said, I knew I needed to transition this business to the right person. The bar was set high - I needed someone who I could trust to meet my client’s needs, do great work, and treat my employees fairly and with the utmost respect. My core values of dedication, quality service, and strong ties to the community needed to be upheld. After meeting with Ryan from O’Keefe Landscaping, I realized he met my standards above and beyond. I am confident in his ownership and acquisition of DeMarey Landscaping. Your weeds will wilt and your sunflowers will stand tall. 🌻
- Kate DeMarey
