05/09/2023
Thank you Swift County RDA for the opportunity to share about our story and why we care so much about what we do.
As we navigate our way through the county, today we stop in Murdock for our next Business Spotlight to learn about Black Diamond Industries, LLC!
Black Diamond Industries, LLC
Casey Thorson, Owner & Operator
Murdock, MN
bdimn.com
Phone Number: 218.841.4373
Hours of Operation: Summer: 7a-5:30p, Winter: 24/7 (as snow needs require us)
Follow Them On: Facebook & Instagram
Year Business Started: I started the LLC in 2019, then my brother PJ joined in 2021
Q: How many years have you been in business & what inspired you to start/purchase/work with this business?
A: In April, we celebrated 4 years of business! I started the business because I like having the equipment & helping people. My passion for lawn care started in the summer of 7th grade, when Dustin Walsh hired me on their farm & I was responsible for grounds maintenance. In addition to the farm, I got my first lawn care account for the local church & cemetery, which I am proud to say I still have that account 14 years later. Now, our business has grown to 3 people on our crew in the summer, & 7-10 crew members in the winter, depending on the snow storms' needs. Our coverage area is all of Swift County, Willmar & Spicer (in Kandiyohi County) & Louriston Dairy (in Chippewa County).
Q: Why did you choose Swift County?
A: This is my hometown!!!
Q: What is your background & how did you develop your skill set?
A: At age 12, I started with the local church & cemetery with my mom & dad’s John Deere L110 Lawn Tractor with a 42” deck. Later, I was able to add a couple more accounts to my schedule & because of the business growth, my mom & dad bought me a bigger mower with a trailer. It was a family affair, as we all were a part of the crew to ensure all the lawns got tended to every week. Once I started driving, I was able to really expand my business & added more accounts. Later, I graduated from KMS High School & bought my 1st mower: John Deere Z930R Zero-Turn. As time went on, more businesses/organizations/individuals requested lawn care services, so Black Diamond Industries LLC was established. Currently, we have over 70 snow accounts & over 20 lawn care accounts throughout our service area.
Q: What has been your biggest success to date?
A: Having my brother PJ join me in the business. With that said, we have not reached our goals yet & are still growing & striving for further excellence!
Q: What has been your biggest challenge?
A: Working with family. While it can be challenging at times to work with your family, there is no greater reward to work alongside the ones that you know will always be there for you!!!
Q: What inspires you to hit the ground running each morning?
A: I truly like doing the work, but our goal is not finished yet, so we keep on going. My goal is to have the whole family involved & to be able to have mom & dad retire!
Q: What’s an interesting fact about your business or service you provide that most
people don’t know?
A: We are always open to suggestions on ways to grow our business. Like I said, I started in 2009 mowing a couple lawns & we have since grown tremendously. As we grow, we add more services such as snow removal, landscaping & ‘tour ready cleaning’ outside the barns at a local dairy farm, to name a few.
Q: When you’re not working, what is your favorite thing to be doing in Swift County?
A: The Swift County Fair!!! I am a “Friend of the Fair”, which means I volunteer for the fair. I love all that the fair has to offer!!!
Q: Do you have any advice for new business owners?
A: Have tough skin! When I first started, Dustin told me that & I thought I knew what he meant by that, but it turns out I didn’t, until I got going on my own. I have determined having tough skin means there might be months that you aren’t making money- but you have to ride it out & always be ready for the “left hook” that gets thrown at you. The ups & downs are never ending, but do not get set on those hard times- focus on the good times! I have also learned that it doesn’t matter who you are or who you talk to, no one knows everything! So have fun with it, because the hard times are easier to handle when you are enjoying the work you do & have fun!
