We were lucky to catch up with Rodney Smith Jr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rodney , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
In 2008, as I was concluding high school, I believed I had a calling in the computer field, so I enrolled at ITT Tech in Fort Lauderdale, FL. My time there, however, was short-lived – just about six months – primarily because adapting to life in that city proved challenging. One night, deep in reflection, I earnestly sought guidance from God, hoping to understand my true purpose. Yet, no revelation came immediately. Not in days, weeks, or even a year. But eventually, during my senior year at Alabama A&M, destiny played its hand. One day, as I left campus, I chanced upon an elderly gentleman struggling with his lawn. Without hesitation, I stopped to assist him. It was in that simple act of kindness that I felt a profound connection to a greater purpose. That day, I believe, God revealed the path he had chosen for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I provide FREE lawn mowing services for the elderly, the disabled, single parents, and veterans. I founded the nonprofit, Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service, which not only offers these services but also encourages children aged 8-17 nationwide to do the same through our 50 Yard Challenge. This initiative is structured similarly to the karate belt system. For every 10 lawns a child tends to, they receive a shirt of a different color: starting with white, then progressing to orange at 10, green at 20, blue at 30, red at 40, and culminating in black at 50. Upon completion, I personally deliver a brand new lawn mower, weed eater, and blower to the achiever. We also include raking leaves and snow shoveling.
The most rewarding aspect of our work is the knowledge that we are assisting those in genuine need. Many of our beneficiaries are seniors on limited budgets. By taking care of their lawn maintenance, we enable them to allocate their resources towards essentials like food and medicine.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities that have steered my path are:
1. Empathy: Truly understanding and connecting with the challenges faced by the elderly, the disabled, single parents, and veterans allowed me to recognize a genuine need in our community. It’s one thing to see a problem, but it’s another to feel it deeply enough to be moved to action.
2. Perseverance: Starting a nonprofit like Raising Men and Women Lawn Care Service wasn’t without its hurdles. There were countless challenges and moments of doubt, but I learned that staying the course, even during the toughest times, is crucial.
3. Community Engagement: Engaging the youth in the 50 Yard Challenge and uniting them under a shared mission not only cultivated a sense of community but also instilled in them the values of service and responsibility. Knowing how to rally and inspire a community has been invaluable.
For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is:
Stay True to Your Vision: It’s easy to get distracted or swayed by external voices. Listen to advice, but always remember your core mission and stay true to it.
Seek Mentorship: No journey is ever walked alone. Seek out mentors who have been there and can offer guidance. They can provide insights that you might not have considered and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
Always Be Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to understand or a skill to hone. Stay curious and be open to growth.
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every setback is a lesson. Stay committed, believe in your mission, and the path will unfold before you.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill has been a cornerstone in my personal development journey. The book’s philosophy transcends mere financial wealth, emphasizing a broader definition of success. A few nuggets of wisdom that particularly resonated with me include the importance of a definite purpose; it highlighted the power of crystallizing one’s goals and pursuing them with unwavering determination. The concept of the Mastermind – the harmonious collaboration of like-minded individuals – underscored the value of surrounding oneself with positive and ambitious people. Lastly, Hill’s emphasis on the subconscious mind and its role in shaping our realities reinforced the significance of cultivating a positive mindset and visualizing one’s success. These principles have not only shaped my understanding of success but have also provided a blueprint for achieving it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weareraisingmen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodneysmithjr/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamrodneysmith
Image Credits
Evy Ross Photography
