We were lucky to catch up with Bryan Clayton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bryan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose has been an exciting journey, and it all centers around helping the contractors that use our GreenPal platform to run their business, improve their livelihood, and make more money.
When I started GreenPal, my initial goal was to create a convenient platform to connect homeowners with lawn care professionals. But as the business grew, I began to see the incredible impact it had on the contractors using our platform. They were not only getting more work, but they were also able to manage their business more efficiently, freeing up time to spend with family or to invest in other opportunities.
I started receiving messages from contractors, telling me how GreenPal had changed their lives, how they were earning more than they ever had before, and how they felt a newfound sense of control over their business and financial future. That’s when it clicked for me. The real value of what we were doing was not just in providing a service but in empowering these hard-working individuals to succeed.
I began to take that responsibility very seriously. It’s not just about connecting homeowners with service providers; it’s about giving these small business owners the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. That’s why I get out of bed in the morning. That’s what drives me and my team to continually improve and innovate.
Simply put, my purpose comes from the positive impact GreenPal has on the lives of the contractors we serve. It’s a powerful feeling to know that what we do every day makes a real difference in people’s lives. And as if that is not enough, it’s also incredibly fulfilling to see them grow, prosper, and achieve their dreams. That’s what keeps me motivated and committed to our mission at GreenPal.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Bryan Clayton, the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, an app that connects homeowners with local lawn care professionals. We’ve been often described as “Uber for lawn care,” and we aim to make the entire process of finding, scheduling, and paying for lawn care as easy as ordering a pizza or calling a ride.
What’s special about GreenPal is our focus on both sides of the marketplace. Homeowners get an easy way to find vetted lawn care professionals, compare prices, and handle everything online. Lawn care professionals, on the other hand, get a platform that helps them grow their business without the need to spend lots on marketing or administrative tasks. Think about it: we’re empowering small business owners, many of whom are just starting, with a tool that enables them to succeed and thrive.
I find immense satisfaction in the success stories from the contractors that use our platform. We’ve seen people go from working a dead-end job to running their successful lawn care businesses, improving their livelihood, and building a better future for themselves and their families. Let me explain why this is so exciting: we’re not just a business; we’re a catalyst for change in these people’s lives.
Now, as for what’s new and exciting at GreenPal, we’re continually innovating and expanding our reach. We’ve grown to serve more than 300,000 customers across the U.S., and we’re not slowing down. We are launching new features to make the platform even more user-friendly, enhancing the customer and provider experience. On the other hand, we’re also focusing on education, offering advice, and resources for both homeowners and lawn care professionals, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their yard and their business.
Additionally, we’re expanding into new markets and always looking for dedicated lawn care professionals to join our platform. Our mission is to become the go-to platform for lawn care services, not just in the U.S. but around the world.
In my experience, the journey of building and growing GreenPal has been thrilling, challenging, and fulfilling. The joy of knowing that we’re making a real difference in people’s lives and contributing to the success of small entrepreneurs is unparalleled.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey in building GreenPal, three specific qualities stand out that were crucial to our success. Let’s dig a little deeper into these:
Resilience and Persistence: Building a business is never a straight path, and it comes with countless challenges and setbacks. The ability to remain resilient and persistent even when things aren’t going your way is paramount. Do you want to know how it works? Keep your ultimate goal in mind, accept failure as a learning experience, and never give up.
Customer Focus and Understanding: Most people don’t know this, but understanding your customers’ needs, pain points, and desires is crucial for building a successful product or service. We made it a point to constantly gather feedback and adapt our platform to meet and exceed customer expectations. My advice? Spend time talking to your customers, understanding their problems, and be willing to iterate on your solutions.
Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: The business landscape is always changing, and the willingness to adapt and learn new skills is key. When I started, I had a strong background in landscaping but had to dive into technology, marketing, and management. I’ve tested this approach of continuous learning, and it’s been invaluable. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt out of depth? Embrace it, and see it as an opportunity to grow.
Here’s how you can best develop or improve on these qualities if you’re early in your journey:
For Resilience: Challenge yourself with small tasks that take you out of your comfort zone. Accept failure as a step towards success. It’s a never-ending battle, but the growth and development are worth it.
For Customer Focus: Talk to your customers or potential customers. Don’t assume you know what they need. Listen to them, and don’t be afraid to make changes based on their feedback.
For Adaptability: Stay curious and never stop learning. There are countless resources online for almost any field or skill. Be open to change, and don’t be afraid to pivot your approach or business model when needed.
In my experience, these qualities aren’t something you have or don’t have; they can be developed and honed over time. It takes deliberate effort, focus, and a willingness to grow. Think about it, every challenge is a stepping stone to your ultimate success.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Absolutely, the most impactful thing my parents, particularly my dad, did for me was pushing me into the lawnmowing business. I can still recall the day vividly. My dad had arranged for me to mow one of our neighbor’s yards, and he basically forced me to take up the task. At the time, I didn’t understand why he was doing this, and honestly, I wasn’t thrilled about it. But let me explain why that was one of the best things anybody has ever done for me.
That first mowing job, as simple as it might seem, set me on the path of entrepreneurship. It taught me the value of hard work, the importance of fulfilling a commitment, and the satisfaction of earning money for a job well done. It was more than just cutting grass; it was my introduction to running a small business, managing clients, and understanding the value of providing a service.
From that first yard, I continued to grow my mowing business, which eventually led me to create GreenPal. Now, I see it all as a natural progression from that initial push my dad gave me. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time, and his belief in my abilities was instrumental in shaping who I am today.
In my experience, those small nudges from parents, mentors, or friends can have profound impacts on our lives. Sometimes, we need someone to see our potential and give us that initial push to set us on the right path. For me, my dad’s faith in me and his insistence that I mow that first yard was the catalyst for a journey that’s led me to where I am today.
So, to anyone reading this, don’t underestimate the power of encouragement and a little tough love. You never know where it might lead. And to my dad, if he’s reading this, thank you. That first yard was more than just grass; it was the seed of my entrepreneurial journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourgreenpal.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bryanmclayton
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bryanmclayton
Image Credits
Bryan Clayton / GreenPal
