Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Ousley.
Hi Richard, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my entrepreneurial journey as an Automotive Tech in 2011. I worked as a mobile tech for the next 3 years, performing general maintenance. In 2014, I decided to work in retail automotive parts sales. I became assistant manager by my second year with that company. During those times, I learned the ins and outs of management, administrative skills, and people skills. During my last year with that company, I personally achieved $300,000.00 in sales for the company. I was very proud of that. The next step in life was working at a manufacturing plant. During my 3-year career at that manufacturing company, I learned a lot about business and people. That job afforded me a house, steady income, and a false sense of security. I then realized that I was trading my time for money that was never designed to get me ahead in life. I then made a bold decision to trust my faith and my own abilities. I opened a mobile BBQ business with the help of my best friend’s father. He owned a barbershop and gave me my first opportunity. From there, Que at the Shop BBQ was born. After 1 year, and with the help of my aunt and mother, I opened a brick-and-mortar in downtown Augusta, Ga. Though BBQ is my passion, I ended up starting a Lawn Service to supplement the income that I was not making on the weekends from BBQ. The reality of being one person running two businesses began to take a toll on me physically and mentally; however, my Faith did not falter. I had to make a difficult decision. At that moment, I chose to partner with my sister, who was also a private chef in Charleston, SC. She made the decision to move back to Augusta, GA, and we jointly merged our culinary businesses and relocated to Evans, GA. We opened The J. Renae Experience at the end of 2019 and began operating in January 2020 during the pandemic. Having her in place to operate the culinary side, I was able to shift my focus to further developing and growing my lawn service company. We have successfully been operating both businesses since 2020.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Change is never easy, but faith kept me along the way. Consistency was a major obstacle to overcome. Fear of the unknown. I struggled mentally with being good enough to do this. But I come from an athletic background, so obstacles have been something I’ve had to push through my whole life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Full-service property maintenance built on detail, consistency, and pride. From weekly mopping to full property overhauls, every visit is treated like a finished portfolio piece. Precision mowing- weekly crisp cuts with stripe finish and age detail on every visit. Property cleanups- seasonal leaf removal, debris haul-off, and storm cleanup. Mulching pine straw- Fresh installs that protect beds and frame your landscape. Aeration and care- healthier turf with seasonal aeration, treatments, and overseeding
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Attention to detail, Punctuality, Communication
Pricing:
- Essential- $85 bi-weekly
- Signature- $100 biweekly
- Property Mgmt.- starts at $500 pr month
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Que’s Lawn Service and Maintanance
