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 In 1998, retired Major Jim Colman opened Lawn Solutions in his garage. Today, Co/man continues to grow his business with the core values and principles he started it with: integrity, professionalism, quality and an intense focus on exceptional customer service.
We have about 10,000 retired military personnel living in the area," said Statler. "The question for us is, 'How can we maximize this workforce?' We are seeking to do just that when we look for regional synergies that maximize an asset that is not yet tapped in combination with all of the other economic values of the Beaufort-Jasper county area."
According to Snider, "Beaufort is a hidden treasure for the Marine Corps for its location, the ranges available and its population. From an economic development standpoint, these advantages are coupled with the proximity of an industrial park near the base. Ultimately, we think that we are strategically positioned for the future."
Many of the U.S. Marine retirees who end their careers in Beaufort often choose to stay in the area to avoid uprooting their families again or because they simply fell in love with the area. These retirees are often relatively young — around 40 years of age — and are ready for a second career.
"As I approached retirement, I knew we didn't want to move our three children again," said Jim Colman, retired major, U.S. Marine Corps. "So in 1998 I started my own business on the side hoping it would become something to keep us here in Beaufort. Today, I'm proud to say that Lawn Solutions has evolved from a business that I ran out of my garage into a full-service company providing high-end, custom landscape design; construction and maintenance."
"While we don't expect all military retirees to open their own business in Beaufort, Jim's story helps highlight some of the resources we see in this dedicated workforce with highly transferable skills," commented Statler.
As a retired Marine, Colman takes pride in providing exceptional customer service with a high level of professionalism. "In the early years, one of the greatest challenges was to find employees who shared my work ethic," commented Colman. "Admittedly, in this business, you need to find people who love the work. But one thing I didn't anticipate was having employee issues such as when a laborer lasts two weeks and then just doesn't show up or another who may not want to work as hard as required."
Adjusting to the civilian world can include challenges.
"I enlisted in the Marines at 17," said Colman. "When I retired, my entire adult life was in the Marine Corps. You did your job because it had to get done. But, when I opened my business, I had to learn to do things for a profit. You can do your job well and not make a profit... but to survive, I had to be profitable."
Maintaining that profitability means being creative with economic changes. "When the housing industry was booming, we were designing residential landscapes for many of Beaufort's most elite neighborhoods," explained Colman. "But today, we are focusing more on expanding our industrial and commercial maintenance contracts. Additionally, we're expanding our service offerings — including street sweeping — and adding customers as far away as Walterboro and Charleston."
Even in the face of tough economic times, Colman is dedicated to the success of his company.
Even in the face of tough economic times, Colman is dedicated to the success of his company.
"All those years ago, we took a leap of faith in starting the business," he said. "But we managed to put two kids through college, and now I'm teaching my son about the business. Maybe one day he'll decide to continue in my footsteps."
Article Copyright by Insights Magazine, a publication of SCANA Corp - Fall 2008
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