NICHOLAS WELLIVER HILTON HEAD LANDSCAPES OVER 5 YEARS IN BUSINESS
31 MATHEWS DRIVE (843) 681-2889 HILTONHEADLANDSCAPES.COM
What inspired you to start your own business? My friend, Ben Dunning and I decided to start our own business in 2008 because we knew that there was an opportunity, in this market, for a quality landscape service provider. My marketing professors at USCB were very inspirational and encouraging as well. What must-have advice can you give to young budding entrepreneurs? “Know your numbers.” Make sure you effectively manage expenses and stay conservative. How many hours a week do you work, as a successful business owner? 50-60 hours per week, but I’m never truly “off” work. In your opinion, what separates your business form others that are similar? We believe in proactive management of our properties. We provide a higher quality service that gives our customers more value for their dollar.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
MICHAEL LUPI
WORDS TO LIVE BY
“SOMETIMES YOU WIN, SOMETIMES YOU LEARN.”
DESIGN 9INETEEN
“KEEP IT SIMPLE. KEEP IT FUN. GET IT DONE!”
What would you say is the secret to success? I don’t think there is one “Secret to Success.” Hilton Head Landscapes is a successful company because we have a good team of motivated employees. Did you have a mentor you would like to acknowledge? How did they encourage you on your path? My entire family has been very encouraging. Especially my mother, Marianne Welliver, who owned LandCare South, Inc. LandCare South was the largest woman-owned business in the state of South Carolina, at the time. My Father, Jay Welliver, has taught me how to be a leader. My wife Megan has supported me through all of the challenges & victories that are associated with owning a business. Additional acknowledgements: Running a business is a team effort. I would like to thank Ben Dunning, Aaron Welliver, Allen Tillman & Caroline Welliver for all of their hard work and dedication.
6 YEARS IN BUSINESS
(413) 636-3769 DESIGN9INETEEN.COM
What inspired you to start your own business? Really it was a push from friends and family to put myself out there. It was my uncle who said to me, “The worst that will happen is you go out for the next five years and make every possible mistake. Then you’ll know what not to do for the next five.” What’s the BEST part about owning your own business? Working with really great clients that love the work we do. What must-have advice can you give to young budding entrepreneurs? Keep in touch with clients. Make sure you’re on their mind the next time they need or want to refer your service. After starting your company, was there ever a time when you thought you wouldn’t make it, and if so, what did you do to make it work? Sure. I think every entrepreneur has those jitters. For me, contractor work through an agency was a huge help. And then I had a business coach/ mentor for the transition after. In your opinion, what separates your business from others that are similar?
We’re about building brand relationships. It’s that relationship we create with our clients that makes us approachable. The connection we make with the audience from the work we create is the reason our clients stay. What would you say is the secret to success? Be an eternal learner. Always have something new to teach your clients. Becoming stagnant and complacent are business killers. Did you have a mentor you would like to acknowledge? How did they encourage you on your path? Yes, three actually. Jeremy Casey, founder of Name Net Worth. He’s been a great friend and someone who has helped me develop important networking channels. Rick Forgey, CEO of Business Leadership Mastery. He’s taught me about having a solid business plan and finding my growth opportunities. And the Marketing Mentor herself, Ilise Benun, and her conferences for creatives on marketing their businesses.