Family, a close friendship and VRS supports to help make dreams come true.
When Matthew was six months old, his family moved into a quiet cul-de-sac in North Minneapolis, right next door to Nathaniel’s family. The young neighbors were inseparable from an early age. Yet, no one could have predicted their budding childhood friendship would shape their lives.
Raised in families that emphasized hard work, community, and faith in one's potential, the two friends started their entrepreneurial journey at an early age.
As toddlers, they pushed their toy mowers alongside their dads. As pre-teens, Matthew and Nathaniel started a car wash. When they noticed the need for lawn care in their community, an important aspect of neighborhood revitalization, they approached adults to offer their services. They didn’t shy away from tackling tough jobs like cutting branches and picking leaves. Their motto was simple: Build strength by doing the work and do it well.
With their early endeavors, the two friends learned about hard work, perseverance, and the power of a strong work ethic. Matthew said his dream was to start a company after high school, “designing houses and lawns,” a dream he nurtured with support from his family.
A dream with roots
Matthew doesn’t like the “D word” (disability). While he learns and thinks differently, he always believed in his ability to succeed—especially with the encouragement of his late mother, Darlene, who first connected him with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). Darlene recognized her son’s potential and knew the right resources could help him thrive.
After high school, Matthew honed his skills through Transition Plus, an experiential learning program for young adults with disabilities. He gained the confidence needed to step into the workforce, trying various jobs and, eventually, took on the challenge of starting a business.
VRS provided consistent support through the years, offering career guidance, job placement services and skill-building opportunities. When Matthew mentioned starting a business, VRS counselor Renate Schultz reached out to VRS small business specialist Josh Dean, who facilitated the mentorship and financial aid to make things happen.
Matthew’s sister Irene recalls, “VRS was great. We didn’t know they could help start a business! They guided Matthew every step of the way.”
Launching LG Lawn
By June 2024, LG Lawn, an acronym for “legacy and growth,” was officially launched.
Matthew and Nathaniel combined their passion for outdoor work with the lessons learned from their early jobs and family role models. Matthew brings hands-on skills. Nathaniel adds landscaping experience from his work at golf courses with the Minneapolis Parks system. They focus on residential lawn care, for now, with plans to expand into commercial contracts – and excited to connect with new customers.
Starting a business comes with its challenges, but the brothers are learning and growing every step of the way. The support from VRS and Matthew’s family has been invaluable. Arthur, his older brother, shared his expertise in construction management, while Irene took on the role of bookkeeper and marketing director, and their dad provides operational support.
“Matthew’s success is rooted in his support system,” says Josh. “He has an incredible family and loyal friend who show up for him, whether for VRS planning meetings or for the job, they’re always there when it counts.”
The fact that Matthew’s passionate about the work is also a big factor in his success. He loves cutting grass, edging lawns and clearing leaves, and finds joy in meeting new people and making customers happy. “When people appreciate your work, it makes you feel amazing. You know you’re doing something good for the community,” he said. Matthew sees the business as part of a bigger picture: A healthy, thriving community. “This job is about more than just lawns,” he says. “It’s about promoting a healthy lifestyle and giving back. We’re cleaning up our community, and that feels amazing.”
“This is the perfect job for Matthew,” says Renate. “He really enjoys working outdoors and operating small engine machines. He’s not intimidated by the fact that he has to self-promote and go door-knocking and make and hand out fliers.” Most of the business comes from word-of-mouth marketing, personal connections and canvassing efforts.
Real work, real impact
As of mid-2025, LG Lawn has 26 clients, garnering consistent positive feedback. Matthew shared their guiding principles: “Make your customer happy. Work hard and work together. Keep growing!”
Starting small with tools like a lawnmower, rake, leaf blower and power washer, Matthew and Nathaniel have focused on building the business rather than paying themselves. They’re reinvesting their earnings and saving for new equipment. The duo is preparing for winter services and looking forward to adding a riding mower to their equipment, which will help them take on larger properties.
They’ve had some challenges, like underestimating project time or labor, but they choose to learn from drawbacks.
Go get your dreams
When asked what they’d tell others considering VRS, Irene doesn’t hesitate: “No idea is too small. No matter your situation, don’t be discouraged. VRS has people who care and programs that can help, especially if you don’t have an Irene or a Nathaniel in your corner.”
Matthew chimes in with very thoughtful advice: “Go get your dreams! Take your time. Start a business in your own neighborhood, support the people around you, and make your community better.”
Legacy in the making
At the heart of LG Lawn is not just the hard work, but the deep-rooted friendship between Matthew and Nathaniel. Their bond, built on years of shared experiences, has turned into a powerful partnership. Nathaniel adds, “This business is more than a job. It’s a reflection of our history, our friendship, and our commitment to the community.”
LG Lawn is a real-life example of what’s possible when people believe in each other. With their motto, “Your lawn, our legacy, brothers in service,” they’re proving that true success isn’t just about making money – it’s about making an impact and doing something meaningful together.
My favorite part of working with Matthew was meeting and seeing how close and committed his family is. A family member was always in attendance during an in-person or virtual VRS planning meetings. They helped Mathew with the small business paperwork, they went to the store together when purchasing items for the small business. Most importantly they helped Mathew focus on the big picture when he would become overwhelmed during this very intense process of starting a small business. Mathew knew he would be successful because he has the love and support of his family and that was such a joy for me to see.” - Renate Schultz, VRS Counselor
- To connect with LG Lawn, call (612) 383-6141, email lglawnm@gmail.com or visit the LG Lawn website.
