People start businesses for many reasons whether it is for self-fulfillment, pursuing a passion, or providing a needed skill or product. It can also be a combination of many reasons or like John Johnson, it is a plan for after retirement. Johnson will be retiring from the military soon and to supplement the potential loss of income and to support and sustain his lifestyle after retirement, he decided to start a business. In his previous work experience, he worked in the federal government and for a golf course which involved landscaping and general maintenance. This gave him the idea to open FJ Green Tech. The company specializes in lawn care, tree pruning, edging, hedge trimming, weed control, water blasting, light metal fabrications, and equipment rental.
For Johnson, the start-up process “was actually very easy.” He did some research online and found the SBDC through a friend. He registered for a few classes and learned how to manage a small business, write a business plan, and a financial plan. Some of the SBDC workshops involved the Small Business Administration (SBA) on how business loans work. Johnson stated that even after attending the workshops, SBDC was always available to answer his questions that he didn’t understand which helped him put things into perspective. He continued on to say that the SBDC Business Advisor was able to direct him to the right people and assist on finalizing his financial plan. It took him less than a week to turn in his loan application and get approved to start his business.
One of the challenges Johnson mentioned is the actual preparation of the financial plan, but credited SBDC on their assistance and guidance to make the process manageable. He did name that setting realistic goals and doing the research on the equipment needed was the biggest challenge he faced. Although Johnson’s company is just a couple months old, his triumphs include maintaining repeat customers, breaking above even, and securing his first contract with a government agency. FJ Green Tech aims to acquire a few more government agency contracts within a year and eventually in the long-run, have this business as his main source of income and possibly open another business venture.
John Johnson is a father of two children and is married to Desiree Johnson. To entrepreneurs, Johnson says, “Be persistent, stay motivated, and focus on your goals.” To learn more about FJ Green Tech’s services, you can visit their Facebook page or call 487-0019/9408.
