Business Owner Spotlight: Nickolas Dejernette, Owner of P.A. Landscaping and Home Improvement
Nickolas Dejernette is the owner of Professionally Affordable Landscaping & Home Improvement based in Roxbury, Massachusetts. P.A. Landscaping & Home Improvement LLC offers high-quality landscaping, renovation, and remodeling services to the Boston/Newton area since 2012. Nick’s previous experience leading a customer service department and his studies of business psychology and marketing helped him build P.A. Landscaping.
Nick shared with us his path to entrepreneurship and how access to capital helped him expand his business.
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How did the idea for your business come about?
My father owned a landscaping company, and my uncle has a home improvement company. As a teen, I worked for both companies where I gained experience and learned skills that helped me build P.A. Landscaping & Home Improvement LLC.
What prompted you to start P.A. Landscaping & Home Improvement?
My full-time job after college did not pay enough, and I needed extra money to take care of my family, so I started the company to earn extra cash on the side. I earned close to $10k in the first week, and then my company took off from then on.
How did you come up with the name of your company?
I wanted a name that speaks to all customers. I know that all customers want quality work done at a reasonable price, so I chose to name my company Professionally Affordable (P.A.) Landscaping & Home Improvement LLC.
How did you hear about Dorchester Bay Neighborhood Business Loans?
I learned about Dorchester Bay Neighborhood Business Loans from a close friend. It is a true story that helped me build P.A. Landscaping & Home Improvement. As a startup business, I first came to Dorchester Bay to request a microloan for working capital. One of the great benefits of working with Dorchester Bay is the technical assistance I received, which helped me grow my business.
My list of regular residential and commercial clients increased from five to 10 clients, which resulted in increased cash flow by 50% in one year. I returned to Dorchester Bay the following year to apply for an expansion loan to service new contracts that came as a result of business growth.
What advice would you offer to anyone who is thinking about starting a business of their own?
Do it and be your own boss! Take your life into your own hands, and do not wait for someone else to give you a raise instead raise yourself. If you are going to work hard, work hard for yourself, and never give up! You have to be obsessed with improvement, maintain a good attitude, never cheat, and one day all the right doors will open up for you!
What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your busy daily schedule?
No tricks to speak of, but I will say get a mentor with experience in your field of work or line of business. You need the drive to work hard to achieve your goals.