After working in the automotive industry for many years, engineers Dave Kmita and Todd Baker wanted to forge a new career path. Longtime friends, they were tired of the 9-to-5 corporate environment. After extensive research and considering several opportunities, they founded a multi-service landscaping company.
“As engineers, we're used to building processes and problem-solving,” says Dave. “Owning your own business is all about solving problems every day, even if they're not mechanical.”
The two Franklin residents combined their unique set of skills to create LawnValue, a company with a strong managerial presence. It offers a wide range of services for residential and commercial customers, including regular lawn maintenance, hardscape, landscape design, lighting, and irrigation installation and maintenance. The company can also provide tree or shrub removal, new fences and decks, driveways and patios, amazing outdoor kitchens, and other services too numerous to mention. They want to be a one-stop shop for all of their customers’ needs, and make spending time on their properties enjoyable all year round.
“Outdoor living is a natural fit for this part of Tennessee,” says project manager Cassie Thornton. “Homeowners are often looking for ways to bring the comfort of indoor living outside, whether that means a covered patio, a screened-in porch, a cozy outdoor fireplace or fire pit, or a welcoming space to gather with friends and family—all while taking in the beauty of our seasons.”
One recent project involved incorporating landscaping into a client’s pool project by using built-in brick planters throughout the pool and outdoor kitchen areas to create a more cohesive look. “As the project evolved, the clients asked us to help bridge a few gaps with other vendors, so we stepped in to complete the outdoor kitchen, design a custom bench and pool wall railing, and finalize the integrated lighting,” she says.
The client appreciated the team’s ability to jump in quickly, which helped keep installations and inspections moving smoothly. “Managing multiple trades is something we take pride in—it allows us to maintain a unified vision, ensure every detail works together, and keep projects on schedule from start to finish,” says Cassie.
She and the rest of the team also stay current with trends and can assist customers with the latest designs. One of these is checkerboard-style patios.
“It’s a very popular pattern in fashion and interiors and is making its way outdoors,” she says. “We love this trend because it strikes the perfect balance between playful and timeless.”
As with any design decision, Cassie says they always consider the overall feel of the homeowner’s space to ensure the patio presents as a natural extension of the home rather than a standalone feature.
“There are many ways to interpret the look—from large-format stained concrete to smaller porcelain tile,” she says. “You can personalize it with bold contrasts, such as black-and-white large-format porcelain, or opt for an elegant, understated approach using tone-on-tone neutrals.”
This type of pattern, she explains, is a classic motif with deep historical roots, making it an ideal way to add character and visual interest while maintaining long-term appeal. “For homeowners thinking ahead to future renovations, a neutral palette is a smart choice that offers flexibility and longevity.”
Every homeowner and every project can vary greatly, which is something Dave and Todd really love about the business. “We enjoy it because every day is different,” says Dave. “We have so many services and so many customers that we never know what’s going to happen next.”
LawnValue has grown tremendously since its founding five years ago. “We started with zero customers, and we built it all organically,” he says. “Today we have thousands of customers.”
Now, they want to help others enter the landscaping arena by franchising LawnValue. Instead of just having a Franklin location, they want to expand all over the Southeast.
To find out more about this great opportunity, contact Dave and Todd at 615-358-0012 or email customerservice@lawnvalue.com.
To discover what the team can do to create your own outside oasis, visit their website.
@lawnvalue
LawnValue
Its myriad of services also include:
- Leaf Removal & Yard Clean-up
- Aeration & Overseeding
- Pergolas
- Snow Plowing
- Trash Bin Cleaning
- Retaining Wall Installation
- SOD Installation
- Artificial Turf
- Annual Flower Planting
- Home and Landscape Lighting
- Holiday Lighting
- Driveway Pressure Washing & Sealing
- Excavation, Grading, and Drainage
- Firewood Delivery