881-YARD (9273)

Owner: Joe Fearn

Nature of the business:

Landscaping your yard should be a true expression of yourself, said Unique Yard Concepts owner Joe Fearn.

"I want to try to help people get the most out of their landscape" and create a place that provides peace and solace, he said.

The business offers professional advice, evaluation of your landscape, information on environmentally friendly landscaping, design suggestions and can act as an advocate between customers and contractors.

How the business started:

Fearn continues to work full time in a landscaping position while running the business.

While working at this and other positions, people have often approached him with questions about their yards. Starting Unique Yard Concepts was the next logical step.

Landscaping has the potential to help the environment, lift up the community and express one's personality, said Fearn.

He encourages people to remember that anything they use on their lawn will affect the environment. Fearn's focus is on balancing environmental responsibility with practicality.

Experience in the industry:

Fearn worked at a paper mill in Connecticut after high school, then moved to Washington, D.C. There he worked on the grounds crew of a university and discovered a flair for the profession.

"I would not dream of getting out of this," he said.

Fearn has a degree in horticulture from Northern Virginia Community College. He is certified with the International Society of Arboriculture, a certified pesticide applicator and a University of Missouri Master Gardner.

He is a junior at Drury University, pursuing a degree in environmental science.

Challenges in the industry:

Fearn's first hurdle was the "nuts and bolts" aspect of getting his business able to function legally. This included becoming licensed and dealing with tax information.

Another challenge is gaining exposure and clients.

"I'm hoping for one or two flagship projects" to market the business, he said.

Fearn does both residential and commercial work.

Goals for the business:

Fearn believes that his best relationships are built over time.

"I would like to have a long- term relationship with several clients so I can help them bring their landscapes to fruition," he said.

He is aware that long-term clients mean repetitive revenue and less advertising.

Fearn aims to build trust and emphasizes his desire to save clients time and money.

"I truly love to landscape," he said.

-- Pamela Spradlin For the News-Leader