From Backyard Side Hustle to High-End Landscaping Business - Colby Jenkins - Maple Hills Nursery

What started as a backyard obsession with Japanese maples turned into a thriving, high-end landscaping business serving the Nashville area. In this episode of Small Business, Big Engine, host Grant Fisher sits down with Colby Jenkins, founder of Maple Hills Nursery and Maple Hills Design, to unpack how he went from pruning trees on his lunch break to building a design-build firm that handles 6-figure outdoor living projects.Colby shares his journey from commercial banker to business owner, how he made his first $1,600 on Facebook Marketplace, and the moment he realized he was sitting on a real business. We talk about the power of focusing on one product, why good marketing matters more than just relying on word-of-mouth, and how he strategically positioned his business to attract premium clients.In this conversation, you’ll learn:How to turn a niche passion into a profitable businessThe difference between doing the work and designing the visionWhen it’s time to stop being the labor and start being the leaderWhy high-end clients require a different mindset — and different marketingThe value of borrowed branding and strategic partnershipsHow to fire bad clients without losing your peaceWhat to consider before scaling your service-based businessWhether you’re in landscaping, design, or just trying to grow your side hustle into a full-time gig, this episode is full of honest insights on entrepreneurship, client management, and marketing that actually works.🎧 Follow the show for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.