Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Hodgman.
Hi Spencer , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was 13 years old, armed with a push mower and a drive that didn’t quit. In South Haven, I started mowing neighbors’ lawns, one yard at a time. What began as a few weekend jobs quickly became a routine: after school, after sports, I’d come home and go to work. My parents were both teachers, so being a good student wasn’t optional, it was expected. But I found a second classroom in the yards I mowed and the doors I knocked on every weekend.
By the time I reached my senior year of high school, that handful of lawns had grown into over 100 properties, and I had a small team working alongside me. I was balancing sports, studies, and a growing business — and loving every minute of it. Success wasn’t just a goal; it was a mindset I carried with me from a young age.
I went on to earn a business degree from Grand Valley State University, continuing to grow my company while studying. After college had the privilege of helping start the local ice skating rink in South Haven — a place I ran for over 20 years, creating memories for families and giving back to the town that raised me.
My lawn care business, “Lawn Boys,” evolved into one of the largest plow and landscape companies in West Michigan. Alongside it, I launched Hodgman Homes — a passion project where I’ve taken pride in restoring neglected houses and building new ones. We have transformed about 50 homes in about 7 years. Today, I employ around 60 people in the summer and nearly 100 in the winter. I always tell people that I am only as good as my employees and I have wonderful employees that are a huge part of the companies success.
None of this would have been possible without my family. They’ve been my biggest fans and closest friends throughout my life. Recently, I lost my greatest supporter — my mom. She was everything a mother could be, and her love continues to guide me. The values my parents instilled in me — hard work, education, integrity — are the foundation of who I am.
Recently I met a wonderful woman that has shown me the true meaning of friendship, happiness, and loyalty. I am very lucky to have her in my life as well.
I believe deeply in supporting the community that has supported me. Whether through local organizations, mentorship, or simply lending a hand, I strive to give back as much as I can
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a business isn’t easy. There are days that test you — financially, emotionally, and personally. The stress doesn’t clock out when you do. It follows you home, and sometimes it weighs on the people you love most.
The early growth years were especially tough. I was constantly chasing the next piece of equipment, the next dollar, the next opportunity, all while trying to keep the wheels turning. In 2010, I faced one of the hardest setbacks of my career: an employee embezzled several hundred thousand dollars from the company. It wasn’t just a financial blow, it set us back years and shook the foundation of trust I’d built.
Through the years i have had several other people try and bring the company and myself down.
Personally, it took a toll. I found myself withdrawing, struggling to be present in relationships because my mind was consumed by challenges no one else could see. The pressure was invisible, but it was heavy.
Even today, the landscape industry is tough. Costs for equipment, parts, and labor have skyrocketed, and competition is fierce. Profit margins are thinner, and every decision matters more than ever.
But through it all, I’ve kept going. It’s part of who I am
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.southhavenlawnboys.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16N2rfRjmp/
