Rodney Smith Jr. Is a Hero
Have you ever heard a story about a person, and suddenly you wanted to do better?
(Photos c/o: Instagram: @Raisingmenlawncare @Rodneysmithjr)
Mr. Smith, you are that person, and this…. 4 The Greater Good, is the response.
Raising Men Lawn Care started with an idea in 2015 to help an elderly gentleman with his lawn. It has now become an international organization that has inspired children and adults around the world to give back to their community.
Rodney Smith Jr. is the founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Raising Men Lawn Care Service is a Non-Profit that cuts lawns for FREE for the elderly, single moms, veterans, and the disabled.
“My mission is to encourage kids to give back to their community.” “I tell people all of the time, if they are able, they can make a difference. My way of making a difference is with a lawnmower.” - Rodney Smith Jr.
The idea behind Raising Men Lawn Care started back in 2015 when Rodney was driving from school and he saw an elderly man mowing the lawn. According to Mr. Smith, it looked like the man was struggling so he decided to help. This man’s reaction inspired him to continue with this mission. His goal was to reach 40 lawns, but 2 months later he had surpassed his goal and was at 100 lawns.
Just 3 short years later, Mr. Smith has mowed over 2000 lawns, inspired tens of thousands of people while continuing his mission, and with great drive and determination also completed his Master's Degree in Social work.
His overarching mission is simple, provide a very inspirational program that focuses on channeling the energy that youths have in a positive way, as well as helping those who need it most.
An organization that focuses on helping those who need help, and giving children an outlet to give back, spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and put down the video games, and above all, feel good about themselves.
The Inspiration Behind Raising Men Lawn Care
Rodney attributes much of his community-focused mindset with growing up in Bermuda.
“I’m from the island of Bermuda, in Bermuda, everyone is just friendly. They give back when they can, and that’s what drives me to help people.”
The magic of this story is the power of one person. Mr. Smith now has multiple chapters in the United States and he’s received an agreement from children all across the USA (and the world) to sign up for his 50-yard challenge. This movement is incredible and this Summer Mr. Smith Jr. traveled to all 50 states within the US to spread the message about his organization, teach lawn care safety to the kids he meets, and of course, cut some grass.
"It started back in 2015...the idea of Raising Men Lawn Care came alive. I want to make the world a better place. I don't see that many people helping out anymore. When we can come by and help someone it feels good. To know that we can give back to our community. We're influencing a lot of people, not just in Huntsville, but nationwide that are getting out and doing the same thing just because they see us. It feels good to start a trend." - Rodney Smith Jr.
What is the 50-yard challenge?
The 50-yard challenge is a way for young people to join the giving back mission and sign up to mow 50 lawns for free for the elderly, disabled, single mothers, and veterans. To join all that is needed is to take a photo of your son/daughter/niece/nephew/grandchild etc, that says,
"I Accept the 50 Yard Challenge!"
In return Raising Men Lawn Care will send you a white t-shirt, and some protective sunglasses and ear protection. For every 10 lawns the child cuts, they will receive a different color t-shirt (10 orange, 20 green, 30 blue, 40 red, 50 black.) Once the challenge is complete Mr. Smith will fly out to mow a few lawns with him/her and will surprise them with a new lawnmower.
Kids can sign up here!
So Just How Popular is Raising Men Lawn Care
As of May 2018, over 2,000 free lawns have been cut, and there are 120 kids in 33 different states, and 4 countries all sharing one goal…. “Making a Difference One Lawn at a Time.”
(Image ℅: https://www.instagram.com/raisingmenlawncareservice/
Currently, on Mr. Smith’s Instagram page, you can see him traveling daily to new states, mowing new lawns, meeting new people, and taking photos of state signs regularly. His mission is inspirational, his ambition is admirable, and his efforts are incredible.
50 Lawns in 50 States
Recently Mr. Smith was featured on CNN, Fox News, and local news stations all across the country. He has over 21,000 followers on Instagram and we think it should be more, much more! Raising Men Lawn Care is a great reminder that "Together We Can Do Great Things!"
Thank you Rodney Smith Jr. for being such an incredible inspiration and for being our 4 The Greater Good hero! The impact you are making is being felt around the world. We'll be sharing your story to everyone who will listen :) Best of luck for your continued success and we look forward to following along on your journey!