Lessons in leadership

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with hundreds of green industry professionals over the past 39 years. All of them have been a lesson in learning. Some have taught me how to think, how to act and what to think about. Others have taught me how not to think, act and what not to think about. Both categories have been invaluable. Working with and observing Chester Buczynski, president of Big Lakes Lawncare in the greater Detroit area, has provided me with many lessons of the first category. I thought you might like to hear his story and share in some of the lessons that I’ve learned from him over the years.

Getting started in the green industry

Chester’s journey began in an unconventional way. After high school, he enrolled in college but left after just two days. “The pace was too slow,” he admits. Instead, he went to work for a landscaping company, where he discovered a passion for hard work. “Seventy-hour weeks were the norm, and I just loved it,” he recalls. “I loved the teamwork, the sense of accomplishment and being outdoors. It felt like a sport.” However, with no room for growth, he pivoted to a new career as a crane operating engineer.

A few years later, Chester launched Big Lakes Lawncare. “Before starting, I did some ‘market research.’ I called the top 50 competitors in my area. Half didn’t answer their phones,” he says with a laugh. That insight became the foundation of his first marketing campaign: door hangers that boldly declared, “We answer the phone.”

The results were extraordinary. Tens of thousands of door hangers were distributed, and Chester’s phone rang constantly. He kept his crane operating job until Big Lakes hit $1.5 million in sales. At that point, he went all in, working full-time in the business.

A business rooted in family values

While Big Lakes Lawncare isn’t a family-run business, Chester’s approach is deeply family-oriented. “Becoming an employer of choice in our market starts with treating people like family,” he says. “Building a positive and supportive culture has been a cornerstone of our success.”

Chester’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early in life. “I had a few businesses in high school and always knew I’d work for myself. Even as a kid, I was fascinated by business,” he recalls. “My dentist had rental properties, and I constantly asked my mom how he did it. I wanted to buy rental properties.”

The power of team

Hiring has been another game-changer. “Dani, our office manager, joined in the early days and got us moving. She’s incredible. Paul, our general manager, joined in 2021. He has improved our business so much. We wouldn’t be here without him,” Chester explains. “We have so many amazing people on our team. I wish I could list them all.”

Building the right team hasn’t been easy. “It’s been trial and error,” Chester admits. Tools like the Kolbe assessment and the book Who by Geoff Smart have improved his hiring accuracy. He encourages business leaders to treat recruiting as a skill worth mastering.

Pivotal moments

Big Lakes Lawncare’s growth has been marked by significant milestones. In 2022, the company moved into a 10-acre property at the center of their market.

“It was the first property I ever bought. I didn’t even own a house at the time. Chris Maroun, president of Miracle Farms Landscaping in Moultonborough, N.H., encouraged me to jump on the deal.”

In 2024, Big Lakes acquired a local competitor that had been in business for 20 years. “It was a great acquisition, and I’m so proud of my team for making it happen. We are so proud to continue the legacy of that brand,” Chester says. “The team wants to do more mergers and acquisitions.”

Guiding principles

“Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking your potential.” His focus on improvement is a core value at Big Lakes, from operations to client service.

Chester is also an active member of a peer group that has been instrumental in his growth. “Surrounding yourself with driven, like-minded individuals is one of the best things you can do for your business,” he advises.

What’s next?

When asked about the future, Chester’s vision is clear. “We’re swinging for the fences. Every year, we’re trying to beat our prior best, grow constantly and create massive opportunities for our people,” he says. His goal is to continue building a company that provides exceptional value to clients and employees alike.

Chester’s journey is a testament to the power of grit, learning and teamwork. His ability to remain humble while aiming high is both inspiring and refreshing. For those looking to follow in his footsteps, the lessons are simple: surround yourself with the right people, stay persistent and treat challenges as opportunities for growth.

Travels with Jim follows Jim Huston around the country as he visits with landscapers and helps them understand their numbers to make smarter decisions. He can be reached at: jhuston@jrhuston.biz.