RANDOM LAKE – A 14-year-old from Random Lake has seen early success with his landscaping business.
Kelvin Mondragon established Kelvin’s Landscaping, LLC last summer because he wanted to save money for college. He and his dad Mario used a push mower and tractor for small-lawn mowing jobs.
The business grew with more customers, and they were able to get a zero-turn mower and add services, like snow removal, spring and fall clean-ups, and residential and commercial landscaping.
“I’m thinking I want to do this for a while,” Kelvin said.
In this first business venture, Kelvin said he likes making his own schedule and being his own boss. He said he wanted to establish an LLC to be more professional and show they do quality work.
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“He’s young, he’s smart. I think he could do any number of things,” Cathy Prescher, one of Kelvin’s clients in Port Washington and his former Sunday school teacher, said.
Prescher met the Mondragon family, including Kelvin’s mom Claudia and sister Valerie, at Christian Life Church-North in Belgium. She needed help mowing the steep hill in her back yard and Kelvin and Mario were able to tackle the challenge.
“It worked out well last year, and I’m thankful that they’re still doing it,” Prescher said, adding the pair work very well together.
Kelvin said some inquiring clients are hesitant to work with him because of his age. Some question if he’s capable and trustworthy of doing the job, but they are put at ease when they see him arrive with his dad.
Initially doubtful clients may consider Kelvin for more jobs because he’s shown he can do good work.
The Mondragon family recently opened Lakefront Cafe & Mexican Grill, 417 Second Street, in Random Lake, so there’s been some balancing between the restaurant and landscaping business, Kelvin said.
He said he hopes to expand lawn mowing routes, grow client base and add better equipment.
How to contact Kelvin’s Landscaping, LLC
Kelvin’s Landscaping can service areas in Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties.
Contact Kelvin’s Landscaping at kelvinslandscapingllc@gmail.com or 262-675-4094. Find the business on Facebook, Instagram and online at https://kelvinslandscapingllc.godaddysites.com/.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @alexx_garner.
