The United Way places a business spotlight article on one of their small business partners each month, and in February the focus was on The Master's Lawn Care of Gainesville, FL. Here is the Q&A with Rusty Thompson, TMLC's Customer Care President.
1. Tell us about your business; and what is your business philosophy?
My business philosophy isn't much different than my philosophy on life in general. I like to follow the golden rule, which is 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Stated simply, it's treating other people the way you want to be treated. I believe that living by this incredibly simple rule can be revolutionary when put to use with our clients, team members (employees), vendors, competitors, and anyone else that we come in contact with. Lived out consistently, it's absolutely contagious and yields incredible results.
2. Why are you passionate about your commitment to United Way’s Community Investment Fund?
I have been very fortunate to be blessed in so many ways and this is an awesome opportunity to be able to give back to our community.
3. What is something interesting or surprising that most people don’t know about you?
I am a die-hard Gator fan and bleed orange-and-blue, and my most hated rival is the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite this I have an English Bulldog that looks just like Uga, the Georgia Bulldogs mascot! He is even named 'Munson' after a famous Georgia Bulldog radio commentator, Larry Munson. How did that happen? It's a long story, but to keep him confused he wears a Gator jersey to the Florida-Georgia game every year.
4. What would your older self tell your younger self?
Keep your priorities in order and learn from mistakes - others' more than your own, preferably.
5. What is your favorite quote?
"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar
Small businesses play a critical role in maintaining a thriving local economy. They are no less important to the success of United Way, as we endeavor to improve lives through our work in education, income, and health. Our Small Business Partners are an important, growing family of donors, who are vital to helping us meet the needs of our community.
To learn more about how you and your business can support United Way, contact Chris Wells at cwells@unitedwayncfl.org or (352) 316-0666.
Click here for more Small Business Spotlights.
Click here for our Small Business Spotlight directory.