At the age of twelve, Michael Fessenden started working as a part-time gardener for his grandma. Developing a passion for gardening, he began studying and exploring different landscaping ideas on his own.

In 1995, he started Myron Royce Gardens as a local organic vegetable operation, but it wasn’t profitable. Several friends told him, “I always thought you would go into landscaping. You’re good at it.”

One day, he received a call from one of his grandma’s friends, asking if Michael would help her husband with a disability paint their house. Of course, Michael said, “Yes.” While up on the ladder painting, the man asked him what he knew about planting trees. After hearing Michael’s answer, he insisted Michael buy two trees and plant them for him.

It seemed as if God was answering his question: Yes, go into landscaping.

Michael’s approach to business has remained the same over the years, telling his crew leaders:

• • “Spend more time listening and asking questions to understand what the customer wants.”
  • “Take care of your customers and fix their problems quickly.”
  • “Be dependable, don’t delay, and always do what you said you would do.”
  • “Contracts are for remembering what you said you would do for the customer, but if there’s a problem, work it out and keep the customer happy.”