Was it a Godwink, good timing, or just some big hearts – The story of how a John Deere changed a young boy’s business
Tyler Ryan shares the story of a special donation to a young entrepreneur
COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) – My phone rang Friday afternoon, and on the other end, were two longtime friends, Frank Baker and Jonathan Gamboa from Carolina Smart Home. It seemed that Jonathan had seen a post on Facebook from a young man who was running a lawn business. Jonathan told me that he was hand written, and spoke to him.
The sign included all the necessary information that an advertisement should have, including a price list, phone number, email, and the line that really caught his eye, “Meet the team – Layton: 12 year old boy who loves to work.”
As a small business owner himself, he knew how hard it was to start a business as an adult, much less twelve years old, even one who “loves to work.” He decided to create a flier for him, in hopes that it might help. After he created it, he called a friend of his, David Ruiz, who just happens to be the owner of Elite Lawn and Landscape, to ask about printing them out. “We don’t have a color printer,” said Ruiz, “But…” and it was the BUT that would change everything for the “Local Boy.”
Ruiz went on to explain that the day prior, one of his long-term clients husband had recently passed, and she had a lawn tractor, specifically at John Deere S110, with about five hours, that she wanted to give to him. Although his company uses commercial grade equipment, he appreciated the gesture, and accepted it, with the intention of donating it. As timing would turn out, it seemed he had found the right recipient – that same day.
Using the only contact information he had for the Company, Gamboa called the number on the sign, and it turned out it was the business owner himself. He explained to Layton that he had made some professional fliers for him, but wanted to work through his parents, if for no other reason than the “beat up van” he drives…
He made contact with Layton’s Mother Anna, and as expected, she was very excited.
This is where I jumped in and told him “We NEED to share this story!!”
After some fast planning with David, Jonathan, Anna, and the Good Morning Columbia Crew, a major surprise was in store for young Mr. Layton, which played out live on ABC Columbia.
We invited Layton, Jonathan, and David on the show, and got to hear the story first hand, and got to know Layton, and learn about how he runs his business. We learned that he has a weedwhacker, a backpack blower, and a push mower that he borrows from his Dad.
We explained to Layton, who had not a clue about how his world was going to change, that we wanted to help him with his business, and we just happened to have Elite Lawn and Landscape on the show also. “Since you both are lawn guys, do you want to help me interview David?” I asked. “Sure,” he said.
After some hard hitting questions, like “what is your favorite piece of equipment,” the conversation about the tractor sitting in front of us came up. I asked him if he would ever want a lawn tractor like the beautiful John Deer S110, of course, he said “Yes.” I then asked how many lawns he would have to mow with his push mower to afford a tractor like that . “About 200 or so,” was his reply.
“Not today,” David chimed it. “Buddy, this is yours.”
“No way.” the response.
“Way.”
Call it great timing, a humongous coincidence, or a gentle whisper from the Man Upstairs, in three minutes of television, Layton Majure learned about business, kindness, and what hard work can earn.
If you live in the Forest Acres area, you can reach out to Local Boys Lawn Care by calling 803-509-0237.
If you are outside the range that he can drive his new Deere, Elite Lawn and Landscape would be happy to help. You can find them HERE.
And, if you are in need to a smarter home, or full security, reach out to Jonathan and Frank HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tyler Ryan is an award winning television and radio personality, weather forecaster, writer, investigative journalist, and professional emcee. He appears daily on ABC Columbia’s Good Morning Columbia, as well as hosting the syndicated radio program Carolina Cares on the South Carolina Radio Network, and the iHeart Radio Network. Tyler also regularly appears as a criminal expert and journalist on regional and national crime based programs like Snapped and Killer Couples. You can contact him directly via EMAIL Or on the socials: Tyler’s Instagram // Tyler’s Facebook
