Behind The Print: Mowing for a Mission
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode, I sit down with Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, to explore how one simple act of kindness sparked a national movement. We’ll dig into Rodney’s journey from computer science student to community leader, how he’s empowering thousands of kids to give back through free lawn care, and how print plays a meaningful role in sharing his mission through books, materials, and outreach.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
9-minute read
“I don’t even know what a day off is anymore, you know? There is a famous quote saying, ‘When you do what you love, you never work a day in your life,’ And I believe that’s what I’m doing.” Rodney Smith, Founder
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Rodney Smith Jr., founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is Mowing for a Mission, and I’m here with the founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, Rodney Smith.
Rodney Smith: Hello. How you doing?
Zoe Fisher: I’m doing great. How are you?
Rodney Smith: I’m doing well. Can’t complain.
“There’s many ways to make a difference. You might see someone in need in your neighborhood. It could be pulling the trash in; it could be anything. If you see a need, do something about it! And you never know what one month of kindness can do. For me, one month kind of changed my life and every single day I’m out there mowing free lawns and I’m encouraging the next generation to follow my footsteps.” Rodney Smith, Founder
Zoe Fisher: I’m so glad. So tell me, Rodney, what inspired you to start Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service?
Rodney Smith: It all started in 2015. I was in college, in my senior year, and I came across an elderly man struggling to mow his lawn. I pulled over to help, just doing what anyone would do. I had no idea that moment of kindness would change my life.
That night, I posted about the experience on Facebook and told people if they knew someone elderly, disabled, a single parent, or a veteran in need of a free lawn mowing, to let me know. My goal was to mow 40 lawns by the end of winter. I thought I could fit in a few between classes. But I hit that goal fast and raised it to 100. A month and a half later, I reached 100 lawns.
That’s when I came up with Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Now it’s Raising Men & Women, and we still mow lawns for free—but we also involve kids ages 8 to 17, showing them the importance of giving back to their communities with a lawnmower in hand.
Zoe Fisher: That is amazing. How did that initial act of kindness shape the mission behind your current organization?
Rodney Smith: That moment created everything. Now we have the 50 Yard Challenge, and over 5,000 kids across the country are participating. It started with one lawn, and now we have kids even in other countries joining in.
Zoe Fisher: Tell me about the 50 Yard Challenge and how it grew so quickly into a national movement.
Rodney Smith: It started slowly, but during the pandemic, when kids were home from school, it really took off. The 50 Yard Challenge asks kids to mow 50 free lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents, or veterans. We also count raking leaves and snow shoveling.
To join, kids make a sign that says “I accept the 50 Yard Challenge,” and we send them a white Raising Men or Raising Women t-shirt, safety glasses, and ear protection. It’s set up like a karate belt system—every 10 lawns, they earn a new shirt: orange for 10, green for 20, blue for 30, red for 40, and black for 50. When they complete 50 lawns, we give them a brand-new mower, weed eater, and blower.
Zoe Fisher: That’s incredible. How many youths have participated so far?
Rodney Smith: Over 5,000 kids across the country have signed up for the 50 Yard Challenge.
Zoe Fisher: That’s so inspiring. How has this impacted the kids and the people they help?
Rodney Smith: It’s been a huge impact. These kids are stepping up to help people in their communities—especially the elderly and disabled who are on fixed incomes. When a kid mows their lawn for free, they can use their money for essentials like food or medication. It’s a win-win for everyone.
“Make sure you’re doing something that you love, and if you’re really passionate about it, your work will speak for itself. And when someone really cares about your job or your mission, you can tell just by the way they carry themselves and the multi effort they put into what they do.” Rodney Smith, Founder
Zoe Fisher: What do you hope young people take away from the program?
Rodney Smith: I hope they take pride in knowing they’re making a difference. That one simple act of kindness can ripple outward. That’s what I want them to remember.
Zoe Fisher: How do you instill values like kindness and responsibility in your program?
Rodney Smith: I lead by example. I still mow free lawns here in Huntsville, Alabama. I want kids to see me doing it. It’s about stepping up for those in need. One day, I hope to have chapters of the organization across all 50 states, kind of like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Zoe Fisher: That would be incredible. What has surprised you most about working with kids nationwide?
Rodney Smith: Just seeing how many want to get out there and make a difference—on their own, without being pushed. That’s been amazing to watch.
Zoe Fisher: What’s been the biggest challenge?
Rodney Smith: At first, just getting the word out. But once social media picked up, it helped tremendously. Now, especially when the weather warms up, we see a big spike in signups.
Zoe Fisher: Your social media presence has really grown. What’s been the key to that success?
Rodney Smith: Just consistently sharing our work. I post every lawn I mow. Kids post theirs. We tag and share, and it spreads. I always say—you never know who’s watching. I remind the kids of that all the time.
Zoe Fisher: Do you have a favorite memory from meeting participants across the country?
Rodney Smith: So many. One that stands out is a kid named Wesley in Michigan. He started slow but found his rhythm and finished the challenge. Another is BJ from Ohio—he started at seven years old and now runs his own business with a little bus and a few employees. He still mows free lawns, too. We’re seeing kids become entrepreneurs, which I didn’t expect at first.
“It’s played a huge part. I recently wrote a children’s book and I printed it with PrintingCenterUSA and I use you guys to print my book. And I wrote one book and wrote two more actually. So I, a total of three books about my life story, but as if I was a kid.” Rodney Smith, Founder
Zoe Fisher: You’re creating the entrepreneurs of the future.
Rodney Smith: Exactly.
Zoe Fisher: Are there any upcoming programs or partnerships you’re excited about?
Rodney Smith: Yes! Wild Badger just came on as a sponsor. They’re giving us blowers and weed eaters to supply the kids. That’s a huge help—equipment gets expensive, so we’re very thankful.
Zoe Fisher: Shout out to Wild Badger—that’s amazing. What would you tell someone wanting to start a mission or foundation like yours?
Rodney Smith: There are many ways to make a difference. I believe lawn care chose me. You might notice a need in your neighborhood—like helping with trash bins. Just do something. One act of kindness changed my life. I hope others find their purpose too.
Zoe Fisher: Do you think you’d be in the lawn care industry if that moment hadn’t happened?
Rodney Smith: No way. I was studying computer science. I’d probably be miserable in an office. I’m glad I found my purpose.
Zoe Fisher: I love that. How has print helped share your message?
Rodney Smith: It’s played a big role. I recently wrote a children’s book—actually, three of them—about my story, but told as if I were a kid. I printed them with PrintingCenterUSA. My hope is younger kids will read them and want to join the challenge.
“I know when we first started it was small and it was slow, but eventually the word got around on social media and that has helped us tremendously.” Rodney Smith, Founder
Zoe Fisher: That’s so fun. If you had a totally free day, how would you spend it?
Rodney Smith: Honestly, I don’t know what a day off is anymore. But as the saying goes, when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. That’s how I feel. I wake up, mow lawns, go to sleep, and do it all over again—and I love it.
Zoe Fisher: Any advice for small business owners wearing a lot of hats?
Rodney Smith: Just do something you love. If you’re passionate, your work will speak for itself. People can tell when you truly care.
Zoe Fisher: And I definitely see that in your work—from your website to your books to your mission. It’s inspiring.
Rodney Smith: Thank you.
Zoe Fisher: Finally, how can people get involved, donate, or start the 50 Yard Challenge?
Rodney Smith: Visit our website at weareraisingmen.com. You can learn more about the challenge and donate there. For my books, visit rodneysmithjr.com.
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Keep It Growing!
From empowering kids to mowing thousands of lawns across the country, Rodney Smith Jr. is planting seeds of kindness, leadership, and service with every pass of the mower. Through Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, he’s inspiring the next generation to take pride in giving back—and doing it with heart. At PrintingCenterUSA, we’ve had the honor of helping Rodney share his mission through high-quality printed materials, including children’s books that spark action and compassion. Whether you’re building a movement or starting a project close to your heart, you can bring your message to life with print that makes a difference. Order today!
