Nickolas Boker is the owner and operator of Boker Landscaping & Hardscaping. Nickolas Boker is a graduate of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP). We had a chance to sit down with him to ask about his experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA’s training program.
(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
While the challenges of venturing off the beaten trail to forge your own business is daunting and challenging, to say the least, the rewards of self-confidence and independence make the journey well worth the trials and hardships. I decided to become an entrepreneur because the drive for independence from the traditional 9-5 structure of working for another was stronger in me than the safety and security of “normal” employment. Also, I believe income is directly connected to ambition in a way that isn’t as pronounced in traditional jobs. When you are an entrepreneur, you do not earn an hourly wage… If you are ambitious and make more sales, you earn all of it.
(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
I chose the Landscaping and Hardscaping (Pavers) industry because nature centers me and keeps me sane. While some dislike the idea of getting their hands dirty in laborious outdoor work, it centers my mind and helps me live a more fulfilling life. Also, it is highly in demand since customers always welcome the help with improving their properties whether it be something as small as lawn fertilization or as large as a new stone paver patio.
(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
LAEDA has helped me tremendously, mostly in the area of tax law and how to navigate the confusing mess of the bureaucratic side of running a business. From registering an LLC and opening a bank account to doing taxes – LAEDA helped me in this area of business tremendously.
(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
When I came to LAEDA, it was for a completely different industry. I went through the program for my website development business but things did not work out. Luckily, I was able to pivot to my current industry while still using those skills to build my business website (www.bokerlandscapes.org) and leverage a successful Google business profile that now has 77 five-star reviews and brings me a steady flow of free, organic leads.
In the beginning, the biggest challenge was gaining traction and getting customers. Initially, I used Home Advisor to purchase leads for jobs; but, now I am able to sustain my lead flow through organic and free Google leads using my Google My Business Page.
(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
In the beginning, Boker Landscapes just offered basic landscaping services like cutting and maintaining lawns. However, it has grown to offer multiple services including power washing, aquascaping, and mainly hardscaping with pavers. Building stone walkways, patios, and driveways has been the big event that shifted the business to the next level of profitability.
(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
Yes, my advice is this… Do not ever give up! If you ever reach a block that you think is insurmountable and the desire to give up intensifies – take a breath, pray on the issue, and contemplate strategies to overcome what is in your way. There will be many stumbling blocks on your path to success in your chosen field of business but you should view them as an opportunity to persevere and overcome… Never let negativity and anxiety paralyze you. Do not let paralysis of analysis defeat you but instead contemplate your obstacles and break them up into baby steps. Every day set your intention to resolve some of these steps, no matter how insignificant. You will overcome and be successful, and your confidence and self-worth will rise with your bank account.
Nickolas Boker can be reached at his Google business profile:
https://g.page/boker-landscaping-lawncare?share
You can call him at 856-617-9456.
You can email him at Sylinic@gmail.com
Also, check out his website www.bokerlandscapes.org.
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.