Lawn Love
The Masters Lawn Care Indy Owner Celebrates 50 Years in Business
Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Robby Berry
Ralph Scott, owner and president of The Masters Lawn Care Indy, as well as owner and partner with Hoosier Lawn Care, is celebrating 50 years in business, and says he couldnt be happier.
Scotts five decades cutting grass in the greater Indianapolis area has earned him a reputation as both a highly popular and extremely reliable worker.
I have had a lot of loyal customers over the years, with both residential and commercial properties, Scott says. My longest customers are homebuilders. I still do lawn work for Ryan Homes, CalAtlantic and Lennar. Ive also worked for Beazer Homes, Davis Homes, and Hansen and Horn.
Scott, a Marshall High School graduate, began mowing lawns to pay his way through college.
I started mowing when I was 20 years old as a college sophomore, he says. I started with just a simple push-start, Service Merchandise lawnmower, some regular clippers and a broom. I operated out of my VW Super Beetle. I was able to fit the lawnmower in my trunk, and just drive around to all my regular customers. I worked while I was going to college to earn a degree in education.
As his customer base grew, Scott says he expanded his services to meet his customers needs and expectations. He has always tried to offer outstanding lawn care such as sod installation, which has earned him a lot of referrals.
I make sure my customers are pleased with all of the work I do, Scott says. I want them to tell their family and friends about me.
Scott, 70, worked with former NBA star and Indiana Mr. Basketball Greg Oden when he was younger. Scott knows a thing or two about basketball. He spent many decades coaching basketball at Lawrence North High School. He also started teaching at the school in August of 1978.
I spent two years as the head coach of the Lawrence North girls basketball team, and then I was the varsity assistant coach of the boys team, and the boys junior varsity coach, Scott says. I really loved coaching, and met a lot of wonderful players over the years. I also had some great tasks over the years.
Scott says he cant say enough good things about Lawrence Township schools.
I was a teacher in the special education department, Scott says. My greatest pleasure in teaching was the supportive employment and work-study program that I developed for Lawrence Township. I started a work program for kids with disabilities. I take pride in the success of the program. We lined up kids with places that were looking for help. Some of the kids worked with me, while others had high abilities. The program was recognized throughout Washington Township.
Scott had some busy days during his years with Lawrence Township schools. He would teach during the school day, coach his teams, and also keep up with his lawn care duties. His days would often last from 6 a.m. until 8 or 8:30 p.m.
Working outside after a long day in the classroom and gym was always a welcome contrast, Scott says. I have had a lot of friendships that I have developed over the years. My biggest enjoyment has been watching the young people that have worked for me go on to start their own successful businesses.
Scott has been a positive role model for a lot of young people.
I believe in leading by example, Scott says. I would like to think that my success as a teacher, coach and business owner is a good example of what you can accomplish with a lot of hard work.
Scott has no immediate plans to quit The Masters Lawn Care Indy. He still mows lawns eight months out of the year, and enjoys what hes doing.
Im down to just one employee working for me now, he says. I work about three and a half days a week. I play a lot of golf and do a lot of traveling with my wife Cindi. I also still really enjoy working outside. I remember everything. I remember the very first lawn I cut, all the way up to my latest job. I love what I do.
To schedule your next lawn care service, call Scott at 317-496-4224, or email rscottsr@sbcglobal.net.
