On Sundays I write about individuals that we can look up to and admire.
Just recently I read about Rodney Smith Jr. who has launched, Raising Men Lawn Care Services (RMLCS) and its sister program Raising Women Lawn Care Service.
From Epoch Bright:
It all started with a single act of kindness in his senior year in 2015, Smith says.
“I was leaving school, and I came across an elderly man outside mowing his lawn,” he said. “It looked like he was struggling, so I pulled over and helped him out, and then, little did I know, that one small act of kindness would end up changing my life.”
Getting home that night, Smith posted about the experience on Facebook. He was so inspired that he offered to mow the lawns of other older folks, asking if anyone had an elderly parent or knew any disabled veterans in need of a hand. He would show up and mow their lawns—for free.
“I can’t remember how many I done,” Smith said. “People reached out, and I started mowing lawns. At first my goal was to mow 40 lawns—I was in school, so I’d mow them in between classes—but I mowed 40 lawns so quick I had to go up to 100.”
After founding RMLCS in 2016, not only did Smith mow lawns for the needy in his area, but he invited kids across the country to take up his 50-Yard Challenge to mow 50 lawns and help their own communities. Those who completed the challenge were rewarded with a brand-new lawn mower and weed-whacker set, courtesy of Smith, which he hand-delivered personally, driving to family homes wherever in America they might be.
Over the years, some 5,000 boys and girls have signed up, and although many dropped out, unable to finish all 50 lawns, around 400 to 500 have completed all 50, Smith said. The 50-Yard Challenge not only helps the elderly and disabled but also all those kids aged 7 to 17 who do the mowing.
It teaches life lessons.
Smith has now driven to all 50 states to bestow kids with boxed sets of lawn-mowing equipment, visit with the winners, and mow lawns free of charge beyond his home state of Alabama.
Rodney Smith Jr. is truly someone we can all look up to and admire.
4/27/25