Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrett Metzger.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Garrett. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started in this industry in 1995 and I have done pretty much every job you can think of. Over the years I worked with and learned from some of the most talented people in this industry. As my experience grew, so did my desire to run my own company. Starting in the middle of a recession is not easy, but I was presented with the opportunity to build something unique and couldn’t pass it by. So with the help and support of some great friends and family, Blade Runners Services LLC was formed in the fall of 2009.
My company initially started as a residential snow removal service for the areas of Kildeer, Long Grove and Hawthorn Woods. From there, I slowly began offering maintenance and installation services. The maintenance division of Blade Runners shut down in 2012 at which point my focus became building on my passion of landscape/hardscape design and installation.
In 2015 I was offered the opportunity to become an Authorized Unilock Contractor. My commitment to my clients matches the same principles that make Unilock one of the best in the business. The relationship I have with Unilock has helped Blade Runners become one of the best landscaping design-build firms in the Chicago land area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d be lying if I said things have been a walk in the park since Blade Runners opened. For starters, being in the snow removal industry is not easy for anyone since we rely on Mother Nature to help pay our bills. Needless to say, winters in Chicago are not what they used to be. There have been a few winters of minimal snow where Blade Runners was on the verge of shutting down.
That aside, one of my greatest struggles so far has been keeping the landscape designs and services competitive while continuing to offer the same high quality product my company has become known for. Even in my early days, I not once compromised the quality of my work make a buck. This has meant there have been times where I’ve either broke even or taken a loss on jobs. Was it tough to makes sales during the recession? Absolutely – homeowners were struggling to simply hang onto their homes. But with patience and perseverance, we endured. I believe it is this dedication I’ve had to both my clients and craft that has allowed us to grow into the company we are today.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Blade Runners story. Tell us more about the business.
Blade Runners is a landscape design-build firm that specializes in outdoor living spaces. Throughout the years we have become known for our exceptional and professional services. We thoroughly enjoy transforming our clients’ outdoor living spaces based on both their wants and needs. The process of bringing each project to fruition is not only fun and exciting for me, but also our installation crew. The crew takes great pride in their work which shines through in the quality of the final product. Nothing we create is considered cookie-cutter. It is important to me that each space truly is one of a kind, reflecting upon the homeowner’s personality and style.
The design presentations I use is what sets us apart from the competition. I use a 3D modelling program to create a full walk through experience and present it right in my client’s home. We review the design together and discuss options. If the client requests a change, I am able to adjust the design during the same appointment. This has been an integral step in understanding the client’s wants and needs. The client also appreciates the opportunity to be more involved in the design process. After all, it is their home and not mine.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
In all honesty. I believe that you make your own luck in life. Not everything goes as planned but you adjust and move forward.
Contact Info:
- Address: 225 Oakwood Rd
Lake Zurich IL 60047 - Website: www.bladerunnerspro.com
- Phone: 847-550-8650
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/blade_runners_services/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bladerunnerspro/
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