Tyler DeWayne Ford shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Tyler DeWayne, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Deep relationships. Many of the conversations I will have in a day would surprise you. Vulnerability and openness to listen has led to some of the most teachable moments. Whether it be with one of my children, or one of my clients. I’ve noticed a constant pull towards connection has kept me grounded, thriving and remains a force I stay humbled by as I take on other perspectives.
Nobody else sees those thoughts and memories often shared one-on-one with others. It’s always been a gift that people could cut through mundane conversations with me and reveal much deeper thoughts, concerns and/or their passions. From family, to friends, to my customers, what we have built together in our connections are often the seeds that bear the most fruit in my life, year after year.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m Tyler, the owner/operator of DeWayne Outdoor Solutions, LLC. DOS offers a wide-variety of professional landscaping and hauling services. We handle Garden Beds, Plant and Tree Care, Overgrowth Clearing, Seasonal Clean Ups, Material Delivery, Plant/Shrub/Leaf/Brush Removal, Bulky Item/Trash Removal, Fencing, Concrete and more— What we really offer is solutions for your every day problems. What makes us very unique is our interest in people, not just the projects they hire us for.
I come from a social work background prior to starting this company. So I see needs, gather resources and offer linkage to common goals. I often look back to when I picked up my first rake and shovel, helping my Great Grandfather, Harold DeWayne McDowell in his garden. Or when I added my first landscaping job for an elderly neighbor battling Cancer— Working outdoors, with the land has always been a true calling. Serving my community became a much deeper calling.
Our services and what we offer is ever evolving as our passion grows. This tight-knit team can completely restore landscapes, offer year round professional container plantings, create handmade plant pots, clean up your existing property, and even increase the resale value on your home, or business. We’ve done it before. We do what interests us, and we do anything we can to meet our customers goals.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My Great Grandfather, we all called him Grandpa “Mac”. The man was of an era and time that’s sure to never return. Born in 1921, he was tough as nails, yet gentle as a man should be; he displayed tact and wit while cracking jokes and making sure anyone felt comfortable in his presence.
With a deep understanding, he saw all of his family and many others for who they were, at their best— Even on our worst days. He never let go of a family member, or friend who was struggling. In fact he’d double down, taking the time necessary to show he still believed in you. Somehow he artfully managed giving space, “giving you a hard time”, offering guidance and dosing out tough love when it was called for.
It is with great intention that our company honors the middle name “DeWayne” from the very beginning, and to which my Son and I proudly share the name, as well. It’s a great reminder of our roots, of where we came from and where to return back to for inspiration.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Well, I’ve been told I’m pretty hard headed and for whatever reason learn much more from mistakes. Whether it be from others, or my very own. Positioning to move past self-doubt and uncertainty has made me much more confident and willing to go through the fire to forge. It’s easy when things are going well, though I believe true character and integrity are refined and defined in our toughest moments. How I’ve reacted in those moments revealed where I have grown, and also where I have yet to.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Definitely my wife’s. She offers a completely different viewpoint than my own, on many things. She simplifies the ideas that I often make out to be way too complicated. I’m thankful to her for always being there to bounce my ideas off of. She has great wisdom, is the best listener and will often quickly curb the over-thinker in me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Well, I truly hope many can say that I was there for them, in the times they needed somebody.
Contact Info:
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Image Credits
Tyler D. Ford
