While most high school students juggle homework and extracurriculars, Eisenhower senior Gavin Brecht is balancing something a bit different—running his own landscaping business.

“My day starts at school, but right after class I’m in the office catching up on everything that came in while I was gone,” Brecht said. “That could be a phone call, a job estimate that came in online, or dispatching someone to a site.”

Brecht rents office space from his uncle and keeps his equipment in a nearby storage lot. His landscaping company takes jobs in both Macomb and Oakland counties. Every job estimate is completed online, which makes it easier for customers to request landscaping or lawn care services on the go especially while Brecht is in school.

“Once I get out of school after fourth hour, I’m working,” Brecht said. “I rarely get vacations, and I don’t always have time to hang out with friends, but that’s what it takes. I’ve learned to make those sacrifices over the past two years of owning this business.”

Brecht enrolled in the school to Work program this year, which allows him to leave school after fourth hour. The extra time helps him stay on top of his business without falling behind in academics.

“Running your own business is a lot to handle, and I was looking for a way to get out earlier and dedicate more time to my business” he said. “Some of my friends had gone through the program and said it helped a lot—so I gave it a try. It’s honestly been a game-changer.”

Despite the long hours and hard work, Brecht says the rewards make it all worth it.

“You can go in and cut a lawn, and when you leave, it looks completely different. Seeing that transformation is what keeps me going,” he said. “This isn’t just a job to me—it’s a passion.”

Brecht’s also found joy in the people he works with, many of whom are friends from school or graduates who stayed on to help grow the business.

“The best part is the environment. I get to work with friends I’ve known for years. That makes the long days feel a lot shorter.”

As a young entrepreneur, Brecht has picked up plenty of business wisdom along the way, especially when it comes to valuing yourself and your time.

“Know what you’re worth,” he advised. “Don’t underbid just to get a job. And know your limits—take on what you can handle and build from there.”

With his business continuing to grow and real-world experience under his belt, Brecht is paving the way for a future where passion and professionalism go hand in hand.

-By Natalie Rubel