Editor’s Note: “Time for Some Good News” is a feature that spotlights the good deeds, great people and positive stories in the landscaping industry.
If you have your own good news to share, reach out to Seth Jones at sjones@northcoastmedia.net or Scott Hollister at shollister@northcoastmedia.net.
One type of social media content that has exploded in recent years is the average landscaper going out of their way to mow and maintain overgrown lawns for people in need — oftentimes free of charge.
It’s heartwarming content that often reflects the simple ways the landscaping industry works to benefit local communities and the people in them. One popular name in this category who has amassed more than 50 million followers and 3 billion annual views is Spencer B. of SB Mowing and SB Pressure Washing.
“I feel extremely blessed,” Spencer says about his online success. “Social media has given me a platform to not only make a living, but to shine a spotlight on stories of kindness, hard work and community.”
And when Muck Boots, an outdoor boot manufacturer, saw Spencer wearing their products in a video, they knew there was potential to take his philanthropy to the next level.
“We loved the work Spencer was doing and knew that a partnership would be beneficial to both Muck and SB Mowing,” says Chris Lorenzo, vice president and general manager of Muck Boots. “Our teams worked together not just to sponsor Spencer and his work but to come up with a collaboration that made sense for both brands.”
That collaboration came in the form of an “Extreme MUCKover” of Tall Oaks Camp, located just outside of Kansas City. It’s an inclusive 236-acre site that has welcomed campers of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities since 1964, and it was in desperate need of some maintenance.
“(Spencer) is the one who actually found Tall Oaks, and it made sense,” Lorenzo says.
Spencer says the MUCKover involved clearing out years’ worth of overgrowth around the campground’s main building. Weeds, volunteer trees and large plants had taken over the beds and covered the building from view, and taking it all down allowed for volunteers to go in and redesign the landscape to be more intentional and accessible.
“For the kids who come to camp, especially those with accessibility needs, this makeover makes the environment feel safer and more welcoming,” Spencer says. “And for the employees, it gives them a fresh start and makes their jobs easier because they’re not constantly battling overgrowth.”
But the collaboration wasn’t just saved for Spencer. Muck Boots made sure to do their part as well and outfitted the entire staff with new boots, a gesture that can really help those working mostly outdoors.
“Partnering with a brand that doesn’t just talk about helping communities but actually takes action makes the impact that much bigger,” Spencer says. “It’s the kind of collaboration that really multiplies the good we can do.”
Lorenzo says it’s important for the company to do their part in helping out local communities, and Muck Boots has a long history of charity, including making donations on Giving Tuesday, organzing volunteer efforts to fill and distribute Thanksgiving boxes, investing in the National Young Farmers Coalition and working with Barstool Sports to benefit dog shelters.
Lorenzo also hopes to continue the partnership with Spencer in the future to do more good for others.
But for now, Spencer says the work he’s done feels amazing, and showing how small acts of service can have a huge ripple effect is one of the best parts of the collaboration.
“Being able to take on projects at places like Tall Oaks means a lot to me,” he says. “It shows that the work goes beyond just cleaning up lawns. It makes a lasting difference in people’s lives and in communities.”
