Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant Johnson.
Hi Grant, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always wanted to build something of my own. After years of hands-on experience in landscaping, I decided to take the leap and start Aurora Landscapes here in Bemidji, Minnesota. It was a big step, especially with a young family, but I wanted to show my kids what it looks like to face fear, take a risk, and persevere.
Aurora Landscapes grew out of a genuine love for the craft, especially hardscape work like retaining walls, and paver patios. As well as a passion for taking care of and planting perennials, shrubs, and trees. From the beginning, I’ve prioritized quality, attention to detail, and doing right by both customers and employees. That means showing up, standing behind our work, and paying my crew above-average wages to help build a business people want to be part of for the long haul.
It’s still early in the journey, but I’m proud of what we’re building — one project, one relationship, and one season at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course it hasn’t been a smooth road, that’s just part of starting and growing a small business. We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, from equipment failures to scheduling challenges and figuring out how to coordinate with new vendors. But through it all, we’ve stayed focused on delivering a high-end experience for our clients. One thing I hear consistently is how much people appreciate our communication, and to me, that says we’re doing something right.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Aurora Landscapes, we specialize in creating high-quality outdoor spaces with a focus on craftsmanship and customer care. We install paver patios, retaining walls, sod, plantings, and garden beds, really anything to bring structure and beauty to a landscape. We also provide tree care services like fertilization, which supports the long-term health of the property.
In an industry with a lot of competition, we know we have to earn every job. What sets us apart is the value we bring, through fast response times, clear communication, and a consistently high level of quality in everything we do. We don’t just install projects; we aim to be partners in our customers’ properties.
What I’m most proud of is every single referral we receive. There’s truly no greater compliment than having a past client recommend us to someone else. That trust means everything, and we work hard to honor it.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing a project come full circle, from the first conversation at the estimate, through planning and execution, to the final result. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea on paper and turning it into a finished space our clients can enjoy. When customers tell us the final product exceeded their expectations, that’s the best feeling. It means all the thought, effort, and care we put in was worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://auroralandscapes.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantthelandscaper/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aurora-Landscapes/61573404584799/?_rdr
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/grantwaynejohnson
