Affton Man Builds Lawn Care Business in Tough Times

Affton's Mark Struckhoff is a well educated person with an MBA who saw himself making his career in the corporate world. Due to the economy, however, he is instead mowing lawns—yet he does it with a happy heart. 

“I work part-time in an office,” Struckhoff said. “That position was full-time, but then went to a part-time position.”

Struckhoff, who has been married to his wife Katie for five years, has a daughter, Ella, who is 15 months. When his job changed, he had to do some thinking, and though it may not have been what he envisioned while in college at Webster University getting his masters degree, he has taken his business sense and put it to work starting a successful lawn care service. 

“My lawn business started as weekend activity, but I continued to pick up more business by referrals,” he said. “Now I cut lawns three days a week. I keep my business small, so that I can better serve my client base.”

He keeps his business simple: mowing, trimming, edging, hedge trimming and yard clean-ups.

“I usually do it alone, but my brother comes on as a helper if I need it,” he said. 

Struckoff has also used his lawncare skills to help neighbors in need. When his next door neighbor was sick and could not care for her lawn, he helped without being asked. After she passed away he helped keep the yard cut when needed. 

Struckhoff grew up in Arnold and went to De Smet Jesuit High School. He attended Southeast Missouri State University, and then Webster for his MBA in finance. 

“I lived in Europe for six months during college,” he said. “I traveled extensively through Europe. I later got married in Maui on the beach."

Celebrating his fith anniversary this month, Struckhoff looks at his situation and sees it as a blessing in disguise.

“This extra time I have had due to my job change, has given me more time with my daughter,” he said. “If I’d have been working full-time in finance I would not have been able to do this right now. Spending time with the family and watching Ella grow up are my favorite things.” 

Struckhoff's father is a small business owner. His mom is retired teacher and he grew up with  two younger brothers. 

Besides Struckhoff’s part-time job, his lawn-care business, and spending time with Ella and Katie, he has several hobbies including resale, traveling, camping, kayaking and home improvement.

“I am currently looking for  a full-time position in accounting or finance,” he said.

But one thing is sure, he has enjoyed his time outside of the corporate world, mowing lawns and being in the outdoors so much that he has decided to continue his lawn-care service.

“I really enjoy the work,” he said.