Student entrepreneurs: J&M Landscaping beautifies the community

OH seniors Justen Barocio and Prestin Alvarez have grown their own landscaping business, J&M Landscaping within the past year in our OH community, working together to provide landscaping services to many while being passionate about what they do.

“I knew I could make money by landscaping so I made it my goal, […] and it took off fast,” said Barocio. With a goal to look forward to down the road, Barocio knew where his head was focused, and it was only to continue to grow his business up from there.

Before starting up his business, Barocio was working a regular fast food job just like many other teens. Barocio had a goal to put in work and make money but struggled to enjoy a low-wage job with hard working hours!

Despite Prestin Alvarez being an addition to Barocio and this company, his contributions are just as great. 

“All my time has been given to this J&M idea, I have used my connections to be able to allow people who have believed in us to pour thousands of dollars to help us grow,” said Alvarez.

Teens often face struggles of doubt from elders who do not see the goals ahead when trying to grow on their own. These two have yet to let those struggles delay them!

“Starting off so young, no one took me seriously so I chose to stop talking about my vision and work to show them instead,” said Barocio. “This has worked, I’ve grown connections with multi-millionaires who are willing to help me advance quicker with my beliefs.” 

Balancing school and J&M has been a personal struggle for both of the students. This, of course, still did not stop them from promoting themselves, even within their education. 

OH English 3 teacher Victoria Dickson happened to have these two young entrepreneurs in her class last year as juniors, when J & M Landscaping was just beginning. Baracio and Alvarez took it upon themselves to reach out to their teachers, asking if they were able to provide services for their properties. 

“I wanted to give them a chance because I just adored both of these guys [[…]] they were so passionate and excited that it got me interested and excited for J&M Landscaping as well,” said Dickson. 

Their motto, “We do a little bit more for a little bit less,” Dickson has continued to be a huge fan and an amazing customer who is beyond proud of these two young men. 

Dickson’s belief in Barocio and Alvarez has given them the opportunity to be connected to the OH community by being helped and affordable.

“[K]eep grinding, you have already shown yourselves that if you are willing to work hard, have commitment and drive, your possibilities are endless,” advised Dickinson. 

Without anyone to guide them through starting their business, Baracio and Alvarez learned to continue to do good for themselves by using their community and spreading the word about their efforts.

“I’m here to show anyone that you can do it if you stay consistent and be good at what you do,” said Barocio. 

“We recently hired someone to answer phones/sell jobs to spare us some time,” said Barocio.

As the two students have continued to grow they have expanded their business by utilizing technology such as social media to push out their work and content to help show visuals of their work. Along with their Instagram and Facebook @Jm_Landscape83, they have their own website too.

“Set yourself to a higher standard, show out [[…]] Nothing will come overnight [[…]] be realistic about your goals [[…]] and be willing to suffer and struggle but keep going because your consistency is key!” said Alvarez. 

The future is an endless possibility for these two, thanks to the mindset and goals they have set for themselves.