Most 17-year-olds are figuring out college plans and finishing homework.
David Perdue was quoting landscaping jobs with a flashlight after school and building what would become a 7-figure business.
Today, David is the founder and CEO of Greenview Landscape Services in Memphis—a commercial landscaping company with 26 employees and a growing list of high-profile projects. But it’s not just the growth that stands out. It’s the mindset behind it.
We sat down with David for our first-ever CEO feature on the Growth-Minded Marketing Podcast. His story is inspiring—but more importantly, it’s actionable.
Start with What You Have. Then Grow.
David’s entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. He needed income while still in high school. So he grabbed a rake, posted leaf pickup ads on Facebook and Nextdoor, and started booking jobs. That simple act of initiative quickly turned into a legitimate business.
“I’d go to school with my rake, change of clothes, and yard bags in the truck,” David said. “Then after class, I’d knock out a couple jobs before dark.”
Before long, he was cutting 40+ yards a week, trading mulch work for a commercial mower, and managing a crew of friends—all before graduation. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, he took action. And that principle still guides how he runs the business today.
“People spend too much time getting ready to get ready. I’d rather launch with a rough draft and perfect it along the way.”
Leadership That’s Willing to Learn
David’s grit is obvious. But what’s equally important—and often overlooked—is how teachable he is.
From early on, he surrounded himself with mentors, peer groups, and a business coach. He joined Vistage and actively sought out feedback from seasoned leaders, recognizing that experience alone doesn’t make a great CEO—humility and wisdom do.
“You can’t teach what you haven’t developed,” he said.
This commitment to personal development is now baked into Greenview’s culture. David models it for his team and actively mentors others within the company. His growth mindset is contagious—and a major reason the business continues to scale.
Clarity of Purpose Fuels Confidence
Greenview isn’t just in the landscaping business.
David is clear about the mission: Beautify the city. Help others grow.
It’s simple, but powerful. That purpose shows up in every part of the company—from how projects are selected to how relationships are built with employees and clients.
That clarity also gives David confidence in sales. He doesn’t sit around fine-tuning email scripts or obsessing over timing. He walks into offices, makes introductions, and builds trust the old-fashioned way—with presence and follow-through.
4 Lessons for CEOs from David’s Playbook
Whether you’re running a service-based company or just trying to gain momentum, David’s story is a reminder that you don’t need decades of experience to lead with clarity and purpose. Here are four key takeaways for business owners:
- Start with Action. Don’t over-prepare. Get started. Then improve as you go.
- Lead with Humility. Be honest about what you don’t know. Surround yourself with advisors who sharpen your thinking.
- Sell with Confidence. If you believe in your product and your mission, don’t be afraid to go after the clients you want.
- Clarify Your Purpose. When your mission is clear, it energizes your team and gives meaning to the grind.
Ready to Align Your Marketing with Purpose?
At Wayfind Marketing, we help CEOs and their teams connect strategy to action—so every marketing move supports business growth. If you want to get your message right and build long-term momentum, here are two places to start:
📘 Download our AI Marketing Guide
AI is changing how buyers research. Learn how to adjust your content and strategy for today’s search behavior.
🧭 Take the GUIDE Marketing Assessment
Get a snapshot of your current marketing health and a personalized roadmap to improve.
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:
➡️ From Rake to Revenue: Building a Mission-Driven Business by 24
