Michael Papandrea, known for his years of culinary excellence, has found a new passion as a landscaping entrepreneur in Plainfield, Illinois, with his company, TheNewLawnGuy.Com. Originally from Long Island, New York, Michael’s love for precision and creativity, honed through decades in the kitchen, seamlessly transitioned into crafting beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. His landscaping work reflects the same meticulous attention to detail and passion for transformation that made him a successful chef and restaurateur.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early, often before the sun rises. I spend a few quiet moments outside, clearing my mind and setting intentions for the day. With a strong cup of coffee in hand, I review emails and organize my schedule. Mornings are usually dedicated to planning projects or meeting with my team, while afternoons are for site visits and hands-on work in the field. I stay productive by meticulously planning each day and taking short breaks to keep my focus sharp and energy high.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Visualization is the key. I start by sketching designs and then collaborate with my team to refine the concepts. Using tools like 3D modeling software helps clients visualize the final outcome. Flexibility is crucial, as environmental factors sometimes force us to adapt. It’s about being creative and responsive to the natural elements while working toward a beautiful, cohesive result.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Sustainability excites me the most. Designing eco-friendly landscapes using native plants and water-efficient irrigation systems is incredibly rewarding. It’s about working with nature rather than against it, creating spaces that are both beautiful and beneficial to the local ecosystem.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
What is one habit that helps you stay productive?
Daily organization is crucial. I plan my day the night before, making detailed to-do lists and setting priorities. Writing everything down and checking tasks off as I complete them keeps me motivated and ensures I stay on track. It’s a habit I developed in the in my career and one that’s served me well in landscaping.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust the process. Patience is key. Rushing or stressing over the future doesn’t lead to good outcomes. Take thoughtful risks, learn from each experience, and be open to the journey. Everything has its own timing, and the lessons you pick up along the way are invaluable.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that a bit of natural imperfection adds character to a landscape. Many people crave perfectly manicured and symmetrical gardens, but I find beauty in the wild, unpredictable patterns that nature creates. A little organized chaos makes outdoor spaces feel more authentic and alive.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Stay connected to nature. Whether it’s a walk through a park or tending to a garden, spending time outdoors helps reset your mind. It brings balance, reduces stress, and fuels creativity. It’s a simple yet powerful way to feel more centered and inspired.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I get outside and immerse myself in the environment. Whether it’s walking through a lush space or digging in the soil, being in nature calms me and helps me refocus. It’s therapeutic and brings clarity, allowing me to tackle challenges with a renewed sense of purpose
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building genuine relationships has been a game-changer. People remember how you make them feel, so I always make sure clients, vendors, and my team know I care. Investing time and effort into meaningful connections builds trust and fosters strong partnerships, which has been crucial to my business growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure was underestimating the impact of environmental factors on a major project. I learned the importance of extensive site research and always having a backup plan. Adapting and being proactive instead of reactive taught me to be more prepared and resilient.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A subscription-based app that offers tailored garden care advice would be a fantastic resource. It could provide reminders for watering, planting tips, and virtual consultations based on local climate and specific plant needs. It’s all about giving people accessible, personalized help to keep their outdoor spaces thriving.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on SketchUp for 3D modeling. It helps me create detailed visualizations of landscaping projects, allowing clients to clearly see the plan before any work begins. This tool streamlines communication and ensures everyone is on the same page, saving time and effort.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’ve gotten a lot out of Atomic Habits by James Clear. The book emphasizes how small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time. It’s a great reminder that even minor adjustments to your daily routine can have a massive impact on productivity and success.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed The Biggest Little Farm. It’s a documentary that beautifully captures the challenges and rewards of working in harmony with nature. It’s inspiring and reinforces the idea that patience, resilience, and respect for the environment can lead to incredible results.
Key learnings
- Nature Is Both Inspiration and Balance: Michael emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in nature, both for creative inspiration and as a way to manage stress and maintain focus.
- Organization Drives Success: Meticulous planning and daily organization have been pivotal in helping Michael remain productive and achieve his goals.
- Relationships Build Business: Genuine connections with clients, vendors, and team members are fundamental to Michael’s approach, fostering trust and long-term success.