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DECEMBER 2024
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FAITH, GRATITUDE, AND THE JOY OF GIVING BLESSINGS ABOUND
Finding success and contentment in life is rarely a solitary endeavor.
I’ve been thinking about that statement quite a bit as we approach Christmas and the end of the year. As a business owner and proud family man, I deeply appreciate the care, support, and encouragement I’ve received throughout my journey to create a fulfilling life. I have been blessed in countless ways, and nothing I’ve attained in life has come without the love of God and my family.
“This holiday season, take the time to tell your dear friends and family how much you love and appreciate them.”
I had considered many careers — including being a pilot and getting into video production — before pursuing what eventually became BLG Environmental Services. My friends were finding success in landscaping, allowing them to follow their paths and be their own bosses. Inspired by what I saw and still living at home, I decided to go into business for myself at 19 years old as Higher Power Lawn Care. There was just one problem: I was pretty much broke.
way. Everything has a time and season, and my challenges have always worked out. I’ve faced every hardship knowing that God has a plan for me. My accomplishments in life have come from my faith in him and his blessing.
The $2,000 or so I had to my name didn’t last very long, but I was fortunate to have my family to lean on in those early days. When I needed a new mower, my sister put the expense on her credit card and let me pay it off — a big deal back then. My dad helped me get a trailer and a blower, which I worked off by mowing our lawn. One customer led to another, and my business grew steadily to its success today. Twenty-five years later, BLG Environmental Services continues to fulfill my dreams. All the love I received along the way has allowed me to savor everything I have today. I am proud to look at my children and know I’ll be there for them when they find their calling. Even though they’re still little, I already marvel at their enthusiasm for life. I have no doubt their dreams will be big, and I’m honored and excited to guide and help them as their paths unfold. I can’t say that my first 25 years in business were always easy. There have been a lot of ups and downs — I’ve lost money as many times as I’ve made it, especially during the recession of 2008 — but I wouldn’t have had it any other
Of course, a business is only as strong as its customer relationships. I’m so grateful to every client I’ve had over this past quarter-century. I’ve always worked hard to do the right things for the right reasons, and I’m touched that you saw enough in me to trust in my services. As the new year approaches, I hope to extend my gratitude toward being more deliberate in thinking of others and giving back. Many people have helped me many times, and I trust that God will help me be a better mentor, father, husband, and friend in the months ahead.
This holiday season, take the time to tell your dear friends and family how much you love and appreciate them. The moments we share with them — even the challenging ones — are a blessing.
Robert Burns
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As mentioned elsewhere in this month’s newsletter, I believe in giving back to others — a philosophy I embrace in my daily work at BLG Environmental Services and my community life. With the holiday season always a time for charitable actions, I’d like to devote this space to paying tribute to one of the most generous and special places I’ve ever encountered. Located in Memphis, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a global leader in treating and defeating life-threatening childhood diseases, including cancer. It was founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas, once a struggling actor who had prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus — the patron saint of hopeless causes — for guidance and direction in life. After he found success on the TV show “Make Room for Daddy” (later renamed “The Danny Thomas Show”), he created the children’s hospital to give back for the blessings he had received in his life and career. In its nearly 63 years in operation, St. Jude has elevated its patients’ overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, providing hope to children and families at its flagship location and eight affiliate clinics across the U.S. A Haven of Hope
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is a deeply personal place for me, as my sister, Rose McGee, is a genetic counselor at the facility. The last time I was in Memphis, I saw her at work and witnessed firsthand the extraordinary efforts to bring love and light to children in need. At one point, I viewed a hospital wall listing the names of all the children treated there. Many have triumphed over their immense health challenges, while others are no longer with us. Reading their names and knowing they are honored and remembered at this extraordinary place was an emotional experience I’ll never forget. Children are among God’s greatest gifts. This holiday season, please consider giving to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital to help it continue to thrive. For more information, please visit StJude.org . ST. JUDE’S LOVING LIGHT
Robert Burns
Harvesting Happiness Through Helping GAVIN’S GUYS
Do you remember Mr. Rogers from TV? Years ago, he shared something his mom would tell him when he was a little boy and saw something scary in the news: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” But something scary doesn’t have to be happening — you can be a good helper anytime! Helping people is something I love to do. For the past few months, I’ve been on my school’s safety patrol — something my dad did when he was my age. As a patrol person, I do everything from directing traffic outside the school to holding doors open to help people get where they need to go. As part of my duties, I attended a special ceremony at school earlier this year and took an oath to be honest and helpful. Being on patrol is a lot of work for a fifth grader, but it feels great to know I’m being such a good helper.
Not too long ago, I went to work with my dad and got to help him out! I love spending time with him and learning about BLG. Honestly, I’d take over my dad’s business in a second if I could! Landscaping is something I’d love to do as a career when I get older. Even as a fifth grader, I’m already learning about the value of money. If you’re in my neighborhood, you’ve probably seen me taking to the streets with my wagon in tow. I love planting flowers for my neighbors and raking their lawns. Earning money by doing good things for people makes me happy. My dad calls me “a little business owner!” I’ve already learned so much by being a helper. I know a lot more about handling money, and my time on the safety patrol helps keep my mind sharp. Of course, doing so much yard work
around town keeps me outside in the fresh air and allows me to develop new skills with my hands. Best of all, it helps me get out, talk to people, and give back to my community. Whether it’s holding the door open for someone or making their yard prettier, being helpful is always a great thing to do.
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OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST! “We researched several Landscape Design companies before choosing professional, and extremely detailed in executing what our vision was. We liked what they did so much that we invited them to work on a second location and were pleased with that one too! “We would highly recommend Robert and his team and would use them again.” –Cathy C. BLG Environmental. Robert and his entire team were responsive,
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” PSALM 33:22 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 PETER 3:15 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7
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BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
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WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
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God’s Abundant Grace
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Caring Connections in Memphis Gavin’s Guide to Helping Hands
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients
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Samson and Cleo’s Tail-Wagging Tale
A PURR-FECT MATCH Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since. How a Kitten Helped Samson Unleash His Inner Pup
quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs.
“It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said.
Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister. Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s Instagram page @calvin.andco.
Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything. While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone.
“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
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