Kiss My Grass in Fruitvale does more than grass

From a simple need for someone to cut grass, brothers Stephen & John Piccolo have created a thriving business in Fruitvale, B.C.

Kiss My Grass is a property maintenance business located in Fruitvale, B.C. — Photo courtesy John Piccolo

It was an injury overseas in the Army that led to the founding of Kiss My Grass Ltd., a property maintenance business in Fruitvale, B.C. After owner Stephen Piccolo returned to his hometown to recuperate from surgery and needed someone to cut his lawn, he soon realized there was a need for this service in the area. Stephen, together with his brother, John, started the business in 2010.

From modest beginnings, the company has now grown to 11 full-time employees and a whole fleet of vehicles and equipment. In addition to lawn care in the summer months, the company also specializes in property landscaping, maintenance and construction, snow removal/shovelling, and light car and truck repair and maintenance.

Stephen answered a few questions for us.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was in the Army—I joined in 1989 and retired after 20 years. I worked in logistics, runway and grounds maintenance. I was able to take the skills I learned in the Army and apply them to my current job.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of my job is dealing with seniors—they rely on us for more than just maintenance. We might help them change a light bulb, for example, or change the batteries in a fire extinguisher. We have a more personal relationship with them.

What aspect of running your business has surprised you the most?

The amount of customers we’ve built up in the last few years. Our company has grown 400 percent in three years—we now have 295 full-time customers.

What is the best book you’ve read in the last six months?

Tom Clancy’s Bravo Two-Zero. It’s a military book and that’s one of my passions.

What is your No. 1 passion outside of work?

I’m a single parent; my wife passed away five years ago, so my kids are my passion. Involving them in sports, watching them play, taking them dirt-biking—just being involved in their lives.