GNP Morgan County Podcast
The Good Neighbor Podcast... Bringing Together Local Businesses & Neighbors of Morgan County!
GNP Morgan County Podcast
A Morgan County Deputy Turns A Longtime Idea Into Yard Patrol Lawn Care
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
We sit down with Morgan County deputy sheriff Brighton Sichting to hear how he turned a high school idea into Yard Patrol Lawn Care in Martinsville and why his goal is service, not just speed. We also dig into what he offers across Morgan County, how he treats seniors, veterans, and first responders, and the simple mowing mistake that ruins a lot of lawns.
• the origin story behind Yard Patrol Lawn Care and the fast first-week growth
• balancing 12-hour deputy shifts with a weekly mowing schedule
• building a team with fellow deputies and experienced help
• services offered including mowing, weed eating, mulch, stone, yard cleanup, and small pressure washing jobs
• coverage plan across Morgan County with set days for Martinsville, Mooresville, and more
• what sets the business apart: professionalism, communication, and taking time with customers
• discounts for seniors, support for deployed active-duty families, and 20% off for first responders
• the biggest homeowner mistake: scalping lawns and the fix with a higher mower deck
Nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show. Go to gnpmorgancounty.com. That's gnpmorgancounty.com or call 317 743 2058.
Welcome To Good Neighbor Podcast
SPEAKER_01This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together. Here's your host, Tim Serber.
SPEAKER_02Well, good morning, everyone. We are excited here. Uh, thanks, Charlie, for getting us kicked off. Uh, we are excited to have our first podcast of 2026 with Brighton Seesheem, and he is the owner of a brand new business, the Yard Patrol Lawn Care, here in Martinsville. So, uh, how are you doing, Brighton? I'm great. How are you this morning, Tim? Doing great, I tell you. I uh I'm excited about this and and excited about your business. I know you uh personally, and I'm very impressed by uh being able to see that you're gonna be coming out and having a business that you know I think your just your type of of integrity and everything is really needed in this business. So I'm excited about talking about it and trying to help you grow it here in Martinsville in Morgan County.
SPEAKER_00Well, I can tell you what, Tim, I'm super excited about it myself, and thank you very much for having me on here today.
Why A Deputy Starts Lawn Care
SPEAKER_02Not a problem. So everyone, uh Wrighton is a deputy sheriff for the Morgan County Sheriff's Department, and uh we're gonna go into uh really, you know, what made him launch this business, uh, why he's gonna be different and others, but we're gonna get started and let him kind of tell the story behind it and and uh we'll go from there. Sounds good. So tell us about how you how you come up with this. How did a deputy sheriff decide, you know what, I'm gonna I'm gonna go out and sweat every day. Why uh and and besides sweating every day and all that uniform and stuff you have to wear, uh and the and the bulletproof uh vests and all that. So tell us what made you get this started.
SPEAKER_00Well, to be honest with you, Tim, uh back in my younger days, uh back when I was in high school, uh me and my best friend uh we talked about starting a long care company, and we went through, we made a Facebook page and all that. But one thing we realized real quick was we didn't have the funding for the mower. We didn't have the funding for anything. Uh I was using my grandpa's wheat eater and a push mower and a chainsaw and would throw it in the back of my car, and we'd go out and do some side jobs, and that didn't last very long. We realized real quick we didn't have uh everything that was needed. Um uh then just this has been probably six, seven months ago. Uh I sat down with a very close friend of mine, Angie Turley, uh, and I was talking to her about a business plan. Uh I came up with a business plan to start this lawn care company. Uh, and so we sat down, one thing led to another, and here we are. Uh launched it last week, uh and already up to around 250 followers on Facebook, uh, multiple accounts, uh, truly blessed. And to be honest with you, I I just want to get back to the community in a in a different way than I'm used to.
Balancing Shifts With A Business
SPEAKER_02So yeah, and and I think Destiny, and I know Angie also. Uh uh, she's uh entrepreneur and business owner here in Morgan County also. So, you know, how do you balance the you know the law enforcement responsibilities, you know, with running a small business?
SPEAKER_00Good question, Tim. So I believe it's been three years ago now. Uh the Sheriff Department, we adapted a new schedule. We went to 12-hour shifts. So I work three on, two off, three on, or two on, three off. So it differs every other week. So uh one week is our rough week where we're working uh quite a bit, and then the next week we only work two days. So uh with that schedule, it's pretty close, similar to the firefighters schedule. Um, and I realized that there's plenty of time in here to go ahead and start something new, to have a new endeavor. And uh so after that schedule came out, uh I've been working towards doing this and finally was able to get enough um capital and went ahead and invested into this company.
SPEAKER_02So now, do you have uh a partner or anything working with you?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so I have a couple of deputies uh that are gonna be helping me out. Right now, all my employees are uh deputy sheriffs with the county. Uh my very close friend Evan Scheifelbein, uh, before he became a deputy for the sheriff department, he actually did lawn care. Uh, worked for a large company up in Indianapolis. Uh he has all of his licensing and all of that type of thing still from that. Uh so me and him are jumping uh into this with both feet and uh see where it takes us.
SPEAKER_02Wow, I tell you that is, you know, and really your your schedule kind of works fine with mowing grass, doesn't it? I mean, it's not like people gotta call you up because grass grew overnight to six feet. So that that is a smart move, finding something that kind of fits your schedule. You're because that is that is important with any small business, being able to perform a job and be available when the people need you. That's uh that makes that a little bit easier.
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. I uh I've been with the sheriff department now for going on 12 years, uh in some capacity or another. So I I've been used to working nights, been used to working long hours and that type of thing. So uh when me and him sat down and had this idea, I ran with it. And so here we are.
SPEAKER_02And and if I remember while we were talking, all your equipment is new, is that right?
SPEAKER_00Yes, yeah. So I went out, uh, all new commercial pro uh equipment from my mower to my edgers to uh even my trailer. I have an enclosed trailer that we're utilizing right now, and everything's brand new.
Services Offered Across Morgan County
SPEAKER_02So So uh the services that you offer, one, what are they? And then secondly, where where are you doing this? What parts of Morgan County are you in? All Morgan County, what's your what's your goal right now?
SPEAKER_00So right now, uh as you know, Tim, I just launched this last week. Uh so still trying to get my feet under me. Uh I had no idea it was going to take off the way it is. Uh, but my services mainly right now are uh just mainly mowing, weed eating, uh some small landscape jobs, mulch, uh stone, uh if you need a new flower bed, that type of thing. Uh we're also doing uh yard cleanup. Uh I just uh did a job over the weekend where a tree had fallen uh in the person's driveway and caused a complete mess. So we went up there, got that all cleaned up. Uh if you want to see photos of that, that's actually on my Facebook page now. I went ahead and posted that. Nice and then uh small pro uh pressure washing jobs uh if you need your sidewalk pressure washed or the side of your house. Uh nothing commercial-wise in regards to the pressure washing, but we do offer uh some small jobs to help out. Um and then we're we're definitely going to be growing. So there's gonna be a lot more services we're gonna be offering. Uh, but I want to become excellent in the services we offer now before taking on another adventure.
SPEAKER_02Right. So you're uh mainly gonna be a seasonal business right now.
SPEAKER_00For now, yes.
Professionalism As The Real Difference
SPEAKER_02Yeah, okay, nice. Well, you know, you you have a plan, which I really like to hear. You have a business plan thought out, you have growth figured out, or I should say it thought of. That can always change based upon what's going on and how fast you grow sometimes. I mean, you know, there's um we had an experience with a lawn care service company and it just wasn't that good. Uh, you know, and so when you told me what you were doing, I was really excited because I know your character, I know you, and I I will really support this and tell the people that are listening to the podcast and get to see this, you're definitely the person. If they need lawn care, they need to talk to. So I 100% agree with that and excited for you uh definitely on that. So tell us in your mind, you started this company, so you have to kind of know what your competition is, right? You you should have an idea. What do you think sets you apart from your competition?
SPEAKER_00First, Tim, I want to start out with I'm not trying to compete with any of the companies here in town. I am, don't get me wrong, but there's plenty of work for all of us. Uh a lot of my friends are the business owners of these companies. So first and foremost, they do most of them do an excellent job. Uh, I'm set apart because my company, I guarantee you, we will be a hundred percent professional. Uh professional 24-7. Um, all my guys, we're used to dealing with chaos. We're you used to dealing with people on their worst days, and we can use that to help better uh just talk to people, just communicate, uh, have a conversation. Uh I'm not out here trying to hit three jobs in an hour. Uh, for example, uh earlier this week, I was honored to be able to do someone's yard uh there in their 90s. Uh they've mowed their yard themselves their entire lives, and they finally broke down and hired a company. And I was the company they decided to go with. And the uh woman, she came out on the porch and she just watched me. And I stopped what I was doing, and I went up there and I had about a 30-minute conversation with her and just talked about life, talked about talked about everything that they've gone through, uh, and just to being able to be there for the people when they need it, uh, and be more than just the guy coming to blow your grass. Uh that that's what sets my company apart from others, I believe.
SPEAKER_02Well, and I think that is really important. And I I like a couple things you said there. Older couple, you you realized, you know, that they they need some help and they realize it. And it is hard when you're choosing people because everybody, uh, you know, I've been in sales all my life. So the thing that people always say, well, you you say everything right when you're trying to get the sale. But uh you, I know personally, and I know that you're genuine. And to stop in the middle of a job and just go talk and connect with that person, that that client of yours, I think that's awesome. And I and I think that will really, like you said, set you apart. The other thing I want to say that I was real impressed with you just did, uh, Brighton, is you had a chance to really dig into your competition and stand apart, and you were very classy about it. So that says a lot again about your character. And to me, uh the reason why we started these podcasts, there's a lot of good companies in Morgan County that don't get the opportunity to really show it. And we want to help present that. So uh you're just right on with it, and I really appreciate that. Uh, and and you you mentioned earlier you're not uh you're not seasonal uh right now, or you're seasonal right now. Uh, and there's always plans to grow that based upon how your business grows. Uh is it just mainly right now going to be in the Martinsville area, or do you want to you want to go into more uh areas in Morgan County?
SPEAKER_00So right now my uh main area is Morgan County as a whole. Uh it's the same area I patrol every uh every week. So uh we're going to keep it within Morgan County right now. Uh if we grow surrounding counties, that's fine too. Uh but uh for now we have set days. Uh for example, Mondays are my Martinsville days, Tuesdays are Mooresville, uh Wednesdays out Morgantown area and and so forth. So uh we're getting a schedule set in place and uh we're running with it.
SPEAKER_02How many uh other deputies do you have working with you?
SPEAKER_00Uh right now we only have I only have two others uh that are on board. And to be honest with you, I haven't discussed a lot with the guys uh besides those two, uh mainly Evan. Uh Evan's been by my side through this entire thing. He's helped me with my business plan, uh helped me with the quoting and that type of thing. Uh but right now only three. Uh I to be honest with you, Tim, I thought this was going to be a slow startup. I I had no idea it was going to take off the way it did. And I'm honored, uh truly, truly blessed. Uh, but we will we will definitely be hiring some more guys uh within the next couple weeks if if jobs keep coming in the way they have been the past week.
Discounts And Simple Lawn Mistakes
SPEAKER_02Good. Well, I'm excited to hear that. So do you offer any uh special programs for like veterans or seniors or first responders or anything?
SPEAKER_00Yes, uh absolutely. So uh seniors, they're just gonna get a straight discounted rate. Uh I've I don't go in and give an X amount of dollars off uh that type of thing. Uh I just try to give quote it a lot cheaper than what I wed for uh somebody else. Uh in regards to veterans, if you're uh active duty and deployed, contact me. Have a family member contact me, and we will get you taken care of. Uh I can assure you of that. Uh and then in regards to first responders, uh, it's a straight 20% off uh from my normal price. Nice.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. I really like the veterans. Lisa and I are very pro-veterans. We have a uh uh son in the in the Coast Guard, been in the military for I guess 14 years now, because he's uh got six years left. So there's 20, so yeah. So we we think that's neat, and I appreciate that. I'm not a veteran. Wish I would have been, but I grew up in the 70s when um I was an idiot. So you know I I wish I would have done it. Uh but my wife and I we did kind of give back a little bit with the air civil air patrol there for a few years in the early late 90s and early 2000s.
SPEAKER_00Wow, I I wish I wish I would have enlisted as well, but uh right out of high school, I I became working for the sheriff department and ever since.
SPEAKER_02So well, that's kind of nice you've been able to do that. So uh, you know, what's the biggest lawn care mistake you see homeowners make and how how can they fix it? I mean, like out here, the biggest problem we have is moles, and it doesn't matter what you do, you get rid of them, they're still gonna come because they're coming from the fields. But I mean, what do homeowners do that uh you know that you could help them with that would make their yards look nice?
SPEAKER_00Uh to be honest with you, the biggest thing I'm seeing is individuals scalping their yards, uh cutting it less than two and a half, three inches, getting down there about the inch and a half uh area and scalping their yards, causing dead spots, causing uh weed issues, and so forth. If they would just raise the mower deck up to three, three and a half inches, uh that issue would be taken care of.
SPEAKER_02Or they could just call you and let you handle it.
SPEAKER_00Exactly. Exactly. We'd be happy to.
SPEAKER_02So this is a question I always uh struggle with is like planting grass seed and stuff like that, when and and when not to and and how to take care of it. So um what's the right time for Morgan County residents to start thinking about lawn care and and really starting to focus on it so they can have a nice lawn during the summer?
SPEAKER_00Really beginning of March. Beginning of March. Yep. When when the rain season hits, when spring hits, when we're having all this uh rain coming in, just for example, this week. We're supposed to be getting rain today, uh Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. So uh we're seeing the grass grow a lot more uh this type of season or this time of season. Uh so I am I'm telling people we need we need to be mowing weekly now. Uh if we need to get some grass seed planted, let's go ahead and get get on the ball on that.
How To Get A Quote
SPEAKER_02All right, cool. Well, you know, final question here, final comment. Uh really, where can people follow find you, follow you? Uh, you know, what's the best way to reach out and and and get in touch with you?
SPEAKER_00Well, to be honest with you, Tim, I I have a Facebook page, uh Yard Patrol Lawn Care. Uh if you go to my personal profile, you'll see it all over the place, or just type in Yard Patrol Lawn Care. I should be the first one to pop up. Uh, I also have a website uh you can go to. It talks a little bit more about my the services we offer, and you can actually request a quote from that site itself. Um, and then on all those pages is my personal cell phone number. Uh the direct line to me, and I don't sleep very much, so don't hesitate to reach out and uh get you taken care of.
SPEAKER_02Well, Brian, I really appreciate your time. Uh I really wish you great success, and I hope you guys grow like crazy. Anything that uh Lisa and I or Good Neighbors Podcast or our directory can do to help you, let us know. Um, we're definitely there to help you out any way we can. And thank you very much for joining us today.
SPEAKER_00You're very welcome, Tim, and thank you guys. I appreciate your guys' friendship.
SPEAKER_02All righty, you take care.
SPEAKER_00You as well. Bye.
SPEAKER_01Bye. Thank you for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast. Nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show. Go to gnpmorgancounty.com. That's gnpmorgancounty.com or call 317 743 2058.