In October, I noticed a new business, Letner & Company, advertising its services on the Union County Speaks Out Facebook page. As someone with a strong background in sales and marketing, I appreciate the effort in making one’s available services known, so I wanted to learn more about this new company. Over the years I have heard several people comment on the difficulty in finding people to fill service positions in this area, and thought I would use this forum to introduce them to the community.

Letner & Company, owned and operated by Zachary Letner, opened for business just this past summer although the seeds for this venture were sown long ago. Letner was born and spent his early childhood in Union County, moved to Knoxville as a boy, and eventually settled in nearby Halls, Tennessee. He recalls that as a child he wanted to be a firefighter, as so many little boys do. Letner, however, had the good fortune of growing up with a father who had an entrepreneurial spirit, and his dreams for future career fulfillment veered toward a different path. Letner’s father started a landscaping business, and later a demolition company, to fill a need in the community, satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit and to support his young family. Letner has fond memories of accompanying his father on several jobs, as landscaping lends itself to father-son projects. It was then he learned about everything from excavating to sowing grass after a job. He also developed a love for growing things and is still, to this day, excited to plant new things every year.

During this time when people are spending so much time at home, Letner decided to seize the opportunity to help people who have a renewed interest in home upgrades to improve their homes and outdoor spaces. He is very serious about the business of growing his business and recently joined a contractor sales group to help him learn more about how to expand his business, including how to write a business plan.

Letner also has great enthusiasm for creating a positive work environment. Having served as a foreman at his previous job, he values others’ insights and makes a habit of asking workers for their opinions. Each quarter he meets with employees to ask for feedback regarding what is going well and what can be done better. Recently, that feedback led to implementing sharing an overview of the project the crew is working on with the entire crew from day one, making sure everyone understands the big picture of the project and the timeline to complete the job. Letner markets his company mainly by reviews on Angie’s List, Thumbtack, and posts to his Company Facebook page.

Since “All work and no play makes Zach a dull boy,” Letner also enjoys raising chickens and turkeys, putting up a haunted trail for the community, and lending a helping hand with other projects that are presented. Letner describes himself as being passionate about getting in touch with nature and sharing joyous outdoor experiences with others. Most family outings involve the outdoors, especially going to the mountains, taking in a beautiful waterfall, hiking, fishing, etc. He brings a variety of outdoor experiences to your backyard with projects such as waterfalls, multiple flower beds, sowing grass, tree removal or planting, etc.

Letner’s advice to other would-be entrepreneurs: Your highest priority should be to make sure you are providing joy for your clients. Do your research, know your numbers, and don’t underbid yourself. If you shortcut yourself, you are shortcutting your client. Once you’ve done the research you should know your worth. His motto is “Keep Moving Forward,” based on Luke 1:37 (KJV) “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Even when things are hard, don’t stop what you are doing. Success for Letner means making sure your family is taken care of and likewise your employees having nothing to worry about.

Letner & Company serves the Union County, Tennessee area and Zachary Letner would love to help you create an enjoyable oasis in your backyard. If you are considering improvements on your property, check out the company’s Facebook page where you can see photos and other interesting posts and request a quote. You can also call Zachary at 865-307-2049.