Nick Petrino, living the American Dream

Guest Blogger
Nick Petrino

Lifeguard to Landscaper

I believe the choices we make define how we end up down the road. As we may not all begin the same, the path we end up taking is defined by the decisions we make.

After a strenuous tour in the navy, I desired some long-awaited R&R! Therefore, what better way to break myself into South Florida than to become an ocean rescue lifeguard for the City of Lake Worth Beach? What a life! I loved my job. I was saving lives, living it up on the beach, and having the time of my life interacting with my friends every day. I was not focused on the future but on living in the moment.

However, as time passes, I have changed. I eventually found the woman of my dreams, had two beautiful children, and realized it was time to leap the ladder and join the ranks in the business world. After an interesting turn of events, I turned my eyes toward landscaping. Within a few years of working for another company, my drive to branch out independently took over.

Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. was officially born. I poured the same love and enjoyment I had for lifeguarding into my new profession—landscaping—within this company. No one knows what our future holds, but loving what you do for work and loving your life ensures a better future. It was a tough road, but in the end, the people who can make it through tough times will reap great rewards.

My advice to everyone is to find that special niche that makes you happy and enjoy life. As Mark Twain said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I no longer save lives as a lifeguard, but as a landscaper, I can help my employees improve their lives and grant my clients happiness by creating beautifully landscaped properties, which can be a source of true joy.

Fresh Start Maintenance Inc. CEO: Nicholas M. Petrino