But after he updated the mulch outside his new home, a neighbor asked if he could work on his landscape as well. Then, the son of that neighbor expressed interest in some work outside of his home down the street. As word of mouth spread, one project turned into another and, by 2019, he had enough clients to start a landscaping and lawncare business.

When asked about what he loves most about running Lewi’s Landscaping today, Crawford relates it to his experience in football. Not only did he play for Northern High School and Saginaw Valley State University, he’s served as a football coach for schools including Carman Ainsworth and Southwestern Classical Academy. Today, he trains youth through the local nonprofit 475 Elite Training and serves as director of football operation for FlintStone Elite NFL Flag Football.

“For me, it’s just getting out here, being in nature. Out here, you can be yourself. You can think. Decompress. Whatever may be bothering you, you can work it off. It makes me feel as I felt on the football field. I was able to let go of any stress just doing that. It brings me back to the grass and training. This is what I love. It’s my heart. It’s my soul. It’s why I’m where I am today.”

Lewi’s Landscaping was one of 15 Flint businesses selected for Moving Flint Forward, a grant program from General Motors and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance that supports revitalization efforts in Flint by strengthening local businesses. Below, Crawford talks about the impact of the grant for his growing business.