Small Business Showcase: Code 3 Outdoors, LLC

Roger Schmidt, owner, and operator of Code 3 Outdoors, LLC, has a successful excavation, landscaping, and tree removal business based in Lexington, SC. Over the last three years, Roger has worked with OCS’ finance professionals to acquire the equipment he needs to keep his business thriving as his customer base continues to grow. We asked him to describe his journey from a police officer to a flourishing small business owner, in addition to relaying his experience working with Oakmont Capital Services’ Account Manager and CLFP, Kristy Doll. This is his story.

“The freedom of being my own boss is one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced in my life, and Oakmont Capital Services has helped me accomplish this.”

-Roger Schmidt, Owner of Code 3 Outdoors, LLC

Code 3 Outdoors: Tree Removal, Excavation, and More by Roger Schmidt

When I was a police officer in New Jersey, I always had a side job working outdoors. My friend owned a landscaping business that later turned into a tree removal company. I often worked for him on my days off learning some basics of the industry. Upon retirement and moving to South Carolina, I worked in a handful of law enforcement-related careers but discovered I was ready for a change. That’s when I decided to open my own company. In 2016, what is now known as Code 3 Outdoors, LLC was born.

Working out of the Midlands, we are in Lexington, South Carolina, typically servicing all surrounding counties including Lexington, Richland, Kershaw, Newberry, and Saluda. We originally opened as a lawn-care business, also offering installations of rock, mulch, sod, and other aggregates alike with me being the sole employee (although, I did hire the occasional part-time help).  The business started with one 2WD Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, a small utility trailer, one residential series zero-turn mower, and very few hand tools.

I now have several 4X4 heavy-duty diesel trucks, dump trailers, equipment trailers, excavators, skid steers, mulchers, countless chainsaws, hand tools, and a crew of 4-5 (depending on the workload).

 

More recently, my business focuses on tree removal, land clearing, excavation work, demolition of structures, and of course, haul away services for all items alike. We occasionally partner up with other companies in the area whose culture and work ethic align with ours to handle large-scale jobs.

Oakmont Capital Services was recommended to me through a sales vendor when I bought my first skid steer. Since then, I have used them for the purchase of 1 skid steer, 2 excavators, multiple trailers, and equipment attachments that have played a key role in the continued growth of my company.

My representative from OCS, Kristy Doll, provided me with beyond-exceptional care and customer service. For example, she expedited the loans for all my purchases. Not only can she be reached at all hours of the day, but I like the fact that I can text her a question while I’m working/don’t have time for a phone call. She responds expeditiously and has yet to fail. Kristy made and continues to make the entire process smooth and enjoyable. For this reason, she will have all my business moving forward.

What was Kristy Doll’s experience like working with Roger?…

“The first time I worked with Roger he was trading in his used excavator for a new one – we figured out how to help him save money with the trading option. Our honest and open discussions are proof of how much we both want his business to succeed! I’ve been blessed to work with him and am excited to see his amazing business continue to flourish and grow. Roger’s wit and business structure are just a few things I truly admire about him and Code 3!”

Code 3 Outdoors: A Bright and Busy Future

I am so proud of where I started and where I am now. As a result, I proudly display our 5-star ratings on social media where we showcase our daily job photos. We can be found on Facebook under Code 3 Outdoors, LLC. As Code 3 continues to grow, we’ll be setting up a website and doing some broader-based advertising to capture a larger audience.

Working in an area that is flooded with companies offering similar services as mine, you must set yourself apart by going above and beyond the customer’s expectations. Some tasks as simple as returning phone calls quickly, providing estimates in a timely fashion, being transparent with customers throughout the entire process of the job, and showing you are flexible to their schedule are just a few things that has set the Code 3 team apart from the others.

The freedom of being my own boss is one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced in my life, and Oakmont Capital Services has helped me accomplish this.

Oakmont Capital Services (OCS), founded in 1998, is a direct lender providing commercial equipment financing and working capital loans throughout all 50 United States. Our seasoned finance professionals work across many industry verticals, helping customers secure funding quickly and easily via a streamlined, virtual process. Our rates and terms are affordable, making OCS a reputable solution for equipment financing. The professional financing staff at Oakmont is the reliable choice for today’s financing needs.

For more information, visit www.oakmontfinance.com.