25 Years of Green: The Legacy of Brad Kesecker

From Solo Operator to Knoxville’s Trusted Lawn Care Leader

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 1, 2026 —

Working as a solo entrepreneur in Knoxville, Tennessee, Brad Kesecker founded Emerald Island in 1999 – with a simple goal: do what no one else in the area seemed to be able to do, “I made the grass green.” Brad was no stranger to the industry, having already built and sold his first company, Barefoot Grass Lawn Service, in the early ’90s. He credits much of his early success to the management team at Barefoot Grass, such as Mark Long and Bill Hoopes, for giving him an opportunity and supporting him financially. That early success paved the way for over 25 years of lush lawns and satisfied customers across the greater Knoxville area.

Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Brad’s growth strategy was rooted in the field – not behind a desk. Hands-on experience and constant refinement of his approach drove results. He adjusted fertilizer strategies to create deeper, longer-lasting green and was an early adopter of soil testing – focusing on fixing the problem at the root. If a lawn needed phosphorus or lime, it was handled on the next visit—no upsell, no extra charge. It was simply part of the program. That philosophy didn’t just improve lawns—it built trust and long-term results.

When it came to scaling, Kesecker leaned into a relentless work ethic. “If someone called, I called them back that day—no exceptions,” he recalls. “If there was a problem, I went out and solved it.”

Brad’s approach to growth was unconventional but effective; he didn’t hire his first office employee until Emerald Island surpassed $1 million in revenue. From there, he relied on experience and intuition rather than rigid spreadsheets. “I never ran it with a budget—I just focused on maximizing everything we did,” Brad says. “We would just grow. If I needed a truck, I went and bought one… there wasn’t a lot of ‘figuring.’” These were the axioms he lived by to maintain momentum. Brad was intentional with his investment in his team, recognizing potential early and rewarding hard work, which built a team that believed in the same standard of excellence.

Emerald Island was built on a foundation of quality and genuine customer care. “We didn’t sell stuff just to sell it—we solved problems,” Kesecker says, reflecting on his 95% or higher customer retention rate. His aim was always simple: the lawns had to look good. “Everybody wanted thick, green, weed-free grass. Competitors might be weed-free, but they weren’t green—and that’s what people wanted.” Once the lawn was right, he focused on building a partnership with his customers through education, often avoiding unnecessary service upsells even if it meant forgoing extra profit.

One of the most pivotal figures in the Emerald Island story is Brad’s son, Tyler. “We were both in it every day, six days a week, just doing what needed to get done,” says Brad. Reflecting on their partnership, he adds, “It just worked. There was never a point where there was an argument.” That shared commitment to work ethic and service has kept Tyler in the driver’s seat today at Emerald Island, continuing the legacy of making Knoxville lawns green and customers happy.

Brad’s ability to build a business from the ground up and successfully transition it to his son is a case study in entrepreneurial success. His philosophy remained focused inward: “I worried about Brad… I just worried about what I needed to do to get where I needed to go.”

While Brad may officially be retired, he is still very much a part of the Emerald Island story, most recently returning to support spring training and mentor service leaders. Not quite retired—evolving. Brad is looking forward to enjoying well-earned time with family in Knoxville and upcoming travels, knowing the business he built will carry the legacy and continue to thrive.

About Emerald Island

Emerald Island Lawn Service has grown into one of Knoxville’s most respected lawn care providers, built on a foundation of science-based treatments, consistent results, and customer-first service. The company specializes in customized lawn care programs that focus on soil health, proper fertilization, and long-term turf vitality—delivering greener, thicker lawns season after season. With a strong emphasis on honesty, education, and reliability, Emerald Island has earned a reputation for doing what’s right for the customer, not just what’s profitable.

Media Contact

Tyler Kesecker
Email: tyler.kesecker@emeraldislandlawnservice.com
Phone: 865-588-4497