M.S. Lean is a commercial landscaping company promoting entrepreneurship & employment in the Black community and to formerly incarcerated individuals.
“We strive to build the community, one yard at a time.”
Check out our full Q&A with Smith below…
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
My name is Stephen Smith and I am the Owner/Manager of M.S.Lean LLC, a residential and commercial landscaping/light construction company that was founded 8 years ago. Our mission was and still is to promote and encourage entrepreneurship and employment to the African American community and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Where did your vision begin? How has it grown?
My vision is to be of service to my community and that is something that has been inside of me for as long as I can remember. I want to be living proof that you can own and operate a successful business as an African American with a record. The vision grows every day people are being inspired.
What made you choose the Asheville area?
I feel Asheville chose me. It was part of my destiny to end up in Buncombe County and to help play a role in helping my community grow.
Who are your key partners?
My key partners are My Lady, the M.S. Lean Crew, the Community, Black Men Uknighted, Mountain Bizworks, Eagle Market Street Corporation, Hood Huggers, Carolina Small Business, and many others. All greatly supported and contributed to our vision at M.S. Lean.
What does the word “community” mean to you?
Community means to me a group of individuals who share a common vision, shared goals and a unified force working together to fulfill that goal or goals.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to emphasize how M.S. Lean is dedicated to serving and standing on quality, respect, and integrity. We strive to build the community, one yard at a time.