Levi Boyd is a full-time landscaping business owner in Calgary.
Boyd launched Algo as a finance student at SAIT and faced a unique set of challenges, balancing school and work.
The Press sat down with Boyd to discuss the adventure of becoming a young business owner while juggling the demands of college life.
Why did you start Algo Landscaping?
I wanted to make some money, but deeper than that, I wanted to control my own income and to make decisions that actually had an impact. I chose landscaping because I started in the industry in high school and had a family connection. I was well-versed in the industry already, and it naturally transitioned.
Do you have any other experience running a business?
I’ve always had side hustles. Back in high school, I had a little T-shirt business with my best friend. That never really went anywhere, and I always had a lemonade stand when I was a little kid. Other than that, no real experience, which was a bit challenging at the start. But I figured it out, and I’m still learning.
Who helped with the journey?
So many people, mainly my parents, just being supportive of letting their kid not get a typical job. My uncle owns My Guy’s Landscaping, and he taught me basically everything I know about the industry. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without that. Lastly, my friend Umed who has an auto-detailing business. In the beginning, he really helped me with taking the leap to start.
What are the advantages of starting a business at a young age?
Main advantage for me, as a finance major, is looking at it from the aspect that I could take as much financial risk — right now — as I want. There is no one depending on me to pay bills, and there’s no family to support. There’s nothing like that. Knock on wood, the company could fold tomorrow, and I’d still be okay. Right now, I am just trying to take as many risks as possible before I have to start settling down.
What was it like balancing school and business at the same time?
That’s probably, up to this point, one of my biggest accomplishments of my life. Not going to lie — I don’t know how I did it. It was pretty difficult.
Every morning, I’d wake up, fill up the trucks with gas and get the guys ready to go, I was handling all of the scheduling, all the accounting, all the marketing and all the fulfillment. Then on top of all of that, I had to go to school from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. I was taking evening classes at SAIT. Some days were from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. It was really long, but at the same time, it felt very productive — and some of my happiest moments.
At the same time, those were some of my most brutal moments too — not knowing if you are going to have enough money the next day to buy a coffee. Overall, they’ve been some of the best days of my life so far. I ended up graduating with very good grades, so I’m very happy with that.
What is the hardest challenge young entrepreneurs face that possibly other generations didn’t have to face?
The cost of entering into it. The price is just very high. If you aren’t already a large corporation or already pretty well off, it can be very daunting or impossible to start a business. Even with mowing lawns, you’re looking at an investment. If you want to do property, it’s thousands of dollars. You need a truck. You need equipment. You need gas. You need insurance. They add up, and it’s a pretty big challenge to overcome.
What advice do you have for people who are thinking of starting their own businesses?
My advice would be to just start — just take action. You’re the only one holding yourself back.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length
