Today we’d like to introduce you to Efren Loyola Jr.
Efren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018, I found myself at a crossroads. I had been a nurse since 2014, but something was missing. I decided to take a break from nursing and began helping my dad with his lawn care business. At first, it was just a way to stay busy and support him, but before long, I found myself researching and implementing modern business strategies to improve the way we worked. Over time, it became clear that I wanted to dedicate myself fully to building a business.
The transition came with fears and sacrifices. I took a MAJOR pay cut by leaving nursing, but I believed that if I committed to the journey, I could create something bigger, something that would not only provide for my family but also allow me to one day retire my parents. That vision kept me going.
The biggest challenge in the early years wasn’t money or equipment, it was my lack of knowledge and experience. Clients would ask me questions about sprinkler systems, fertilizers, or weed control, and I didn’t always have the answers. Instead of letting that discourage me, I saw it as an opportunity. I pursued professional licensing in irrigation and fertilizer management, studying and working at the same time. That step helped me raise the level of professionalism in my company and gave me the confidence to truly serve my clients.
I don’t measure success by one single milestone. For me, it’s the moments when I sit with clients and see the relief on their faces because they finally feel heard and understood. Knowing I can take some of the stress of property management off their shoulders is the impact I’m proud of. Of course, there are tough times too, at least three times a year I question whether this is finally falling apart. lol. But over time, I’ve learned to be strategic instead of emotional, to prepare for slow seasons, and to lean on a community of other business owners who understand the journey.
My father’s influence runs deep in how I operate today. His natural instinct was always to treat clients’ properties as if they were his own, and that principle has become the heart of Native Scenery Landscapes. We’re not just about maintenance, we’re about long-term relationships and genuine, human-to-human interaction. That’s something I think people are craving again in a world where business can often feel impersonal.
This October marks eight years in business. In the beginning, I lacked the experience to truly solve problems for my clients. Now, we’ve put in the reps, we’ve worked the long hours, and we’ve grown into a team that clients can rely on as problem solvers. My purpose today is clear: to build a profitable landscape maintenance company that will allow me to retire my parents and provide for my family.
At the same time, my bigger vision for Native Scenery Landscapes is simple: when people see our logo, I want them to feel peace of mind. I want them to know their frustrations about landscaping are over, we’re here to help, and we’ll treat their property with the same care as if it were our own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle was lack of knowledge and experience in the industry. Although my father worked many years in lawn service, he didnt know about sprinkler systems, types of fertilizers or herbicides. This was a huge gap in the beginning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Native Scenery Landscapes is a family owned company in South Austin that focuses on long-term landscape maintenance for both residential and commercial properties. We provide lawn care, weed control and fertilization, irrigation audits and repairs, seasonal clean-ups, and small-scale landscaping projects.
What makes us different is our commitment to treating every property as if it were our own. My father built his career on lasting relationships and genuine human interaction, and that same value guides our work today. Clients know they can count on us not just to show up, but to listen, understand, and solve problems.
I am most proud of how far our brand has come. We began as a simple mowing service, but through professionalism and continued learning, we’ve become known as problem solvers. When people see our logo, I want them to feel relief and know their landscaping frustrations are over.
For readers, I want them to know that Native Scenery Landscapes gives people their time back. We handle the burden of property maintenance so families and businesses can focus on what matters most.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Persistence.
Building a business has challenged me financially, mentally, and emotionally. There have been many moments when giving up would have been the easier choice, but instead I’ve chosen to keep moving forward, learning from setbacks, and treating challenges as opportunities to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nslatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nslatx/
Image Credits
all pictures were taken by me.
