Darren Hulburt, left, and his dad, Roger Hulburt, own and operate Hulburt’s Lawn Service. “We’re just trying to get caught up,” Roger said, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently lifted restrictions on mowing and landscaping types of businesses, among others.
“It’s nice to do things for people that can’t do it themselves.”
Darren Hulburt, co-owner,
Hulburt’s Lawn Service
Story and photo by John Hummer
Editor
Like many people in the Irish Hills area, Darren Hulburt loves to golf and fish – that’s when he has an hour or so of extra time. Right now, that’s not the case as he and his dad, Roger Hulburt, own Hulburt’s Lawn Service.
The father-son duo, along with both of their wives, run the family-oriented business. The guys handle the “field work” and the ladies run the office.
“It’s nice working for yourself,” Darren says. “My dad and I enjoy each other’s company – but not all the time,” he added with a chuckle. “About 90 percent of the time we’re on the same page. It’s just amazing how well it’s gone so far.”
The Hulburts started the business just over three years ago, primarily specializing in lawn irrigation. Between Roger and Darren, they have over 18 years of experience in that line of work. Things have come a long way since then. They are now beginning their fourth spring and summer of the business.
“Now lawn mowing is just as much if not a bigger part of the business,” Roger says.
The company now has over 400 customers.
“I enjoy making people happy,” Darren said. “We don’t lose any customers. We just keep gaining customers. I feel like we do a pretty good job of keeping people happy.
Darren’s wife, Christina Hulburt, handles things behind-the-scenes in the office, keeping track of appointments, and coordinating company communications on Facebook and their website. Roger’s wife, Cathy Hulburt, does the billing and bookwork for the company.
As with almost all businesses, the coronavirus threw a monkey wrench into Hulburt’s business flow this spring, but they seem to have it well under control.
“We’re just trying to get caught up,” Roger said. Gov. Whitmer recently lifted restrictions on mowing and landscaping types of businesses, among others.
One thing many residents may not know about Hulburt’s is that they do dock installation and removal as well as lawn care and sprinkler installation…and they do it at a fair price.
That catching up part is going to be a key part of moving forward and getting through the spring. Luckily, they have found a few laid off workers they’ve hired to help get caught up, said Roger.
Hulburt’s offers both residential and commercial mowing. Prices are based on size of yard. They will also roll your lawn if desired. In addition to mowing lawns, they do spring and fall yard cleanup as well.
Then there is their old bread and butter of the business – lawn irrigation. Hulburt’s will install, maintain, start-up, and winterize systems. Their prices include all the pipe needed per head, as well as timers and other parts, except for the pump and wiring.
One thing many people may not know about Hulburt’s is that they do dock installation and removal. They will also install and remove boat and jet ski lifts. Dock installations continue through May, while removal begins after Labor Day.
Though they are extremely busy at the moment getting caught up, both Darren and Roger will still make time for their golf league at Clark Lake Golf Course.
“We’re going to golf together,” says Darren.
Darren also plans to do a little fishing when he gets a rare moment away from his family.
“I have three little girls,” he said proudly. “They keep me busy.”
Hulburt’s Lawn Service is currently booking appointments for dock Installations, irrigation start-ups and for new irrigation system installs, as well as residential and commercial mowing. They offer free estimates and are insured. Keep in mind they also plow snow during the winter.
For more information, call 517-879-8137 or 517-879-8716. You can also find them on Facebook here or visit hulburtslawnservice.weebly.com.
The Evening Snapshot is provided by The Exponent. It is being posted regularly as we go through the coronavirus issue at IrishHillsLive.com. Please, bookmark the site and share. If you have a news tip or topic you would like to see highlighted in the paper or on IrishHillsLive.com, contact us at news@theexponent.com. If you have a photo you would like to share, send to pictures@theexponent.com along with a brief explanation and contact information.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10
