EWING, VA – OCTOBER 9, 2024 – When Nick Lundy opened Real Deal Curb Appeal, LLC in Ewing VA, he found out quickly that services like those his new business offered were in demand and he knew by the response, he had made the right decision to utilize his nearly 20 years of experience to open his own business.
Since he opened, he has stayed busy scheduling out jobs for landscaping, landscape maintenance, lawn maintenance, pressure washing and soft washing. He will soon be adding exterior painting and other minor outside home repairs to his business model.
Real Deal Curb Appeal, LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Real Deal Curb Appeal, LLC, offers a variety of services which benefit both residential and commercial customers,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects three full-time and four part-time employees within five years.”
Lundy noted the new business is a full-service home maintenance business providing various services for the maintenance and upkeep of both residential and commercial properties. Services include landscaping, landscape maintenance, lawn maintenance, leaf/debris removal, pressure washing, soft washing, window cleaning, gutter clean out, gutter repair, minor home repairs, exterior painting/staining, interior painting/staining, as well as pest control. Monthly landscape maintenance packages are currently offered and after additional licensing, monthly pest control packages will also be offered. Services are offered in a 100-mile radius of Ewing. Free estimates are provided.
Working in the home service industry for 17 years, Lundy has experience professionally in minor construction, painting, epoxy floor application/repair, concrete polishing/staining and 10 years in professional landscaping. He is planning to work to obtain his Contractor C license this winter.
Lundy used the VCEDA seed capital grant toward operating expenses and the purchase of tools and a trailer on which to transport his equipment.
“The seed capital grant has definitely been a blessing,” Lundy said. “We have been fortunate to stay busy since we started and look forward to continuing to grow the business.
“Our mission is to make our service as hassle free as possible for both residential and commercial clients,” Lundy added. “We believe our clients are more than just clients, they are our neighbors. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and delivering quality service that exceeds their expectations. We want to enhance the beauty of our community in a more affordable and consistent way. I would like to take my knowledge and experience and improve upon the local industry as it exists today.”
Lundy worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Lee County Economic Development Authority.
“Mr. Lundy’s innovative approach to landscaping services, which includes optional added maintenance, provides the residents of Lee County with much needed essential home assistance,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “His commitment to making small improvements helps residents stay safe, avoid falls and brighten their homes. Nick’s dedication to the community and his commitment to quality service at a fair price are truly commendable. MECC’s SBDC is dedicated to supporting small businesses like Real Deal, helping them achieve their goals.”
“The Lee County Economic Development Authority is proud to support Real Deal Curb Appeal, LLC, which provides a needed service to the residents of Lee County and the surrounding region,” said Lee County Community Development Director Leslie Litton. “We commend Mr. Lundy on creating a sustainable landscaping business which positively impacts the economy of the area and we are excited to see the growth of the company in the coming years.”
Real Deal Curb Appeal may be reached by calling 276-861-4251.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.