Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew DeLargy.
Hi Andrew , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really begins during my years serving as a law enforcement officer in the United States Coast Guard. That experience shaped the foundation of who I am — discipline, service, responsibility, and a deep respect for community. After many years in uniform, life shifted. I got married, we had children, and I made the decision to hang up the duty belt so I could be more present at home.
I transitioned into a beach ranger position on Wrightsville Beach, which allowed me to stay connected to public service and the outdoors. But when COVID hit, that chapter closed abruptly. Like many people, I found myself needing to pivot quickly. I entered the corporate world, and while it taught me valuable lessons about business, customer service, and organizational structure, it became clear that the corporate environment wasn’t where I was meant to stay. I wanted something more meaningful, something I could build with my own hands.
That’s when my wife — who has always been my biggest supporter — suggested I start a lawn care business. I’ve always enjoyed working in the yard, so it made sense. I took her advice and immediately bought the biggest gas‑powered mower I could find. While waiting for it to arrive, I started paying closer attention to the lawn care landscape in Wilmington. Every stoplight I pulled up to, I saw five or more trailers around me — all identical setups, all competing for the same customers. It hit me hard: the market was oversaturated, and if I entered it the same way, I’d just be another trailer in the line.
Instead of backing away, I decided to rethink the entire model. If I was going to do this, I needed to be different — radically different. That’s when the idea for Electric Lawns ILM was born: a fully electric, solar‑powered lawn care company built around sustainability, innovation, and a cleaner future. I wanted to stand out not just with branding, but with purpose.
Year one taught me more than I ever expected — about operations, customer expectations, equipment, and what it really takes to run a service‑based business. Those lessons became the foundation for something even bigger.
Today, Electric Lawns ILM is transitioning from traditional lawn care into a Robotics‑as‑a‑Service (RaaS) platform. We’re deploying autonomous mowing robots, powered by solar and supported by a fully electric maintenance trailer. This model increases productivity, reduces emissions, and represents the future of outdoor property care. It’s a system already proven in Europe, and I’m bringing that innovation to Wilmington.
I’m currently working closely with the Small Business and Technology Development Center at UNCW (SBTDC), and they’ve been the most valuable resource I’ve had so far. Their guidance is helping me scale Electric Lawns ILM into the company I’ve envisioned — one that leads the region in eco‑friendly, automated outdoor services.
My journey has been anything but linear, but every step — from the Coast Guard to corporate life to entrepreneurship — has shaped the mission behind Electric Lawns ILM. I’m building something that reflects my values, serves my community, and creates a cleaner, smarter way to care for the places we live.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“A smooth road never built a strong business; the bumps are where we grow.”
Starting a business is challenging for anyone, and I was no exception. As a veteran, I’ve always welcomed challenges as small missions to accomplish, but entrepreneurship introduced an entirely new kind of learning curve.
One of the biggest struggles early on was simply understanding how the lawn care industry actually works. I didn’t realize I’d be doing more studying than I ever did in school. You can’t just walk onto a property and cut every bush or plant the same way, everything in nature has its own schedule, temperament, and rules. Learning the science behind proper trimming, plant health, seasonal timing, and turf management was a humbling experience.
On top of that, I had zero background in running a business. That part hit me harder than anything. Pricing, scheduling, customer service, equipment management, branding it was all new. There were moments where I felt completely out of my depth.
That’s where the SBTDC at UNCW became a lifeline. They helped me understand the business side, refine my model, and think strategically instead of reactively. Their support turned what felt like obstacles into stepping stones.
Every challenge from learning the craft to learning the business — pushed me to grow. Those bumps in the road didn’t slow me down; they shaped the direction Electric Lawns ILM is heading today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Electric Lawns ILM. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Electric Lawns ILM is more than a lawn care company, it’s a complete rethinking of how outdoor property maintenance can and should be done. We specialize in fully electric, solar‑powered lawn care supported by autonomous mowing robots, making us the first Robotics‑as‑a‑Service (RaaS) lawn care provider in Wilmington.
What we do is simple:
We deliver consistent, high‑quality lawn maintenance with zero emissions, minimal noise, and cutting‑edge automation. Our robots stay on the customer’s property throughout the season, mowing quietly and efficiently every day. Our technicians arrive weekly with a solar‑powered service trailer equipped with EGO Power+ tools to handle the detail work robots can’t do yet edging, trimming, cleanup, hedge shaping, and seasonal services.
What sets us apart is the combination of technology, sustainability, and service. While most lawn care companies rely on gas equipment and traditional crews, we’ve built a model that’s cleaner, quieter, and far more efficient. We’re not just cutting grass, we’re building the future of outdoor property care.
Brand‑wise, I’m most proud of the fact that Electric Lawns ILM stands for something. It represents innovation, environmental responsibility, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Our solar trailer, our electric equipment, our robotic mowing system, every part of our brand reinforces the idea that lawn care can be modern, sustainable, and forward‑thinking.
What I want readers to know is this:
Electric Lawns ILM isn’t trying to be the biggest lawn care company — we’re trying to be the smartest. We’re creating a model that reduces emissions, lowers noise pollution, improves consistency, and gives customers a better experience. And we’re doing it in a way that aligns with the future of technology and environmental stewardship.
We’re proud to be the first in Wilmington to bring this level of innovation to the industry, and we’re just getting started.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone just starting out, it would be this: don’t wait to feel ready. Start, and learn as you go. Entrepreneurship rarely gives you perfect timing, perfect conditions, or perfect confidence. You build those things by taking action.
I wish I had known early on that you don’t need to have every answer before you begin. When I started Electric Lawns ILM, I thought I needed to understand everything about business, landscaping, branding, and operations before I could move forward. The truth is, most of what I’ve learned came from doing, from trial, error, and adjusting along the way.
Also, don’t be afraid to be different. If you see a crowded market, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for you. It means there’s room for innovation. Electric Lawns ILM exists because I chose not to blend in with the dozens of traditional lawn care trailers I saw at every stoplight. I chose to build something unique.
Lastly, remember this: progress beats perfection every time. Start small, stay consistent, and let your passion pull you forward. The road won’t be smooth, but that’s where the growth happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://electriclawnsilm.com
- Instagram: @electriclawnsilm
- Facebook: @electriclawnsilm
